Course details

Summary

Join the Bachelor of Science (Plant Science) at Massey - the only university in New Zealand where you can study and specialise in the full spectrum of plant science from molecular biology and evolution right through to agriculture and horticulture. Nearly all life on this planet is ultimately dependent on the primary productivity of plants. The study of plants is a fascinating investigation of the origins of life, the natural world and the future of life on Earth. The Bachelor of Science (Plant Science) will help you understand the crucial biological processes that underpin the very basis of life on Earth - and ultimately our own survival.

Topics
Some of the topics taught in the plant science major include:

Bioinformatics and genomics; Biological evolution; Ecology and conservation; Flora of New Zealand; Horticultural crop production and yield; Plant biodiversity; Plant biotechnology; Plant development; Plant ecology; Plant physiology; Plants and their uses (ethnobotany); Postharvest horticulture.

Understanding the plant world

Studying the Massey University Bachelor of Science (Plant Science) will give you a solid understanding of the fundamental elements of the structure and function of plants. You will learn how plants grow and interact with their environment and how to apply this knowledge in both natural and managed ecosystems.

Investigate contemporary issues

With this degree you will also develop related skills in contemporary disciplines such as high-throughput gene sequencing and bioinformatics (analysis of nucleic acid and protein sequences using computers). This can assist in understanding evolution and biodiversity. You will play a vital role in helping us better understand everything from bioconservation issues to the effects of climate change.

Vital communication skills

A vital element of a scientific career is the ability to communicate your work clearly to future colleagues and employers. At Massey we help you gain the skills to emerge as a well-rounded effective communicator.

Career-ready

Our graduates have an exceptionally high success rate of employment. They are praised by employers across a wide range of plant-based industries from agriculture to biosecurity, forestry and conservation for their knowledge of the entire scientific plant process such as understanding how plants grow, how seeds are formed, and what is needed in an environment for plants to grow.

Careers

There is a steady demand for plant scientists. As a plant science graduate, you will have a wide range of career opportunities, including both pure and applied work. Students often find employment at research institutes - four Crown Research Institutes employ plant scientists (Plant and Food Research, AgResearch, Forest Research (Scion), and Land care) as do the Department of Conservation and regional authorities.

Related areas of employment include:

• Agriculture
• Horticulture
• Grassland science
• Forestry
• Plant breeding
• Plant protection
• Crop research
• Plant conservation
• Re-vegetation

You may also find employment in plant-based industries, primary and secondary teaching, technical work, business and in the media. Other possible careers include science management, administration, and science policy.

Entry criteria

Students must have successful completion of a qualification equivalent to the New Zealand Year 13 - NCEA Level 3 University Entrance.

It is strongly recommended (but not compulsory) that students beginning their study of plant science should have a sound background in biology. Chemistry is also desirable.

English Language Requirements:

• IELTS score of 6.0 (no band less than 5.5)
• TOEFL iBT score of 80 overall (min 19 in Writing)
• PTE Academic score of 50 Overall (min 42 in communicative skills)
• Cambridge English score of 170