300-level

BIOL305
Practical Field Botany
Description
A residential field course focussing on the identification and sampling of plants, in practical (field) conditions.
Occurrences
Summer Jan 2024
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
(1) BIOL215 or (2) BIOL273 or (3) BIOL270 or (4) BIOL274 and BIOL275 or (5) subject to approval by the Head of the School of Biological Sciences

BIOL307
Special Topic
Description
Selected lectures, tutorials and assignments from courses relevant to biology and/or a supervised course of study subject to approval by the Head of School
Occurrences
Any Time Start 2024
Semester One 2024
Semester Two 2024
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
Entry subject to approval by the Head of School.

BIOL309
Experimental Design and Data Analysis for Biologists
Description
Advanced experimental design and statistical techniques for biologists. This course is essential for all students considering postgraduate study in biological sciences.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2024
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
BIOL209 or appropriate statistical background as determined by the Head of School

BIOL313
Advanced Microbiology
Description
This course builds on BIOL213 and explores microbial ecology, advanced food and agricultural microbiology, disease and pathogenesis. The course emphasises bacteria and fungi, with other microbes also considered. Both fundamental and applied microbiology will be covered. The practical component of the course consists of isolating and characterising novel microbial strains, using both molecular and traditional approaches.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2024
Points
15 points
Prerequisites

BIOL333
Molecular Genetics
Description
BIOL333 is an advanced molecular genetics course that builds on the conceptual frameworks developed in the pre-requisite course BIOL231/BCHM202. It provides in-depth coverage across the breadth of life with an emphasis on gene expression, gene concepts and biotechnology.
Occurrences
Semester One 2024
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
Restrictions
BIOL330

BIOL334
Evolutionary Genetics and Genomics
Description
BIOL334 is an advanced course that builds on the conceptual frameworks developed in the pre-requisite course BIOL271. It provides in-depth coverage across the breadth of evolutionary genetics and genomics with an emphasis on conservation genetics/genomics, epigenetics, evolution and development (evo-devo), and genomic interactions with the environment.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2024
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
Restrictions
BIOL330

BIOL337
Bioinformatics
Description
The general aim of this course is to discuss major concepts in the bioinformatic analysis, application, handling and management of large-scale biological data, and apply these bioinformatics methods to real-world issues. The central focus will be on bringing together previously developed skills in programming, computing and data wrangling, and evaluating how these skills apply to biological datasets. This paper will also discuss the cultural, political, social and legal issues regarding data ownership, use and governance. The course will consist of regular lectures and computer labs, where students will be able to explore biological datasets using their knowledge of bioinformatics. The emphasis is on the amalgamation of students’ previous two years of training and experience, providing students with the context and the background required to apply their skills in the real world. Skills learnt will be assessed via short computer lab reports and a final exam. BIOL337 is a required course for enrolment in BIOL338 (Bioinformatics Project).
Occurrences
Semester One 2024
Points
15 points
Prerequisites

BIOL338
Bioinformatics Project
Description
This course will develop your ability to undertake research in bioinformatics. Drawing on existing datasets, you will design and complete a research project. The aim is for most projects to be based on real-world problems with data provided in collaboration with a research partner. The training, practice and critical evaluation of the research will be carried out in groups, and you will communicate your research findings using spoken, statistical and written skills. The course consists of regular lectures/tutorials and project group meetings, supported by web-based resources. It concludes with a public conference, where you will present your findings. The emphasis is on students working together to solve real-world bioinformatic problems using skills that are transferable to the workplace.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2024
Points
30 points
Prerequisites

BIOL351
Cell Biology 2
Description
Advanced study of cellular organisation and interactions with emphasis on the relationships between molecular structure and organelle and cell function.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2024
Points
15 points
Prerequisites

BIOL352
Plant Development and Biotechnology
Description
Biotechnology for industries using plants and plant products. The principles and applications of advanced cell biology, plant tissue culture and genetic engineering. Use of natural products in industry.
Occurrences
Semester One 2024
Points
15 points
Prerequisites

BIOL354
Animal Ecophysiology
Description
Comparative aspects of physiological adaptation to aquatic and terrestrial environments. Topics include osmoregulation, excretion, respiration, circulation, temperature acclimation, using both vertebrate and invertebrate examples.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2024
Points
15 points
Prerequisites

BIOL355
Neurons, Hormones and Behaviour
Description
The physiological basis of behaviour. Building on the introduction to Animal Physiology in BIOL250, this course will concentrate on the endocrine and nervous systems and develop an understanding of how these systems have evolved to fine-tune the behaviour of animals.
Occurrences
Semester One 2024
Points
15 points
Prerequisites

BIOL371
Evolutionary Ecology
Description
The focus of this course is on how the interplay between ecological and evolutionary forces generate biological diversity at many levels, and how this knowledge is used to solve problems in human health, agriculture and conservation.
Occurrences
Semester One 2024
Points
15 points
Prerequisites

BIOL375
Freshwater Ecosystems
Description
Advanced theories and concepts of freshwater ecology and their practical application to current issues.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2024
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
BIOL209 and either (1) BIOL270 or (2) BIOL274 and BIOL275

BIOL377
Global Change Ecology and Biosecurity
Description
A discussion of major concepts in community and ecosystems ecology in the context of anthropogenic changes to the environment and pressure from invasive exotic species.
Occurrences
Semester One 2024
Points
15 points
Prerequisites

BIOL378
Population Ecology and Conservation
Description
Advanced concepts in population ecology, especially those most relevant to the New Zealand region and to the conservation of the New Zealand biota. Topics include life history tradeoffs, dispersal and metapopulations, species interactions, population regulation, population modelling, management of populations, and issues for species conservation in New Zealand.
Occurrences
Semester One 2024
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
BIOL209 and either (1) BIOL270 or (2) BIOL274 and BIOL275

BIOL383
Behavioural Ecology
Description
The development and adaptive significance of behaviour with emphasis on the relationship between ecology and behaviour.
Occurrences
Semester One 2024
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
Restrictions
BIOL373

BIOL384
Marine Ecosystems
Description
Advanced theories, concepts and applications of marine ecology to current issues.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2024
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
(1) BIOL209, (2) BIOL212, and (3) BIOL274
Restrictions
BIOL374

Not Offered Courses in 2024

300-level

BIOL306
Special Topic
Occurrences
Not offered 2024, offered in 2016 , 2017 , 2018 , 2019 , 2020
For further information see BIOL306 course details
Points
15 points

BIOL308
Special Topic
Description
Selected lectures, tutorials and assignments from courses relevant to biology and/or a supervised course of study subject to approval by the Head of School.
Occurrences
Not offered 2024
For further information see BIOL308 course details
Points
30 points

BIOL309
Experimental Design and Data Analysis for Biologists
Description
Advanced experimental design and statistical techniques for biologists. This course is essential for all students considering postgraduate study in biological sciences.
Occurrences
BIOL309-24S2 (D)
Semester Two 2024 (Distance) - Not offered
For further information see BIOL309 course details
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
BIOL209 or appropriate statistical background as determined by the Head of School

BIOL336
Ecological and Evolutionary Models
Description
Introduction to key ecological and evolutionary models. The course introduces how to solve basic mathematical models and how to use computational tools to explore their solutions. Students learn how to create simple models to understand how complex, real-world processes unfold.
Occurrences
BIOL336-24S1 (C)
Semester One 2024 - Not offered
For further information see BIOL336 course details
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
BIOL209 or 15 Points of 200-level COSC or DATA or EMTH or ENCE or PHYS or MATH or STAT. RP: BIOL270, BIOL271 or BIOL274