2011 undergraduate handbook

8/6/2019 2011 Undergraduate Handbook

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| 2011 School of Biological Sciences Undergraduate Handbook2

Contents

Welcome 3

Enrolment information

Important dates 5

Admission and enrolment procedures 5

Undergraduate enrolment - where to from here 7

Preparing for degree level study

Tertiary Foundation Certificate Biology 8

Tukana Programme 8

Planning a degree programme

BSc (Biological Sciences) 9

BSc(Hons) 9

BTech in Biotechnology 9

BSc & BSc(Hons) Biomedical Science 10

BSc & BSc(Hons) Bioinformatics 10

BSc Ecology 11

Academic programme structure 12

Transition points structure 12

General Education 12

Postgraduate programmes 13

Academic information

Academic year 14

Field Trip dates 15

Course descriptions

Stage I courses 16

Stage II courses 19

Stage III courses 23

Further information 32

Teaching and attendance 33

Awards of marks and grades

Requirements for Honours 34

Applications for aegrotat and compassionateconsideration 34

SBS examination grades 34

Assignments: late policy 35

Missed examinations 35

Scholarships and prizes 35

Academic honesty, cheating and plagiarism 36

Advice and support for students

Improve your English language skills 38

DELNA 38

ELSAC 38

WAVE student support service 39

SBS Staff/Student Liaison Committee 40Harassment 40

Information Commons 41

Student Learning Centre 41

University Library 42

Careers 43

Research Section 44

Staff and facilities

Staff directory 51

Buildings and facilities 56

Research and teaching facilities 58

Student support services 59

Campus maps 60

Disclaimer

Although every reasonable effort is made to ensure

accuracy, the information in this document is provided

as a general guide only for students and is subject to

alteration. All students enrolling at The University of

Auckland must consult its official document, the

Calendar of The University of Auckland, to ensure that

they are aware of and comply with all regulations,

requirements and policies.

Cover photo: Matthew Coutts & Mazdak Radjainia


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2011 School of Biological Sciences Undergraduate Handbook | 3

Kia OraWelcome

to the School of

Biological Sciences

As the new millennium unfolds, the impact of

biology on our lives continues to broaden. New

developments have carried the discipline intoapplications not even thought possible as little as

a decade ago. For the new generation of

biologists it is more imperative than ever to keep

the subject in perspective, because the future lies

in developing skills in both the molecular and

whole organism / ecosystem aspects of the

discipline. Indeed, one of the advantages of

studying biology at The University of Auckland is

the wide range of subject areas which are taught

and the subsequent possibility of integrating both

molecular and whole organism aspects of biology

in a single degree.

Students who major in Biological Sciences are

required to include a broad range of courses at

undergraduate level and many continue with a

more specialised focus at PGDipSci, BSc(Hons),

MSc and PhD level. Courses from the Biological

Sciences schedule are an integral part of a

variety of other programmes including BSc/

BSc(Hons) Biomedical Science, BSc(Hons)

Bioinformatics, BSc (Ecology), BSc/BSc(Hons) Food


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Science, BSc Marine Science, BSc/BSc(Hons)

Medicinal Chemistry and BTech Biotechnology.

I am confident that the School is offering an

exciting and challenging education in the

biological sciences and I look forward to working

with you over the next few years as you proceed

through your degree programme. Details specific

to Biological Sciences courses are included within

this publication. Further information on the

structure of particular programmes or

specialisations is available in the Science Faculty

Prospectus and in the University Calendar. Thestaff of our Student Resource Centre are

available to provide further guidance and

assistance and enquiries are most welcome.

Best wishes

Dr Judy OBrien

Deputy Director (Academic)

School of Biological Sciences


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Important DatesClosing dates for applications for admission in 2011

1 December 2010 Deadline for new students to submit Application for Admission if 2011

programme includes Summer School courses.

Application for Admission also closes 1 December for all students applying

to Optometry and to Sport and Exercise Science.

8 December 2010 Deadline for new students to submit Application for Admission if 2011

programme includes Semester One and Semester Two courses only.If you are a new student, only one Application for Admission is required.

Applications received after these dates may be accepted if there are places

available.

Enrolment Information

Admission and enrolment

proceduresNew students

For all students not enrolled at The University of

Auckland in 2010, apply online at www.auckland.

ac.nz/apply_now. If you are unable to access our

website, please call 0800 61 62 63 or visit the

Student Information Centre at 22 Princes Street,

Auckland. This is open Monday to Friday from

8am6pm and Saturday 9am12noon duringpeak times.

Student Information Centre

Room 112

Level 1 (Ground Floor)

The ClockTower Building

22 Princes Street

Auckland City Campus

Phone: +64 9 923 1969

or 0800 61 62 63

Fax: +64 9 367 7104

Email: [email protected]

The closing date for most undergraduate Science

applications is 8 December 2010.

If you want to take courses at Summer School, or

wish to apply to Sport and Exercise Science or the

Bachelor of Optometry, applications close 1

December 2010.

Only one application is required.

After submitting your application:

Your application will be acknowledged by email.

Your application will be assessed and, if

successful you will receive an Offer of a place in

a programme . You may receive a conditional

offer, but final approval will be dependent on

fulfilment of the conditions of admission to the

University and the programme.


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Planning a programme inBiological Sciences

The Bachelor of Science (BSc) programme offers

the opportunity for many subject majors in

scientific areas, including Biological Sciences.

The BSc programme can be completed in a

minimum of 6 semesters. All Stage I courses

and almost all other courses for BSc have a value

of 15 points.

