News Archive for Biological Sciences
2009
Honoured for outstanding contribution to science (24 Nov) Professor Matthew Turnbull received the Roger Slack Award from the New Zealand Society of Plant Biologists (NZSPB). The award is based on the merit of original published research, focused on one area, in the five years preceding the presentation of the award.
Youngster's winning flag design to fly in the Chatham Islands (11 Nov)
A flag designed by Diamond Harbour School pupil Theo Fowler will fly over a hut on Rangatira Island in the Chathams this summer after the youngster won a competition run by the College of Science’s Outreach Programme.
Follow the black robin researchers: www.blackrobin.org.nz
The Alluring Power of Blood in Spiders (28 Oct) What drives a jumping spider wild? A certain fragrance among members of the opposite sex, apparently, that is acquired by eating blood. Read the full New York Times article on research by Dr Fiona Cross and Prof Robert Jackson.
Annual Biology Conference (22 Oct)
The Abstract Book pdf (600kb) is available from the recent ABC event. The abstracts provide an overview of r
esearch currently being conducted by our postgrad students.
Student scoops two prizes for marine algae research (9 Oct) PhD student Leigh Tait won not one, but two student prizes at the annual New Zealand Marine Sciences Society and Meteorological Society Joint Conference last month.
Biology students’ photographic talent put on show (9 Oct) National Geographiceat your heart out. Biologystudents at the University of
Canterbury are showcasing a flair for nature
photography to rival the pros.
Regional Health Research Body Chair (9 Oct) Dr Steven Gieseg hasbeen appointed the 2010 chair of the Health Research Society of Canterbury(HRSC).
Ecology graduates achieve major research success (9 Oct) UC’s Freshwater Ecology Research Group is
celebrating the latest in a string of successes
for its graduates. Dr Michelle Greenwood postdoctoral fellowship by the
Rutherford Foundation of the Royal Society of
New Zealand.
Freshwater Stream Protocols Published (9 Oct)
Stream Habitat Assessment 
Protocols
for wadeable rivers and streams in New
Zealand, a guide and reference book which
provides a suite of practical, cost-effective and
standardised protocols for the assessment of
physical habitat in New Zealand’s streams
and rivers.
Funding Success (8 Oct)
Congratulations to Prof Jack Heinemann, Drs Arvind Varsani and Grant Pearce on their Marsden fund success. The awards are government funded and are administered by the Royal Society of New Zealand on behalf of the Marsden Fund Council.
Marine Ecology Vacancies (2 Oct) Two PhD and one MSc Position are available in in Soft-Sediment Ecology in a new program entitled “After the outfall: recovery from eutrophication in degraded New Zealand estuaries”
We welcome to the department (7 Sept) Erskine Fellow Assoc Professor Bridget Mabbutt from Macquarie University, Sydney. Her areas of expertise are: structure and function of proteins; protein NMR; structural genomics of the bacterial mobile metagenome.
We welcome to the department (1 Sept) Erskine Fellow Professor Evan DeLucia from University of Illinois. His areas of expertise are: physiological ecology of vascular plants; photosynthesis; plant architecture; stress; and climate change.
Blue duck research sets standards (28 August)
PhD student Amy Whitehead was announced as runner-up in the MacDiarmid Young Scientist of the Year contest. Her research has boosted the chances of conservation workers pulling back the endangered native blue duck from the brink of extinction.
Extinct seabird rediscovered in laboratory
(12 August) World first rediscovery of an extinct bird using classical
palaeontological data combined with ancient and modern DNA data. “In addition to reporting the rediscovery of an ‘extinct’ seabird taxon, our study highlights the
need for a multidisciplinary approach when classifying both past and present diversity.”
2008
Enter the School of Biological Sciences Photo Competition
(21 August)
This year the theme is 'The Colour of Life'. The competition is open to all current UC Biology students, entries close 18 September. Prizes include scuba dive training with Awesome Scuba. Entry Form (60kb pdf)
Stream Habitat Assessment Protocols published
(21 July) In response to an increasing need for better and more
consistent tools to characterize and quantify stream habitats Dr Jon Harding et al have produced a guide outlining a set of practical,
cost-effective and standardised protocols for the
assessment of this habitat.
Estuary research receives $1 million in funding
(17 July)
A Canterbury University-led research project has received almost $1 million in funding from the Foundation for Research Science and Technology (FRST).
Post Doctoral Fellow in Freshwater Ecosystems (PDF, 22kb)
(1 July) A Post Doc position is available within the Freshwater Ecology Group to undertake research investigating the fundamental aspects of stream
ecosystem functioning within agricultural and urban river networks.
