About Us
Our programmes span the full range of contemporary biology, from biochemistry, biotechnology, molecular biology, genetics, and biomedical sciences to ecology, marine biology, systematics, and natural history.
Our commitment to teaching is underpinned by first-hand research experience in all areas of our degree programmes. This relationship between teaching and research provides real context for the study of biology and ensures our taught curriculum is kept fresh and up to date.
Featured in the video above are Dr Kevin (K.C.) Burns at Otari Wilton’s Bush, Dr Paul Teesdale-Spittle in the Chemical Genetics Lab and Alejandra Perea-Blázquez at VUCEL (Victoria University Coastal Ecology Lab).
Our laboratory and office facilities are world class. Our marine lab, VUCEL, is situated on Wellington’s south coast and won architectural design and construction awards. We have two research vessels associated with the lab for oceanographic and inshore marine research.
The new Alan MacDiarmid building is named in honour of one of Victoria’s most respected alumni and the recipient of the Nobel Prize for Chemistry in 2000. Completed this year, the building is home to a new high-tech science and engineering hub at the University. With state of the art research equipment and laboratory facilities, the new building promises to keep Victoria University at the forefront of science education and research in New Zealand.
Three applied research centres are supported by the School – the Centre for Biodiscovery, the Centre for Biodiversity and Ecological Restoration and the Centre for Marine Environmental and Economic Research. Each of the centres attracts significant external research funding.