A BSc degree requires 360 points of which: at least 180 points are above Stage 1.

at least 75 points at Stage III including 60

points in a first major or 45 points in a second

major,

30 points of General Education. Not more

than 30 points from outside the Science

schedule.

BSc (Biological Sciences)

To major in Biological Sciences, students will

require:

BIOSCI 101

at least 45 points from BIOSCI 100, 102,

103, 104, 106, and 107

a minimum of 15 points in at least 2 of the

following groups:-BIOSCI 201-203

BIOSCI 204, 205, 208

BIOSCI 206, 207, 210

at least 60 points

from BIOSCI 320 - BIOSCI 396 if a first

major or 45 points if a second major.

See individual course descriptions (listed

pages 20 to 32) for details about each course

including point value, semester taught,campus, prerequisites, exam/course

weightings, and the names of course

co-ordinators.

A typical workload will involve 4 courses per

semester, an average of 8 courses (120 points)

per year.

BSc(Hons)

This programme requires students to have

completed the requirements for the Degree of

BSc including at least a B average in 90 points at

Stage III, with at least 60 points in Biological

Sciences. With the permission of the Director 15

points at Stage III in related courses may be

substituted. To complete BSc(Hons) students

must pass courses with a total value of 120

points including a 45 point dissertation.

Bachelor of Technology (BTechBiotechnology)

A programme of study leading to the degree of

Bachelor of Technology in Biotechnology is

offered jointly between the School of Biological

Sciences and the Department of Chemical andMaterials Engineering in the School of

Engineering. This programme may be awarded

with Honours and requires four years of study in

which a defined set of topics within the Faculties

of Science and Engineering are covered in the

first three years. In the final year students study

a set of specialist courses specific to this

programme and undertake a project in

Biotechnology.

Entry to this programme is competitive.


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Quantitative Ecology and Modelling

60 points: ENVSCI 310, STATS 302, 330, 341

At least

15 points: GEOG 317, 319, STATS 351, 380

Further information is available from the Science Student Centre. The Student Centre is open

Monday to Friday 8.30am-5pm.

Faculty of Science Student Centre

Ground floor, Building 301

23 Symonds Street

Phone: +64 9 373 7599 Ext 87020

Fax: +64 9 373 7431


Web:www.science.auckland.ac.nz

Academic programmestructurePoints structure

From 2006, all courses were changed to a

different points value. Students enrolled in a

normal fulltime course of study now complete

120 points per year. The courses in most

undergraduate degrees carry a value of 15 points

and a normal fulltime enrolment is eight courses

per year. A total of 360 points passed is required

to complete the BSc degree

Transition points structure

Transition regulations apply to all students who

have continued enrolment during the transition

period having commenced study in their

programme at this university prior to the 2006

academic year. They also apply to students who

commence study in an undergraduate degree in

the 2006 academic year having commenced but

not completed study in a different undergraduateprogramme at this university between 2001 and

2005.

The Transition regulations were written to ensure

that students are able to complete their

qualification without disadvantage in terms of

duration of study or the proportion of their

qualification to be completed.

Transition regulations are available in the

Transition Regulations Handbook. This handbook

is available from the Science Faculty Student

Centre, the Short Loans Library and online at

www.science.auckland.ac.nz/transition-

regulations.

General Education

Courses in General Education are a distinctive

feature of University of Auckland bachelors

degrees. General Education is aimed at

producing graduates with flexibility, critical

thinking skills, and an appreciation and

understanding of fields outside of their usual areaof study. The General Education programme

consists of high quality, intellectually challenging


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courses taught by some of the Universitys best

teachers and researchers.

Students must take two General Education

courses (30 points) in their degree. These can be

taken at any time during the degree.

Students will choose General Education courses

from schedules which list courses available to

their particular degree. The schedules have been

developed so that students will take General

Education courses that allow them to explore

areas of interest outside of their degree subjects.

The General Education schedules are:

A) Music, Art and Contemporary Issues

B) Humanities and Social Sciences

C) Business and Society

D) Life Sciences

E) Physical Sciences

F) Mathematical and Information Sciences

G) Communication

H) Languages

Students are encouraged to seek advice on

General Education in their degree from the

Science Student Centre.

Postgraduate programmes

From 2006, most Masters programmes became

one year degrees preceded by either a one yearBachelors Honours degree or a Postgraduate

Diploma.

Doctoral students

Doctoral degrees remain essentially the same in

structure and duration. The structure of the PhD

is now recorded on the academic transcript in

new points in accordance with the 120 points

system.

For named doctorates which include courses with

points, the courses have been re-weighted as part

of the 120 point structure.

The courses available to students will depend on

the subjects in which they are enrolled. For

example, students enrolled in a Biological

Sciences course will not be able to take General

Education courses from Schedule D Life Sciences.

In some cases, courses are available both as part

of the General Education programme and as part

of the portfolio of regular degree courses. If

students are taking a dual purpose course as

part of the General Education programme, they

will enrol in the G version of the course (e.g.

HISTORY 103G). The classes and programme of

study will be the same for all students.

For available courses and the informationrequired for course selection, see www.auckland.

ac.nz/generaleducation.

The requirement for General Education applies to

students who enrol at The University of Auckland

from 2006 to begin their first undergraduate

degree. Students enrolled prior to 2006 are not

required to include General Education as part of

their degree. Special arrangements will apply tostudents transferring from another tertiary

institution with credit.


