Course details

Summary

Biosecurity concerns the exclusion, eradication and effective management of threats to the economy, environment and human health which are posed by pests and diseases. New Zealand's economy and trade rely on a strong primary production base, and our freedom from major pests and diseases is critical to producing efficiently and trading freely.

Ongoing global climate change and its effects on ecosystems make understanding biosecurity issues crucial. As our climate alters, organisms previously unable to survive in our environment may become a potential threat to our ecosystem.

Recommended preparation

Year 13 biology is recommended. Some background in mathematics, particularly statistics, and chemistry is valuable. All students should have adequate English skills.

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.

Career opportunities

As an emerging issue of both national and international importance, biosecurity provides many career opportunities in government agencies, spear-headed by the regulatory authority the Ministry for Primary Industries. You may also find work in Crown Research Institutes and in ministries concerned with conservation, the environment, agriculture and forestry. District and regional councils also may employ biologists to manage invading organisms.

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.

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.