PG Dip in Science specialisation in Biosecurity and Conservation

Do you want to play a vital role in protecting New Zealand’s natural treasures?
Biosecurity and Conservation explores courses in Biology, Environmental Management and Environmental Science to provide training in biodiversity, conservation science, biosecurity and invasion biology, with a focus on Aotearoa-New Zealand’s unique indigenous environments.
You’ll learn about the science behind current biosecurity and conservation issues, while working alongside our researchers, some who are leaders in their field. You’ll also be provided with opportunities to learn from biosecurity and conservation practitioners from Auckland Council, the Department of Conservation and the Ministry for Primary Industries.

PGDipSci - Postgraduate Diploma in Science

Postgraduate study in Biosecurity and Conservation
You will work on a wide range of biosecurity, biodiversity and conservation topics, and network with future employers, gaining the confidence and skills to contribute to the rapidly growing fields of biosecurity and conservation.
Skill development includes writing risk assessments for new-to-New Zealand species, developing incursion response plans, biodiversity management plans and research proposals, as well as gaining advanced science communication skills.

Postgraduate study in Biosecurity and Conservation prepares students for employment in the biosecurity and conservation sector in organisations such as the Ministry for Primary Industries, local government, environmental consultancies, private pest-control companies, non-governmental conservation organisations, the Department of Conservation, Crown Research Institutes and the tertiary education sector.

Potential opportunities for our graduates include employment throughout the biosecurity and conservation sector.
Jobs related to Biosecurity and Conservation
- Biodiversity ranger
- Biosecurity officer
- Biosecurity or biodiversity technical advisor
- Environmental officer
- Environmental scientist
- Incursion response investigator
- Museum collections technician
- Operations manager
- Pest control technician
- Research technician
- Researcher
- Science communicator

Prerequisite: A major in Biological Sciences or the equivalent approved by the Academic Head or nominee

Complete 120 points comprising:

30 points for all Compulsory Courses, and
At least 60 points from Group 1 Elective Courses, and
0 to 30 points from Group 2 Elective Courses

Compulsory Courses

Complete 30 points for ALL of the following:

BIOSCI 747 - Biosecurity and Invasion Biology (15 points)

BIOSCI 748 - Weed and Pest Management (15 points)

Group 1 Elective Courses

Complete at least 60 points from the following:

BIOSCI 761 - Research Practice - Level 9 (15 points) or
ENVSCI 701 - Research Practice in Environmental Science (15 points)

BIOSCI 724 - Marine Ecology (15 points)

BIOSCI 730 - Entomology (15 points)

BIOSCI 731 - Biogeography (15 points)

BIOSCI 733 - Molecular Evolution and Conservation Genomics (15 points)

BIOSCI 734 - Terrestrial Plant Ecology (15 points)

BIOSCI 735 - Advanced Behavioural Ecology (15 points)

BIOSCI 738 - Advanced Biological Data Analysis (15 points)

BIOSCI 739 - Dialogues in Biology (15 points)

BIOSCI 751 - Plant-microbial Interactions (15 points)

BIOSCI 760 - Biosystematics (15 points)

BIOSCI 763 - Professional Applications of Ecology (15 points)

BIOSCI 766 - Global Change Ecology (15 points)

ENVMGT 746 - Collaborative Environmental Management (15 points)

ENVSCI 705 - Handling Environmental Data (15 points)

ENVSCI 708 - Ecosystem Dynamics (15 points)

ENVSCI 711 - Environmental Impact Assessment - Level 9 (15 points)

ENVSCI 737 - Landscape Ecology (15 points)

STATS 776 - Estimating Animal Abundance (15 points)

Group 2 Elective Courses

Complete 0 to 30 points from the following:

BIOSCI 7**

ENVMGT 7**

ENVMGT 7***

ENVSCI 7**

ENVSCI 7***

Please note that this is an indicative degree planner only and should be used in conjunction with the University Calendar Regulations. Courses may be rearranged between semesters and years as required, subject to course availability and prerequisite requirements.

A list of the BSCN-PGDSC elective courses is provided above.

If you intend to apply for the 120-point MSc in Biosecurity & Conservation upon completion of the PGDipSci, you must complete BIOSCI 761 or ENVSCI 701. Enrolment in BIOSCI 761 requires confirmation of supervision. Information on how to secure a supervisor can be found here.

Year 1

Semester One

BSCN-PGDSC core course BIOSCI 747

15 Points

This is a block course taught during

Week One. Timetable clashes with

courses other than block courses or

field trips will be approved.

BSCN-PGDSC elective course

15 Points

BSCN-PGDSC elective course

15 Points

BSCN-PGDSC elective course or Other 700-level BIOSCI, ENVMGT, ENSCI course

15 Points

Academic Integrity course ACADINT 01

0 Points

Semester Two

BSCN-PGDSC core course BIOSCI 748

15 Points

This is a block course taught during

Week One. Timetable clashes with

courses other than block courses or

field trips will be approved.

BSCN-PGDSC elective course

15 Points

BSCN-PGDSC elective course

15 Points

BSCN-PGDSC elective course or Other 700-level BIOSCI, ENVMGT, ENSCI course

15 Points

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