Undergraduate Biological Sciences

Choose this theme if you are interested in topics such as:

Biotechnology, animal physiology, plant development, medical biochemistry.

How do cells produce energy? How do medicines work? What happens inside your body when you eat, exercise, or become ill?

Biochemistry explores the chemical processes that make life possible. By studying the molecules and reactions that occur within cells, biochemists help answer fundamental questions about health, disease, biotechnology, and the living world.

Biochemistry sits at the intersection of biology and chemistry. It investigates the molecules that make up living organisms and the reactions that allow cells to grow, communicate, reproduce, and respond to their environment. By understanding these processes, biochemists help solve problems in medicine, agriculture, biotechnology, and environmental science.

At its core, biochemistry focuses on molecules such as proteins, DNA, RNA, carbohydrates, and lipids. These molecules form the machinery of life, carrying genetic information, providing energy, building cellular structures, and controlling biological processes. Biochemists study how these molecules interact and how their functions change in health and disease.

One of the most exciting applications of biochemistry is in human health and medicine. Biochemists investigate the molecular causes of diseases such as cancer, diabetes, genetic disorders, and infectious diseases. This knowledge helps scientists develop new medicines, improve diagnostic tests, and create more effective treatments.

Molecular biology is closely linked to biochemistry and explores how DNA stores genetic information and how that information is used to build and regulate living organisms. Understanding these processes has led to advances in areas such as genetic engineering, biotechnology, and personalised medicine.

Biochemistry also plays a major role in biotechnology and industry. Biochemists work with enzymes, microorganisms, and biological systems to develop products ranging from pharmaceuticals and vaccines to foods, biofuels, and sustainable materials. Their work helps improve agricultural production, food quality, and environmental sustainability.

At UC, biochemistry combines knowledge from both biology and chemistry, giving students a strong foundation in the molecular sciences. You’ll learn how modern laboratory techniques are used to investigate biological systems and gain insight into the chemical processes that underpin all living organisms.

By studying Biochemistry, you’ll develop a deep understanding of life at the molecular level and gain skills that are valuable in research, healthcare, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, food science, and many other scientific fields. Whether you’re interested in discovering new medicines, improving human health, or understanding the chemistry of life itself, biochemistry provides the tools to make a real-world impact.

Career pathways 

Health and Medicine

Apply molecular knowledge to improve human health through diagnostics, therapeutics, and biomedical research.

Example careers

• Medical Laboratory Scientist
• Clinical Research Coordinator
• Biomedical Scientist
• Pharmaceutical Development Associate

Biotechnology and Industry

Develop products and technologies using biological systems and processes.

Example careers

• Biotechnology Specialist
• Food Technologist
• Quality Assurance Scientist
• Process Development Scientist

Research and Innovation

Investigate biological processes at the molecular level and contribute to scientific discovery.

Example careers

• Research Scientist
• Research Technician
• Laboratory Manager
• Science Communicator

Choose this theme if you are interested in topics such as:

Molecular genetics and genomics, ecological modelling, evolutionary biology, biological databases, computer programming, mathematics, statistics.

How can scientists make sense of billions of DNA sequences? How do researchers track the evolution of viruses? What can biological data reveal about health, biodiversity, and environmental change?

Bioinformatics combines biology, computing, mathematics, and statistics to turn complex biological data into meaningful discoveries. It provides the tools needed to answer biological questions in an increasingly data-driven world.

Bioinformatics uses computers, statistics, and specialised software to collect, manage, analyse, and interpret biological data. It allows scientists to investigate questions that would be impossible to answer using traditional laboratory methods alone. For example, bioinformaticians can compare DNA sequences from thousands of organisms, identify genes linked to diseases, track the evolution of viruses, or analyse environmental DNA to detect rare and endangered species.

