MSc(Research) - Ecology and Biodiversity as a main subject
The Master of Science (Research) is an internationally-recognised qualification, suitable for students who want a complete research experience, coupled with taught papers.
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: | 1 - 1.5 |
|---|---|
| Points: | 120 - 180 |
| Start Dates: | Trimester A (March) and Trimester B (July) |
| Fees (Domestic): | $7,325-$8,085 per year |
| Fees (International): | $34,930 per year |
| Entry Requirements: | Postgraduate 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
Papers
Papers available within Ecology and Biodiversity
500 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|
| BIOEB501 | Applications of Animal Behaviour | 20B (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. | ||
| BIOEB502 | Key Concepts in Evolution and Systematics | 20A (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 | 20A (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. | ||
| BIOEB504 | Freshwater Ecology | 20A (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. | ||
| BIOEB505 | Coastal and Estuarine Ecology | 20X (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 | 20B (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. | ||
| BIOMO503 | Microbiomes | 20A (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 | 20B (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 | 20A (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 | 20A (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. | ||
| ENVSC504 | Pollution and Environmental Contaminants | 20B (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. | ||
| ENVSC505 | Environmental Systems: Biogeosciences across Scales | 20B (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. | ||
| PSYCH538 | Applications of Behaviour Analysis | 20B (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. | ||
| PSYCH561 | Behaviour Analysis: Concepts and Principles | 20A (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 ... | ||
| SCIEN511 | Scientific Supercomputing | 20B (Hamilton) |
| A practical introduction to undertaking scientific research on a supercomputer. The paper assumes no prior knowledge. | ||
| SCIEN512 | Data Analysis and Experimental Design | 20A (Hamilton) |
| This paper covers aspects of research design for experiments, and methods for analysis of scientific data using modern statistical techniques. | ||
| SCIEN592 | Dissertation | 20X (Hamilton) & 20X (Tauranga) |
| A report on the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation. | ||
| SCIEN593 | Thesis | 20X (Hamilton) & 20X (Tauranga) |
| An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research. | ||
| SCIEN594 | Thesis | 20X (Hamilton) & 20X (Tauranga) |
| An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research. | ||
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 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?
Contacts
School of Science
Email: contact-hecs@waikato.ac.nz
Website: sci.waikato.ac.nz
Facebook: facebook.com/WaikatoScienceEngineering