UNIVERSITY OF CANTERBURY
COLLEGE OF SCIENCE
University of Canterbury is ranked in the top 150 universities in the world for Geography, Earth and Marine Sciences, and Linguistics; in the top 200 for Environmental Sciences; and in the top 250 for Psychology, and Physics and Astronomy (QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2019). UC is also ranked first in New Zealand for research in Ecology, Evolution and Behaviour (Tertiary Education Commission 2018 PBRF assessment).
UC is the only university in New Zealandto offer Astronomy at all levels of study, and operates an internationally important astronomical observatory at Ōtehīwai Mt John in Takapō Tekapo.
Why UC Science
- 18 major Science subjects on offer and over 30 subject choices available in total
- Students benefit from cutting-edge research undertaken by UC staff, visiting international scholars, and the many research centres and institutes based at UC.
- The unique network of field stations from Antarctica to Nigeria offer amazing active learning opportunities.
- Award-winning lecturers have been acknowledged both nationally and internationally for their teaching and research.
- $216 million investment in state-of-the-art UC Science facilities through the Rutherford Regional Science and Innovation Centre.
Major subjects
- Astronomy
- Biochemistry
- Biological Sciences
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Data Science
- Economics
- Environmental Science
- Finance
- Financial Engineering
- Geography
- Geology
- Linguistics
- Mathematics
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Psychology
- Statistics
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
Astronomy
Astronomy and astrophysics are concerned with the study of the nature and distribution of matter and radiation throughout all time and space in the Universe.
Astronomers have always been keen to harness the latest technological advances in their quest for ever more precise and revealing observations. As a consequence, astronomy in recent years has been one of the most rapidly expanding of all physical sciences and many exciting and unexpected discoveries continue to be made.
Career Opportunities
Students majoring in Astronomy acquire a wide range of skills, from the use of spectroscopic and photometric detector systems, through electronics and optics, to computer skills for analysis and interpretation of data. This produces a graduate who is well equipped to undertake employment not only in astronomy, but in any number of fields that require practical experience or that involve analysis of real data.
Studying Physics and Astronomy equips graduates with skills in problem solving, abstract thinking, evaluating, communicating, and decision making. It develops high levels of curiosity, inventiveness, and mathematical and computer competencies.
Graduates may follow traditional paths and work either as scientists, technicians, research assistants, engineers, astronomers, patent agents, technical authors, or even managers at an observatory or in an institute. However, many Astronomy graduates move into other fields, particularly computing and information technology, management, and science communication or media work. With some additional study, graduates can become meteorologists, geophysicists, material technologists, or medical physicists.
Biochemistry
Biochemistry brings together a number of branches of science with a view to understanding the chemistry of life. Such a unique and privileged position at the interface of the traditional sciences makes for a dynamic and exciting discipline. It provides basic insight into biological processes such as enzyme action, drug action, genetic engineering, photosynthesis, and colour vision.
Biochemistry is at the cutting edge of contemporary science, research, and industry. Biochemical innovation is critical in adding value to Aotearoa New Zealand's agricultural production, advancing medicine, and understanding the fundamentals of the biological world around us.
Career Opportunities
Biochemists are key members of drug development teams in the pharmaceuticals industry. Many work in government departments (eg, in medicines regulation), diagnostic departments in hospitals, and in research institutes studying subjects as diverse as crop protection and nanotechnology.
You could find interesting graduate jobs and career progression with food and beverage producers; agricultural organisations; manufacturing and processing companies; the biotechnology industry; health and beauty care organisations; or science publishers.
Chemistry
Chemistry is the central science. It deals with the composition, structure, and behaviour of the atoms and molecules that make up all forms of matter. Understanding the world at an atomic level is essential to all areas of science. Chemistry interlinks and contributes to medicine, geology, materials science, molecular physics, biology, and astronomy.
Its central role in science is emphasised by the fact that Chemistry merges with Biological Sciences (the field of biochemistry) at one extreme, and with Physics (physical chemistry and chemical physics) at the other.
Career Opportunities
New Zealand's unique mix of primary and secondary industries provides a wide choice of careers in chemistry. Expanding industries in New Zealand, for example those related to new sources of energy and to the development of forestry and dairy resources, are further increasing the demand for qualified chemists.
