Postgraduate courses

(15 points) (City Campus) First Semester

Current topics in marine ecology at the population, community, and ecosystem level. One focus is on ecology and evolution in a life-history context, including topics on fertilisation and larval development. Examples of other topics covered include the roles of keystone species, positive interactions, and spatial subsidies in marine ecosystems. A sound understanding of BIOSCI 333 or equivalent is assumed.

Restriction: BIOSCI 710
Course coordinator: Dr Mary Sewell
Assessment: 40% examination, 60% Coursework
Format: 1 essay 30%, 9x seminar synopses 30%
Class limit: 24
 

(15 points) (City Campus) First Semester

Physiological and biochemical processes enable animals to occupy diverse habitats. Highly variable and extreme environments provide an opportunity to study the functional attributes of animals, particularly ectotherms, with respect to their metabolic, respiratory, and nutritional adaptations. A sound understanding of physiological and biochemical principles is required for this seminar series. A knowledge of BIOSCI 335 or equivalent is assumed.

Restriction: BIOSCI 711
Course coordinator: Dr Tony Hickey
Assessment: 70% examination, 30% Coursework
Format: 2 essays 10% each, seminar 10%
Class limit: 24

(15 Points) (City Campus) Second Semester

Current assessment of the national and global status of aquaculture, including consideration of future potential and prospects. Examples of invertebrate and fish aquaculture, and a review of general environmental and biological problems and the role of scientific knowledge in aquaculture management. Coverage of factors include analysis of significant New Zealand aquaculture industries, the role of hatchery technology, stock improvement via genetic programmes and issues surrounding the productivity, quality and welfare of fish. A sound understanding of BIOSCI 328 or equivalent is assumed.

Restriction: BIOSCI 712, 726
Course coordinator: Associate Professor Andrew Jeffs (Leigh Marine Laboratory)
Assessment 50% examination, 50% Coursework
Format: 2 short reports 20% each, seminars 10%

(15 points) (City Campus) First Semester

The experimental study of the neural basis of behaviour, including current topics in sensory systems (e.g. vision, olfaction, audition, lateral line, electro- and magnetoreception) together with neural mechanisms underlying biological rhythms. The application of neuroethology to biomimetic systems will also be discussed. A sound understanding of BIOSCI 337 or equivalent is assumed.

Course coordinator: Professor Michael Walker
Assessment: 60% examination, 40% Coursework
Format: short critical reports on assigned readings; seminar presentation of an assigned reading.

(15 points) (City Campus) Second Semester

A contemporary approach to central issues in evolutionary biology including mechanisms that produce macroevolutionary patterns. Topics covered include sexual conflict, the origins of phyla, the role of selection in speciation, inbreeding and kin selection. A sound understanding of general evolutionary concepts (e.g. BIOSCI 322 or equivalent) is assumed.

Restriction: BIOSCI 706
Course coordinator: Dr Greg Holwell
Assessment: 70% examination, 30% Coursework
Format: 2 essays 15% each

(15 points) (City Campus) First Semester

More than half of all described species are insects, and there are many times more species awaiting discovery and description. Insects at every trophic level above plants dominate terrestrial and freshwater food chains. This course will examine the evolution of insects, the importance of their role in terrestrial ecosystems, and the problems posed by insects as biosecurity invaders in non-native environments.

Restriction: BIOSCI 708
Course coordinator: Dr Jacqueline Beggs
Assessment: 50% examination, 50% Coursework
Format: 1 essay 20%, poster 10%, 2 seminars 10% each

This course assumes a prior knowledge of entomology at Stage 3. Students are strongly recommended to have completed BIOSCI 320 or equivalent before enrolling in BIOSCI 730.

(15 points) (City Campus) Second Semester

This course examines the patterns of animal and plant distribution, and the processes that influence these patterns. Topics covered include equilibrium theory, island succession, vicariance and dispersal, insular speciation, and human migration and colonisation. A sound understanding of BIOSCI 395 or equivalent is assumed.

Course coordinator: Dr Shane Wright
Assessment: 70% examination, 30% Coursework
Format: essay 15%, seminar 15%

(15 points) (City Campus) Second Semester

Interpreting the molecular archive by reconstructing the branching history of inheritance and its relationship to genetic diversity within and between species. Topics may include the neutral theory of molecular evolution, rates of molecular evolution, molecular systematics, genome change and speciation, molecular identification of species, gene flow and population structure, selection at the molecular level, inbreeding depression and mutational load, and the use of molecular markers for estimation of kinship and the description of mating systems. A sound understanding of BIOSCI 322 or equivalent is assumed. Three labs will be held on consecutive Mondays after mid semester break.