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Academic year 2011

Summer School 2011

Lectures begin Thursday 6 January

Deadline to withdraw from summer school courses 1 week before the end of lectures

Lectures end Friday 11 February

Study break/exams* Monday 14 February - Wednesday 16 February

Summer School ends Wednesday 16 February

Semester One 2011Semester One begins Monday 28 February

Mid-semester break/Easter Friday 11 April - Tuesday 26 April

Graduation Thursday 28 April - Friday 6 May

Deadline to withdraw from first semester courses 3 weeks before the end of lectures

Lectures end Saturday 4 June

Study break/exams* Saturday 4 June - Monday 27 June

Semester One ends Monday 27 June

Inter-semester break Tuesday 28 June - Saturday 16 July

Semester Two 2011

Semester Two begins Monday 18 July

Mid-semester break Monday 29 August - Saturday 10 September

Graduation Tuesday 20 September - Thursday 22 September

Deadline to withdraw from second semester

courses

3 weeks before the end of lectures

Lectures end Saturday 22 October

Study break/exams* Saturday 22 October - Monday 14 November

Semester Two ends Monday 14 November

Semester One 2012

Semester One begins Monday 27 February 2012

*Aegrotat and Compassionate Applications must be submitted within 1 week of the date that the

examination affected took place. The medical certificate must date to the actual day of the examination.Deadline for withdrawal from double semester courses is three weeks before the end of lectures in the

second semester.

Academic information


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Field Trip Dates

BIOSCI 104 Two one-day weekend field trips: either 19 or 20 March, North Head, and

either 30 April or 1 May, Rangitoto

BIOSCI 206 Compulsory field trip: Saturday 19 March, Wenderholm, 9-5.30pm

Residential field trip (either marine, behaviour or terrestrial): 15-19 April,

11-14 April, 17-21 April

BIOSCI 207 8 October, Muriwai

BIOSCI 320 2-night field trip: 5pm Friday 11 March - 5pm Sunday 12 March23 March 2-5pm

BIOSCI 323 Compulsory field trip: 5-7 September (Mon-Wed) inclusive

BIOSCI 328 Compulsory 2-day residential field course at Leigh Laboratory:

Trip 1: 12-13 April (Tues-Wed) inclusive

Trip 2: 14-15 April (Thurs-Fri) inclusive

BIOSCI 329 Compulsory 3-day field trip in second half of mid Semester break:

Stream 1: 5-7 September (Mon-Wed) inclusive

Stream 2: 8-10 September (Thurs-Sat) inclusive

BIOSCI 330 Laboratories: Saturday 2 April and Sunday 3 AprilBIOSCI 333 Residential field trip 19-20 March

BIOSCI 337 Compulsory field trip in mid semester break:

Chronobiology 26 August (leave 4pm) - 28 August inclusive

or Behavioural Ecology 29-31 August inclusive

or Bird Behaviour 8-11 September inclusive

BIOSCI 394 Field Trips/Lab Wednesdays all day 16 March, 4 May, 25 May

BIOSCI 396 Field trip 1: 4 March (leave 4 pm) - 6 March inclusiveField trip 2: 13 May (leave 4pm) - 15 May inclusive

Laboratory 1: Wednesday, 9 March 9.30-12.30Laboratory 2: Wednesday, 25 May evening


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Recommended textbook: D. McGonigal.

Antarctica: Secrets of the

Southern Continent. Simon &

Schuster

See also http://www.antarctica.org.nz

BIOSCI 101 Essential Biology: From

Genomes to Organisms

(15 Points) (City) First Semester

An introduction to the structures and processes

which are common to micro-organisms, animalsand plants at the cellular, molecular and

biochemical levels. Genetic principles and

processes and an overview of evolution and

evolutionary concepts are included. This course

includes guest lectures given by graduate

students in research fields relevant to course

content.

This course assumes a knowledge of NCEA Level

3 Biology and at least NCEA Level 2 Chemistry.

Coordinator: Ms Amanda Harper

Assessment: Incourse 60%, (Theory 40%,

Practical 20%) Examination 40%

Prescribed textbook: Campbell Biology, Reece

et al. (2011) 9th Edn., (Pearson

Benjamin Cummings).

BIOSCI 102 Plants, Microbes & Society

(15 Points) (City) Second Semester

A multi-disciplinary approach is taken to studying

the relationships between plants, microbes, and

humans. The course begins with an introduction

to the key characteristics of plants and microbes,

and demonstrates how they are used for food

and pharmaceuticals. The impact of plants and

microbes on human health, as well as their role in

a variety of industrial and biotechnological

processes will be highlighted.

Coordinator: Mr David Seldon

Assessment: Incourse 60%, (Theory 40%,


Recommended textbook: Campbell Biology,Reece et al. (2011) 9th Edn.,

(Pearson Benjamin Cummings).

BIOSCI 103 Comparative Animal Biology

(15 Points) (City) Second Semester

A comparative approach to the study of animals

focusing on the processes which underlie and

unite all animal life. Emphasis will be placed on

evolutionary relationships and history, and on the

relationship between form and function and the

predictability of animal design. Reference will be

made to the New Zealand fauna and to other

animals of economic or evolutionary importance

where appropriate. The practical component of

this course involves animal dissection. This is an

essential part of the course. No exemptions are

possible.

Coordinator: Dr Brendon Dunphy

Assessment: Incourse 60% (Theory 40%,

Practical 20%), Examination 40%

Prescribed textbook: Campbell Biology, Reece

et al. (2011) 9th Edn., (Pearson

Benjamin Cummings).


