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) |
Fees (Domestic): | $7,280 per year |
Fees (International): | $31,515 - $33,735 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
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
One from List C:
Science Numeracy
Elective
Elective
Elective
Year 3
300 level
BIOEB paper
300 level
BIOEB paper
300 level
BIOEB paper
One from List B:
Work-Integrated Learning
Elective
Elective
Elective
- Major
- Compulsory
- Elective
BSc Papers
Lists A, B and C
List A: Science Fundamentals
Choose 45 points from the following:
- APHYS111 Physics in Context
- AQCUL101 Introduction to Aquaculture
- BIOEB101 Concepts of Biology
- BIOEB102 Introduction to Ecology and Biodiversity
- BIMOD101 Introduction to Human Biology
- BIOMO101 Introduction to Molecular and Cellular Biology
- CHEMY100 Chemistry in Context
- CHEMY101 Structure and Spectroscopy
- CHEMY102 Chemical Reactivity
- CLIMT101 Introduction to Climate Change Science
- EARTH101 Introduction to Earth System Sciences
- EARTH102 Discovering Planet Earth
- ENGEN111 Electricity and Electronics
- ENGEN112 Materials Science and Engineering
- ENGEN170 Engineering and Society
- ENGEN180 Foundations of Engineering
- ENVSC101 Environmental Science
- MARIN101 Marine Biodiversity
- PHILO102 Introduction to Logic
- PHYSC100 General Physics
List B: Work-Integrated Learning
Choose one from the following:
List C: Science Numeracy
Choose 30 points from the following:
- CHEMY202 Physical Chemistry
or CHEMY204 Analytical Chemistry - COMPX101 Introduction to Programming
or ENGEN103 Engineering Computing - CSMAX101 The World of Data
- EARTH251 Spatial Analysis in Geosciences
- ENVPL202 Cartography and Spatial Analysis
- ENGEN201 Engineering Mathematics 2
- MATHS101 Introduction to Calculus
or ENGEN101 Engineering Mathematics 1A - MATHS102 Introduction to Algebra
or ENGEN102 Engineering Mathematics 1B - MATHS135 Discrete Structures
- MATHS165 General Mathematics
- MATHS168 Preparatory Mathematics
- PHYSC100 General Physics
or PHYSC101 Physics for Engineers and Scientists
or ENGEN110 Engineering Mechanics - STATS111 Statistics for Science
or STATS121 Introduction to Statistical Methods - Any 200 level COMPX paper
- Any 200 level MATHS paper
- Any 200 level STATS paper
Papers
Papers available within Ecology and Biodiversity
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 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 |
---|---|---|---|
BIOEB101 | Concepts of Biology | 15.0 | 21A (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. | |||
BIOEB102 | Introduction to Ecology and Biodiversity | 15.0 | 21B (Hamilton) & 21B (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. |
200 Level
Code | Paper Title | Points | Occurrence / Location |
---|---|---|---|
BIOEB200 | Behavioural Ecology & Conservation | 15.0 | 21B (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. | |||
BIOEB201 | Principles of Evolution | 15.0 | 21A (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. | |||
BIOEB202 | Principles of Ecology | 15.0 | 21B (Hamilton) & 21B (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. | |||
BIOEB203 | Animal Structure and Function | 15.0 | 21A (Hamilton) & 21A (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... | |||
BIOEB204 | Plant Structure and Function | 15.0 | 21B (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 |
---|---|---|---|
BIOEB301 | Advanced Animal Behaviour | 15.0 | 21B (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. | |||
BIOEB302 | Advanced Zoology | 15.0 | 21B (Hamilton) |
An examination of the evolutionary biology of animals, including structure, function and evolutionary adaptation of selected invertebrates and vertebrates. | |||
BIOEB303 | Terrestrial Ecology | 15.0 | 21A (Hamilton) & 21A (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. | |||
BIOEB304 | Freshwater Ecology | 15.0 | 21A (Hamilton) & 21A (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. | |||
BIOEB305 | Marine Ecology | 15.0 | 21B (Hamilton) & 21B (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... | |||
BIOEB307 | Advanced Plant Biology | 15.0 | 21B (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 |
---|---|---|---|
BIOEB501 | Applications of Animal Behaviour | 15.0 | 21B (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... | |||
BIOEB502 | Key Concepts in Evolution and Systematics | 15.0 | 21A (Hamilton) |
This paper focuses on fundamental concepts of evolutionary theory and systematics through the exploration of key historical works paired with contemporary research. Topics include microevolution, biogeography, conservation, phylogenetics, and classification. | |||
BIOEB503 | Terrestrial Ecology | 15.0 | 21A (Hamilton) & 21A (Online) |
This paper examines fundamental ecological theory to understand patterns and processes in terrestrial ecosystems and applies these concepts to environmental issues relating to resource management, conservation, restoration, and global change. | |||