UC scientist takes school students on virtual field trip
(21 May)
Secondary school students are being given a chance to visit a remote wildlife sanctuary and experience life as a scientist thanks to a virtual field trip following the work of Biological Sciences researcher Dr Melanie Massaro.
Biochemist Dr Steven Gieseg (16 April) has been honoured for contributions made over more than a decade of research at the forefront of medical science.
Dr Gieseg was awarded the Blair-Curtius-Pfleiderer-Waschter Award for Pteridine Research at the 28th International Winter-Workshop on Clinical, Chemical and Biochemical Aspects of Pteridines . Read more>>
Top appointment for Gerrard
(20 March) Biochemist Professor Juliet Gerrard has been appointed to the Marsden Fund Council.
Professor Gerrard is one of three new members named today by the Minister for Research, Science and Technology Wayne Mapp. Read more>>
Radiata pine researcher receives FRST fellowship (8 Sept)
Dr Hema Nair was about to leave New Zealand for postdoctoral research when she received word that she had been granted a Foundation for Research, Science and Technology (FRST) Postdoctoral Fellowship.
2009 Postgraduate Handbook Online (20 August 2008)
Get sorted for 2009 by checking out your options for next year. All of our course options are listed as well as useful information on topics such as how to select a supervisor or how to get help. >> Postgrad Handbook (1.8 mb PDF)
View Construction of the New Biology Building (30 May 2008) Preliminary work has begun in the carpark for the new 6 story research building. Completion of the building is due towards the end of 2009.
>>
View progress via our webcam
Charitable foundation funds new Chair in Freshwater Ecology (18 Feb 2008) The Ashburton based Mackenzie Charitable Foundation has granted the University $1.3 million over five years into work in Freshwater Ecology.
Two PhD Scholarships in stream ecology available 2008-09 Available for research on topical and applied aspects of the ecology of urban and agricultural stream ecosystems. Applications close 15 September 08
Research shows bellbirds able to outwit predators (9 June 2008)
Research led by Dr Melanie Massaro and Dr Jim Briskie (Biological Sciences) showing that the New Zealand bellbird is capable of changing its nesting behaviour to protect itself from predators, may be good news for island birds around the world at risk of extinction.
Landmark volume a must-have for natural scientists (22 May 2008) Natural scientists throughout the country had better make some space on their bookshelves as the expansive third edition of The Natural History of Canterbury is launched next week by Canterbury University Press.
Melt Your Pet Protein at BIC Symposium (13 June 2008) As part of a Biomolecular Interaction Centre (BIC) symposium participants are invited to bring along a protein to melt. Samples will be heated to investigate their stability at high temperatures with results returned the same day. Everyone welcome.
UC biologist recognised as one of NZ's top teachers (13 June 2007) Ecology lecturer Associate Professor Angus McIntosh has been recognised as one of New Zealand's top tertiary teachers. Well done Angus.
2007
BUGZonline Digital Library Launched (13 December 2007) A 2 year project to create a full-text web based archive of the bibliography of New Zealand Terrestrial Invertebrates has been completed by a team led by Drs Raphael Didam and Steve Pawson. >> www.bugz.org.nz
Confocal Microscope (28 September 2007)
Our new Leica TCS SP5 confocal laser scanning microscope has arrived and is up and running. It was purchased in partnership with Crop & Food Research and the Biomolecular Interactions Centre. >>More information
Ecology Field Assistants Required (18 September 2007) We are looking for several motivated people to help with forest ecology research projects between November 07 and Feb 08. Not only will you gain valuable research experience but you will also receive a Summer Scholarship valued at $4000. A range of other casual jobs are also available. >> More information (pdf, 35kb)
A Multi-Disciplinary Approach to Studying Moa Biology (2 August 2007)
PhD Scholarship
This project is part of a major research programme on the ecology and genetics of moa, supported by the Marsden Fund of the Royal Society of New Zealand.
Museum Detective Podcast (9 March 2007)
Listen as technician Joanne Burke takes the Museum Detective on a behind the scenes look at the School's Zoological Collection. Topics include flesh-eating bugs, anatomically correct sexual poses and an academic with a hippopotamus in his office.
Congratulations to All Graduands (27 April 2007)
The School wishes to congratulate all of its students graduating today. We wish you every success for your future. Keep in touch. >>UC Alumni Association
2006
The Trouts Larder: A Colourful look at Trout Food
(9 Oct 2006)
PhD Student Duncan Gray has co-authored a full colour 150 page book that takes the reader on a tour of New Zealand with a twist, it investigates the range of creatures that are food for trout. A must have guide for trout fishers.