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The Stage II offering consists of a selection

from ten courses. It is designed to provide a

balanced and integrated approach to genetics,

ecology, evolution, biochemistry, microbiology,

plant and animal studies. Stage II courses

provide a basis for further specialised study

and are prerequisites for certain Stage III

courses. For example, students advancing in

either biochemistry or cellular & molecular

biology should take both BIOSCI 201 and

BIOSCI 203 at Stage II.

To advance to Stage III courses, most students

will require at least 3 courses from the Stage II

selection. Most have limited entry based on

the grade point average (GPA) calculated from

results attained in previous semesters.

A minimum of one course (15 points) must be

taken from at least 2 of the following groups:

Group 1:

BIOSCI 201 Sem I (City) Cellular & Molecular

Biology

BIOSCI 202 Sem 2 (City) Genetics

BIOSCI 203 Sem 2 (City) Biochemistry

Group 2:

BIOSCI 206 Sem 1 (City) Principles of Ecology

BIOSCI 207 Sem 2 (City) Adaptive Design

BIOSCI 210 Sem 2 (City) Evolution and the

Origins of Life

Group 3:

BIOSCI 204 Sem 1 (City) Principles of

Microbiology

BIOSCI 205 Sem 2 (City) Plant, Cell and

Environment

BIOSCI 208 Sem 1 (City) Invertebrate

Diversity

Students intending to advance to thepostgraduate level in Biological Sciences should

note the importance of a sound basis in

Biometry (Biological Statistics). All students in

Biological Sciences are strongly advised to

include BIOSCI 209 BIOMETRY in their

undergraduate programme.

BIOSCI 200 Current Topics on the Biology ofHumans

(15 points) This is not available in 2011

BIOSCI 201 Cellular and Molecular Biology

(15 points) (City) First Semester

The basic structures of biomolecules, thestructure of cells and their organisation into

tissues and organs, and viruses, are examined

first. This is followed by a study of the nucleus,

DNA, RNA and protein synthesis and the

regulation of gene expression. Further sections

deal with recombinant DNA technology, cellular

development, cancer, and the basis of immunity.

Prerequisites: BIOSCI 101, 30 points from

(BIOSCI 102-107, MEDSCI 142)

and 15 points from CHEM 110,

120, 150

Coordinator: Dr Ken Scott


Practical 15%), Examination 60%

Textbook: Lodish et al. (2004) Molecular

Cell Biology. 6th Edn, Freeman.

Stage II courses (2nd Year)


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BIOSCI 202 Genetics

(15 points) (City) Second Semester

The basic principles of mutation, recombination

and genetic mapping are established in this

course. These principles are then developed in avariety of prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms.

Laboratory work uses molecular, microbial and

eukaryotic material to explore the key features of

heredity.

Prerequisites: 30 points from Stage I Biological

Sciences including BIOSCI 101

Coordinator: Assoc. Prof. Brian Murray

Assessment: Incourse 62.5% (Theory 37.5%,

Practical 25%), Examination

37.5%

Recommended textbooks:

Griffiths, Miller, Suzuki et. al. An

Introduction to Genetic Analysis.

8th or 9th Edn. WH Freeman

Pierce B.A., Genetics: a

conceptual approach. 3rd Edn,

W.H. Freeman.

BIOSCI 203 Biochemistry


This course presents core areas of modern

biochemistry. Emphasis is on macromolecularstructure and function. Areas covered include

protein structure, oxygen and carbon dioxide

transport in humans and other species,

metabolism in mammals, proteases and human

disease, cholesterol metabolism and transport

and signal transduction.

Prerequisites: BIOSCI 101, 106 and 15 points

from either CHEM 110 or 120

Coordinator: Assoc. Prof. Tom Brittain

Assessment: Incourse 50% {Test 25%


Recommended textbooks:

Berg et al., (2002) Biochemistry.

6th Edn. W.H. Freeman

Lodish et al. (2004) Molecular

Cell Biology, 6th Edn, Freeman

BIOSCI 204 Principles of Microbiology


This course provides an introduction to thediversity, physiology and functions of

microorganisms (prokaryotes, eukaryotes, viruses)

as individuals and as communities. The

fundamental roles of microorganisms in

ecosystems, health and disease are considered

alongside methods for their isolation and study.

Microbial applications in biotechnology, food

production, agriculture and industry are also

discussed.

Prerequisites: BIOSCI 101 and at least 15

points from BIOSCI 102, 106,

107

Coordinator: Dr Susan Turner


Practical 20%), Examination

50%

Textbook: Prescott, Harvey & KleinMicrobiology, 6th or 7th Edn.

(2005) McGraw-Hill.

BIOSCI 205 Plant, Cell and Environment


Unlike animals, plants cannot move to respond to

changes in their environment. Plants have evolved


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Stage III courses (3rd Year)

BIOSCI 320 Pure and Applied Entomology

(15 points) Tmaki (Labs in City) First Semester

An introduction to the systematics and evolution

of insects describing the major lineages and

discussing the role insects play in different

ecological systems and their behaviour. This

course also examines the role of insects as pests

(including as vectors of disease) and describes

various control measures and how these methods

are integrated. Practicals include a 2-night fieldtrip, and insect collection.

Prerequisites: BIOSCI 103 and 15 points from

Stage II Biological Science

courses

Coordinator: Dr Greg Holwell

Assessment: Incourse 70% (Test 30%,

Assignments 20%, Insect

Collection 20%). Examination

30%.Field trip: Compulsory 2-night field trip

11-12 March.

23 March 2-5pm

Recommended textbooks: Gullan, P.J. &

Cranston, P.S. The Insects: An

Outline of Entomology. 3rd Ed.

Chapman and Hall.

