Stage 2 courses

The Stage II offering consists of a selection from ten courses. It is designed to provide a balanced and integrated approach to genetics, ecology, evolution, biochemistry, microbiology and plant and animal studies.

Stage II courses provide a basis for further specialised study and are prerequisites for certain Stage III courses. For example, students advancing in either Biochemistry or Cellular and Molecular Biology should take both BIOSCI 201 and BIOSCI 203 at Stage II.

To advance to Stage III courses most students will require at least three courses from the Stage II selection. Most courses have a limited-entry based on the grade point average (GPA) calculated from results attained in previous semesters.

A minimum of one course (15 points) must be taken from at least two of the following groups:

Group 1:

• BIOSCI 201 Semester 1 (City) Cellular & Molecular Biology
• BIOSCI 202 Semester 2 (City) Genetics
• BIOSCI 203 Semester 2 (City) Biochemistry

Group 2:

• BIOSCI 206 Semester 1 (City) Principles of Ecology
• BIOSCI 207 Semester 2 (City) Adaptive Design
• BIOSCI 210 Semester 2 (City) Evolution and the Origins of Life

Group 3:

• BIOSCI 204 Semester 1 (City) Applied and Environmental Microbiology
• BIOSCI 205 Semester 2 (City) Plant, Cell and Environment
• BIOSCI 208 Semester 1 (City) Invertebrate Diversity

Students intending to advance to the postgraduate level in Biological Sciences should note the importance of a sound basis in Biometry (Biological Statistics). All students in Biological Sciences are strongly advised to include BIOSCI 209 BIOMETRY in their undergraduate programme.

(15 points)

This course is not available in 2012.

(15 points) (City) Semester One

The basic structures of biomolecules, the structure of cells and their organisation into tissues and organs, and viruses, are examined first. This is followed by a study of the nucleus, DNA, RNA and protein synthesis and the regulation of gene expression. Further sections deal with cellular development, cell growth and cancer, and the basis of immunity. Laboratory classes deal with light and electron microscopy, preparation and analysis of DNA, recombinant DNA technology, immunochemical techniques, and measurement of cell growth.

Prerequisites: BIOSCI 101, 30 points from (BIOSCI 102-107, MEDSCI 142) and 15 points from CHEM 110, 120, 150.
Coordinator: Dr Ken Scott
Assessment: Incourse 40% (Theory 25%, Practical 15%), Examination 60%.
Textbook: Lodish et al., Molecular Cell Biology, 6th edition (2008), Freeman.

(15 points) (City) Semester Two

The basic principles of mutation, recombination and genetic mapping are established in this course. These principles are then developed in a variety of prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. Laboratory work uses molecular, microbial and eukaryotic material to explore the key features of heredity.

Prerequisites: 30 points from Stage I Biological Sciences including BIOSCI 101.
Coordinator: Associate Professor Brian Murray
Assessment: Incourse 62.5% (Theory 37.5%, Practical 25%), Examination 37.5%.
Recommended textbooks: Griffiths, Miller, Suzuki et. al., An Introduction to Genetic Analysis, 10th edition, WH Freeman, New York.
Pierce B.A., Genetics: A Conceptual Approach, 3rd edition, W.H. Freeman.

(15 points) (City) Semester Two

This course presents core areas of modern biochemistry. Emphasis is on macromolecular structure and function. Areas covered include protein structure, oxygen and carbon dioxide transport in humans and other species, metabolism in mammals, proteases and human disease, cholesterol metabolism and transport and signal transduction.

Prerequisites: BIOSCI 101, BIOSCI 106 and 15 points from either CHEM 110 or CHEM 120.
Coordinator: Associate Professor Tom Brittain
Assessment: Incourse 50% (Test 25%, Practical 25%), Examination 50%.
Recommended textbooks: Berg et al., Biochemistry, 6th edition (2002), W.H. Freeman.
Lodish et al., Molecular Cell Biology, 6th edition (2008), Freeman.

(15 points) (City) Semester One

An introduction to the diversity, physiology and functions of microorganisms (prokaryotes, eukaryotes, viruses) as individuals and as communities. The fundamental roles of microorganisms in ecosystems, health and disease are considered alongside methods for their isolation and study. Microbial applications in biotechnology, food production, agriculture and industry are also discussed.

Prerequisites: BIOSCI 101 and at least 15 points from BIOSCI 102 or BIOSCI 106 or BIOSCI 107.
Course coordinator: Dr Susan Turner
Assessment: Incourse 50% (Theory 30%, Practical 20%), Examination 50%.
Textbook: Prescott, Harvey & Klein, Microbiology, 6th or 7th edition (2005), McGraw-Hill.

