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Subject Overview

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.*

*science.auckland.ac.nz/excellence  

Knowledge and Skills

New Zealand’s leading and largest Faculty of Science* brings together ten diverse schools and departments to provide outstanding quality teaching and research opportunities. Our doctoral students work with some of the nation’s leading researchers and benefit from the faculty’s connections with international universities and industry. You will also have access to high-quality laboratory and field research facilities.

*www.science.auckland.ac.nz/excellence


We welcome PhD proposals in areas including:

Biomedical and Applied Biology

  • Metabolism and Physiology
  • Applied Biochemistry
  • Genetics and Metagenomics
  • Cell Biology Immunology
  • Stem Cell Biology
  • Neuroscience


Cellular, Molecular and Organismal Biology

  • Biochemistry
  • Plant Molecular Science
  • Microbiology
  • Genetics
  • Structural Biology
  • Mass Spectrometry


Ecology, Evolution and Behaviour

  • Ecology and Evolution
  • Behaviour
  • Conservation and Biosecurity
  • Ecophysiology
  • Systematics and Biodiversity


Potential Careers

Our graduates find employment in government, industries, Crown Research Institutes and the private sector.
Areas of work include:
- Biomedicine, biomedical research
- Biotechnology, food, brewing, dairy and pharmaceutical industries
- Conservation, plant protection and quarantine
- Education, environmental resource management and planning
- Marine biology, ecology, aquaculture and fisheries
- Parks, zoo and nursery management

Postgraduate study in the Biological Sciences prepares you for a career in biodiversity, biosecurity and biotechnology.
Jobs related to Biological Sciences
- Biotechnologist
- Higher education lecturer
- Marine biologist
- Microbiologist
- Nanotechnologist
- Nature conservation officer
- Pharmacologist
- Physician associate
- Research scientist (life sciences)
- Research scientist (medical)
- Secondary school teacher
- Soil scientist
- Zoologist

Schedule

Plan Schedules