Bachelor of Science with Major in Ecology and Biodiversity The University of Waikato - Hamilton Campus, New Zealand

If you're intrigued by the natural world around you, or enjoy understanding how things work, Waikato's Bachelor of Science (BSc) is what you're looking for.

Why study the Bachelor of Science?

The range of career options available to Bachelor of Science (BSc) graduates isn't surprising when you consider the nature of the degree. It is extremely flexible so you can combine papers to suit your strengths and interests. We keep it general in the first year so that your choice, when you do come to specialise, is an informed one.

Putting into practice what you learn in your lectures is a major part of this degree - and you'll gain hands-on experience with some of the most up-to-date and high-tech computing facilities and laboratory equipment. 

We also take you right to the source, with field trips that might include an overnight stay to gather geothermal samples or a week-long bush camp to examine a region's flora.

Major: Ecology and Biodiversity

In studying Ecology and Biodiversity you will learn about the distribution, abundance, and biology of organisms and their role in New Zealand’s most important ecosystems.

Why study Ecology and Biodiversity?

The University of Waikato is well known for it's research in restoration of terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems, taking advantage of our close proximity to the Rotorua lakes, the Waikato River, and peat lakes and wetlands of the Waikato Region. Other areas of research include animal behaviour, Antarctic ecology, estuarine and coastal marine biology, forest ecology, plant and animal physiology, plant systematics, and urban ecology.

Our location provides quick access to coastal marine research, and the University maintains a coastal marine field station in nearby Tauranga. Our location also gives ready access to a broad range of terrestrial environments, including pastoral agriculture and lowland to montane forests.

You’ll gain knowledge of ecological and biological theory, and the practical skills for field identification, surveying, and experimentation with plants, animals and microbes across a broad range of ecosystems. You’ll gain understanding of the principles of biological classification and be able to name and classify common organisms found in New Zealand ecosystems.