If you are interested in crop protection we

suggest you take BIOSCI 320 and 321 together.

BIOSCI 321 Plant Pathology


Microorganisms are of major importance to

horticulture and agriculture. This course

examines the biology of plant pathogens, plant-

microbial interactions at the cellular and

molecular level, and the epidemiology and

control of plant diseases. Practicals will focus on

techniques for isolation, culture, identification and

study of plant pathogens.

Prerequisites: BIOSCI 204 or 205

Coordinator: Assoc. Prof. Mike Pearson


Practical 30%), Examination:

40%

Textbook: Agrios, G.N. Plant Pathology.

5th Edn. AP.

If you are interested in crop protection wesuggest you take BIOSCI 320 and 321 together.

A wide range of specialist courses is offered at Stage III. Most have limited entry based on the

grade point average (GPA) calculated from results attained in previous semesters.

At least 4 Stage III courses are required to major in Biological Sciences.


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Recommended textbook: C.R. Townsend, M.

Begon & J.L. Harper (2008).

Essentials of Ecology. 3rd Edn.

Blackwell Publishers.

Further Information

Entry to some first year and all advanced undergraduate courses is restricted. Enrolment for BIOSCI

106 and 107 and Stage II and III BIOSCI courses will be on-line using Student Services Online at any

time from mid December 2010 to the end of February 2011. Consult the University Calendar or Faculty

of Science Student Centre.

For School of Biological Sciences undergraduate information, contact:

Student Resource Centre,

Level 1, Biology Building, 5 Symonds Street.

Phone: +64 9 373 7599 Ext 87297

Facsimile: +64 9 373 87417

E.mail: [email protected]

The Student Resource Centre (City Campus) will also provide the names and telephone extension

numbers of course co-ordinators who can provide information on specific courses.

Ms Amanda Harper,

Director Stage I Teaching

Phone: +64 9 373 7599 Ext 87794,

Room 101, Biology Building

will provide further advice on Stage I courses.

Mrs Libby Hitchings,

Senior Tutor, Coordinator Stage II+III Courses

Phone: +64 9 373 7599 Ext 88703,

Room 104, Biology Building

will provide further advice on Stage II and III courses.


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A d f k d


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Requirements for Honours

SBS assessment grades 2011

LETTERGRADE % GPA

A+ 90-100 9 A 85-89 8 A- 80-84 7

B+ 75-79 6B 70-74 5B- 65-69 4

C+ 60-64 3C 55-59 2

C- 50-54 1

D+ 45-49D 40-44D- 0-39

Honours GPA: Grade Point AverageFirst Class: GPA 7.0-9.0Second Class (1st Div): GPA 5.5-6.9Second Class (2nd Div): GPA 4.0-5.4

Applications for aegrotat and

compassionate consideration

An application may be made for aegrotat or

compassionate consideration, by candidates who

may have been prevented from being present at

an examination, or who consider that theirpreparation for or performance in an examination

has been seriously impaired by temporary illness

Awards of marks andgrades

or injury or exceptional circumstances beyond

their control. This also applies to tests, but not

assignments.

Application forms are available online, or from

the relevant campus Student Health and

Counselling Services and Examinations Office.

The application form must be submitted to the

University Health and Counselling Service within

one week of the date that the examination

affected took place, or if more than one

examination has been affected, then within one

week of the last of those examinations.

Following the decision of Senate on an application

for aegrotat or compassionate consideration, a

student may apply for reconsideration of that

decision no later than four weeks after the

student is notified of Senates decision.

Please refer to The University of AucklandCalendar for the official regulations.

SBS examination grades

This is based on the examination and, in most

courses, internal theory tests. All undergraduate

courses have a final exam.

Practical (lab and/or field):

This is completely based on exercises,

assignments and internally assessed practical

examinations, or a combination of these.

The weighting of theory to practical marks is

given for each course in the course description

section of this booklet.

NB: To obtain a pass mark in a course it is

necessary to pass both practical and theorycomponents.


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Assignments: late policy

SBS policy is that assignments submitted up to 24

hours after the 4pm deadline on the due date

receive an automatic penalty of 20% deduction

of marks. After 24 hours, late assignments willNOT be accepted except with a medical or

compassionate certificate.

Missed examinations

Students who discover that they have missed an

examination through their own mistake cannot sit

the examination at another time unless it is for aMasters or Bachelors Honours degree. The

student must contact the Examinations Office

immediately and complete an application for

Special Pass Consideration. Please refer to the

Examination Regulations in the Calendar.

Scholarships & prizes

SBS prizes Top student in each course

4 Annual prizes Stage I and Stage II

Frances Briggs Bursary Senior Stage III Plant Sciences

Frances Briggs Bursary Junior Stage II Plant SciencesR. Morrison Cassie Prize for Biometry

R.E.F. Matthews Prize for the best student paper on Cellular & Molecular Biology

published in the previous year

T.L. Lancaster Memorial Prize for the best report on indigenous flora and vegetation

Janet Bain McKay Memorial

Scholarship

for the outstanding Plant Sciences student intending to advance

to MSc

Frances Barkley Scholarship Stage 1 Mori & Pacific Island Scholarship


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the course convenor/coordinator lecturer


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the course convenor/coordinator, lecturer,

tutorial head, lab demonstrator

Head of Department

faculty-level official

Student Learning Centre or Library staff

AUSA or other students association

representatives

health and counselling services staff.

