Course details

Summary

The Master of Science (MSc) programme enables you to pursue advanced study in your area of interest with the opportunity to work on independent research.

Programme overview

Studying for an MSc is an opportunity for committed scientists to focus on a relevant area of interest or practise and pursue an advanced qualification. While taught masters will provide you with specialist training in your chosen field, a research masters will develop advanced research skills, working alongside Faculty of Science researchers - many of whom are major contributors in their field.

Biological Sciences

Biology is a science which is concerned with the study of life. Its scope is extensive, covering the structure and function of all living organisms, their relationships and evolutionary origins, and their interactions with each other and with the physical and chemical worlds about them.

The School of Biological Sciences covers a wide range of disciplines from biotechnology and biomedical science to marine biology and terrestrial ecology. Broad research areas include cell biology and biochemistry, ecology, evolution and behaviour, microbiology, molecular genetics and development, plant sciences, proteomics and biomedicine and structural biology. There are opportunities for work on projects jointly supervised by staff in other departments in the Faculty of Science, as well as cross-faculty collaborations. Research projects can also be undertaken by joint supervision with staff in the biotechnology company Protemix Corporation and the Research Laboratory for Structural Biology, at various Crown Research Institutes, the Department of Conservation, the Auckland Museum and other outside organisations.

Programme structure

Requirements: Research Masters

120 points: BIOSCI 796 MSc Thesis in Biological Sciences

Career opportunities

Careers in biological sciences reflect the various branches of biology which you may choose to study. Those who opt for an ecological path will find employment in the agencies which have a responsibility for monitoring the environment such as the Department of Conservation, Ministry for Education, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, as well as large companies such as those in the fisheries industry, or eco-tourism. Much work is done in monitoring species and in conservation ecology.

The growth in biotechnology options mean that well-qualified people are in demand in fields such as gene technology and microbiology. Biochemists find work in the food industry and medical research. Developmental biology is an important field in opening up opportunities to work with and investigate the origins of developmental abnormalities in plants and animals, including such human conditions as Alzheimer's disease and cancer.

Further study options

Doctor of Philosophy

Other Master of Science (MSc) Subjects

Applied Mathematics, Bioinformatics, Biological Sciences, Biosecurity and Conservation, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Clinical Exercise Physiology, Computer Science, Earth Sciences, Environmental Management, Environmental Science, Exercise Sciences, Food Science, Forensic Science, Geography, Geology, Geophysics, Logic and Computation, Marine Science, Mathematics, Medical Statistics, Optometry, Pharmacology, Physics, Physiology, Psychology, Speech Science, Sport and Exercise Science, Statistics, Wine Science.

Entry criteria

The prerequisite is a BSc(Hons) in Biological Sciences, or a PGDipSci in Biological Sciences including BIOSCI 761, or an equivalent qualification as approved by the Director.

English language requirements: