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UNIVERSITY OF CANTERBURY
Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha
CUAP Proposal-New Qualification/Subject
Section A
Proposal Description
Purpose of the proposal
This proposal is to introduce Biological Sciences as a major subject at postgraduate level, specifically BSc (Hons), PGDipSc, MSc and
PhD.
Justification
Although the School of Biological Sciences was formed in 2003, the proposers never identified a postgraduate qualification in
Biological Sciences as it was felt at the time that the specific majors adequately encompassed the activities of the School. Thus the
reorganisation of the curriculum at undergraduate level into a biological sciences major was not matched with a similar offering at
the postgraduate level.
As a result, and because the research is involving increasing levels of inter-disciplinarity, both within the sub-disciplines of biology
and outside them, some students have no suitably named major at postgraduate level. The consequence is that postgraduate
students (400-level and beyond) engaged in cross-disciplinary topics must currently enrol in the more specific offerings. Several
students have voiced concern that the major subject appearing on their degree certificate will not accurately reflect their area of
study, and it is possible that the School is presently losing students to other universities because it lacks an identifiable pathway for
postgraduate study in biological sciences.
The introduction of a postgraduate major in biological sciences will not only provide students with a suitable pathway for broadlybased careers in biology, but also fits well with the School of Biological Sciences’ thematic strengths of Biotechnology, Biodiversity
and Biosecurity, most importantly as the boundaries between them are becoming increasingly blurred. This proposal reflects the
UC Statement of Strategic Intent and the UC Strategic Plan (Challenge/Concentrate/Connect by ensuring that programmes offered
are attractive to students and meet their future needs.
Acceptability
Postgraduate students within the School of Biological Sciences have been asked to comment on the proposed major via student
reps and responses have been very supportive. The University of Canterbury’s Student Association has also commented favourably
and both undergraduate (via UCSA consultation) and postgraduate student responses demonstrate a strong demand for this major.
Potential employers (Landcare Research) and colleagues in other disciplines within UC (Engineering, Maths) have also been asked
for comments, with responses received very much in favour of the introduction of this new major subject. In addition, the proposal
has been discussed and supported by the Teaching & Learning Committee of the School of Biological Sciences and has been
presented at full staff meetings of the School and been unanimously supported by staff.
Goals of the programme
The programme will offer a ‘new’ subject major, Biological Sciences (BIOL), at postgraduate level at the University of Canterbury.
This major will be added to existing majors offered by the School of Biological Sciences (BIOT, ECOL, MICR, CEMB, BCHM, PBIO,
ZOOL, and EVOL). The substance of the major, in terms of courses available at fourth year, is already in place. The programme will
properly identify Biological Sciences as a major research field and produce graduates able to enter the workplace with appropriate,
readily identifiable skills in modern biology.
Graduate profile
As well as meeting the graduate profile for their chosen postgraduate award/degree, graduates will have:
 A deep knowledge and understanding of the biological sciences
 Appropriate training in practical skills
 An ability to critically evaluate research methods
 An ability to access relevant literature through appropriate library and internet skills
 An ability to communicate biological research to both experts and non-experts
 An ability to work independently and as part of a team
 An appreciation of the ethical, social and cross-cultural issues relevant to the discipline
Outcome statement
This proposal will introduce Biological Sciences as a major subject at postgraduate level, specifically BSc (Hons), PGDipSc, MSc and
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14 UC/13-PhD,MSc,PGDipSc,BSc(Hons)/1
PhD. Graduates in Biological Sciences will have an advanced knowledge of biological theory and the research and communication
skills to apply that knowledge to addressing pressing issues in biodiversity, conservation, genetics, molecular biology, biosecurity,
and/or ecology. Graduates will be well equipped for either an academic career in biology (postdoctoral research associate or
research assistant, leading to lecturing positions) or for employment in research institutes such as Landcare Research and
AgResearch (as scientists or research associates, leading to science leader positions). BSc(Hons) and MSc graduates in Biological
Sciences will be attractive candidates for PhD positions in biology both within New Zealand Universities and internationally.
Programme overview
This is a broad major designed for students wishing to focus on any aspect of biological sciences. Entry requirements for the major
include a solid foundation of biological science theory and practice at the 300-level as well as experimental design & data analysis
(BIOL309) at undergraduate level. The choice of 400-level courses (taken by BSc(Hons), PGDipSc and MSc part I students) is designed
to ensure all students enrolled in the major will have at least two postgraduate courses (0.5 EFTS) that have a substantial
component of biological theory, while being flexible enough to allow a broad range of biologists to take the major, from those with
a molecular focus through to those with an ecological focus. BSc(Hons) students will also conduct a research project (0.25 EFTS) in
some aspect of biological sciences during their honours year. MSc students will progress from part I (courses) to part II (research) if
the average grade for their 400-level courses is at least a B (GPA ≥ 5.0), and will then spend at least 12 months conducting original
research in some aspect of biological science. PhD students in Biological Science will spend approximately 36 months conducting
original research in some aspect of biology.
