Biological Sciences - Postgraduate options

Biology is a science which is concerned with the study of life. Its scope is extensive, covering the structure and function of all living organisms, their relationships and evolutionary origins, and their interactions with each other and with the physical and chemical worlds about them.

The School of Biological Sciences covers a wide range of disciplines from biotechnology and biomedical science to marine biology and terrestrial ecology. Broad research areas include cell biology and biochemistry, ecology, evolution and behaviour, microbiology, molecular genetics and development, plant sciences, proteomics and biomedicine and structural biology.

There are opportunities for work on projects jointly supervised by staff in other departments in the Faculty of Science, as well as cross-faculty collaborations. Research projects can also be undertaken by joint supervision with staff in the biotechnology company Protemix Corporation and the AgResearch Laboratory for Structural Biology, at various Crown Research Institutes, the Department of Conservation, the Auckland Museum and other outside organisations.

Bachelor of Science (Honours) (BSc(Hons)) - Biological Sciences specialisation

Prerequisite: At least 90 points at Stage III including at least 60 points from Stage III Biological Sciences. With the permission of the Director of the School of Biological Sciences, up to 15 points at Stage III in related courses may be substituted.

Requirement:

• 15 points: BIOSCI 762
• 45 points: BIOSCI 788 Dissertation

and

• 60 points from BIOINF 701, BIOSCI 724–741 , 749–759
  or
• 45 points from BIOINF 701, BIOSCI 724–741, 749–759 and a further 15 points, subject to approval by the Director of the School of Biological Sciences, from 700 level courses in a related subject

Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSci) - Biological Sciences specialisation

Prerequisite: A major in Biological Sciences, or equivalent as approved by the Director

Requirement:

• at least 90 points from BIOINF 701, BIOSCI 724-741, 749-759
• up to 30 points from 600 or 700 level courses in a related subject

Master of Science (MSc) - Biological Sciences specialisation

Prerequisite: A BSc(Hons) in Biological Sciences, or a PGDipSci in Biological Sciences including BIOSCI 761, or an equivalent qualification as approved by the Director

Requirement: Research Masters

• 120 points: BIOSCI 796 MSc Thesis in Biological Sciences

Careers in biological sciences reflect the various branches of biology which you may choose to study.

Those who opt for an ecological path will find employment in the agencies which have a responsibility for monitoring the environment such as the Department of Conservation, Ministry for Education, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, as well as large companies such as those in the fisheries industry, or eco-tourism. Much work is done in monitoring species and in conservation ecology.

The growth in biotechnology options mean that well-qualified people are in demand in fields such as gene technology and microbiology. Biochemists find work in the food industry and medical research.

Developmental biology is an important field in opening up opportunities to work with and investigate the origins of developmental abnormalities in plants and animals, including such human conditions as Alzheimer's disease and cancer.

For further information, please refer to the Biological Sciences Postgraduate Handbook

or contact:

Karen Jennings
Manager (Academic Administration)
Phone: +64 9 373 7599 ext 87215
Email: k.jennings@auckland.ac.nz
Web: www.sbs.auckland.ac.nz

• How to apply
• Undergraduate Biological Sciences