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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: Semester A (February) and Semester B (July)
Fees (Domestic): $7,130 (approx) per year
Fees (International): $29,705-$31,795 per year
Entry Requirements: Undergraduate International
Faculty:
*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 2019.

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

100 Level Science
List A

100 Level Science
List A

100 Level Science
List A

100 Level Science
List C

Elective

Elective

Year 2

BIOEB201
Principles of Evolution

BIOEB202
Principles of Ecology

BIOEB203
Animal Structure and Function

BIOEB204
Plant Structure and Function

100/200 Level
Science List C

Elective

Elective

Elective

Year 3

300 Level
BIOEB Paper

300 Level
BIOEB Paper

300 Level
BIOEB Paper

SCIEN305
Science and Mātauranga Māori

Career Start
List B

Elective

Elective

Elective

  • Major
  • Elective
  • Compulsory

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 major for the BSc and BSc(Tech). Ecology and Biodiversity may also be taken as a second major or as a minor, subject to academic approval of the School of Studies in which the student is enrolled.

To complete a major in Ecology and Biodiversity, students must take BIOEB101 and BIOEB102. At 200 level students must take BIOEB201, BIOEB202, BIOEB203, and BIOEB204. At 300 level students must take 45 points from BIOEB301, BIOEB302, BIOEB303, BIOEB304, BIOEB305, BIOEB306 and BIOEB307.

To complete a second major in Ecology and Biodiversity, students must take BIOEB101 and BIOEB102. At 200 level students must take BIOEB201, BIOEB202, BIOEB203, and BIOEB204. At 300 level students must take 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 Occurrence / Location
BIOEB101Concepts of Biology20A (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.
BIOEB102Introduction to Ecology and Biodiversity20B (Hamilton) & 20B (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.
RPLCR101Recognition of Prior Learning in First-year Biology 120A (Hamilton)
This paper offers the opportunity to apply of recognition of prior learning for the first-year biology curriculum: specifically, for the equivalent of BIOMO101 and part of BIOEB101.
RPLCR102Recognition of Prior Learning in First-year Biology 220B (Hamilton)
This paper offers the opportunity to apply for recognition of prior learning for the first-year biology curriculum: specifically, for the equivalent of BIOMO101 and part of BIOEB101.

