Biology—Mātai Koiora
Take a Biology major and explore the wonder of life in all its forms and at all levels, from tiny molecules to ecosystems that support a vast array of life.
This degree is a flexible option in general biology - no two Biology degrees look the same. With the widest choice of 200- and 300-level courses in Biology (BIOL), Biomedical Science (BMSC), and Biotechnology (BTEC) of any major in the School of Biological Sciences, you can chart your own course through genetics, evolution, cell and molecular biology, plant and animal biology, microbiology, marine biology, and conservation science—or specialise as your interests sharpen. If you are interested in biology, but not sure which aspects most interest you, this degree is right for you.
Laboratory classes and fieldwork run throughout, so you're testing ideas on real organisms and real data, not just reading about them. You'll be taught by researchers working at the frontiers of their fields of expertise, in a School ranked among the best in the country. Breadth is also what makes Biology a powerful base for further study—or indeed, for bringing a biological lens to Law, Chemistry, Space Science, or the Arts. If further study is on your radar, we'll help you choose 300-level courses that keep the door open for any of our more specialised postgraduate majors.
Where this degree can take you
You'll graduate with skills that employers consistently rank as hard to find:
- practical lab and field experience
- the ability to critically evaluate and communicate complex information
- confidence in analysing complex biological data.
Our graduates go on to work in ministries, schools, biotech and private research companies, environmental consultancies, healthcare and diagnostics, sales and marketing, and science communication.
Example programme of study 2027
An example programme of study for an undergraduate Biology major is shown below, which also meets the entry requirements for our Cell and Molecular Bioscience (CBIO), Molecular Microbiology (MBIO) and Biotechnology (BTEC) postgraduate programmes.
Required courses for the Biology major are highlighted in bold. Note that this is an example—there is flexibility.
Programme Director
Senior Lecturer · Program Director for Biology
School of Biological Sciences