Course details

Summary

The Bachelor of Science (BSc) is a three-year undergraduate degree which enables each student to develop his or her own interests in a science subject (science major) and related subjects. Students have the flexibility to combine their major subject with other science subjects, as well as subjects from other disciplines across the University.

Biochemistry combines the molecular approach of chemistry with the breadth and diversity of biology. Very much a laboratory science, it explores, unravels and explains every aspect of the structure and function of all living things at the molecular level.

Biochemistry continues to advance our understanding of how cells are constructed, how they function and communicate with each other, how genetic information is stored, expressed and passed on to the next generation and how all of the cell's chemistry is coordinate and controlled.

Because it covers the spectrum of complexity from bacteria, yeasts and viruses to humans, and includes plants, Biochemistry underpins other life sciences such as Microbiology, Physiology, Zoology and Botany as well as being a foundation subject for all the Health Sciences

Programme Requirements

Bachelor of Science (BSc) majoring in Biochemistry

100-level

BIOC 192 Foundations of Biochemistry

CELS 191 Cell and Molecular Biology

CHEM 191 The Chemical Basis of Biology and Human Health

At least one of:

BIOL 112 Animal Biology

BIOL 123 Plants: How They Shape the World

HUBS 191 Human Body Systems 1

HUBS 192 Human Body Systems 2

200-level

BIOC 221 Molecular Biology

BIOC 222 Proteins and Biotechnology

BIOC 223 Cellular Biochemistry and Metabolism

300-level

BIOC 351 Advanced Protein Biochemistry

BIOC 352 Advanced Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics

BIOC 353 Molecular Basis of Health and Disease

BIOC 360 Research Perspectives in Biochemistry

With Head of Department approval, one 300-level BIOC paper may be replaced by another relevant 300-level paper.

Plus

162 further points (CHEM 111 Chemistry: Molecular Architecture and GENE 221 Molecular and Microbial Genetics strongly recommended); must include 54 points at 200-level or above.

Up to 90 points may be taken from outside Science.

Total 360

Bachelor of Science with Honours (BSc(Hons)) is also available.

A specific aim of the Bachelor of Science with Honours (BSc(Hons)) degree is to develop advanced theoretical and research skills and in so doing to provide a platform for an advanced professional or academic career.

Entry criteria

The minimum requirement for students is the completion of a high school qualification plus satisfactory completion of one year's study at an approved tertiary institution or successful completion New Zealand Foundation Year programme.

We also accept the following International qualifications: International Baccalaureate: IB Diploma with a minimum of 26 points; GCE Advanced Levels: minimum grade of 8.

English Language Requirements:

IELTS score of 6.0 in the academic module (with no individual band below 6.0); Internet-based TOEFL Score of 80 (writing 20); Paper-based TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score of 550 (TWE 4.5); CIE Cambridge International Examinations Grade E or better in AS English; Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) - Overall score of 176 (with no individual band below 169); Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) - Overall score of 176 (with no individual band below 169); GCE 'A' Level or 'AS' Level English Language or English Literature - grade C or higher; GCE 'AS' Level General Paper (English) - grade C or higher; APIEL (Advanced Placement International English Language) Examination - grade 3 or higher; IB International Baccalaureate - English at Higher or Standard level in Language A: literature, Language A: language and literature, or at Higher level in Language B; Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic - Overall score of 58 with no communicative skills score below 50.