(15 points) (City) Semester Two

Unlike animals, plants can’t move to respond to changes in their environment. Plants have evolved diverse signaling systems and the ability to grow towards their essential resources. This course explores the intricate ways plants function: how they are able to respond to developmental and environmental signals at the whole plant and cellular level.

Prerequisites: BIOSCI 101 and 15 points from BIOSCI 102, 104, 106, 107.
Course coordinator: Dr Karine David
Assessment: Incourse 50% (Theory 25%, Practical 25%), Examination 50%.
Prescribed textbook: Taiz, L., and Zeiger, E., Plant Physiology, 4th edition, Sinauer.

(15 points) (City) Semester One

Ecology is the study of living organisms (plants, animals and microbes), their relationships with one another and with their environment. This course examines ecosystem processes, factors that affect distribution and interactions of organisms, population ecology and applications of ecology such as restoration and conservation. The key principles of ecology are taught in a New Zealand context emphasising an experimental approach.

Prerequisites: BIOSCI 101, 104, and 15 points from STATS 101 or 108.
Course coordinator: Dr James Russell
Assessment: Incourse 40% (Day Trip Report 25%, Test 20%), Examination 40%.
Prescribed textbook: Molles, Ecology, 4th edition, McGraw-Hill.
Field trips: 17 March (one-day compulsory trip to Wenderholm)
Residential field trips (Either Terrestrial Animal Ecology 10-14 April, Marine 13-17 April, or Forest Ecology 16-20 April)

(15 points) (City) Semester Two

Organisms are found in almost all habitats on earth, from the abyssal depths of the oceans to the tops of mountains. The course covers the principles of evolutionary adaptation to different habitats and their application to behaviour, morphology, physiology and life histories. Comparative examples are drawn from diverse life forms and contexts, including the physiology of air breathing; how animals navigate; biological clocks; the costs and benefits of sex; foraging, parental care and communication; biomechanics; and the neural basis of behaviour.

Prerequisites: BIOSCI 101 and 15 points from BIOSCI 102-104,106,107.
Course coordinator: Dr Stuart Parsons
Assessment: Incourse 60% (Practical 20%, Test 40%), Examination 40%.
Field Trip: Murawai 29 September.

(15 points) (City) Semester One

Invertebrates make up over 95% of animal species. This course explores the biology of invertebrates with an emphasis on structure, function, life histories, behaviour and ecology. Invertebrate diversity is examined in a variety of environments, using New Zealand examples where possible, and provides the basis for advanced courses in Conservation and Marine Ecology.

Prerequisites: BIOSCI 101 and BIOSCI 103.
Course coordinator: Associate Professor Mary Sewell
Assessment: Incourse 60% (Theory 20%, Practical 40%), Examination 40%.
Recommended textbooks: Anderson, D.T., Invertebrate Zoology, 2001, Oxford University Press.
Miller, S.A. and J.B. Harley, Zoology, 1999, McGraw-HIll.

(15 points) (City) Semester One

An introduction to statistical methods for biological and environmental scientists. Students will learn how to carry out various statistical analyses using computer packages, as well as how to interpret and communicate the results. The topics covered include: experimental design and sampling, regression and analysis of variance models, analyzing frequencies and counts, and basic multivariate techniques commonly used in biology.

Prerequisite: 15 points in either STATS 101 or 108 and 30 points from Biological Sciences, Environmental Sciences or Geography.
Restriction: STATS 207 and 208, 210.
Course coordinator: Dr Andrew Balemi (Statistics)
Assessment: Incourse test 15%, Assignments 20% (5% each), Quizzez 5% and Examination 60%.
Textbook: Sokal, R.R. & Rohlf, F.J., Biometry: The Principles and Practice of Statistics in Biological Research, 3rd edition 1995, W.H. Freeman & Co., New York.

(15 points) (City) Semester Two

Part 1 covers basic concepts in evolutionary biology including Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection, phylogenetics, population genetics, molecular evolution, speciation and extinction. Part 2 explores the extent to which Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection can explain the origins of biological complexity. Topics include the evolutionary history and origins of life, life in the primordial soup, the history and origins of cells, sex, societies and language.

Prerequisites: BIOSCI 101 and 15 points from BIOSCI 102-104, 106, 107.
Course coordinator: Dr Mat Goddard
Assessment: Incourse 45% (1 Essay @ 15%, 2 Lab reports @ 15% each), Examination 55%.
Prescribed textbook: Stearns, S. and Hoekstra, R., Evolution: An Introduction,
2nd edition 2005, Oxford University Press.
Recommended textbook: Fenchel, T., Origin and Early Evolution of Life, 2002, Oxford University Press.