Course details

Summary

Biology means the study of living things. Biologists investigate animals, plants and microbes in many different ways and on a huge range of scales from molecules and cells to individual organisms, populations and ecosystems.

During the past few decades the study of biology has undergone rapid change and has had a significant impact on the way we live. We are now able to produce antibiotics and vaccines, grow disease resistant crops, transplant organs and manipulate genes. Biologists today are actively researching solutions to vital concerns such as increasing world food supply, improving and protecting our environment and conquering disease.

We need to know how micro-organisms, plants and animals work and how they interact on land and in the sea and freshwaters. Of increasing importance to us is global climate change and how this affects the living world.

A Bachelor of Science (BSc) will extend your knowledge in multiple interest areas, satisfying many questions you may have about the world and encouraging you to investigate even further.

Qualification structure and duration

The Bachelor of Science requires a minimum total of 360 points:

• a minimum of 255 points of Science courses
• the remaining 105 points can be from either Science courses or courses from other degrees.
• At least 225 points must be from courses above 100-level, with at least 90 points at 300-level.

Double Degrees

Many students combine the study of a BSc with another degree, such as a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Commerce or a Bachelor of Laws. If you are considering a double degree you should get advice from the College of Science Student Advisor or the Liaison Office.

Career opportunities

Our graduates have gone on to positions as teachers, technicians, researchers, managers and diverse other careers in agriculture, horticulture, veterinary and medical science, freshwater and marine fisheries, aquaculture, oceanography, entomology, soil biology, and food, brewing and pharmaceutical industries.

Government agencies frequently target Biological Sciences graduates. Regular employers of our graduates include Crown Research Institutes, government ministries concerned with conservation, the environment, agriculture, forestry and health, and regional and local councils.

A Biological Sciences degree indicates you have the ability to access, understand, analyse and communicate complex information. This is attractive to many employers.

Entry criteria

Admission to UC with University Entrance, or equivalent, is required to enrol for a Bachelor's degree. Applicants must have completed New Zealand University Entrance through NCEA; or Cambridge International Examinations (CIE); or International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB) or any other equivalent overseas qualification.

Recommended preparation

Year 13 biology, statistics and chemistry are strongly recommended. Students who have not completed Year 13 chemistry may find the Headstart summer preparatory course very useful.

Other English language requirements: TOEFL PBT with a minimum score of 550 and TWE with a minimum score of 4.5; CCEL EAP Level 2 with a minimum C+ grade; CAE or CPE minimum score of 169 with at least 162 in reading, writing, listening and speaking; Pearson Test of English (Academic) - PTE with an overall score of 57 and no PTE communicative skills score below 50.