What will I learn?
The Master of Science usually consists of two parts: coursework and a thesis, allowing you to investigate areas of interest and conduct independent and original research. Over 30 subjects are available, and some can only be studied at postgraduate level, which can allow for specialisation in academic and career pathways. For more information about why you should consider studying a postgraduate science programme at UC, see the Postgraduate Prospectus. The MSc may be awarded with Distinction, Merit, or Honours. Biology means the study of living things. Biologists investigate animals, plants, and microbes in many different ways, and on a huge range of scales from molecules and cells to individual organisms, populations, and ecosystems. The Biological Sciences programme is broad and flexible, allowing students to study multiple aspects of the biological sciences or take on an interdisciplinary approach. These approaches fit well with Te Kura Putaiao Koiora, School of Biological Sciences philosophy of embracing modern trends and preparing students well for future science careers. During the past few decades, the study of biology has undergone rapid change and has had a significant impact on the way we live. We are now able to produce antibiotics and vaccines, grow disease-resistant crops, transplant organs, and manipulate genes. Biologists today are actively researching solutions to vital concerns such as increasing world food supply, improving and protecting our environment, and conquering disease. Many biological sciences jobs now require collaboration across multiple fields of knowledge. For example climate change requires ecologists, microbiologists, physiologists, geographers, data modellers and many others to work together to understand complex interrelated fields. Being able to work in a team and have a broad science background is important to advance our understanding of these challenges we face. Study Involve: Our lecturers are all actively engaged in research on diverse and exciting topics. These range from those of practical and economic importance to Aotearoa New Zealand society, to those probing the boundaries of fundamental, interest-driven science. Te Kura Putaiao Koiora, School of Biological Sciences has modern, well-equipped teaching and research laboratories with excellent technical support. There is a full suite of molecular biology and biochemistry equipment including real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) machines, DNA sequencing facility, confocal microscopy, and tissue culture and image processing facilities. There are also extensive controlled and regulated facilities for marine organisms, invertebrates (spiders and insects) and microbes. The UC campus also has an experimental garden and glasshouse complex with programmable plant growth chambers. Off campus there is an extensive network of field stations which provide locations for experiments in real-world environments as well as accommodation on-site.