UCSA Best Lecturer Award (20 Sept 2006)
Dr Paul Broady has been voted best lecturer in the College of Science by the undergraduate students. Well done Paul.
Marsden Fund success For Researchers (8 Sept 2006)
Professor David Schiel, Associate Professor Matthew Turnbull and Adjunct Professor Richard Holdaway and their teams have been successful in gaining Marsden grants.
QEII Technicians' Study Award (8 Sept 2006)
Digital Imaging and Photographic Technician Matt Walters has received a study award to investigate new practices in science communication at the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew and the University of Oxford. He will also use the trip to re-visit the montane forests of Nigeria with Dr Hazel Chapman.
Award for Research at International Conference
(4 Sept 2006)
PhD student Michelle Greenwood has been awarded the prize for the best oral presentation in basic research at the meeting of the North American Benthological Society, the first non-North American to win this award.
Scientific Imaging Competition Entries Online
(21 August 2006)
All entries submitted to the imaging competition Inside Outside Upside Down are now available for viewing.
Page 1 | Page 2
Hat Trick For Antarctic Researcher (28 July 2006)
Postdoctoral research fellow Dr Victoria Metcalf has continued in her winning ways. She has also been awarded a SCAR Fellowship (Scientific Committee of Antarctic Research) at the recent Open Science Meeting in Hobart.
SCAR Fellowships aim to strengthen international capacity and cooperation in Antarctic research. Five were awarded internationally this year.
Honorary degree surprises Antarctic fish specialist (11 July 2006) Goteborg University, Sweden, has conferred upon Professor Bill Davison the degree of Doctor Honoris Causa.
The degree is in recognition of his unique knowledge of Antarctic fish physiology and ecology.
Thanks Bruce (19 Sept 2006)
Glasshouse Assistant Mr Bruce Boon has decided to hang up his watering can after over 30 years of loyal service. We wish you well in your retirement.
Zonta Science Award for Role Model (14 June 2006)
Postdoctoral research fellow Dr Victoria Metcalf has received national recognition as a female ambassador for science.
Prime Minister Helen Clark presented Dr Metcalf with the 2006 Zonta Science Award at a ceremony in the Grand Hall of Parliament Buildings, Wellington, on Tuesday evening.
Antarctic Science Bursary
Victoria has also been awarded an Antarctic Science Bursary by the journal Antarctic Science . This international award is to support a promising young scientist engaged in Antarctic research.
Inside outside upside down (13 June 2006)
School of Biological Sciences Scientific Imaging Competition
Congratulations to Mathieu Rapp, announced the overall winner with his dot drawings of the immture stages of the giant timber fly.
Browse web gallery showing all entries.
2 June 2006
Biological Sciences Seminar
Development of a Vaccine for HIV:
current work in viral pathogenesis and vaccine technologies.
Dr Sean Clarke,Division of Retrovirology, National Institute of Biological Standards and Control,United Kingdom.
26 May 2006
Biological Sciences Seminar
Fishing spiders in the Hanging Stomachs of Borneo
Dr Simon Pollard , School of Biological Sciences
4 May 2006
Water Spiders Make a Big Splash
A group of Burnside High School students have produced a winning video based on Dolomedes Aquaticus and the Work of Michelle Greenwood. Big Science Adventures challenged schools to make a video on an interesting science topic. The six winning teams will go on film-making field trips with some of the country's top scientists to be judged by Sir Edmond Hilary.
26 May 2006
Biological Sciences Seminar
Links between chemical and physiological ecology – C and N in Australian native plants viewed from both sides of the Tasman
Prof Mark Adams, Forest Science Centre, University of Melbourne
22 May 2006
Biological Sciences Seminar
The role of genetics in kakapo recovery
Dr Bruce Robertson, School of Biological Sciences, UC
16 May 2006
Biological Sciences Seminar
Partial Closing of New Zealand EEZ to Trawl Fishing
George Clement , Fisheries Industry Board
10 May 2006
Biological Sciences Seminar
Is a Mean Fish a Dead Fish?
