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BSc - Ecology and Biodiversity as a major

If you're intrigued by the natural world around you, or enjoy understanding how things work, Waikato's Bachelor of Science (BSc) is what you're looking for. Putting into practice what you learn in your lectures is a major part of this degree. You will gain hands-on experience with some of the most up-to-date and high-tech computing facilities and laboratory equipment.

In studying Ecology and Biodiversity you’ll learn about the distribution, abundance, and biology of organisms and their role in New Zealand’s most important ecosystems.

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Key information

Years: 3
Points: 360
Start Dates: Trimester A (March) and Trimester B (July)
Estimated Fees* (Domestic): $7,608 per year
Estimated Fees* (International): $34,745 - $36,480 per year
Entry Requirements: Undergraduate International
Area of Study:
*Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees.

Career opportunities

  • Biodiversity Management
  • Biodiversity Advisor
  • Biodiversity Surveyor
  • Biosecurity and Customs Officer
  • Conservation Ranger
  • Policy Analyst
  • Research Associate
  • Laboratory Technician
  • Resource Manager
  • Resource Planner
  • Weed Management Advisor
  • Pest Management Advisor
  • Field Researcher
  • Technical Officer
  • Ecological Consultant
  • Ecologist
  • Environmental Scientist
  • Agricultural Scientist
  • Agricultural Technician
  • Museum Collections Technician
  • Museum Curator
  • Taxonomist
  • Land Management Officer
  • Zoo Keeper

Degree Planner

Degree planner — BSc in Ecology and Biodiversity

If no point value is listed, papers are worth 15 points. This structure applies to study starting in 2021.

Tauranga students can replace years 1 and 2 with the NZ Diploma in Terrestrial the NZ Diploma in Environmental Management - Marine or Terrestrial (Levels 5 and 6) from Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology.

Year 1

BIOEB101
Concepts of Biology

BIOEB102
Introduction to Ecology and Biodiversity

One from List A:
Science Fundamentals

One from List A:
Science Fundamentals

One from List A:
Science Fundamentals

One from List C:
Science Numeracy

Elective

Elective

Year 2

BIOEB201
Principles of Evolution

BIOEB202
Principles of Ecology

BIOEB203
Animal Structure and Function

BIOEB204
Plant Structure and Function

One from List C:
Science Numeracy

Elective

Elective

Elective

Year 3

300 level
BIOEB paper

300 level
BIOEB paper

300 level
BIOEB paper

SCIEN305
Science and Mātauranga Māori

One from List B:
Work-Integrated Learning

Elective

Elective

Elective

  • Major
  • Compulsory
  • Elective

300 level BIOEB papers

Choose 45 points from the following:

This information is provisional and subject to change.

In studying Ecology and Biodiversity you'll learn about the distribution, abundance, and biology of organisms and their role in New Zealand's most important ecosystems.

Ecology and Biodiversity is available as a first major for the Bachelor of Climate Change (BCC), Bachelor of Science (BSc) and Bachelor of Science (Technology) (BSc(Tech)). Ecology and Biodiversity may also be taken as a second major or minor, subject to approval of the Division in which the student is enrolled.

To complete a major in Ecology and Biodiversity, students must take BIOEB101, BIOEB102, BIOEB201, BIOEB202, BIOEB203, BIOEB204, and 45 points from BIOEB301, BIOEB302, BIOEB303, BIOEB304, BIOEB305, BIOEB306 and BIOEB307.

To complete Ecology and Biodiversity as part of a double major, students must take BIOEB101, BIOEB102, BIOEB201, BIOEB202, BIOEB203, BIOEB204, and 30 points from BIOEB301, BIOEB302, BIOEB303, BIOEB304, BIOEB305, BIOEB306 and BIOEB307.

To complete a minor in Ecology and Biodiversity, students must take BIOEB102 and 45 points above 100 level taken from the papers listed below, including at least 15 points at 200 level and 15 points at 300 level.

Prospective MSc candidates should discuss their 300 level papers with the Postgraduate Convenor in order to ensure that a suitable number and combination of papers are taken.

100 Level

Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
BIOEB101Concepts of Biology - Ngā Huatau o te Koiora15.023A (Hamilton)
An introduction to the foundations of biology, including the structure and functioning of cells, evolution, the origins and diversity of life, and a tour of the major forms of life and their defining characteristics. He whakataki tenei pepa i nga matapono o te koiora taea noatia te hanganga me nga whainga o te putau, o te kuneroa...
BIOEB102Introduction to Ecology and Biodiversity - Mātai Hauropi a Kanorau Koiora15.023B (Hamilton) & 23B (Tauranga)
An introduction to the principles of ecology and biodiversity. Topics include population, community and ecosystem ecology, conservation biology, and the structure, functioning and environmental responses of animals and plants. Examples will include New Zealand ecosystems and biota. He whakataki tenei pepa i nga matapono o te matai ...

