The Bachelor of Science (BSc) at the University of Otago is a three-year undergraduate degree that enables students to develop their interests in a science subject (science major) and related subjects.
In addition, students have the flexibility to combine their major subject with other science subjects, as well as topics from different disciplines across the University.
Connecting plants and people for a sustainable future.
Because plants provide us with food, fibers and medicines, knowledge about plants is fundamental to survival.
It’s also vital to the planet's health, as plants influence the Earth’s climate, and most life forms on Earth depend directly on plants for oxygen, food, or habitat.
Plants also include some of the strangest and most beautiful living things on Earth.
Modern Botany includes research into the biochemistry, ecology, genetics and physiology of plants, plant evolution, the role plants play in ecosystems and plant biotechnology.
It covers topics from breeding crop plants using the most modern molecular techniques to modelling the effects of climate change on plants.
Why study Botany?
Botany is an exciting and challenging degree taught by a team of excellent plant scientists.
You will learn about important, topical issues such as biotechnology, genetic modification, ecosystem services, sustainability, and environmental change's ecological impacts.
Studying Botany at Otago will enable you to examine New Zealand’s unique flora on land and in the sea.
You will study its diversity, evolutionary history, and how this flora may be affected by changing climatic conditions, ocean acidification, and invasive organisms.
Botany courses will cover a wide range of topics from how photosynthetic organisms function to understanding their role in ecosystem processes.
This will include the importance of plants in addressing some of the challenges and problems that face society in the 21st century.
Botany courses have great field trips that focus on various aspects of plant ecology and allow you to participate in hands-on study of our exciting natural environment.
$58,020
| Cost of living | 1 person | $4,140 |
| Accommodation | 1 bed room | $18,696 |
| Tuition | 1 person | $39,324 |
TOEFL iBT Home Edition is currently accepted for applications for intakes commencing semester 2 2022 and 2023 intakes.
Pearson Test of English Academic Online is currently accepted for applications for intakes commencing in semester 2 2022 and 2023 intakes.
The University of Otago Language Centre English for Otago programme offers a pathway for Undergraduate and Postgraduate students to meet the English language requirements.
If you are not sitting the English for Otago entrance exam, these are the entrance requirements:
| Course | Test | Entrance requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate programme | IELTS | 5.5 (no band below 5.0) |
| IELTS Online | 5.5 (no band below 5.0) | |
| TOEFL iBT | 70 (writing 15) TOEFL iBT Home Edition is currently accepted for applications for intakes commencing semester 2 2022 and 2023 intakes. | |
| Pearson Test of English (Academic) | PTE (Academic) score of 42 with no band score lower than 36. Pearson Test of English Academic Online is currently accepted for applications for intakes commencing in semester 2 2022 and 2023 intakes. |
Undergraduate entrance requirements
The university recognizes many other qualifications as equivalent to the New Zealand qualification for entrance.
To check if the university recognizes your previous studies, determine the country where you gained the qualification. Countries entrance requirements example:
China entrance requirements:
Senior High School graduation and one year of successful study at a recognized institution of university standing;
Or Senior High School graduation and completion of a diploma with high passing grades at a recognized institute or university.
Students with the requisite scores in Gaokao may be given direct entry to bachelor degree programme.
India entrance requirements:
Minimum overall average of 75% in the All India Senior School Examination (CBSE) or Indian School Certificate Examination (CISCE) with a minimum of 70% in English.
The scores are calculated on the best four academic subjects excluding local languages and non-academic subjects.
Iran entrance requirements:
One year of successful study at a recognized institution of university standing, or successful completion of a University of Otago Foundation Year programme or equivalent.
The university also accepts the following international qualifications:
While an understanding of basic biology would be useful, it is not essential – you will be taught everything you need to know once you start your course.
Study in your chosen subject area and gain a university entrance qualification
The University of Otago Pathway programme offers a university entrance qualification within two 13-week semesters for domestic and international students. It is called the Foundation Studies Certificate (FSC).
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