Dr Alex James , Biomathematics Research Centre, UC
5 May 2006
Biological Sciences Seminar
Giant cells: the new player in heart disease
Prof Barry Hicks, US Airforce Academy, Colorado Springs, USA
2 May 2006
Biological Sciences Seminar
Role of quaternary structure in a homotetrameric enzyme – dihydrodipicolinate synthase
Dr Sean Devenish, School of Biological Sciences, UC
13 April 2006
Biological Sciences Seminar
The nature of the floral signal:
gibberellins, sugars and the FT Gene
Dr Rod King, CSIRO, Canberra
10 April 2006
Biological Sciences Seminar
Is GM Food Safe to Eat
Dr Judy Carman
, Institute of Health and Environmental Research, Adelaide
3 April 2006
Biological Sciences Seminar
Reproductive isolation in sticklebacks
Dr Felicity Jones, School of Biological Sciences
3 April 2006
Biological Sciences Seminar
Global Warming and Arctic Ecosystems:
physiological and ecological responses in the Imnaviate Creek watershed
Dr Kevin Griffin, Columbia University
27 March 2006
Biological Sciences Seminar
The use of biological effects-based methodologies to monitor environmental health
Dr Louis Tremblay, Landcare Research
1 March 2006
The Centre for Integrated Research on Biosafety (INBI)
From March 2006, the New Zealand Institute of Gene Ecology will be known as the Centre for Integrated Research on Biosafety (INBI). This change reflects its growing maturity in the field of biosafety, and the changes in the field and to international practice since 2001 when the original Institute concept was established. The new name was chosen in order to better represent the transdisciplinary approach of the Centre, which employs both scientists and social scientists in collaborative biosafety research.
21 March 2006
Biological Sciences Seminar
X-ray absorption Spectroscopy and SEM-EDX based techniques
to localise metal ions within plant tissues (toxicology)
Dr Marta Marmiroli, University of Parma, Italy
3 March 2006
Biological Sciences Seminar
Breaking Beyond Biotechnology Limits
Dr. Leonard Nathan Bloksberg, Cartesian Gridspeed Ltd
Fisherman's Platter: Antarctic Fish or (sea urchin gene) chips?
Assoc Prof Gretchen Hofmann, University of California
23 Feb 2006
Biological Sciences Seminar
Microbial Macroevolution:
Inferences from Trees of Life
Prof Andrew Martin, University of Colorado
10 February 2006
Biological Sciences Seminar 
Yes Folks, its back again for 2006, the School of Biological Sciences Seminar Series. We have an exciting programme arranged, kicking of with Dr Mark Osborn. For details of up coming speakers and special events see the website below.
Metagenomes and Mobilomes
Understanding bacterial gene function and gene transfer in natural environments
Dr Mark Osborn University of Sheffield
16 January 2006
Evolutionary theory aids species conservation
Two University of Canterbury biologists are part of a team whose evolutionary informed approach to conservation is aiding the recovery of New Zealand's critically endangered parrot, the kakapo.
9 January 2006
Scholarships aid research in developing nations
Two University of Canterbury masters students will be conducting research in developing countries this semester thanks to funding from New Zealand's International Aid and Development Agency NZAID.
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29 November 2005
Antarctic Fishing Frenzy
Assoc Prof Bill Davison along with Dr Victoria Metcalf and student Esme Robinson are currently having a very successful fishing season in Antarctica. The research into temperature physiology of antarctic fish continues year round at UC with the aid of specially designed cold water aquaria. Photos of Bill and Esme below.
New UC Degree Structure
The University is changing the degree structure for 2006, a 360 point degree is being introduced. Transition regulations are in place for currently enrolled students.
5 December 2005
NZBio Conference 2006 - Biotech without Borders
Hello, New Thinking is a major biotechnology & related hi-tech industry event that will be held in Auckland from 27 February - 2 March 2006.
During the week a student poster competition will be run by NZBio as part of their annual conference, with cash prize money for the winners & free conference registration for the top 25 entries. The deadline for abstracts is 14 December 05.
24 November 2005
Invitrogen SBS Seminar
Phenotypic plasticity in wild vertebrates:
evolutionary ecology of individual responses to the environment
Dr Dan Nussey Institute of Evolutionary Biology, University of Edinburgh
15 November 2005
B is for Biology
The Inaugural Annual Biology Colloquium for Doctoral Students (ABCD) will be held on November 25. Over forty PhD students will present their research.
2 November 2005
Prestigious UK scholarship win
Ecology Honours student Robert Holdaway is one of four 2006 Woolf Fisher Scholarship recipients. Robert, who graduated at the end of 2004, is going to Cambridge University where he will investigate energy and carbon fluxes in forest communities. Well done Robert.
14 November 2005
Invitrogen
SBS Seminar
Cancer Proteomics
Prof Kazuyuki Nakamura Yamaguchi School of Medicine, Japan
9 November 2005
Invitrogen SBS Seminar
Dimorphic Biosensors -
A non-conventional yeast and its use as a sensor
Prof Gotthard Gunze Germany
9 November 2005
Invitrogen SBS Seminar
A Matter of Time: Progress and prospects in palaeobiology
Dr Richard Holdaway University of Canterbury
2 November 2005
UC Postgraduate Conference Winners
Biology students won both the best presentation and best poster prizes at the recent UC Postgrad Conference open to all Canterbury postgraduate students.
