Postgraduate Students
We are a research-focused School covering all areas of Biology and are one of the leading biological research schools in Australasia.
Our postgraduate degrees help prepare you for a career in biology across a wide range of areas. You will find our courses exciting, challenging, and at the cutting edge. We have a large cohort of new staff, including two Rutherford Discovery Fellows, who bring new ideas and enthusiasm to the school.
Our staff are actively engaged in research, ensuring your projects are relevant and employ the latest methods. We have emerging and established strengths across a wide range of areas including Genetics, Evolution, Ecology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Bioinformatics, Plant Science and Cell Biology.
The School of Biological Sciences has the best field station facilities in the country, a brand new state-of-the-art research building that opened in 2010, and our postgraduate courses are taught by leading national and visiting international researchers. Several of our staff have received Tertiary Teaching Excellence Awards.
At the School of Biological Sciences we offer several postgraduate degree paths:
Bachelor of Science (Honours) – BSc(Hons)
Honours is an intensive one-year programme designed for high achieving students seeking to fast-track to a PhD.
Honours students must take four 400-level courses and a research project.
We recommend this option only for students with an A- average (GPA 7) or higher at 300-level.
Postgraduate Diploma of Science – PgDipSc
The Postgraduate Diploma of Science is a one-year program equivalent to the first year of an MSc. Students take four 400-level courses, but do not carry out research.
The PgDipSc is a great option if you are unsure whether you want to commit to an MSc or if you want to extend your theoretical grounding in biology prior to entering the workforce.
It is common for students enrolled in a PgDipSc to transfer to MSc part II providing they achieve a B average or better in their 400-level courses.
Master of Science - MSc
A Master of Science degree comprises one year of coursework (part I) and a 16 month research project (part II).
The MSc degree provides a solid grounding in the scientific process and provides sought after research skills applicable to a wide range of careers. This degree is often a good exit-qualification for employment because of the in-depth research experience you gain, but can also be used as a path to further research in a PhD.
Doctor of Philosophy - PhD
The PhD at UC is a research degree that typically requires three, but no more than four years of study. It is the highest academic qualification available at the University. Completing a doctorate is a mark of academic achievement and requires self-discipline and commitment.
A PhD prepares you for an academic or research career and the skills you gain are increasingly sought after in the international job market.
Applying for Postgrad studies – what to do first
- Contact the Fourth Year Course Advisor (Dr Marie Hale, room 537 Biology) to discuss your course of study and proposed major.
- Apply to enrol online (current UC students). Students new to UC should consult the UC New Students webpage.
- Monitor your email over summer as the Course Advisor may need to contact you.
- Once you have been approved for entry you will receive a letter of offer and fees invoice.
Information For
Courses
- 400
level Biological Sciences Courses
(Entry into all 400-level courses is subject to the approval of the Head of the School of Biological Sciences or their delegated representative). - Biology Postgraduate Handbook (PDF 2.3MB)
Forms
Postgraduate Advisors
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Dr Marie Hale - 4th Year Course Advisor |
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Dr Ashley Garrill - Chair Postgraduate Studies Committee ashley.garrill@canterbury.ac.nz Room Biology 634, Phone 364 2987 ext 7644 |
Postgraduate Studies Committee 2013
Ashley Garrill (Chair) Ximena Nelson (Deputy Chair) Hazel Chapman, Dave Collings, Jim Briskie
The group will cover the diversity of disciplines in the School and will oversee processing of research proposals for MSc and PhD students; progress reporting; Annual Biology Conference (ABC) and Masters seminar events.
Postgraduate Student Committee Representatives 2013
This year's postgraduate representatives are Dorien Coray, Simona Kraberger, Amanda Klemmer, Rachel Harley, Jessica Roche (PhD candidates) Olivia Burge (Masters II) and Liezl Thalwitzer (4th year). Brigitta Kurenbach is the PostDoc representative and Will Godsoe is the Staff representative.
Please feel free to contact them to raise any postgraduate student issues, concerns or suggestions. You are more than welcome to drop by their rooms, or get in touch by email.
General Information
Resources
- Health & Safety information, including freezers, chemical spills, handwash, autoclave guidelines, annual hazard assessment
- Laboratory Biosafety Training Tool - a useful Biosafety training video made by the Dutch Ministry of Environment. Although the video is in Dutch, it is excellently subtitled and well worth watching for all students working in a laboratory.
- Field Trip forms which must be completed for every trip
- UC Postgraduate Studies website - Information on topics from admission to submission, the best place tor thesis students to get information.
- Advice for thesis students
- UC Library Thesis Guide - Tips for writting and submitting your thesis at UC
- Scholarships
- Think Science - Resources to promote the communication of science.
- Environmental Protection Authority - New Organisms website
People
This website is meant to convey important information to help you through your postgraduate years. Please feel free to contact memebers of the postgrad committee if you have any suggestions or critiques.