200 Level

Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
BIOEB200Behavioural Ecology & Conservation15.023B (Hamilton)
The paper provides an introduction to the principles and concepts of behavioural ecology, and to the application of these to case studies in conservation biology in New Zealand.
BIOEB201Principles of Evolution15.023A (Hamilton)
This paper examines the evolution and diversity of life. Topics include the history and philosophy of evolutionary thought, discussion of the mechanisms of evolution, present-day evidence of evolution in animals and plants; modern methods of analysing this evidence, and the evolutionary origins of current-day biodiversity.
BIOEB202Principles of Ecology15.023B (Hamilton) & 23B (Tauranga)
This paper covers the principles of ecology, including adaptation to the environment, intra- and inter-specific interactions, community and ecosystem dynamics, and biogeography. Weekend field trips and computer laboratory work are essential elements.
BIOEB203Animal Structure and Function15.023A (Hamilton) & 23A (Tauranga)
This paper is an integrated theoretical and experimental study of the principles of animal structure and function. Comparative aspects will be emphasised in how animals adapt to their environment. Topics covered include homeostasis, the function of major organ systems, ecophysiology, musculoskeletal design and locomotion. An introd...
BIOEB204Plant Structure and Function15.023B (Hamilton)
Plants are key regulators of ecosystem processes, and actively respond to and change their environments. This paper examines how plants have these effects by exploring plant structure, functioning, reproduction and adaptation to different environments. Lectures and laboratory work emphasise New Zealand examples and the identificati...

300 Level

Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
BIOEB301Advanced Animal Behaviour15.023B (Hamilton)
This paper examines the development, causation, function and evolutionary history of vertebrate and invertebrate behaviour. A weekend field trip and an ongoing group research project throughout the trimester allow participants to develop their research skills.
BIOEB302Advanced Zoology15.023B (Hamilton)
An examination of the evolutionary biology of animals, including structure, function and evolutionary adaptation of selected invertebrates and vertebrates.
BIOEB303Terrestrial Ecology15.023A (Hamilton) & 23A (Tauranga)
This paper explores ecological theory to understand the dynamics, functioning, and restoration of terrestrial ecosystems in New Zealand and across the globe. Labs, workshops, and a weekend field trip are core components of this paper.
BIOEB304Freshwater Ecology15.023A (Hamilton) & 23A (Tauranga)
An introduction to the ecology of lakes and rivers. Topics covered include the structure and function of major freshwater communities, fish and fisheries, human impacts and the management of inland waters.
BIOEB305Marine Ecology15.023B (Hamilton) & 23B (Tauranga)
An introduction to the structure and functioning of marine ecosystems. The paper explores the fundamentals of ecology (e.g. disturbance/recovery, recruitment, organism interactions with their environment, nutrient cycles, limits on productivity) in a marine setting. We also cover human impacts on marine environments including fishe...
BIOEB307Advanced Plant Biology15.023B (Hamilton)
An introduction to the discipline of plant physiological ecology and the interactions between plants and their environment. Includes an emphasis on practical techniques for measuring plant microclimate, photosynthesis and growth.