Restriction: BIOSCI 719
Course coordinator: Dr Shane Lavery
Assessment: 40% examination, 60% Coursework
Format: Project 20%, essay 20% & seminar 20%
Class limit: 24

(15 points) (City Campus) First Semester

This course focuses on organisms interacting in natural environments. Both the mechanistic underpinnings of behaviour and the fitness consequences of such behavioural traits will be examined. Behavioural ecology is not limited to questions of behaviour, but draws in issues of energetics and physiology as these factors are often used as proxies for fitness traits such as differences in survival and reproduction. A sound understanding of BIOSCI 337 or equivalent is assumed. You are advised to consult the course coordinator regarding your academic preparation for this course.

Restriction: BIOSCI 723
Course coordinator: Dr Stuart Parsons
Coursework: 100%
Format: 8 xynopses 40%, 2 presentations 15% each, 2 essays 15% each
Class limit: 24

(15 points) (City Campus) Second Semester

Cross-disciplinary issues involved in the understanding of microbial genome structure, gene regulation and metabolism. Topics may include: the genetic basis of microbial interactions and horizontal gene transfer, the effect of stress and mutation on microbial and viral evolution and modern approaches used to link gene sequence to biological function and phenotypes.

Course coordinator: Dr Augusto Barbosa
Assessment: 40% examination, 60% Coursework
Format: 4 essay/seminar modules 15% each

(15 points) (City Campus) First Semester

In depth study of the fundamentals of theory and practice of the three major techniques in Structural Biology - X-ray crystallography, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and cryoelectron microscopy. Incremental examination of methods from the basics of the three disciplines to modern advances. Examples of protein structure highlight the capability and complementarity of each method in addressing contemporary issues in Structural Biology. A sound understanding of BIOSCI 350 or equivalent is assumed. (Complements CHEM 738 and BIOSCI 757)

Course coordinator: Associate Professor Alok Mitra
Coursework: 100%
Format: 30% Practical assignment, 35% test, 35% Coursework assignment
 

(15 points) (City Campus) First Semester

Design and analysis of experiments for both field and bench scientists. Methods for the analysis of designed experiments, including analysis of variance with fixed, random and mixed effects; also, regression analysis and analysis of covariance. Methods for the analysis of multivariate datasets such as cluster analysis, principal components analysis, multidimensional scaling, and randomisation methods. There will be a practical component to this course involving the use of appropriate statistical software.

Prerequisite: BIOSCI 209 or equivalent
Course coordinator: Dr Kathy Ruggiero
Assessment: 40% examination, 60% Coursework
Format: 6 x assignments 10%
Class limit: 24

(15 points) (City) Second Semester

Cross-disciplinary issues in biology will be debated and explored such as ethical and commercial issues in science; genetic engineering; animal welfare and poison-use; environmental ethics and introduced species; intellectual property rights; the history and philosophy of biological science.

Course Coordinator: Dr James Russell
Assessment: 40% Examination
60% Coursework
Format: Summaries x 3 @ 10% each, Essay 20%,
Presentation 10%

(15 points) (City Campus) First Semester

This course covers the role of microbes in wastewater management, food products and bioremediation. We also consider microbial diversity as a rich source of novel enzymes which have wide-ranging applications in industry and biotechnology. As case studies of biotechnological applications, synthetic blood products and viral vaccine development are also covered. A sound understanding of BIOSCI 347 and/or 348 or equivalent is assumed.

Course coordinator: Dr Silas Villas-Boas
Assessment: examination 55%, 45% Coursework
Format: 3 essays 15% each
Class limit: 25

(15 points) (online delivery plus on-campus tutorials) Second Semester

The Human Genome Project has heralded intense interest in molecular biology and genetics. In particular, there is a realization of the considerable need to develop and utilise computational methods to analyze the large quantity of genetic data already available. These methods fall within the domain of bioinformatics and computational biology. In this course, students will be introduced to genetic databases, structural features of DNA, RNA, and amino acid sequences, similarity search algorithms, pairwise and multiple alignment strategies, phylogenetic analyses, secondary structural predictions, computational methods in structural biology, genomic analyses, and gene discovery. BIOSCI 742 will be delivered in a flexible manner via a
combination of computer technologies. Several tutorials will be held on campus. The student will be responsible for all aspects of the provision and support of a modern desktop computer and connectivity with the internet.