Students should also consult the Universitys

major academic referencing resource:

www.cite.auckland.ac.nz

The following website provides further

information about the key principles and

practices underlying academic honesty, and

related resources:

www.auckland.ac.nz/honesty


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Improve your English language skills

Diagnostic English Language NeedsAssessment (DELNA)

DELNA is only available to students who have

accepted a place and enrolled at The University

of Auckland. It cannot be used to exclude you

from a particular programme and the results do

not appear on your academic record.

The screening is a 30 minute compulsory

assessment that includes a vocabulary task and a

text editing task. It enables us to quickly identifywhether or not you need assistance with the

demands of academic English. If you do require

assistance, you will undertake the second part of

the assessment.

You should book your screening assessment

during Orientation Week or the first week of

semester by going online to: www.delna.auckland.

ac.nz/booking

The diagnosis is only necessary if your screening

results suggest you need assistance with

academic English language skills. This two-hour

assessment includes a listening, reading and

writing task. It enables us to recommend

appropriate English language enrichment

options.

If you do need to improve your skills, you will be

invited to discuss your needs with the DELNALanguage Adviser and guided to sources of

All first-year students are required to undertake an assessment that enables us to identify

your level of academic English. This free assessment is available via DELNA.

English Language Self AccessCentre (ELSAC)

ELSAC is the place where you can:

Get advice about your particular English

language needs for university study

Use a huge variety of English language

resources

Come any time for as long as you like, Monday

to Friday between 9am and 5pm. Visit the

ELSAC space, real and virtual, and chat to

Siew, Rebecca or Penny were all experiencedEnglish language teachers.

ELSAC services are free for as long as you are

enrolled at The University of Auckland.

ELSAC

Level 1, Kate Edger Information Commons

Phone: +64 9 373 7599 ext 82134

Email:[email protected] more information visit

www.elsac.auckland.ac.nz

Advice and support for

students

effective English language enrichment within theUniversity.

For more information visit

www.delna.auckland.ac.nz


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SBS Staff/Student LiaisonEpsom Tai Tokerau Student Association


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SBS Staff/Student Liaison

Committee

An SBS Staff/Student Committee, comprising

undergraduate and postgraduate student

representatives and academic staff, provides a

forum where issues concerning courses andlectures and general academic developments

may be discussed. Meetings are held 4 times per

year, in advance of Science Faculty meetings.

Student representatives from the School

Committee attend the Faculty of Science Liaison

Committee, and SBS Library Committee

meetings.

AUSA runs training sessions and workshops forclass representatives throughout the year and

publishes a monthly newsletter which is sent to

representatives.

Harassment

Harassment in the form of unwanted,

unacceptable or offensive behaviour, or

discrimination on any grounds by staff or fellow

students can be dealt with by approaching any

member of the Contact Network or the Mediator.

The Contact Network is a group of staff and

student representatives who will ensure that

confidentiality is maintained when approached by

students, and any action will only be taken with

the agreement of the complainant.

www.auckland.ac.nz/mediation

Epsom Tai Tokerau Student Association

The ETTSA office is located at the Epsom Campus

to support students studying there. Students can

organise the catering for a class party, loan sport

equipment, buy a locker to store books, apply for

a hardship grants, and be issued with an accesscard for the fitness centre and pool, and obtain

stickers for MAXX bus discounts from the Office

Administrator.

Contact: [email protected]

Location:

Auckland University Students Association,

2nd floor Kate Edgar Building.

Text or phone: 021 272 7026 or+64 9 309 0789 ext 202.

www.ausa.org.nz


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University Library


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University LibraryTe Tumu Herenga

General Library

Most science serials are now available

electronically. The majority of the science book

collection is shelved on Level M where you will

also find printed serial collections for biology,

marine science, chemistry, computer science,

food science, geology, physics, mathematics and

statistics. Geography, computer science and

psychology serials are shelved with the book

collection.

Tmaki Library has resources in computer

science, physics, psychology and sport and

exercise science.

Leigh Marine Research Laboratory Library has

marine science resources.

Courses, tours and training

Tours and hands-on courses will give you theconfidence to use the University Library, its

Information Commons service and all its

resources. If you are a new student, the following

courses are recommended:

Library and Resources Overview: an

introduction to the University Library resources

and services.

Database Searching: how to choose and usedatabases.

Uni IT Essentials: covers University IT facilities,

Netaccount and NetID, Cecil, Webmail,

wireless and other electronic resources.

To book a Library course visit

www.library.auckland.ac.nz/booking

Services

Visit the subject librarians in Science Information

Services on level M. Consultation sessions are

available during visits made by the Subject

Librarian to the Departments.

Other Library services include Ask a Librarian

Service, Enquiry Desk, Information Commons

Help Desk, Inter-Campus Library Delivery Service,

Interlibrary Loan and Document Delivery and the

Short Loan Collection.

Subject librarians

Visit the subject librarians in Science Information

Services on Level M. Consultation sessions are

available during visits made by the Subject

Librarian to the Departments.

Borrowing and accessing resources

Your student ID card is your Library card. Use it

to access the photocopiers, printers and to

borrow items. You also have 24-hour access via

the Library website.

General Library

5 Alfred Street, City Campus

Phone: +64 9 373 7599 ext 88044

www.library.auckland.ac.nz

Subject LibrariansVisit the subject librarians in Science

Information Services on Level M.

Consultation sessions are available during

visits made by the Subject Librarian to the

Departments.

Biological Sciences and Marine Science

Subject Librarian

John Lavas

Level M, General Library

Phone: +64 9 3737 599 ext 87247


Careers


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CareersCareers advice

A science degree from The University of Auckland

will give you a foundation of knowledge and skillsthat can lead to a wide range of career

opportunities. Our graduates begin their careers

in research organisations, local government,

central government, universities, commerce and

industry, international and community

organisations. You may begin your career in a

science position, or in a position that is not

directly science related but where your science

knowledge and skills are of benefit.

