Biological Sciences

The course shows how the tools of classical and molecular genetics can be applied to understanding the regulation of gene expression, cell differentiation, and patterning in bacteria and eukaryotes. Concepts covered include gene mapping, forward and reverse genetics; microbial genetics, including regulation of the lac operon; CRISPR/ Cas9 gene editing and DNA repair; alternative splicing and sex-determination; epigenetic mechanisms used in dosage compensation; the genetic analysis of cell cycle regulation; stem cell technology and axis determination in Drosophila. Tests and assignments count 40%; practicals count 10%; one three-hour paper written in November counts 50%. 

This course focuses on couplings between biological, geological, and chemical processes; on the interactions between climate and the environment; and human impacts on these processes. It covers the development of the biosphere on Earth and the major biogeochemical interactions in air, land, and water; the biogeochemical cycles of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, sulphur, and mercury; the major processes governing these cycles and how these cycles are linked; why and how the biogeochemical system is changing; and how climate and biogeochemical processes mutually interact. The course develops skills in calculation of chemical speciation by use of a speciation program, as well as the ability to perform simple mass balance calculations. 

This course provides first-hand laboratory experience of the structure and function of critical endocrine and neuroendocrine systems, including the reproductive system, and how environmental factors can affect an animal’s physiology. 

This course examines plant structure, functioning, reproduction and adaptation to different environments. Lectures and laboratory work emphasize New Zealand examples and the identification of common native plants.

This course is offered through the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program in Science (UROPS). The intent of UROPS is to formally involve undergraduate students in research activities under the supervision of faculty members in their respective fields of study. UROPS aims to enhance undergraduate students’ knowledge of, and acquire the skills required for, the intellectual process of inquiry. 

The course describes marine food chains from primary production to fish and top predators. It places emphasis on how the life history of species is adapted to physical oceanographic conditions and seasonal and geographical production in northern waters. The course also addresses key environmental challenges.

This course examines the principles of ecology, including adaptation to the environment, intra- and inter-specific interactions, community and ecosystem dynamics, and biogeography.

This course provides a comprehensive understanding of sub-cellular structures, functions and interactions in unicellular and multi-cellular systems. Emphasis is on cellular functions. Topics include structures and functions of organelles, organelle biogenesis (including organelle inheritance and import of proteins into organelles), intracellular protein trafficking, the cytoskeleton, and cell movements. In addition, students will be introduced to the current concepts of intercellular and intracellular signalling, molecular basis of cell proliferation and apoptosis.

The use of nanotechnology in medicine is an emerging field that can revolutionize the treatment and detection of disease. Through hands-on laboratory sessions, workshops, and lectures by world-leading researchers and active clinicians, this course offers both an insight into these emerging technologies and a fundamental understanding of why size matters and how nanoscale technologies interact with biological environments. Students visit the nanoscale quantum universe, and see how nanoscale objects can be tuned for disease targeting. 

The course begins with a discussion on the nature and origin of plants that includes an overview of major autotrophic eukaryote lineages. The benefits and challenges of life in water and on land are also presented. Diversity and evolution of life histories and reproductive systems in plants and consequences of the diversity of major plant lineages are studied. The functional biology of the major organs of the plant including roots, stems, and leaves in relation to strategies for resource acquisition and utilization, mineral nutrition, plant water relations, and carbon metabolism are considered. This entails studying variations in root, stem, and leaf morphologies in various plant lineages and unique terrestrial and aquatic environments and their function in water, nutrients, and carbon metabolism. There is a strong focus on African plants and a particular emphasis on the Cape Floristic region. The course practicals are compulsory and complement the theory with hands-on experience in working with different lineages of plants, data collection and analysis from scientific studies and experiments, and scientific writing. A compulsory 4-day field camp is undertaken for students to study the relationship between ecology and plant morphology, function, and diversity. Assessment: A 3-hour examination, with a subminimum of 40%, counts 50% of the course. Coursework marks will be allocated as follows: Practical classes count 20%, project based on field camp counts 10%, and two class tests count 20%.