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This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the rich diversity of New Zealand's native plants and forest ecosystems. Students will develop skills in collecting, curating, and identifying key native plant species, gaining a solid foundation in plant diversity and evolutionary history. The course covers the biology of dominant New Zealand tree species, as well as invertebrate and fungal biology within native forests. Additionally, the course addresses wildfire behaviour and its role in forest ecosystems, equipping students with knowledge of fire management practices in New Zealand. The cultural significance of forest species to Maori will be emphasised throughout the course.
This course introduces students to the diversity and ecology of plants and forest ecosystems, with a particular focus on Aotearoa New Zealand. We begin by exploring plant evolutionary history and the major groups of plants found on Earth, before narrowing in on the New Zealand flora and the composition and structure of our major indigenous forest types. Students will learn about the fauna associated with these forests, including key species interactions. We also examine the cultural uses of native species, important plant pathogens that impact native and productive forests, and wildfire behaviour and its role in forest ecosystems. Students will gain foundational knowledge in invertebrate biology, including identification of major groups and their ecological significance. Practical components include the construction of a personal plant herbarium and a full-day field trip to the University of Canterbury field station at Cass where students will contribute to the monitoring of an ongoing School of Forestry mountain beech restoration project.
FORE111 and BIOL112; or subject to approval by the Chair Board of Studies.
FORE218
BIOL111 (BCHM111), and/or BIOL113, and/or BIOL116
Please note that the 2026 timetable has not been finalised.
Scheduled days and times will be confirmed, following review, on 15th October.
Students must attend one activity from each section.
For further information see School of Forestry Head of Department
Domestic fee $1,190.00
International fee $5,875.00
* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.
For further information see School of Forestry .