500 Level

Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
BIOEB501Applications of Animal Behaviour15.023B (Hamilton)
This paper will critically examine key research topics and current issues in Animal behaviour. We learn about key concepts through classic papers in Animal Behaviour and contrast these with current papers to assess how these concepts have developed over time, and how researchers use innovative approaches to address long standing pr...
BIOEB502Trends in Evolutionary and Environmental Genomics15.023A (Hamilton)
This paper focuses on current trends in evolutionary and environmental genomics. The variety of contemporary applied topics includes conservation and invasion genomics, evolution in a warming world, ethics and data sovereignty, and personalised medicine.
BIOEB503Terrestrial Ecology15.023A (Hamilton)
This paper aims to develop students' understanding of ecological theory with a focus on terrestrial ecosystems, and of how theory can inform ecosystem management and our understanding of environmental problems. As well as exploring some of the big questions in contemporary ecology (both nationally and internationally), the paper fo...
BIOEB504Freshwater Ecology15.023A (Hamilton)
This paper provides a critical examination of issues that freshwater ecosystems face, e.g., eutrophication, pollution, conservation, and utilisation and explores the research around methods to mitigate potentially competing interests.
BIOEB505Coastal and Estuarine Ecology15.023X (Block)
This paper emphasises multi-disciplinary science to better understand the functioning of soft-sediment ecosystems. The course will cover ecological principles through to the impacts associated with human activities and their management.
BIOEB506Environmental Physiology15.023B (Hamilton)
An examination of selected topics in environmental physiology, considering how animals and plants interact with their environment and influence ecological processes in natural and managed ecosystems.
BIOEB592Dissertation60.023X (Hamilton) & 23X (Tauranga)
A report on the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation.
BIOEB593Ecology and Biodiversity Thesis90.023X (Hamilton) & 23X (Tauranga)
An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research.
BIOEB594Ecology and Biodiversity Thesis120.023X (Hamilton) & 23X (Tauranga)
An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research.
BIOMO503Microbiomes15.023A (Hamilton)
This paper explores microbiomes in the environment and in association with multicellular organisms, including humans, to understand their critical ecological roles in ecosystem and host function and health.
BIOMO512Molecular Techniques for Environmental Science15.023B (Hamilton)
This paper will introduce students of diverse scientific backgrounds to current and emerging molecular analytic and diagnostic techniques used across biological and environmental sciences.
ENVSC502Conservation and Restoration: Theory and Practice15.023A (Hamilton)
This paper examines the application of scientific principles and theories in conservation biology and restoration ecology, with particular reference to New Zealand examples showcasing management of species and ecosystems impacted by human activities.
ENVSC504Pollution and Environmental Contaminants15.023B (Hamilton)
This paper examines the ecological effects of chemical and non-chemical pollution. Analysing online databases and the scientific literature provides practical and theoretical understanding of the impacts of pollution and methods to measure such effects.
ENVSC505Environmental Systems: Biogeosciences across Scales15.023A (Hamilton)
This paper examines how core concepts in the multidisciplinary field of biogeochemistry provide a systems understanding across scales.
PSYCH538Applications of Behaviour Analysis15.023B (Hamilton) & 23B (Online)
This paper focuses on the implementation of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) in practice. Behavioural interventions and programmes, including common manualised interventions, will be reviewed. The objective is to identify critical components and essential practical skills, and to provide opportunity to practice these skills. Implem...
PSYCH561Behaviour Analysis: Concepts and Principles15.023A (Hamilton) & 23A (Online)
This course provides an in-depth introduction to the conceptual foundations and core principles of behaviour analysis, including research and theory related to the concepts of reinforcement, extinction, stimulus control, derived stimulus relations, and motivating operations.
SCIEN512Data Analysis and Experimental Design15.023A (Hamilton)
This paper covers aspects of research design for experiments, and methods for analysis of scientific data using modern statistical techniques.
SCIEN592Dissertation60.023X (Hamilton) & 23X (Tauranga)
A report on the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation.
SCIEN593Thesis90.023X (Hamilton) & 23X (Tauranga)
An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research.
SCIEN594Thesis120.023I (Hamilton), 23X (Hamilton) & 23X (Tauranga)
An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research.

800 Level

Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
BIOEB800Ecology and Biodiversity MPhil Thesis120.023X (Hamilton) & 23X (Tauranga)
No description available.

900 Level

Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
BIOEB900Ecology and Biodiversity PhD Thesis120.023I (Hamilton), 23I (Tauranga), 23J (Hamilton), 23K (Hamilton), 23X (Hamilton) & 23X (Tauranga)
No description available.

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Enter directly into third year by completing levels 5 and 6 with Toi Ohomai.

Once you've completed the NZ Diploma in Environmental Management - Marine or Terrestrial (Levels 5 and 6) with Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology with at least a B grade average, you'll be guaranteed admission to the BSc (majoring in Biological Sciences for 2020), and in 2021, a BSc (majoring in Ecology and Biodiversity) with credit of up to 240 points towards the degree. This only applies to students coming through the agreed pathway with Toi Ohomai. All others will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

You can then complete the final year of the BSc degree in Tauranga by studying University of Waikato papers.

Once you have commenced your Diploma, we recommend you discuss your intended degree programme with University staff. We will advise you on degree and subject requirements.

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Contacts

School of Science
Phone: 0800 924 528 or +64 7 838 4625
Email: [email protected]
Website: sci.waikato.ac.nz
Facebook: facebook.com/WaikatoScience