University Careers Services can assist you with

your career planning and job search throughout

the course of your studies. Their website - www.

auckland.ac.nz/careers - contains a wealth of

invaluable career resources. University Careers

Services provides assistance to science students

through careers information and advice, job

search and career research workshops in the

Careers Service, plus seminars and a drop-in

service at a variety of times and locations in theScience faculty.

For job vacancies, career events, information on

internships and current graduate career

opportunities, as well as information about

employer presentations on campus, visit

www.auckland.ac.nz/careerhub.

University Careers Services is located in The

ClockTower, 22 Princes Street, and at TmakiCampus. For information about opening hours,

please see www.auckland.ac.nz/careers.


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Staff and facilities


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Academic staff in SBS

Special Interests ContactDirector:

Professor Joerg Kistler Cellular and molecular

physiology, structural

biology

Level 2, Lippincott Cottage,

Ext 88250


Deputy Director Academic

Dr Judith A. OBrien Molecular virology,

cryoelectron microscopy

Ground Floor, Rm 02, Lippincott

Cottage,

Ext 88764


Deputy Director Research

Professor Richard C. Gardner

Yeast genetics, wine

science

Level 3, Thomas Bldg, Rm 318E

Ext 87234


Deputy Director

Development

Associate Professor

Gillian Lewis

Health-related microbiol

aspects of water quality

Level 3, Thomas Bldg, Rm 348A

Ext 87396


Professors

Ted Baker Structural biology,

X-ray crystallography

Level 4, Thomas Bldg, Rm 470

Ext 84415


Mick N. Clout Animal and plant ecology Tmaki Campus

Ext 85281


Garth J.S. Cooper Cause of diabetes; biologyof regulatory peptides Level 4, Thomas Bldg, Rm 4004Email: [email protected]

Philip J. Harris Plant cell walls Level 3, Thomas Bldg, Rm 315A

Ext 88366


John C. Montgomery Neurobiology Level 1, ThomasBldg, Rm 140Ext 87208Email: [email protected]

Michael M. Walker Magnetic sensitivity in

animals


Ext 87054Email: [email protected]

Associate Professors Special Interests Contact

Andy Allan Plant genetics and Biohub Room 130


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physiology Ext 86631


Nigel P. Birch Molecular

neuroendocrinology

Level 2, Thomas Bldg, Rm 228M


Thomas Brittain Structure-function studies

of haemproteins

Level 4, Thomas Bldg, Rm 402B

Ext 88246


David Christie

Creatine transport and

brain function, insect

odorant receptors

Level 4, Thomas Bldg, Rm 402C

Ext 88009


Kendall D. Clements Marine biology Level 1, Thomas Bldg, Rm 136


Rod Dunbar Molecular immunology

development genomic

imprinting


Ext 85765


Clive W. Evans Developmental biology,

Cancer, Ecotoxicology


Ext 87245


Peter Metcalf Structural biology and X-

ray crystallography


Ext 84810

[email protected]

Alok Mitra Structural biology/electron

crystallography


Ext 88162


Brian G. Murray Cytogentics and plant

breeding


Ext 88334


Michael N. Pearson Virus diseases of crops Level 3, Thomas Bldg, Rm 338B

Ext 88371


Joanna J. Putterill Regulation of flowering

time


Ext 87233


Senior Lecturers Special Interests Contact

Jacqueline Beggs Invertebrate ecology Tmaki Campus


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q gg gy p

Ext 86823


Andrew Dingley Biomolecular NMR

spectroscopy andStructural biology

Chemistry, Rm 729A


Mat Goddard

Experimental ecology and

evolution


Ext 89537


Richard Kingston Structural biology of

viruses


Ext 84414


Shane Lavery Molecular marine ecology

and evolution



Kerry Loomes Biochemistry,

Biotechnology


Ext 88372


Shaun Lott Structural biology

bioinformatics


Ext 87074


Stuart Parsons Behaviour & ecology of

bats



Howard Ross Evolution of genetic

diversity, bioinformatics


Ext 86160


G. Kenneth Scott Growth related proteolysis

in human cells

Level 2, Thomas Bldg, Rm 228F

Ext 88240


Mary Sewell Marine biology/ecology Level 1, Thomas Bldg, Rm 130


Chris Squire Structural biology and

drug discovery


Ext 88806


John Taylor Cell biology and

molecular virology


Ext 82854


Susan Turner Molecular microbial

ecology

Level 3, Thomas Bldg, Rm 334D



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Senior Lecturers cont. Special Interests Contact

Silas Villas-Boas Industrial and medical

microbiology


Ext 83762

Email: [email protected] D.T. Wright Terrestr ial ecology Tmaki Campus

Ext 87715


Lecturers

Augusto Barbosa Medical microbiology,

protozoology

Level 3, Thomas Bldg, Rm 348B

Ext 85087

Email: [email protected] Burns Plant ecology and

restoration ecology

Tmaki Campus

Ext 83135


Karine David Plant development,

hormone signalling


Ext 83793


Todd Dennis Spatial and movement

ecology

Level 1, Biohub, Rm 126

Ext 87288

Email: [email protected] Hay Molecular Pharmacology Level 3, Thomas Bldg, Rm 338B