The labs run on even weeks on Friday, 2-5pm

Restriction: BIOSCI 359
Course coordinator: Dr Howard Ross
Coursework: 100%
Format: includes in-course assignments 75%, project 25%
Class limit: 25

(15 points) (City Campus) First Semester

This course will address topics in advanced bioinformatics. Topics may be selected from biological sequence analysis focussing on RNA, DNA, genes and proteins; an introduction to advanced probabilistic and computational methods of alignment; phylogenetic reconstruction; gene discovery; structural prediction; the use of genetic markers as disease correlates, and the analysis of quantitative trait loci. Students should complete BIOSCI 359 before enrolling in this course.

Prerequisite: BIOSCI 359
Course coordinator: Dr Howard Ross
Assessment: 40% examination, 60% Coursework
Format: 3 assignments 20%

(15 points) (City Campus) Second Semester

This course aims to teach students how to design and analyze gene expression and gene-mapping experiments, skills which are in high demand by biotechnology, bioinformatics and pharmaceutical companies throughout the world. The first half of this course deals with statistical gene-mapping, i.e., the detection of associations between traits (such as diseases) and genetic markers for the purpose of determining which genes are involved in influencing trait values. The second half focuses on the statistical analysis of microarray data and the methods that are used to make sense of the expression levels of thousands of genes measured in various experimental conditions. This course shows how important biological questions can be tackled using modern statistical approaches. It is intended for students pursuing a degree in Bioinformatics, but will also be accessible to biology students with some knowledge of statistics.

Course coordinator: Dr Stephane Guindon (Statistics)
Assessment: 40% examination, 60% coursework
Format: mid-term test 40%, assignments 20%

(15 points) (Tamaki Campus) First Semester

The science of invasion biology, including stages of the invasion process and ecological interactions between species. The impacts of invasive alien species in different ecosystems. Population and community ecology, in relation to biosecurity.

Course coordinator: Dr Margaret Stanley
Coursework: 100%
Format: test 30%, report 25%, exercise 15%, essay 30%

(15 points) (Tamaki Campus) Second Semester

Techniques for the management of invasive plants and animals (vertebrates and invertebrates) in different ecosystem types, including terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. approaches to the prevention, control and eradication of invasive species in different situations.

Course coordinator: Dr Margaret Stanley
Coursework: 100%
Format: management plan review 30%, management recommendations report 30%, research proposal 40%

(15 points) (City Campus) Second Semester

Microorganisms are intimately associated with their immediate environment. This course considers those associations. Topics to be discussed will include microbial communities and their survival strategies in natural and artificial systems. A sound understanding of BIOSCI 347 or equivalent is assumed.

Restriction: BIOSCI 722
Course coordinator: Dr Mike Taylor
Assessment: 60% examination, 40% coursework
Format: 2 seminars 5% each, 2 assignments 15% each

(15 points) (City Campus) Second Semester

This course will address selected topics in plant pathology. Modern research on issues relating to plant disease spread (epidemiology) and plant pathogen interactions (disease resistance and susceptibility) will be investigated and discussed. A sound understanding of BIOSCI 321 or equivalent is assumed.

Restriction: BIOSCI 703
Course coordinator: Associate Professor Mike Pearson
Coursework: 100%
Format: 2 seminars 25% each, 3 written assignments 75% total
 

(15 points) (City Campus) First Semester

How genomics and gene transfer technologies could be used to achieve improved plant growth and to develop food with new traits. Topics may include: plant genomics methods, engineering fruit color, control of fruit ripening and texture, biotechnology project design. A sound understanding of BIOSCI 354 or BIOSCI 340 or equivalent is assumed.

Course coordinator: Dr Karine David
Assessment: 50 % examination, 50 % coursework
Format: essay 25%, 2 seminars 25% total
Class limit: 24

(15 points) (City Campus) Second Semester

Aspects of the biosynthesis of plant products and foods: the biosynthesis of selected plant cell-wall components important in dietary fibre or biomass for the production of biofuels, including lignins, cellulose or non-cellulosic polysaccharides; the biosynthesis of antioxidant pigments in food plants and their possible impacts on human health; the manipulation of nitrogen assimilation in plants to increase the yield and quality of agricultural and horticultural plant products. A sound understanding of BIOSCI 340 or equivalent is assumed.

