School of Biological Sciences

Biology

Please note: Information on this page relates to the 2013 academic year unless otherwise specified.

On this page:

This subject is taught by the School of Biological Sciences.

Overview

Biology permeates all aspects of modern life. The current debate over genetic engineering and biotechnology demonstrates how quickly Biology crosses over into other fields of study, such as law, ethics, commerce, media theory, and philosophy.

At Victoria's School of Biological Sciences you can specialise in any of the hottest fields of contemporary biology, from genetics to ecology. You can study for a Bachelor of Science with a major in one of five areas: Biotechnology, Cell and Molecular Bioscience, Ecology and Biodiversity, Marine Biology, or a broader major in Biology. With the Biology major you can combine elements of the other majors for a more flexible Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree.

While first-year courses lay the foundation for more advanced study, it is helpful to have some elementary knowledge of Biology and Statistics. Careers in government, Crown Research Institutes, veterinary and clinical laboratories, and many industries are among those open to Biology graduates.

For more detailed information on the School of Biological Sciences and its programmes, see School of Biological Sciences.

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Undergraduate Information

BSc major requirements
  1. BIOL 111, 113, 114, STAT 193 or equivalent
  2. 60 points from 200-level BIOL/BMSC/BTEC 201-299
  3. 60 points from BIOL/BMSC/BTEC 301-399

First-year courses

First-year courses lay the foundations for in-depth study of the biological sciences. Courses cover the conceptual frameworks and basic understandings that underpin study at more advanced levels. Previous experience in Biology is an advantage, although not essential. It is also helpful to have some elementary knowledge of Chemistry and Statistics.

The core courses are BIOL 111, 113, and 114.

See also Biotechnology for BTEC 101 Introduction to Biotechnology.

Postgraduate Information

Postgraduate Qualifications in Biological Sciences

For a full listing, see postgraduate qualifications on School of Biological Sciences.

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How To Find Out More

You can order more information on this subject by registering on our Request for Study Material database.

Victoria's Student Recruitment, Admission and Orientation Office offers advice on courses and help with planning your degree.

Contact the Science Faculty Office for information on Admission, qualifications and courses, course advice and selection criteria, exemptions and prerequisites and your Application to Study.

Biological Sciences courses are taught within the School of Biological Sciences, New Kirk Building. School Office: Level 5

Dr Ken Ryan
Programme Manager Biology
Phone: 04 463 6083
Email:
ken.ryan@vuw.ac.nz

Mary Murray
Administrator
Phone: 04 463 5339
Email: biosci@vuw.ac.nz

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Related Subjects and Careers

Related Subjects Careers

Biomedical Science
Biotechnology
Cell and Molecular Bioscience
Ecology and Biodiversity
Environmental Studies

Maori Studies
Marine Biology
Statistics and Applied Statistics
Teaching

Biosecurity
Biotechnology
Ecology
Fisheries
Forestry
Laboratory technician
Museums
Pharmaceuticals
Research technician
Teacher

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List of Courses

Please note: the list below shows undergraduate-level courses only. For a complete course listing, see the list of all Biological Sciences courses


100 Level Courses

BIOL 111 – Cell Biology

BIOL 113 – Biology of Plants

BIOL 114 – Biology of Animals

BIOL 116 – Human Reproduction, Evolution and Sexuality

BIOL 132 – Biodiversity and Conservation


200 Level Courses

BIOL 219 – New Zealand Flora and Fauna

BIOL 222 – Ecology and Environment

BIOL 227 – Plants and Algae: Function and Diversity

BIOL 228 – Animal Diversity

BIOL 234 – Special Topic

BIOL 236 – Environmental Microbiology

BIOL 241 – Genetics

BIOL 243 – Physiology and Pharmacology

BIOL 244 – Introductory Biochemistry

BIOL 252 – Cell and Developmental Biology

BIOL 271 – Introductory Marine Biology


300 Level Courses

BIOL 325 – Global Change Biology

BIOL 327 – Population and Community Ecology

BIOL 328 – Behaviour and Conservation Ecology

BIOL 329 – Evolution

BIOL 334 – Cell and Immunobiology

BIOL 335 – Advanced Physiology

BIOL 336 – Special Topic

BIOL 339 – Cellular Regulation

BIOL 340 – Genes and Genomes

BIOL 343 – Advanced Genetics

BIOL 370 – Field Marine Biology

BIOL 371 – Marine Ecology

BIOL 372 – Applied Marine Biology