Biological Sciences
Biological Sciences is for those who love life. Whether you want to stand in a metre of mud, on top of a tree, perhaps under the sea or on a kilometre of Antarctic ice, biology is for you.
Biological Sciences incorporates the major traditional biological disciplines of botany, microbiology and zoology with the interdisciplinary subjects of biochemistry, physiology, genetics, ecology and behaviour.
Biological Sciences students have many opportunities: they can be ecologists with interests in ecosystems, physiologists aiming to understand how organisms function, or geneticists using DNA as the key to identifying diseases or organisms.
Waikato was rated the top university in New Zealand for its research in molecular, cellular and whole organism biology, and ecology, evolution and behaviour, in the Tertiary Education Commission’s 2006 assessment of tertiary research.
Students may choose a specialisation in:
Career Opportunities
- Biochemical Technician
- Biosecurity Officer
- Conservation Officer
- Ecologist
- Geneticist
- Medical Research Assistant
- Ranger
- Zoo Curator
RECOMMENDED BACKGROUND
School subjects required
As well as biology, students will find chemistry and mathematics useful. Students with no credits in NCEA Level 3 Biology are advised to discuss their options with the first-year student mentor.
PLANNING YOUR DEGREE
To complete a major in Biological Sciences, students must complete 120 points above 100 Level, including 60 points at 300 Level from Biological Sciences papers.
Year 1
100 Level – Papers are worth 15 points.
Students wishing to major in Biological Sciences or a related field should take the two core papers:
Prerequisites
» BIOL101B – Cellular and Molecular Biology
» BIOL102A – The Biology of Organisms
You should also refer to the specialisations and general programmes that have been designed to allow Biological Sciences majors to develop themes in particular areas.
Year 2
200 Level – Papers are worth 20 points unless specified.
Students intending to major in Biological Sciences are required to take at least 60 points from 200 Level Biological Sciences papers.
Again, the specialisations and general programmes provide a good guide for students interested in particular areas.
Year 3
300 Level – Papers are worth 20 points unless specified.
Students intending to major in Biological Sciences must also gain at least 60 points at 300 Level from the Biological Sciences papers offered. Please note that BIOL307 – Special Topic may not be counted toward a major at 300 Level.
The other papers needed to complete the degree requirements of the BSc and BSc(Tech) may come from further optional papers in Biological Sciences, other science subjects, or may even include a few papers from other faculties/schools of study.