Restriction: BIOSCI 721
Course coordinator: Professor Philip Harris
Coursework: 100%
Format: 3 essays x 30%, seminar 10%

(15 points) (City Campus) Second Semester

The analysis of plant genomes and regulation of gene expression in plant biology. Topics may include: inferences from whole plant genome sequences, transcription factors, transcriptional control of flowering time and post-translational control of hormone receptors by ubiquitination and degradation. A sound understanding of BIOSCI 354 or BIOSCI 340 or equivalent is assumed.

Course coordinator: Dr Karine David
Assessment: 50% examination, 50% Coursework
Format: essay 25%, discussion 5%, 2 seminars: 10% each
 

(15 points) (City Campus) First Semester

This course will address the analysis of genomes and gene expression as a means of understanding biological processes. Aspects of functional and chemical genomics will be presented, as well as gene expression profiling using microarray technology. In terms of the latter, features of experimental design and data analysis will be discussed in the context of disease and developmental processes. A sound understanding of BIOSCI 351 or equivalent is assumed.

Restriction: BIOSCI 714
Course coordinator: Associate Professor Brian Murray
Assessment: 70% examination, 30% coursework
Format: essay 15%, seminar 15%
Class limit: 24

(15 points) (City Campus) First Semester

Proteomics describes a field of research concerned with the large-scale study of protein expression and function. This course will highlight biochemical approaches used to link protein sequence and function. The application of proteomics to drug action, discovery and toxicology will be included. a sound understanding of BIOSCI 350 or equivalent is assumed.

Course coordinator: Associate Professor Tom Brittain
Assessment: 70% examination, 30% coursework
Format: either essay 15%, seminar 15% or 2 essays 15% each.
Coordinator: to be advised
Class limit: 24

(15 points) (City Campus) Second Semester

A selection of contemporary topics in the field of structure and function of important biomolecules and cellular activities. Topics may include: protein folding in the cell; motor proteins; influenza and HIV; protein structure determination; protein structure and function from genomic data. A sound understanding of BIOSCI 350 or equivalent is assumed.

Restriction: BIOSCI 717
Course coordinator: Associate Professor Peter Metcalf
Coursework: 100%
Format: 1 essay 33.3%, 2 seminars 66.6%
Class limit: 24

(15 points) (City Campus) Second Semester

A critical analysis of normal and perturbed gene expression in selected model organisms and humans as a means of understanding biological pathways important in development, ageing and disease. A sound understanding of BIOSCI 356 or equivalent is assumed.

Restriction: BIOSCI 714, BIOSCI 740
Course coordinator: Associate Professor Clive Evans
Assessment: 70% examination, 30% Coursework
Format: 2 essays 12.5% each, seminar 5%
Class limit: 24

(15 points) (City Campus) First Semester

This course will explore recent advances in cell biology that have led to a greater understanding of a variety of cellular processes at the molecular level. Emphasis will be placed on biochemical and genetic approaches to understanding disease mechanisms at the cellular level. A sound understanding of one or more of BIOSCI 349, 353 or MEDSCI 314 or equivalent is assumed.

Course coordinator: Dr John Taylor
Assessment: 70% examination, 30% Coursework
Format: essay 15%, seminar 15%
Class limit: 24

(15 points) (City Campus) First Semester, Second Semester

A detailed outline of the proposed thesis research and experimental design. The proposal must review current scientific literature and emphasize the relevance of the proposed study. Students will also be required to present their proposal as a seminar. Enrolments in this course require completion of "The Form".

Course coordinator: Semester 1: Associate Professor Peter Metcalf
Semester 2: Dr Howard Ross
Coursework: 100% including a thesis proposal and seminar presentation

(15 points)

A review of the literature associated with the dissertation topic and an outline of your proposed research and its significance to the research field. The dissertation proposal is to be completed in Semester 1. Enrolments in this course require completion of "the form".

Course coordinator: Associate Professor Nigel Birch
Coursework: 100% including a dissertation proposal and a seminar presentation

(45 points) (City Campus) First Semester, Second Semester

(120 points) (City Campus) First Semester, Second Semester