Biological Sciences

This course provides a fundamental introduction to a wide range of modern biophysics. This is a multidisciplinary scientific area where a number of theoretical and experimental methods from physics are used to understand and examine biological systems. The course begins from the fundamental biological building blocks, including proteins, DNA/RNA, and membranes. It discusses their structure and interactions both on a molecular level and their role in large systems such as the structure of the cell, the movement of organisms and the signaling of nerves. The course describes the fundamental physical mechanisms for interaction and transport that biological organisms use, and introduces modern experimental techniques for obtaining structural and thermodynamical biophysical information at the nanoscale.

This course is taught by researchers belonging to the Sections of Functional Genomics and of Biomolecular Science and provides a broad overview of both the fundamental knowledge and the rapidly developing and exciting topics in molecular microbiology. Emphasis is placed on the molecular mechanisms underlying bacterial stress physiology, which is essential for bacterial survival in the environment, and thereby tolerance and resistance to antibiotics. The course involves lectures as well as theoretical excises (colloquium) where in-depth discussion of recent research articles are presented by the students with guidance from the instructors. Finally, in the laboratory exercise part, relevant critical and cutting-edge techniques are used to investigate research problems that are currently being studied in the laboratory. This comprehensive course thus provides a strong platform for students who wish to pursue or already are pursuing a research career in molecular microbiology and also in areas connected with general microbiology.

The course examines the molecular aspects of viral entry, replication, and assembly in host cells. It also covers mechanisms by which viruses manipulate the hosts to multiply and cause disease.

This course examines the fundamental processes in the marine environment with an emphasis on interdisciplinary linkages in the functioning of marine ecosystems. Topics include: the role of fluid dynamics in the lives of marine animals and in shaping the physical marine environment, and interdisciplinary studies of marine ecosystems.

This course introduces the biology of fungi, which play important roles in most ecosystems, as decomposers, parasites or symbionts. It covers the immense diversity in the fungal kingdom, their ecology and nutritional modes, as well as their life cycles and genetics. As fungi play important roles in society and in circular economy, the course also considers applied aspects of fungi. The course has a practical component where students work experimentally with fungi in the lab and learn to recognize characteristic species in their natural habitat during a one-week field course.

This course examines the structure, diversity and development of trees and other plants, with emphasis on the angiosperms.

The course examines plant and fungal diversity with an emphasis on New Zealand species, the processes that drive species diversification, and methods for exploring and describing evolutionary relationships among species.

This course explores the diverse life forms and ecosystems of the world's oceans and coastal regions. It covers the biology, behavior, and ecological roles of marine organisms, from microscopic plankton to large marine mammals. Key topics include marine biodiversity, oceanography, and the complex interactions that sustain marine ecosystems. The course also addresses the impact of human activities, such as pollution and overfishing, on marine life, as well as current issues in marine conservation and the sustainable management of marine resources. Students gain a comprehensive understanding of the importance of preserving ocean health and the challenges facing marine environments today.

The course examines microbes in human disease and the contribution of microbiomes to our health. It also covers the role of microbes in food preparation or spoilage, and the detection and control of food-borne pathogens.

This course critically explores principal drivers behind the erosion of natural capital and resilience of ecosystems in light of them. Students take a solutions-based approach for how best to deal with habitat transformation, biodiversity loss, climate change, overexploitation of natural resources and contamination. Solutions incorporate a biological understanding of local and global impacts, drawing from the physical and life sciences, and extend it to actual and potential political, economic, and socio-cultural instruments appropriate and effective to address threats and changes to global biodiversity and ecosystem health.