The scope of Biological Sciences (Biology) is extensive. It covers the structure and function of all living organisms, their relationships and evolutionary origins. It also looks at their interactions, and the physical and chemical worlds around them.
The biological sciences have never been more important for preserving New Zealand’s economic prosperity and the natural biodiversity of our islands in the face of global threats such as climate change and population growth.
Discovery in the biosciences has advanced at breathtaking speed. This has led to a new generation of therapies in health and medicine, sustainable consumer-focused products in ag-biotech industries, and novel strategies for the protection of fragile ecosystems.
We teach courses that span the spectrum of biology from atoms and molecules to ecosystems, with each of these areas supported by active research groups and well equipped facilities:
• Biomedicine
• Biotechnology
• Ecology
• Evolutionary biology
• Genetics
• Marine, freshwater and animal biology
• Microbiology
• Molecular biology
• Plant sciences
If you’re keen to study in an exciting field with a big future, then Biological Sciences is a great choice.
The University of Auckland is ranked first in New Zealand for Biological Sciences, and we’re number one for Employer Reputation in the Life Sciences and Medicine, which includes Biological Sciences.*

Biology lies at the core of New Zealand’s economic and natural environments. The biological sciences have never been more important for preserving our economic prosperity and the natural biodiversity of our islands in the face of global threats such as climate change and population growth.

Discovery in the biosciences has advanced at breathtaking speed, leading to a new generation of therapies in health and medicine, sustainable consumer-focused products in ag biotech industries, and novel strategies for the protection of fragile ecosystems.

The Biological Sciences major captures the transformational potential of modern bioscience across all areas, giving students an integrated knowledge base across the discipline, with training in the relevant skillsets for employment in this area while offering the opportunity for specialist study choices in niche areas.