200 Level

Code Paper Title Occurrence / Location
BIOEB200Behavioural Ecology & Conservation20B (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 Evolution20A (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 Ecology20B (Hamilton) & 20B (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 Function20A (Hamilton) & 20A (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 Function20B (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 Occurrence / Location
BIOEB301Advanced Animal Behaviour20B (Hamilton)
This paper examines the development, causation, function and evolutionary history of vertebrate and invertebrate behaviour. It applies behavioural information to conservation biology and animal welfare.
BIOEB302Advanced Zoology20B (Hamilton)
An examination of the evolutionary biology of animals, including structure, function and evolutionary adaptation of selected invertebrates and vertebrates.
BIOEB303Terrestrial Ecology20A (Hamilton) & 20A (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 Ecology20A (Hamilton) & 20A (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 Ecology20B (Hamilton) & 20B (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 Biology20B (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 Occurrence / Location
BIOEB501Applications of Animal Behaviour20B (Hamilton)
This paper provides an understanding of contemporary approaches to the science of Animal Behaviour and the practical application of scientific knowledge to resolving contemporary issues in ecology.
BIOEB502Key Concepts in Evolution and Systematics20A (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.
BIOEB503Terrestrial Ecology20A (Hamilton)
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.
BIOEB504Freshwater Ecology20A (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 Ecology20X (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 Physiology20B (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.
BIOL591Dissertation20X (Hamilton)
A report on the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation.
BIOL592Dissertation20X (Hamilton)
A report on the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation.
BIOL593Biological Sciences Thesis20X (Hamilton)
An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research.
BIOL594Biological Sciences Thesis20X (Hamilton)
An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research.
BIOL595Biological Sciences Thesis20X (Hamilton)
An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research.
BIOMO503Microbiomes20A (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 Science20B (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.
CHEMY503Analytical Methodology20A (Hamilton)
An advanced study of analytical methodology and instrumental techniques, this will investigate sample extraction techniques, and instrument choice for a variety of sample matrices.
EARTH501Volcanic Techniques and Applications20A (Hamilton)
This paper investigates geological techniques used to reconstruct eruption processes and histories, and their application to society, including volcanic facies analysis, tephra studies (tephrochronology), volcanic glass and mineral studies, juvenile and lithic studies, and volcanic hazards.
EARTH502Land and Soil: Resources and Risks20A (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. ...
EARTH503Coastal Processes: Analysis and Prediction20A (Hamilton)
This paper considers techniques to predict coastal processes for management and research, including assessment of which processes to observe, how to obtain and analyse data, and using results for prediction.
EARTH504Geohazard Risk20B (Hamilton)
This seminar paper evaluates the methodologies used to characterise risk associated with geohazards, and assesses the impact of strategies employed to avoid or mitigate this risk.
ENVSC502Conservation and Restoration: Theory and Practice20A (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 Contaminants20B (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 Scales20B (Hamilton)
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.
PSYCH538Applications of Behaviour Analysis20B (Hamilton) & 20B (Online)
This paper provides a depth of coverage on applying behaviour principles to interventions in applied settings. The objective is to examine and critique recent applications of the methods and theories of behaviour analysis in a range of settings to both prevent and change problems.
PSYCH561Behaviour Analysis: Concepts and Principles20A (Hamilton) & 20A (Online)
This paper covers theory and research in several selected areas relevant to the understanding of behaviour and provides students with a) an understanding of the theoretical/conceptual principles underlining the research, b) the ability to examine and critique research in the area and c) an understanding of how theories, techniques ...
SCIEN511Scientific Supercomputing20B (Hamilton)
A practical introduction to undertaking scientific research on a supercomputer. The paper assumes no prior knowledge.
SCIEN512Data analysis and experimental design20A (Hamilton)
This paper covers aspects of research design for experiments, and methods for analysis of scientific data using modern statistical techniques.
SCIEN589Directed Study20A (Hamilton), 20A (Tauranga), 20B (Hamilton) & 20B (Tauranga)
No description available.
SCIEN592Dissertation20X (Hamilton) & 20X (Tauranga)
A report on the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation.
SCIEN593Thesis20X (Hamilton) & 20X (Tauranga)
An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research.
SCIEN594Thesis20X (Hamilton) & 20X (Tauranga)
An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research.

800 Level

Code Paper Title Occurrence / Location
BIOL800Biological Sciences MPhil Thesis20X (Hamilton) & 20X (Tauranga)
No description available.

900 Level

Code Paper Title Occurrence / Location
BIOL900Biological Sciences PhD Thesis20I (Hamilton), 20X (Hamilton) & 20X (Tauranga)
No description available.

New to Waikato? The International Excellence Scholarship is worth up to $10,000.

Brian Perry Charitable Trust Undergraduate Scholarship in Science & Engineering  Closed

For students who are enrolled in the second year of full-time study towards an undergraduate degree, in the Faculty of Science and Engineering at the University of Waikato. The scholarship will have a value of up to $3,000.

Hamilton Zoo - University of Waikato Science & Engineering Scholarship  Closed

For students who are enrolled full-time and have completed the second year of the Bachelor of Science (Technology) degree. The scholarship will have a value of $14,000 and a one year placement with the Hamilton Zoo.

Looking for more scholarships?

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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 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.

Documents

Contacts

Faculty of Science & Engineering

Phone: +64 7 838 4625 or 0800 438 254
Email: contact-hecs@waikato.ac.nz
Website: sci.waikato.ac.nz
Facebook: facebook.com/WaikatoScienceEngineering