Welcome

Welcome from the Head of the School of Biological Sciences.

Kia ora - welcome to the School of Biological Sciences, officially acknowledged as the national research leader in our discipline.

The School offers a rich diversity of research and teaching programmes in an environment which will stimulate and challenge undergraduate and postgraduate students alike.

We are committed to excellence in teaching at all levels, and offer courses and training in a wide variety of subject areas including biodiversity, biomedical science, chemical genetics, ecological restoration, marine biology, microbiology, molecular evolution and proteomics.

Our commitment to teaching is underpinned by first-hand research experience in all areas of our degree programmes. We have an outstanding publication rate and are proud of the level of external research funding that the School attracts. This relationship between teaching and research provides real context for the study of biology and ensures our taught curriculum is kept fresh and up to date.

The School has an academic staff team of 37, well supported by skilled technical and administrative staff.

Two applied research centres (‘Biodiversity of Restoration Ecology’, and ‘Biodiscovery’) are supported by the School and we have strong collaborative links with many research organisations including the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research, Environmental Science and Research, the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research and the Capital and Coast District Health Board. These links provide students with a multidisciplinary and multifaceted degree, and opportunities to work with potential employers during their research placements.

Our research and teaching laboratory facilities are world class in our New Te Toki a Rata Building. We have a stunning marine lab and run field classes that utilise international field sites as well as amazing, internationally renowned nearby opportunities, such as, Zealandia Ecosanctuary.

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to the School and wish you the very best for your studies.

Associate Professor Janet Pitman
Head of School
School of Biological Sciences
Te Kura Mātauranga Koiora