Advances in DNA sequencing technology have transformed biological research. Entire genomes can now be sequenced quickly and cost-effectively, creating enormous datasets that require sophisticated computational tools to analyse. Bioinformatics provides the skills needed to work with these datasets, helping scientists understand how genes function, how species evolve, and how biological systems respond to environmental change.

This field plays a critical role in many areas of modern science. In healthcare, bioinformatics helps researchers identify genetic causes of disease and develop personalised treatments. In conservation, it supports the monitoring and protection of biodiversity through genetic analysis. In agriculture, it helps improve crops and livestock. In biosecurity, it assists in detecting invasive species and tracking emerging pests and diseases.

Students in this area learn a unique combination of biological and computational skills. These may include computer programming, data visualisation, statistics, database management, and the analysis of genomic and ecological datasets. You will learn how to ask biological questions, work with large datasets, and use computational tools to uncover patterns and solve real-world problems.

Bioinformatics is one of the fastest-growing areas of science, with increasing demand for graduates who can combine biological knowledge with data analysis and computing skills. The field supports many areas of biology, including genetics, evolution, ecology, microbiology, conservation, and biotechnology.

By studying Bioinformatics, you’ll develop a versatile skill set that can be applied across a wide range of industries and research fields. Whether you’re interested in human health, environmental science, conservation, biotechnology, or data science, bioinformatics provides powerful tools for understanding life in the age of big data.

This degree major supports other areas of biology, including Systematics, Molecular Biology, Evolution, Ecology, Microbiology, Conservation and Taxonomy.

Career pathways

A graduate with a bioinformatics and computational biology background would often work as part of a research team. They may perform tasks such as rearranging data into formats that allow for accurate use, developing tools to visualise complex data, collaborating with investigators to develop and perform statistical analyses and/or developing novel bioinformatic analysis pipelines, and use a range of statistical software and various database structures to analyse and store data.

Data Science and Analytics

Transform biological data into insights that support research, healthcare, and environmental management.

Example careers

• Data Scientist
• Biostatistician
• Genomics Analyst
• Health Data Analyst

Computing and Technology

Develop computational tools and workflows for analysing complex biological data.

Example careers

Bioinformatician

• Research Software Developer
• Data Engineer
• Computational Biologist

Research and Genomics

Use large-scale biological datasets to address questions in genetics, evolution, conservation, and health.

Example careers

• Research Scientist
• Genomics Specialist
• Biodiversity Data Analyst
• Research Data Manager

Choose this theme if you are interested in topics such as:

Microbiology, biotechnology, bioinformatics, molecular biology, genomics, biodiversity, drug development, plant biology, biosecurity, ancient DNA, taxonomy, phylogenetics.

How do genes shape the characteristics of living organisms? How do scientists identify and classify species? What roles do microorganisms play in health, industry, and the environment?

Molecular biology, microbiology, and systematics provide powerful tools for understanding life, from individual genes and cells to the diversity of species and ecosystems. Together, these disciplines help address challenges in health, conservation, biotechnology, agriculture, and biosecurity.

Today, genetic technologies are helping scientists tackle some of the world’s biggest challenges. Genetics is used to develop new medicines, improve food production, protect endangered species, strengthen biosecurity, and understand how species evolve over time. It also plays an important role in areas such as forensic science, helping to identify individuals and solve crimes. As genetic technologies continue to advance, they create exciting opportunities as well as important social and ethical questions.

Molecular biology explores how genes work at the molecular level. It focuses on DNA, RNA, proteins, and the processes that control how organisms grow, function, and respond to their environment. By studying genes and how they are expressed, scientists can better understand inheritance, genetic variation, disease, and evolution.

Microbiology is the study of microscopic organisms, including bacteria, fungi, algae, and viruses. Although they are too small to see with the naked eye, microorganisms have enormous impacts on our lives. Some cause diseases in humans, animals, and plants, while others are essential for life on Earth. Microbes help produce oxygen, recycle nutrients, support healthy ecosystems, and are used in industries ranging from food production to biotechnology. They can also help solve environmental problems by breaking down pollutants and controlling pests.