Proposed teaching/delivery methods
B.Sc. (Hons), P.G.Dip.Sci. and M.Sc part I (courses year).
Students take four 400-level courses (1.0 EFTS). Course delivery is by means of a series of 3-hour tutorials running throughout the
academic year. The tutorials are designed to provide the students with the skills necessary to allow them to advance in biological
science. Examples are student led presentations, critical analysis of key literature, critical analysis of major hypotheses, data analysis
and writing scientific reports.
In addition, Honours students carry out a research project (0.25 EFTS) worth 20% of their total Honours grade.
Assessment procedures
Assessment modes include: essays, preparation of, and presentation of research posters, field work, practical work and a final
written examination.
All current 4th year courses and the Honours research project are externally assessed. Research for BIOL480 (Honours project),
BIOL690 (MSc part II) and BIOL790 (PhD) will be governed by the University Regulations as found in the University of Canterbury
Calendar.
Resources
Biological Sciences degrees will be delivered from the School of Biological Sciences, within the Faculty of Science.
Biological Sciences has the physical facilities, including field stations, vehicles, equipment and buildings to offer this programme.
Plans for monitoring programme quality
Fourth Year Coursework
 All courses will be internally reviewed at the end of each academic year. The reviews will include course structure, subjects
taught, feedback from students (both informal and formal surveys), and how each course fits into the overall programme.
 Comments on courses and the whole programme acquired during an end of year discussion session with current students
 Annual review by the departmental Teaching and Learning Committee that assesses courses, and how the whole
programme fits with the overall departmental programme.
 Written comments from visiting lecturers (Erskine visitors and CRI guest lecturers)
 Review of courses by external assessors.
Research
Research is governed by regulations and guidelines set down by the University and all projects in Biological Science will adhere to
these.
Students work on a research project that is approved by the departmental Postgraduate Studies Committee and the University Dean
of Postgraduate Studies. The research is supervised by a team of two-three academics.
 Honours projects are externally assessed; MSc and PhD theses are externally examined. In addition, PhD theses must be
defended during an oral examination conducted by an external examiner.
Confirmation that Section B has been prepared and is available to CUAP on request
Section B has been prepared.
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Calendar Form
New Qualification Regulations
Proposed changes to 2013 Calendar.
BSc (Hons)
REGULATIONS (p385)
2. Subjects in which the degree may be awarded:
Add: Biological Sciences
Schedule A to the regulations for the Degree of Bachelor of Science with Honours (p388)
Add:
Biological Sciences
Four courses and a research project (BIOL480). At least three courses are to be selected from BIOL400 level courses. The remaining
course to be selected with the approval of the School of Biological Sciences Fourth Year Coordinator.
P:
(1) 60 points from 300-level BIOL courses; and
(2) BIOL309 or GEOG309 or PSYC206 or STAT201 or STAT202.
PGDipSc
REGULATIONS (p419)
1. Subjects in which the degree may be awarded:
Add: Biological Sciences
Schedule to the regulations for the Postgraduate Diploma in Science (p420)
Add:
Biological Sciences
Four courses. At least three courses are to be selected from BIOL400 level courses. The remaining course to be selected with the
approval of the School of Biological Sciences Fourth Year Coordinator.
P:
(1) 60 points from 300-level BIOL courses; and
(2) BIOL309 or GEOG309 or PSYC206 or STAT201 or STAT202
MSc
Schedule A to the regulations for the Degree of Master of Science (p402)
Add:
Biological Sciences
Part I: Four courses. At least three courses are to be selected from BIOL400 level courses. The remaining course to be selected with
the approval of the School of Biological Sciences Fourth Year Coordinator.
Part II: A thesis (BIOL690) which shall normally be presented no later than 12 months after the date of enrolment for Part II.
Students must consult the MSc regulations for details of other requirements for this degree. In determining the class of honours,
Part I and Part II are weighted in the ratio 2:3.
P:
(1) 60 points from 300-level BIOL courses; and
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(2) BIOL309 or GEOG309 or PSYC206 or STAT201 or STAT202.
PhD
REGULATIONS (p431)
1. Nature of the degree.
(c) to subject areas for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy
Add: Biological Sciences (BIOL)
Course catalogue
To the course catalogue (p488) add:
BIOL 480 Project
0.2500 EFTS
A written report on a research project approved by the Head of School of Biological Sciences. The report must be completed and
presented by the due date in the year in which the student presents the courses selected from BIOL401 – BIOL493 (refer to degree
schedule).
P: Subject to the approval of Head of School
BIOL480-14W (C) Whole Year (S1 and S2)
BIOL 690 MSc Thesis
1.0000 EFTS
P: Subject to the approval of Head of School
BIOL690-14A (C) Starts Anytime
Part-time enrolment (0.65 EFTS) is available on approval.
BIOL 790 PhD Thesis
1.0000 EFTS
P: Subject to the approval of Head of School
BIOL790-14A (C) Starts Anytime
Part-time enrolment (0.65 EFTS) is available on approval.
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