Josekutty won with his presentation on the Conservation of Endangered, Nutritious Micronesian Bananas. Best poster went to Lily Chin.
7 October 2005
Invitrogen Merit Award
Invitrogen are generously sponsoring a new award for 4th year students in the School of Biological Sciences.
29 September 2005
Biology Posters Judged the Best
The College of Science and the Society of Science Poster Competition awards were dominated by Biology, taking out 3 of the 5 prizes including the top prize. Posters are on display in the Central Library. Winners were:
Overall best poster: Marc Thomas, Controlling butterfly bush
Best artistic display: Michal Sarfati, Insect phenology of Chionochloa
Best first poster: Anneke van den Brink, Sex on the beach
25 October 2005
Invitrogen SBS Seminar
Community Assembly: Insights from evolutionary studies of island ecosystems
Dr Brent Emerson University of East Anglia, Norwich
18 October 2005
Invitrogen
SBS Seminar
Dissecting maize meiosis using confocal microscopy
Dr Philippa Barrell Crop and Food Research
14 October 2005
Invitrogen
SBS Seminar
Molecular Markers - Measuring inbreeding in the wild
Dr Jon Slate University of Sheffield
Can a handful of molecular markers really provide a good estimate of inbreeding coefficient?
10 October 2005
Invitrogen SBS Seminar
Heart Disease - When Good Cells Go Bad
Dr Steven Gieseg Biological Sciences, UC
Antioxidant mediation of cellular function during atherosclerosis.
7
October 2005
Invitrogen SBS Seminar
Marine Diversity in the Chilean fjords
Vreni Häussermann Fundacion Huinay, Chile
>>Seminar Details: 12:10pm —1
pm Tuesday 11th October in room 456 of Biological
Sciences.
30 September 2005
Invitrogen
SBS Seminar - Biosecurity
Dr Sue Worner National Centre for Advanced Bio-Protection Technologies, Lincoln University
Alien Invasions
Using neuro-computing methods and pest species assemblages to assess the risk of invasion of alien insects.
21 September 2005
Invitrogen SBS Seminar
Femme Fatale
Mitochondrial DNA and intersexual conflict
Assoc Prof Neil Gemmell UC
21 September 2005
Invitrogen SBS Seminar
Flexible Fish:
Flexible microhabitat use by fish in Queensland streams
Kevin Warburton University of Queensland
15 September 2005
Students Win at Joint Conference
The NZ Freshwater Sciences Society and NZ Ecological Society recently held a joint conference in Nelson (Ecology at the waters edge 2005).
Two of our freshwater post grads picked up the 2 top student awards. Michelle Greenwood (PhD) won the best student oral presentation award, and Rebecca Eivers (MSc) won the best student poster award.
15
September 2005
Invitrogen SBS Seminar
TC Chadderton & Kathleen Hofman
Crop & Food Research, Nelson
1. Overview of Crop&Food research capabilities
2. Mammalian and fish skin collagen
12 September 2005
Invitrogen SBS Seminar
Dr Jon Sullivan, Bio-Protection and Ecology Division, Lincoln University
The effects of natural enemies on the ecology of New Zealand Senecio species
This seminar explors the extent to which natural enemies structure plant
geographic range limits and how native and naturalised natural enemies
affect the performance of native and naturalised species in modern New
Zealand landscapes.
7 September 2005
Invitrogen SBS Seminar
David Penman, Landcare Research
CRIs, OBIs, TOs, IOs etc:
Creating Opportunities to work with Landcare Research
29
August 2005
Lifetime Achiever Recognised
Congratulations to Emeritus Prof George Knox who has been awarded a Lifetime Honorary Membership of INTECOL for his long service to the International Association for Ecology. George is one of the original founding members.
22 July 2005
Student Predators - Its Just a Game!
Dr Culum Brown has been awarded a Teaching Development Grant to produce a computer game to teach BIOL272 students about the anti-predator benefits of group living (safety in numbers, confusion and oddity effects) and optimal foraging theory. The game is called "Student Predators" and as you can guess the students make predatory decisions and the game tracks their behaviour and produces results for statistical analysis. The game teaches students about biological concepts and also fun.
14 July 2005
Science and the Culture of Commerce
Free seminars for all postgraduate and final year undergraduate science students
Thinking about a Career in Science after University?
This series of seminars is particularly relevant for scientists considering working in commercially focused organisations. Speakers include an interesting mix of people from industry, research institutes and start-up companies with a brief to “tell it like it is”.
