Course details

Summary

If you're intrigued by the natural world around you, or enjoy understanding how things work, Waikato's Bachelor of Science (BSc) is what you're looking for. Putting into practice what you learn in your lectures is a major part of this degree. You will gain hands-on experience with some of the most up-to-date and high-tech computing facilities and laboratory equipment.

We also take you right to the source, with field trips that might include an overnight stay to gather geothermal samples or a week-long bush camp to examine a region's flora.

The range of career options available to Bachelor of Science (BSc) graduates isn't surprising when you consider the nature of the degree. It is extremely flexible so you can combine papers to suit your strengths and interests. We keep it general in the first year so that your choice, when you do come to specialise, is an informed one. Transferring from this degree to the BCMS(Hons) is also possible at any stage in your degree.

Biological Sciences

Biological Sciences is the study of life. From botany and ecology through to marine and freshwater sciences, study and career options in this field are abundant.

Pathway options

If you've completed the NZ Diploma in Environmental Management - Marine or Terrestrial (Level 6) with Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology, with at least a B grade average, you will be guaranteed admission to the Bachelor of Science degree (majoring in Biological Sciences) with credit of up to 240 points towards the degree. This only applies to students coming through the agreed pathway with Toi Ohomai. All others will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

You can then complete the final year of the BSc degree in Tauranga by studying University of Waikato papers at the Windermere Campus.

Once you have commenced your Diploma, we recommend you discuss your intended degree programme with University staff. We will advise you on degree and subject requirements.

Career options

Our BSc graduates are working in a wide range of careers including: conservation officer, marine biologist, fisheries scientist and many more.

Entry criteria

If you have achieved University Entrance through NCEA you will be accepted into this degree.

Discretionary Entrance

Applicants will normally be granted Discretionary Entrance if they have gained a total of at least 80 credits in NCEA at Level 2 in four subjects equivalent to the approved subjects for University Entrance in NCEA at Level 3, with a minimum grade of Merit in at least half of the achievement standards for each subject. Applicants must also have satisfied the numeracy and literacy requirements of University Entrance.

Special Admission

Applicants will be considered on a case by case basis. Applicants 20 years old and over by the beginning of their programme of study will be accepted, except those that are clearly insufficiently prepared for academic study. Preference may be given to applicants who have successfully completed appropriate Waikato Pathways College bridging programmes.

Admission at entrance level or with credit from previous study

Applicants will be considered on a case by case basis bearing in mind patterns of admission which have applied in previous years and the standing of the qualification in New Zealand.

English language requirements:

IELTS (Academic) - 6.0 overall (no band less than 6.0); iBT (internet based) TOEFL - 79-80 with a score of 20 in writing; Pearson PTE Academic - 57 with no less than 57 for each communicative skill; Waikato Pathways - Successful completion of Level 7 with a B grade average in the Certificate of Attainment in Academic English (CAAE) program.