Systematics is the science of discovering, identifying, naming, and classifying living organisms, and understanding how they are related through evolution. It helps us answer questions such as: What species exist? How are they related? How did biodiversity evolve? Modern genetic techniques have revolutionised systematics, allowing scientists to uncover evolutionary relationships that were previously impossible to detect. This knowledge is essential for conservation, biosecurity, ecology, and understanding the diversity of life on Earth.

Together, molecular biology, microbiology, and systematics provide powerful tools for understanding life from the level of individual genes to entire ecosystems. They underpin many modern advances in medicine, conservation, biotechnology, agriculture, and environmental management.

Career pathways

The broad and transferable skills gained from following this pathway open up many career options, many of which may include some component of laboratory work such as culturing micro-organisms, sequencing DNA, identifying species.

Biotechnology and Laboratory Science

Apply molecular and microbial techniques in commercial, environmental, and healthcare settings.

Example careers

• Molecular Biologist
• Microbiologist
• Biotechnology Technician
• Laboratory Scientist

Biosecurity and Biodiversity

Protect ecosystems and manage biological threats through species identification and genetic technologies.

Example careers

• Biosecurity Officer
• Conservation Geneticist
• Environmental DNA Specialist
• Biodiversity Advisor

Research and Discovery

Investigate the diversity, evolution, and function of living organisms.

Example careers

• Research Scientist
• Genetic Services Specialist
• Taxonomist
• Museum or Collection Curator

Choose this theme if you are interested in topics such as:

Biotechnology, animal physiology, ecophysiology, plant development, biochemistry, genetics.

How do muscles move? How do plants grow? How do cells communicate and living organisms respond to their environment?

Cell and Organismal Physiology explores how living things function, from the processes occurring inside cells to the complex systems that keep whole organisms alive.

This theme focuses on understanding how biological systems work at different levels, from molecules and cells through to plants, animals, and entire organisms. It brings together ideas from cell biology, genetics, biochemistry, biotechnology, and physiology to explain how life functions.

Cell biology is the study of the basic building blocks of life: cells. Every living organism is made of cells, and each cell contains specialised structures that carry out essential functions. Modern techniques allow scientists to investigate how cells grow, communicate, divide, and respond to their environment. Understanding how cells work is fundamental to research in areas such as human health, cancer biology, genetics, and biotechnology.

Animal physiology explores how animals function and survive. It investigates systems such as circulation, respiration, digestion, movement, reproduction, and the nervous system. By understanding how these systems work together, scientists can better understand health, disease, adaptation, and the effects of environmental change on animals.

Plant biology and physiology examine how plants grow, reproduce, and interact with their environment. Plants are essential for life on Earth, providing oxygen, food, and the foundation of most ecosystems. Plant scientists investigate how plants respond to challenges such as drought, pests, disease, and climate change, helping to improve agriculture, conservation, and food security.

Biotechnology uses living organisms, cells, and biological processes to develop products and technologies that benefit society. Applications include developing new medicines, improving crops, creating sustainable materials, protecting biodiversity, and addressing environmental challenges. Biotechnology is one of the fastest-growing areas of science and plays an important role in New Zealand’s agricultural, environmental, and health sectors.

This theme provides a strong foundation for understanding how living systems function and adapt. It combines laboratory and field-based science with modern biological technologies, helping students develop skills that are valuable in research, healthcare, biotechnology, agriculture, conservation, and environmental management.

By studying Cell and Organismal Physiology, you’ll gain insight into the processes that make life possible, from the inner workings of individual cells to the functioning of entire organisms and ecosystems.

Career pathways

The broad and transferable skills gained from following this pathway open up many career options, many of which may include some component of laboratory work such as preparing assays, screening bio-active compounds or microscopy.

Health and Biomedical Science

Apply knowledge of biological function to improve health and understand disease.

