Why Study Biology @ UC
Haere mai, nau mai.
Welcome to the School of Biological Sciences. We are a vibrant community where research and learning is fascinating and fun.
On this page
Choice of Diverse Courses
The Biology and Biochemistry majors offered by UC at the undergraduate level provides a broadbased introduction to Biology. We offer a diverse range of courses from which students mix-n-match to suit their needs and interests. The diversity continues at postgraduate level, where students choose amongst our nine specialist subject majors. >> Courses offered
Breadth of Teaching and Research
With over 90 staff, our outlook on Biology spans all types of organisms, all scales of biological systems - from molecules to ecosystems - and all research perspectives - from energetics to evolution.
Fieldstations
UC has more fieldstations than any other NZ university, from the high country to the ocean and from Antarctica to Africa. These greatly assist our teaching and research and many undergraduate courses involve a fieldwork component based either at Cass or Kaikoura. Fieldtrips allow students to apply techniques and theories they have learnt in lectures and also interact with staff in a more informal setting.
Modern Facilities and Equipment
Across the range of biological disciplines, there are research opportunities that use gene technologies, electron microscopes and satellite images.
How do I Enrol?
The enrolment process at University of Canterbury is very easy. The first step is the look at the Enrolment Page which has all the information you need.
Scholarships and Prizes
- Free money for biology
- UC Scholarships website
Entry Requirements for Biology
Entry into Biological Sciences is easy, biology can be started at first year level without previous study. However,
students who have not completed Year 13 Biology
may find the Science Headstart summer course
in biology very useful.
>>
Additional information for international intercalating students.
Courses in Biology and Biochemistry
Course Advice - Designing your Degree
Handbooks
- 2010 Undergraduate Handbook (1.7 mb pdf)
- 2010 Postgraduate Handbook (1 mb pdf)
- 2009 4th Year Handbook (2.2 mb, pdf)
Career Options
There are wide-ranging employment opportunities in positions ranging from in agricultural, horticultural, aquaculture, oceanography, entomology, brewing and pharmaceutical industries to name a few.
Government agencies frequently target Biological Sciences graduates. For instance, crown research institutes, ministries concerned with conservation, the environment, agriculture, forestry and health, as well as regional and local councils.
Even if you do not gain employment in science, a Biological Sciences degree indicates you have abilities such as innovative and logical thinking which are attractive to many other employers.
UC Careers and Employment can provide further information.
Contact a Person
General email enquiries can be sent to:
biology@canterbury.ac.nz
General phone enquiries can be made at:
+64 3 364 2500
Undergraduate Supervisors
 |
Prof Bill Davison |
 |
Prof Matthew Turnbull |
Postgraduate Supervisors
 |
Dr Marie Hale - 4th Year Coordinator |
 |
Dr Ashley Garrill - Postgraduate Coordinator |
View of campus with Banks Peninsula in Background