31 August 2005
Invitrogen SBS Seminar
Terry Galloway, Department of Entomology, University of Manitoba
Forensic Entomology - The Ins and Outs
Insights into applications of forensic entomology, based on courtroom
experiences and field work in Manitoba, Canada.
15 August
Invitrogen SBS Seminar
Dr. Diane Gleeson Landcare Research, Auckland
Wildlife Forensics:
Non-invasive DNA methods for monitoring animal pests in New Zealand.
9 August 2005
Invitrogen SBS Seminar
Prof Ted Baker, University of Auckland
A
structural genomics approach to TB:
discovering & exploiting protein function through structural analysis
8 August 2005
Invitrogen SBS Seminar
Hatch Stokes, Division of Environmental and Life Sciences, Macquarie University
Mobile
gene cassettes and bacterial adaptation
Gene cassettes are the smallest units of mobilizable DNA. The impact
of gene cassettes have followed a multi-disciplinary approach drawing
together ecologists, microbiologists and protein chemists.placement tissues
in a lab setting prior to implantation.
26 July
Invitrogen SBS Seminar
Biomedical
Engineering
Tissue engineering of replacement human body parts
With the combined advancement of biological sciences and materials engineering,
the new field of tissue engineering has evolved over the last two decades.
The modern concept of tissue engineering draws on multiple areas of expertise.
The Tissue Engineering concept involves combinding the patient's own cells
with biodegradable biomaterials to 'engineer' the patient's own replacement
tissues in a lab setting prior to implantation.
22 July 2004
Invitrogen SBS Seminar
Biotech & the 4th great lie
Dr George Slim, Director of Biotechnology Policy, MoRST
This seminar examines Biotechnology in New Zealand, Government policy on Biotech and the economic goal of research
8 July 2004
Invitrogen SBS Seminar
Dr
Culum Brown on Schooling Fish
What started out as a straight-forward comparative examination of the cognitive ability of fishes ended up as a whirl wind tour of the proximate and ultimate explanations of animal behaviour.
>>Seminar Details: 12 - 1pm 14th July in room 456 of Biological Sciences.
24 June 2005
Success at MacDiarmid Young Scientists of the Year Awards
Postdoctoral
Fellow Dr Roger Dungan
is the winner of the Environmental Sciences category prize at this year's
MacDiarmid Young Scientists of the Year Awards. He has also received a
special commendation from the judging panel for the quality of his research.
The research, titled Miniature Farmers on a Massive Scale investigates
the sap-feeding, sooty-beech scale insect's ability to stimulate photosynthesis
and compensate for carbon loss in native New Zealand beech forest.
>>View Poster (pdf,200kb)
>>University Chronicle Article (pdf, 400kb)
23 June 2005
Second Semester Courses in Biology
Biological Sciences has 16 courses starting in the second semester, from Exercise and Health to Plant Diversity, there is something for everyone.
25 May 2005
New Course:
Science, Maori and Indigenous Knowledge
This is an integrated multi-disciplinary course between the School of Maori and Indigenous Studies and the College of Science, studying Maori and other indigenous people's knowledge and its relevance to today's western science. The course runs in the second semester, beginning July 11, lectures Mon, Tue, Wed 1-2pm in E5.
25 May 2005
Free seminars for all postgraduate and final year undergraduate science students
Thinking about a Career in Science after University?
Science and the Culture of Commerce
This series of seminars is particularly relevant for scientists considering working in commercially focused organisations. Speakers include an interesting mix of people from industry, research institutes and start-up companies with a brief to “tell it like it is”.
13th May 2005
Nigerian Students Raise Funds for Field Station Library
Junior High Senate and National Junior Honor Society students from the American International School in Lagos, Nigeria, joined together for a walk-a-thon to raise $5,300 towards books for the library of the brand new field station of the Nigerian Montane Forest Project. Dr Hazel Chapman is a firm believer that education is the key to the long term survival of these forests, and next year high school students from Lagos will spend a week in the field with MSc and PhD students from UC and Nigeria, learning about the forests and field research.
>>Nigerian Montane Forest Project
3 May 2005
Fish from the frozen continent can handle the heat
Researchers, led by Associate Professor Bill Davison, using what they describe as a fish treadmill have found that fish accustomed to freezing Antarctic waters can thrive in warmer conditions, suggesting that some species may have a greater chance of surviving climate change than previously thought.
22 April 2005
PhD Scholarship
A Ph.D. Scholarship is available from July 2005 for someone interested in working with a team studying techniques for preserving fish tissues following harvesting. The position would suit someone with experience in biochemistry and/or animal physiology. This position is sponsored by the Crown Research Institute, Crop and Food Research and while the person would be based in Christchurch they would be collaborating with scientists in C & FR’s Seafood and Marine Extracts group, based in Nelson. The research is expected to include work with living animals, and should not be considered food processing, though applicants with those skills might be suitable.
