University Of Canterbury Biological Sciences

Qualifications

Overview

Biology means the study of living things. Biologists investigate animals, plants, and microbes in many different ways, and on a huge range of scales from molecules and cells to individual organisms, populations, and ecosystems.



During the past few decades, the study of biology has undergone rapid change and has had a significant impact on the way we live. We are now able to produce antibiotics and vaccines, grow disease-resistant crops, transplant organs, and manipulate genes. Biologists today are actively researching solutions to vital concerns such as increasing world food supply, improving and protecting our environment, and conquering disease.

We need to know how microorganisms, plants, and animals work and how they interact on land and in the sea and fresh waters. Of increasing importance to us is global climate change and how this affects the living world.

Why study Biological Sciences at UC?

Our courses will help prepare you for a career in biology, be it in biodiversity, biosecurity, or biotechnology. Our lecturers are all actively engaged in research on diverse and exciting topics. These range from those of practical and economic importance to Aotearoa New Zealand society, to those probing the boundaries of fundamental, interest-driven science.

Te Kura Pūtaiao Koiora | School of Biological Sciences has modern, well-equipped teaching and research laboratories with excellent technical support. The full suite of molecular biology and biochemistry equipment includes:

  • a real-time polymerase chain reaction machine (or DNA amplifier)
  • an automatic DNA sequencer
  • a confocal microscope
  • tissue culture and image processing facilities
  • controlled plant growth chambers
  • an experimental garden and glasshouse complex
  • an extensive computer network.

UC is ranked 223rd in the world for Natural Sciences (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2020).

Out in the field

Teaching and research activities are greatly enhanced by access to field stations. Many undergraduate courses involve a fieldwork component based at Cass in Kā Tiritiri-o-te-moana Southern Alps. Field trips allow students to apply techniques and hypotheses they have learnt in lectures and to interact with staff in a more informal setting.

Recommended preparation

Year 13 biology, statistics, and chemistry are strongly recommended.

For certain topic areas, some knowledge of physics is helpful.



All students should have adequate English skills.

Courses

UC offers a major and a minor in Biological Sciences as part of the Bachelor of Science.

You can also study this subject as a minor within the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Sport Coaching, and Bachelor of Youth and Community Leadership.

Biological Sciences major

To complete a major in Biological Sciences within the Bachelor of Science, you will need to take the following courses throughout the degree:

100-level

  • BIOL 111 Cellular Biology and Biochemistry
  • BIOL 112 Ecology, Evolution and Conservation
  • BIOL 113 Diversity of Life
  • STAT 101 Statistics 1

It is also recommended to take one Chemistry and Mathematics course in your first year. Students who have not taken chemistry or mathematics with calculus to Year 13 level are strongly advised to take CHEM 114 Foundations of Chemistry and MATH 101 Methods of Mathematics.

200-level

  • BIOL 209 Biological Data Analysis

300-level

Students need to complete a total of 60 points at 300-level, selected from BCHM 305 Protein Science, BCHM 306 Biochemical Pathology, and 300-level BIOL courses (excluding BIOL 309).

BIOL 309 Experimental Design and Data Analysis for Biologists is additionally recommended if you intend to go onto postgraduate studies in Biological Sciences.

Biological Sciences minor



For the Biological Sciences minor in the Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Sport Coaching, or Bachelor of Youth and Community Leadership, you will need to take these courses throughout your chosen degree:

  • 75 points in 100 to 300-level BIOL courses, with at least 45 points at 200-level or above