Ext 88229


Anne Gaskett Behavioural Ecology Level 1, Thomas Bldg,, Rm 1020

Ext 89509


Greg Holwell Evolutionary and

behavioural ecology of

sexual reproduction


Ext 83652

Email: [email protected] Russell Island conservation,

quantitative ecology

Tmaki Campus

Ext 86833


Margaret Stanley Biosecurity & invasion

biology/community

ecology

Tmaki Campus

Ext 86819



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Special Interest Contact

Director Stage I Teaching

Amanda A. Harper Evolutionary biology Level 1, Biology Bldg, Rm 101


Senior Tutors Stage I

Mel Collings Cellular and MolecularBiology

Level 1, Biology Bldg, Rm 111D

Ext 89066


Rochelle Constantine Behavioural ecology Level 1, Biology Bldg, Rm 103

Ext 85093Email: r.constantine

Brendon Dunphy

Marine invertebrate

biology

Level 1, Biology Bldg, Rm 111C

Ext 84929


Elizabeth Hitchings Biochemistry Level 1, Biology Bldg, Rm 104

Ext 88703


Dave Seldon Entomology/Forest

Ecology

Level 1, Biology Bldg, Rm 111B


Senior Tutor Stage II

Mr Selvan Reddy Infectious disease

immunology

Level 1, Biology Bldg, Rm 105

Ext 83798


Facilities

B ildi d F iliti SBS St d t R C t


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Buildings and Facilities

City Campus

The School of Biological Sciences is located inthree buildings:- the Thomas and Biology

Buildings which are joined by a covered walkway

over the main drive at Gate 3A Symonds Street,

and the Lippincott Cottage housing the Schools

administration.

Thomas Building, 3 Symonds Street:Research laboratories, Staff offices,

Undergraduate teaching laboratory.

Biology Building, 5 Symonds Street:

Undergraduate teaching laboratories, tutorial

rooms, lecture theatres, and computer laboratory.

Student Resource Centre.

Lippincott Cottage:

Adjacent to the Thomas Building on the main

drive at 3 Symonds Street, the administration

building houses the offices of the Director andDeputy Director (Academic) as well as the

Registrar of the School of Biological Sciences and

associated administrative staff.

Tmaki Campus

The School of Biological Sciences teaches three

Stage 3 courses at the Tmaki Campus, located

at the corner of Morrin and Merton Roads, Glen

Innes. Full teaching facilities includinglaboratories are available on site.

For further information students may contact the

SBS Student Resource Centre (City Campus) or

staff of the Division of Science and Technology

(Tmaki Campus).

Bessie DSa

Ext 86825

SBS Student Resource Centre

The SBS Student Resource Centre (SRC) is located

on

Level 1 of the Biology Building.

Opening Hours: 9am-4pm

Phone: +64 9 373 7599 ext 87297


Website: Student Resource Centre link at www.

sbs.auckland.ac.nz.

For further information please contact

Tessa Holloway, SRC Manager

[email protected]

Ext 87297

The SRC provides a wide range of services for all

Undergraduate students including:

Enquiry Desk

The SRC staff will be happy to help you with all

enquiries, provide general advice and be able torefer you to the relevant course coordinator if you

have specific academic questions.

A telephone and PC are available at the SRC

desk for use by all students giving access to the

internal phone network and all online resources.

Loans, Desk Copy material

The SRC carries a wide range of material whichcan be borrowed for photocopying (1 hour limit)

by leaving photo id with the SRC. Materials

available include:

Reading material/articles recommended by

course coordinators

Past exams/Mid Semester Test papers

Course handouts (often free of charge)

Videos/DVDs Limited selection of textbooks


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Student support servicesService Location Phone


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Accommodation andConference Services

ORorke Hall, 16 Mount Street +64 9 373 [email protected]/accommodation

Careers Centre Room 001, The ClockTower +64 9 373 7599 ext [email protected]/careers

Early Childcare Services 28 Park Avenue, Grafton +64 9 373 7599 ext 85894

Chaplains Office 18 Princes Street +64 9 373 7599 ext [email protected]

Disability Services Room 036, The ClockTower (south wing)

+64 9 373 7599 ext [email protected]

Mediators Office +64 9 373 7599 ext [email protected]/mediation

Equity Office Level 1, The ClockTower (East Wing) +64 9 373 7599 ext 84923www.eo.auckland.ac.nz

Student Finance Room 108, The ClockTower +64 9 373 7599 ext 84422

Health Services(including counselling)

Level 3, Student Commons +64 9 373 7599 ext 87681

Dental Services Level 3, Student Commons +64 9 373 7599 ext 83860

International StudentsInformation Centre

Auckland InternationalOld Choral Hall

+64 9 373 [email protected]/international

Recreation Centre Building 314, 17 Symonds Street +64 9 373 7599 ext 84788

www.auckland.ac.nz/recreationScholarships Office Room 012, The ClockTower +64 9 373 7599 ext 87494

[email protected]/scholarships

Student Advocacy Network AUSA House3 Alfred Street

+64 9 309 0789 [email protected]/wave

Student Information Centre Room 112, The ClockTower 0800 61 62 63+64 9 373 7599 ext [email protected]

Student Learning Centre Level 3 Information Commons +64 9 373 7599 ext [email protected]

Student loans andallowances

StudyLink 0800 88 99 00www.studylink.govt.nz

SciSpace G16, Ground Floor, Building 303 +64 9 373 7599 ext 85510www.science.auckland.ac.nz/scispace

Students' Association AUSA, 4 Alfred Street +64 9 309 [email protected]

University Book Shop (UBS) Kate Edger Building +64 9 306 2700

www.ubsbooks.co.nz


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Notes


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2011 undergraduate handbook

Documents