21 April 2005
Vacancy - Lecturer/Senior Lecturer in Genetics
Applications are invited for the position of Lecturer/Senior Lecturer in Genetics in the School of Biological Sciences.
The School is seeking to make a tenured/continuing appointment in Genetics to enhance its research and teaching capacity in these areas.
11
March 2004
Laura J Clad Memorial Scholarship Awarded
MSc student Laura Young has been awarded the Laura J Clad Memorial Scholarship for 2005. The object of the scholarship is to help an outstanding student of environmental studies or related courses who shows potential to contribute to the preservation of ecology and the environment. Congratulations Laura
3 March 2005
PhD scholarship opportunity
Can amyloid fibril formation in heterogeneous protein mixtures be increased
by specific deactivation of molecular chaperone proteins? Stipend: AU$20,000
3
March 2005
Two for two against Australia
A recent tour of Australia by a PhD student from the School of Biological Sciences, Mike Griffin, brought a stunning success rate. Mike entered his poster presentation at two conferences: the BioMolecular Dynamics and Interactions Symposium, coinciding with the opening of the Bio21 Institute in Melbourne; and the 30th Annual Lorne Conference on Protein Structure and Function, at Philip Island. He scooped the poster prize at each venue, arriving home several hundred dollars richer than he left and with the Australians smarting.
This is the second year in a row that the Gerrard lab has taken the poster prize at Lorne. Last year the award went to Dr Renwick Dobson.
Victoria
Grant
21 January 2005
FRST NZ Science and Technology Postdoctoral Fellowships
Biological Sciences will host 2 of the 5 FRST NZ Science and Technology Postdoctoral Fellowships received by the university. The successful recipeints are Victoria Metcalf and Grant Pearce. “Through these fellowships the University of Canterbury will have the opportunity to employ top quality fellows to undertake research projects and act as role models for other students. It further increases the level of top researchers at Canterbury, ensures we retain our world-class Kiwi researchers and encourages our research graduates who are coming through.”
2004
15 December 2004
Alive & Kicking Newsletter
So you want to know what we have been up to over the past 6 months? Check out the Biological Sciences Newsletter Alive & Kicking, it is jam packed with excellence, awards and activities - not to mention the revealing photos!
3 December 2004
For He's a Jolly Good Fellow...
A
Royal Society James Cook Research Fellowship has been
awarded to Professor Robert Jackson, the Fellowships
are awarded to "forward thinking" researchers who will make
a significant contribution to New Zealand's knowledge base. The Fellowships
allow them to concentrate on their chosen research for two years.
Royal Society press release (PDF 23kb)
5 November 2004
University Research Medal Awarded to Prof Robert Jackson
Professor
Robert Jackson from the School of Biological Sciences is the
2004 winner of the University of Canterbury Research Medal. The medal
is awarded annually For Excellence in Research and will be presented to
Robert at the December graduation ceremony.
Read Full Research Medal Announcement
16
December 2004
Late Change Charges Late
The Oh Bees Biology Team was placed down in the field at the end of the recent University Fun Run. This was due in part to the late charge of late entrant Ralph Bungard. The Team Nicki, Jenny, Neil, Matt W and Ralph finished 15 minutes ahead of their estimated time. Rumours of steroid use have been denied!
4
October 2004
New Summer Field Course in Taxonomy
BIOL 305, Practical Taxonomy for Field Biologists is an intensive, short summer course designed to meet the need for training in the collection, preparation and identification of biological material. It will be valuable for students who intend to seek employment in areas such as field ecology, conservation, biodiversity, and taxonomy or biosystematics.
The venue for this course is the Mountain Biological Field Station situated at Cass, 105 km west of Christchurch in the mountains of the Waimakariri Basin, with ready access to a wide range of habitats and a huge diversity of plants and animals.
13 September 2004
Biological Sciences very successful in Marsden Funding Round
Our Marsden recipients were:
"How does local adaptation maintain genetic diversity? Direct evidence for natural selection in wild populations"
"When good molecules go bad: how common are paternal inheritance of mitochondria and mitochondrial recombination?"
PI Neil Gemmell - AI Victoria
Metcalf with K. McBride
"Evolving with feast and famine: the dynamics of tri-trophic mast-seeding food chains."
PI Dave Kelly / Ecke Brockerhoff -
AIs M. Turnbull, R. Pharis, O. Bjornstad
and A Roques
Many congratulations to our successful Marsden Fund awardees!!