Example careers

• Biomedical Research Assistant
• Clinical Research Associate
• Medical Laboratory Scientist
• Health Science Researcher

Agriculture and Biotechnology

Use physiological knowledge to improve plant, animal, and biotechnological systems.

Example careers

• Plant Scientist
• Animal Health Technician
• Biotechnology Research Associate
• Agricultural Scientist

Research and Innovation

Investigate how cells, tissues, and organisms function and respond to their environment.

Example careers

• Physiologist
• Research Scientist
• Bio-imaging Specialist
• Laboratory Research Technician

Conservation biology, genetics & genomics, biosecurity, terrestrial/marine/freshwater biology and ecology, animal behaviour, environmental sciences, computational biology, bioinformatics.

Why do some species thrive while others become endangered? How do animals communicate, find mates, and survive in changing environments? What can we do to protect ecosystems and biodiversity in a rapidly changing world?

Ecology, Evolution and Behaviour explores these questions by studying how organisms interact with each other and their environment, how species change over time, and why animals behave the way they do.

Ecology is the study of the relationships between organisms and their environment. Ecologists investigate how plants, animals, and microorganisms interact with each other and with factors such as climate, water, and habitat. This knowledge helps us understand and manage environmental challenges including biodiversity loss, invasive species, pollution, and climate change.

New Zealand’s unique ecosystems provide exciting opportunities for ecological research. From braided rivers and alpine environments to forests, wetlands, and coastal ecosystems, ecologists study how these environments function and how they can be protected for future generations.

Evolution is the study of how species change over time. It explains the incredible diversity of life on Earth and helps us understand how organisms adapt to their environments. Evolutionary biology is important in many fields, including conservation, biosecurity, medicine, agriculture, and genetics. Understanding evolution helps scientists predict how species may respond to environmental change, how diseases emerge and spread, and how biodiversity develops and is maintained.

Animal behaviour examines what animals do and why they do it. Scientists investigate how animals communicate, find food, avoid predators, choose mates, care for offspring, and interact with others in their social groups. Studying behaviour helps us understand how animals survive in the wild and provides valuable information for conservation and wildlife management.

Freshwater and marine ecology focus on rivers, lakes, wetlands, estuaries, and oceans. These environments support a huge diversity of life and provide essential resources for people and ecosystems. Scientists working in these areas study water quality, aquatic biodiversity, ecosystem health, and the impacts of human activities and climate change. Their research helps inform decisions about conservation, resource management, and environmental restoration.

This theme combines fieldwork, laboratory research, and modern analytical techniques to investigate some of the most important environmental challenges facing New Zealand and the world. Students may find themselves surveying native wildlife, monitoring ecosystems, analysing environmental data, studying animal behaviour, or investigating the evolutionary relationships between species.

By studying Ecology, Evolution and Behaviour, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the natural world and develop the skills needed to help protect biodiversity, manage natural resources, and address environmental challenges. The knowledge and skills gained in this theme are valuable in careers related to conservation, environmental management, biosecurity, ecological consulting, freshwater and marine science, research, and policy development.

Career pathways

The broad and transferable skills gained from studying this theme open up many career options, many of which include some component of outdoor work such as monitoring, sampling and managing of species, as well as laboratory work and computational analyses.

Conservation and Environmental Management

Apply ecological knowledge to protect biodiversity, restore ecosystems, and manage natural resources.

Example careers

• Conservation Advisor
• Biodiversity Specialist
• Restoration Ecologist
• Environmental Consultant

Government and Policy

Support evidence-based decision-making in environmental management, biosecurity, and sustainability.

Example careers

• Biosecurity Officer
• Environmental Policy Analyst
• Resource Management Advisor
• Regional Council Scientist

Research and Science

Investigate ecological processes, species interactions, and environmental change through field, laboratory, and analytical research.

Example careers

• Ecologist
• Freshwater Scientist
• Marine Scientist
• Research Scientist