BIOEB504 | Freshwater Ecology | 15.0 | 21A (Hamilton) & 21A (Online) |
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. | |||
BIOEB505 | Coastal and Estuarine Ecology | 15.0 | 21X (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. | |||
BIOEB506 | Environmental Physiology | 15.0 | 21B (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. | |||
BIOEB592 | Dissertation | 60.0 | 21X (Hamilton) & 21X (Tauranga) |
A report on the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation. | |||
BIOEB593 | Ecology and Biodiversity Thesis | 90.0 | 21X (Hamilton) & 21X (Tauranga) |
An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research. | |||
BIOEB594 | Ecology and Biodiversity Thesis | 120.0 | 21X (Hamilton) & 21X (Tauranga) |
An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research. | |||
BIOMO503 | Microbiomes | 15.0 | 21A (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. | |||
BIOMO512 | Molecular Techniques for Environmental Science | 15.0 | 21B (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. | |||
EARTH502 | Land and Soil: Resources and Risks | 15.0 | 21A (Hamilton) |
In this paper students initially gain practical experience in large-scale soil mapping and in evaluating land-use capability (LUC) on a research farm. They then examine various issues associated with land use, especially its intensification, including the management of farm dairy effluent, soil degradation, and soil contamination. ... | |||
ENVSC502 | Conservation and Restoration: Theory and Practice | 15.0 | 21A (Hamilton) & 21A (Online) |
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. | |||
ENVSC504 | Pollution and Environmental Contaminants | 15.0 | 21B (Hamilton) & 21B (Online) |
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. | |||
ENVSC505 | Environmental Systems: Biogeosciences across Scales | 15.0 | 21A (Hamilton) & 21A (Online) |
This paper examines how chemistry, geology and biology are unified for applications in environmental science, considering catchments, interfaces and the earth system in ways relevant to assessment and management. | |||
PSYCH538 | Applications of Behaviour Analysis | 15.0 | 21B (Hamilton) & 21B (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... | |||
PSYCH561 | Behaviour Analysis: Concepts and Principles | 15.0 | 21A (Hamilton) & 21A (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. | |||
SCIEN511 | Scientific Supercomputing | 15.0 | 21B (Hamilton) & 21B (Online) |
A practical introduction to undertaking scientific research on a supercomputer. The paper assumes no prior knowledge. | |||
SCIEN512 | Data Analysis and Experimental Design | 15.0 | 21A (Hamilton) |
This paper covers aspects of research design for experiments, and methods for analysis of scientific data using modern statistical techniques. | |||
SCIEN521 | Contemporary Research Topics in Science I | 15.0 | 21A (Tauranga) |
This paper provides a detailed perspective on a contemporary research topic in science. It is taught in block format, associated with the stay of a visiting researcher to the School of Science. | |||
SCIEN522 | Contemporary Research Topics in Science II | 15.0 | 21B (Tauranga) |
This paper provides a detailed perspective on a contemporary research topic in science. It is taught in block format, associated with the stay of a visiting researcher to the School of Science. | |||
SCIEN592 | Dissertation | 60.0 | 21X (Hamilton) & 21X (Tauranga) |
A report on the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation. | |||
SCIEN593 | Thesis | 90.0 | 21X (Hamilton) & 21X (Tauranga) |
An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research. | |||
SCIEN594 | Thesis | 120.0 | 21I (Hamilton), 21I (Tauranga), 21X (Hamilton) & 21X (Tauranga) |
An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research. |
800 Level
Code | Paper Title | Points | Occurrence / Location |
---|---|---|---|
BIOEB800 | Ecology and Biodiversity MPhil Thesis | 120.0 | 21X (Hamilton) & 21X (Tauranga) |
No description available. |
900 Level
Code | Paper Title | Points | Occurrence / Location |
---|---|---|---|
BIOEB900 | Ecology and Biodiversity PhD Thesis | 120.0 | 21I (Hamilton), 21J (Hamilton), 21X (Hamilton) & 21X (Tauranga) |
No description available. |
Scholarships and prizes
Selected scholarships for Ecology and Biodiversity students.
New to Waikato? The International Excellence Scholarship is worth up to $10,000.
Brian Perry Charitable Trust Undergraduate Scholarship in Science & Engineering Open
For students who are enrolled in the second year of full-time study towards an undergraduate degree, in the School of Science or the School of Engineering at the University of Waikato.
Closing Date: 15 Jul 2021
Looking for more scholarships?
Tauranga students: Toi Ohomai pathway
Enter directly into third year by completing levels 5 and 6 with Toi Ohomai.
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.
Contacts
School of Science
Email: [email protected]
Website: sci.waikato.ac.nz
Facebook: facebook.com/WaikatoScience