Bachelor of Science (BSc) majoring in Biological Sciences

There are many options available to you within a BSc Biological Sciences major.

Your BSc programme will consist of courses worth 15 points each, totalling 360 points. You can choose to keep your Biological Sciences major general, or you can follow one of nine pathways as a way to focus your studies further. You can also choose to do a double major, which means you study two Science subjects at the same time.

You must complete the following courses plus a capstone course in your final year of study. The capstone course is a student-led project where you integrate and apply your learning to a real-world problem in your chosen major or specialisation. For Biological Sciences we recommend the capstone course, BIOSCI 399. The capstone course will allow you to debate contemporary issues in biology, and explore how these issues are interpreted from a cultural, political and economic perspective. For other capstone options, see our Capstone courses page.

60 points:

15 points:

30 points from:

45 points from:

You can use our degree planners to help you plan the courses you need to take for your BSc. To find the most up to date Biological Sciences (general pathway) degree planner, go to the Science degree planners page

If you began your degree prior to 2019 we recommend you seek advice to make sure you are taking the correct courses. Visit your online help and support centre, AskAuckland

Biological Sciences pathways

As a Biological Sciences student you’ll take common core courses in each year of study. You can choose to keep your Biological Sciences major general, or you can choose to follow one or more of the following pathways:

Doing a double major with Biological Sciences

If you choose to do a double major in your BSc, we recommend the following subjects to complement Biological Sciences: Anthropological Science, Chemistry, Computer Science, Earth Sciences, Environmental Science, Exercise Sciences, Geography, Psychology and Statistics.

How to change your plan

If you would like to change your major or specialisation, or add a pathway to your Biological Sciences major, visit How to change your plan.

Preparing for your Biological Sciences major

Some students will feel more prepared for our Biological Sciences courses if they have already studied some science subjects in high school.

Find out which school subjects will help you feel prepared by reading our Subject guide for school students.  

Help and advice

Student Hubs

Visit your hubs for help and advice on any aspect of your studies and life at University.

The Student Hubs are your physical gateway to Waipapa Taumata Rau | the University of Auckland.

The Student Hubs services are available seven days a week at the City, Grafton, Epsom and Tai Tonga campuses and six days a week at Tai Tokerau, with friendly staff available to provide you with advice on any aspect of your studies and life at the University.

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