Course details

Summary

Biotechnology is of national and international importance. It considers and develops knowledge about biochemical, molecular, ecological and evolutionary processes. Biotechnology tools are applied in research underpinning biodiversity and biosecurity throughout New Zealand.

Biotechnology research is directed towards developing technology with both economic and environmental outcomes. The OECD have predicted that, by 2030, biotechnology will assume a major role in the global economy with the advances from research in the tertiary sector.

The School of Biological Sciences offers the Bachelor of Science endorsed in Biotechnology to students majoring in Biological Sciences. Students follow one of two pathways:

• environmental biotechnology or
• plant biotechnology.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Science offers those with some background in science the opportunity to undertake more advanced and in-depth study in a subject. The diploma is primarily coursework-based, but some courses allow for independent project work or research.

Qualification structure and duration

The PGDipSc is made up of four full-year courses or eight single-semester courses selected from a range of options. Normally the diploma must be completed in one year of full-time study, unless approval is granted for part-time enrolment from the Dean of Science.

Further study

This qualification is an ideal pathway into more advanced study. UC offers a number of scientific master's programmes as well as a Doctor of Philosophy.

These courses are particularly relevant for students planning postgraduate degrees in Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Plant Biology, Chemistry, Microbiology and Zoology.

Research work related to Biochemistry and Molecular Biology is being actively carried out by staff and postgraduate students in the School of Biological Sciences and the Department of Chemistry.

Career opportunities

As an emerging field with both national and international importance, biotechnology provides many career opportunities in universities, business, government agencies, Crown Research Institutes and in ministries concerned with the environment, agriculture and forestry.

Entry criteria

Bachelor of Science or other bachelor's degree and approved undergraduate science courses. The precise prerequisites vary for each subject, but are normally good grades in 300-level courses.

Other English language requirements: TOEFL PBT with a minimum score of 575 and TWE with a minimum score of 4.5; CCEL EAP Level 2 with a minimum B+ grade; CAE or CPE score of 176 with a minimum of 169 in reading, writing, listening and speaking; Pearson Test of English (Academic) - PTE with an overall score of 64 and no PTE communicative skills score below 58.