Future students

Explore the molecular basis of human health and everyday life. You will learn about atomic and molecular structure and how this relates to the function of blood. Topics include electrolytes and osmolarity, blood group determinants, gas transport, blo...

This course will explore the molecular basis of life, providing students with a strong foundation in cell biology. Key concepts will include the structure and function of major cell types, biological chemistry and metabolism, and cell division and de...

An exploration into the structure, function and biodiversity of plants and fungi, emphasising their adaptations to different environments, their interactions with other organisms and their fundamental importance to humanity.

An introduction to animal structure and function. This course is largely based on the biology of mammals with a strong emphasis on human biology but comparison is made throughout with other animals.

An introduction to the diversity, management and conservation of microbial, plant and animal communities. Using key taxa or ecosystems as examples, students will gain an appreciation of the current issues facing the world's biodiversity, and explore ...

This course provides students with an in-depth understanding of the role of evaluation and epidemiology in health. The course introduces key evaluation and epidemiology principles and explores the relevance of these across various health issues and s...

A field course that explores the unique flora and fauna of Aotearoa, New Zealand. This course covers the basic principles of species interactions and how they can shape the ecology and evolution of native trees. Reading material covers how New Zealan...

An introduction to the principles of Ecology and Environmental Science, including a required week long field trip in the mid-trimester break. The course will focus on physical and biological processes in terrestrial environments and ecosystem functio...

Plant and algal physiology and structure with emphasis on adaptations of the whole organism; diversity and evolution of photosynthetic organisms (including blue-green bacteria, algae, and plants) and fungi.

Diversity, form, and function of animals; an overview of the taxonomic diversity of all animals; focused study of selected terrestrial and aquatic taxa, including sponges, cnidarians, annelids, molluscs, arthropods and vertebrates.

Special Topic to be advised.

Microbes may be small, but they are mighty. They make up ~15% of the biomass on Earth and are critical drivers of ecological processes. This course will introduce the physiological and biochemical diversity of microbes. It will also explore the impor...

An introduction to the structure and behaviour of chromosomes, genes and DNA; and to the processes of heredity and the mechanisms by which genetic information is transmitted and expressed in animals (including humans), plants and micro-organisms. Int...

The functioning and roles of the peripheral nervous system and endocrine/neuroendocrine systems in the control of activity of the cardiovascular, respiratory, kidney and reproductive systems. The emphasis is on human physiology. For these systems, me...

An introduction to the relationship between structure and function of proteins, including catalysis and its regulation; the mechanisms and roles of metabolic processes in the interconversion of molecules in animals, plants and micro-organisms.

Have you ever wanted to become a “parent” of sea urchin embryos or transform stem cells? In this course we build on topics introduced in first year cell biology, you will explore the structure and behaviour of cells in terms of underlying molecular e...

The functioning and roles of the peripheral nervous system and endocrine/neuroendocrine systems in the control of activity of the cardiovascular, respiratory, kidney and reproductive systems. The emphasis is on human physiology. For these systems, me...

Where is your mind? What is your mind? Do other people have minds like yours? What about other types of entities? In this course you will explore complex questions like these concerning the nature of minds and how they work. You’ll consider the relat...

An introductory course focusing on marine biology and ecology. This course introduces students to: the diversity and physiology of marine organisms; biological oceanography; the structure and function of marine ecosystems such as the deep sea, polar ...

This course will put New Zealand's biota in a broader evolutionary context by investigating how our flora and fauna has evolved after reaching Lord Howe Island (LHI). A week long field trip to LHI will teach advanced principles of evolution, island e...

An introduction to the ecophysiological responses of plants and animals to environmental and anthropogenic stress, with an emphasis on the effects of changes in global climate and land use. The course focuses on biological functions as they are affec...

This course will cover practical and conceptual approaches to the study of plant and animal ecology covering population dynamics, community structure and ecosystem ecology.

This course will cover the behaviour and conservation ecology of animals and plants. The course will include ethology and sociobiology, and ecological, genetic and biogeographic principles relevant to biological conservation. Topics will incorporate ...

Origin and development of concepts about biological history including the establishment of modern experimental methods for understanding pattern and process in the origin of new species.

To be advised.

Recombinant DNA technology, biotechnology, gene organisation, expression, chemical genetics and evolution in higher organisms, bioinformatics and comparative genomics.

A research-based course of sampling, analysis and independent projects, which includes several days of intensive field work and laboratories. PLEASE NOTE: There are two different streams of this course, one focussed on intertidal ecology, and one on ...

Focusing on marine system quantitative ecology; teaching encourages students to think critically while investigating ecological processes and impacts upon population dynamics and community structure across various marine settings (e.g. soft shores, r...

Focusing on applied marine biology, you will be introduced to a wide range of human impacts on the marine environment. We will explore the diverse management strategies, approaches, and tools available globally to manage these impacts. Zealand.

An intensive research-based field course to the tropical island of Moorea, French Polynesia, involving underwater fieldwork, sampling, analysis and independent projects. The field component of this course runs in T1, over Easter/mid-trimester break; ...

A broad framework for understanding clinical research including the critical appraisal of the literature, clinical trials planning, preparation and implementation.

An understanding of the place of ethics in clinical research common ethical issues that arise and how to analyse them and find solutions. The role of ethics committees, applications to ethics committees and Good Clinical Practice. An in-depth conside...