3 September 2004
2005 Undergraduate Handbook Published
The Biological Sciences Undergraduate Handbook for 2005 is now available online, print copies will be available from the School by 20 September.
13 August 2004
PhD Scholarship
“Is the risk of consuming pesticides in food altered by food processing regimes?” A targeted PhD scholarship in conjunction with Syngenta Ltd, UK. The stipend is $25,000 per year plus fees. Applications close 31 October 2004.
13 July 2004
Curriculum Changes for 2005 Announced
Changes to the undergraduate courses for next year have been revealed as part of the curriculum development in the School. Although most changes are to 300 level they do have some implications for 200 level. Preliminary information is currently available, further details will be posted on this website in the near future.
24 June 2004
“Learning coach” has been honoured at this year’s Tertiary Teaching Excellence Awards
Dr Juliet Gerrard was presented with the Sustained Excellence prize at a dinner last night in Parliament’s Grand Hall, hosted by the Associate Minister of Education (Tertiary), Steve Maharey.
14 June 2004
Professor Paula Jameson - Head of School
Professor Jameson has BSc(Hons)and PhD degrees from Canterbury in plant physiology and has had a 24-year academic career at Otago and Massey universities. She became professor and head of department at Massey in 1994 and has published more than 75 refereed articles.
Her professional service includes Cabinet appointments to the Independent Biotechnology Advisory Council and the Marsden Fund Committee and membership of the Biological Sciences Panel of the PBRF. She has served on the NZ Society of Plant Physiologists since 1982, chairing it in 1986 and 1987, and becoming a life member in 2002.
2 June 2004
$2 million Research Project Spear-headed by graduate
This year's budget contained good news for researchers in the School of Biological Sciences, who have secured a new four year research contract in a collaborative programme with Crop and Food Research. The research programme, 'Amyloid Fibrils in Bionanotechnology', will explore new ways to assemble proteins into biomaterials with a wide range of potential end uses.
This research is a continuation of the reseach project of Sarah Waterhouse MSc (2003) who is now a research scientist with Crop and Food, based in the School of Biological Sciences.
21 May 2004
Alive & Kicking
Check out the latest adventures and successes of staff and students of Biological Sciences in the May 04 edition of A&K.
14 May 2004
PhD Scholarship - New modes of communication in ancient frogs
How did frogs socially communicate prior to the evolution of bioacoustic signalling systems?
12 May 2004
PhD Scholarship - Seed predators and biological control of weeds
“Multi-targeting” of weed complexes: can more generalist biocontrol agents provide safe, efficient biological control of weeds?
3 May 2004
To Cambridge via Panama
PhD candidate Robert Ewers has been offered and accepted a research position in London. The post is a 4 year research fellowship that is funded by the Zoological Society of London, he will be based and do all his research with the Conservation Biology Group at Cambridge University.
“For most of this time I will be modelling and predicting deforestation in tropical biodiversity hotspots with the goal of making specific predictions about when and where species extinctions will occur in the future. All I have to do now is attend to the minor matter of finishing a thesis. . . .” said Rob.
Stop Press: He was also subsequently awarded a 12 month postdoc at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama, which the ZSL has generously allowed him to take up before heading off to Cambridge.
Well done Rob!
April 2004
Professor Paula Jameson appointed new Head of School
Currently a professor of plant biology at Massey University. Professor Jameson has BSc(Hons)and PhD degrees from Canterbury in plant physiology and has had a 24-year academic career at Otago and Massey universities. She became professor and head of department at Massey in 1994 and has published more than 75 refereed articles.
Her professional service includes Cabinet appointments to the Independent Biotechnology Advisory Council and the Marsden Fund Committee, chairing the Evolution, Ecology and Behaviour panel, and membership of the Biological Sciences Panel of the PBRF. She has served on the NZ Society of Plant Physiologists since 1982, chairing it in 1986 and 1987, and becoming a life member in 2002.
Professor Jameson will take up her new position on 14 June.
3 March 2004
Gene-ecology agreement circles the globe
The Norwegian Institute of Gene Ecology (GenØk), based at the University of Tromsø, and the New Zealand Institute of Gene Ecology at the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, signed an agreement with the United Nations Environment Programme to help poor countries build the infrastructure needed to test genetically modified organisms against environmental safety standards.
2003
28 November 2003
Prestigious Scholarship Awarded to Biochem Student
Congratulations go to Jane Allison, BSc Hons in Biochemistry this year, who has been awarded the prestigious national Wolff Fischer Scholarship to Cambridge to do a PhD on protein structure. Well done, Jane.