Biological Data Analysis

Introductory statistics with specific examples for biologists. This course is required for all students in BIOL.

15 points

STAT101 or 15 points of 100 level MATH

Marine Biology and Ecology

An introduction to the ecology and biology of the marine environment. Description and analysis of marine communities and the biodiversity, ecology and behaviour of marine organisms.

15 points

BIOL112 and BIOL113

Foundations in Molecular Biology

Principles of genetics, including the structure of RNA and DNA, molecular replication, transcription, translation, recombination and gene expression.

15 points

BIOL111 (=BCHM111) or ENCH281

BCHM202, ENCH480, BIOL230

Principles of Animal Physiology

An introduction to the mechanisms of how the body works, concentrating on osmoregulation and excretion, digestion, nerves and muscles.

15 points

BIOL111 (=BCHM111) or ENCH281

Cell Biology I

Internal organisation of the cell. The course will build on the introduction to cell biology in BIOL 111 (BCHM 111) and seek to develop further understanding of the internal workings of the cell.

15 points

BIOL111 (=BCHM111) or ENCH281

BCHM253

Evolution

An introduction to evolution: patterns and processes of evolution; mechanisms of evolution, adaptation, speciation and extinction.

15 points

BIOL112

Principles of Ecology

This course provides a fundamental grounding in the main concepts in and applications of ecology, the study of relationships between organisms and their environment. The most important concepts in population, community, landscape and ecosystem ecology are covered. These are considered using examples from across marine, freshwater, forest, grassland, urban and production ecosystems, and with particular reference to the factors controlling the distribution of plants, animals and microbes in Aotearoa New Zealand, and their differences to other countries. There is a particular emphasis on the problems and issues affecting natural systems, and how ecological knowledge can be applied to achieve solutions. We will also recognise taongo species and consider Maori perspectives on cultural management of natural resources. Overall, this course provides a thorough overview for those wanting to compliment other environmental knowledge. It can be combined with BIOL275 Field Ecology to provide a comprehensive platform for those wanting to undertake more advanced ecological study.

15 points

BIOL112

BIOL270

Field Ecology

This course provides a fundamental grounding in the practical skills used in ecology, the study of relationships between organisms and their environment. It is designed to add to the co-requisite course BIOL274 Principles of Ecology (to form the equivalent of the 30-pt BIOL270 Ecology) if students want to advance to 300-level ecology courses. There is a particular emphasis on the problems and issues affecting natural systems, and how ecological knowledge can be applied to achieve solutions. The focus of the course is a four-day field trip to the UC Cass field station near Arthur’s Pass National Park. Combined with laboratory sessions prior to cultivate basic skills, the field course allows students to develop expertise in field experimental design and sampling, data analysis and interpretation, as well as providing practical experience in some wonderful high country environments. We will also recognise taongo species and consider appropriate Maori protocols (tikanga) for sampling in the field and the need for consultation. Overall, this course provides both a comprehensive platform for those wanting to undertake more advanced ecological study. The combination of BIOL274 and BIOL275 is a prerequisite for all ecology core courses at 300-level, and for students intending to progress to postgraduate level in ecology.

15 points

BIOL270

BIOL274

Vertebrate Biology

The comparative anatomy, general biology, ecology, physiology and evolutionary history of the vertebrates.

15 points

BIOL113

Microbiology

An introduction to the fundamental principles of microbiology and microbial genetics.

15 points

BIOL111 or BIOL113. RP: BIOL231/BCHM202

Exploring Biodiversity: Principles and Methods of Systematics

This course takes a broad view of the ways biological diversity can be described and classified, and its origins understood. Systematics is the scientific discipline that encompasses the description, identification, nomenclature, and classification of organisms (Taxonomy) and the reconstruction of their macro-evolutionary history (Phylogenetics). Knowing the identity and evolutionary relationships of organisms is crucial to any biological study, but functional classifications are also important. This course is an introduction to the methodology and principles of systematics across all forms of biodiversity (bacteria, plants, fungi, protists, and animals), from morphological to next-generation DNA-based approaches and including functional methods.

15 points

BIOL112 or BIOL113 (RP: BIOL111)

Principles of Plant Physiology

The principles of plant development, including the basic anatomy of higher plants, and how they grow, respond to external stimuli and reproduce. Relationship between these concepts and developments in agriculture and biotechnology.

15 points

BIOL111 (=BCHM111) or ENCH281

BIOL252

Principles of Animal Behaviour

This course is intended to provide a broad understanding of how animals interact with each other and with their environment. This course will cover the control, development, adaptive significance and evolution of behaviour. We will use a combination of traditional lectures, selected case studies, laboratory and fieldwork to learn fundamental concepts animal behaviour. Additional reading of scientific papers will be an essential adjunct to the lectures and especially to assessments.

15 points

BIOL112 or PSYC105