Master of Science specialisation in Biological Sciences

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.*

Postgraduate study in Biological Sciences focuses on research. Due to the school’s strong links with industry, there may be opportunities to collaborate on research projects with other faculties, or companies such as AgResearch, the Department of Conservation and Crown Research Institutes.
You may pursue a wide range of disciplines, from biomedical, microbial and plant biotechnology to environmental, ecological and conservation science. Research interests open for exploration include:
- 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

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