Chemists are well trained in problem solving and skilled at handling information, which leads naturally into a wide diversity of job opportunities, including sales and management.
Financial Engineering
Financial Engineering is a cross-disciplinary field combining financial and economic theory with the mathematical and computational tools needed to design and develop financial products, portfolios, markets, and regulations. Financial engineers manage financial risk, identify market opportunities, design and value financial or actuarial products, and optimise investment strategies.
Similar to other professional degrees at UC, the first year of the Bachelor of Science in Financial Engineering provides a breadth and depth of technical skills and knowledge across the key disciplines of finance and economics, mathematics and statistics, and computer science and software engineering.
This broad foundation is then built upon over the next two years, where you will undertake further core courses across these disciplines and can choose specialisations within Financial Engineering.
Career Opportunities
UC Financial Engineering graduates will be ready for the international workplace in the finance industry and related fields mentioned above. They will also be well prepared for further study in this field in order to attain positions at higher technical levels.
Employers range from private industries, such as banking, investment, capital industries, security, data analysis, risk management and insurance, to the public sector.
Data Science
Organisations are increasingly making use of large volumes of digital data, from personal medical histories, to socio-economic statistics, to internet trends. Data scientists are one of the newest professions to come from this demand for effective storage, maintenance, and use of 'big data'. Graduates with modern, technical knowledge of computing systems and statistical methods are needed to process information in a range of industries.
Data Science combines mathematics, statistics, computing, technology innovation, and practical results. You will study at the forefront of modern practices and issues in the digital world, including ethics and security of data, strategy development, and statistical programming.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of Data Science will find their knowledge is in high demand, as there is a global shortage of expertise to support the steady growth in data collection and digitisation.
Graduates will find employment in business and technology sectors as data scientists, data advisors, data/analytics consultants, and insight analysts.
Data Science graduates will also have a background in project implementation, research, critical analysis, problem solving, and communication skills in discussing and explaining data findings, all of which are useful skills in a number of careers.
Mathematics
Mathematics is a living subject with new ideas, techniques, and theorems constantly being created, tested, and explored.
Mathematicians are at the forefront of breakthroughs in science, technology, and finance.
Career Opportunities
Perhaps the most important quality that a Mathematics graduate develops is the ability to reason logically and in depth. Mathematics is a creative, collaborative pursuit. The habits of thought developed by studying Mathematics are of permanent value.
Mathematics graduates are highly employable, working in computing, finance, commerce, insurance, scientific institutions (such as Crown Research Institutes), law, teaching, and many other fields.
Employment opportunities are particularly good for people who combine qualifications in Mathematics with qualifications in other disciplines such as the Physical Sciences, Statistics, Computer Science, Engineering, Management, and Economics.
Psychology
Psychology is the scientific study of behaviour and associated biological, cognitive, and social processes in humans and other animals. It is a rapidly developing field touching on all aspects of human life. Advances in neuro-imaging and molecular biology are rapidly enhancing our understanding of how the brain works, while increasingly complex theories are being developed to understand both normal and abnormal development and the behaviour of individuals and groups. Major advances are being made in understanding and treating psycho-pathologies such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and addictions.
Its central role in science is emphasised by the fact that Chemistry merges with Biological Sciences (the field of biochemistry) at one extreme, and with Physics (physical chemistry and chemical physics) at the other.
Career Opportunities
Psychologists have a unique mix of skills. As well as a basic knowledge about people, as individuals and in groups, they are required to have excellent writing and communication skills, the ability to analyse and understand quantitative data, and a critical and objective way of approaching problems.
Psychology graduates hold research and policy analyst positions in government departments and other large public sector organisations, as well as positions of responsibility in a variety of settings, including many private sector businesses. Many graduates are employed in public relations; teaching and training; district health boards; the New Zealand Defence Forces; Department of Corrections; and in social service agencies such as employment services, social welfare, counselling services, and health promotion.
Master of Science
Applied Psychology
Industrial and Organisational (I/O) Psychology applies psychological theories and principles to understand individual attitudes and behaviours in the workplace, and how these attitudes, behaviours, and performance can be improved through hiring practices, training programs, leadership, and management systems.
Our graduates develop knowledge and competencies that allow them to improve employee motivation, satisfaction, and wellbeing, and make a significant positive contribution to people and organisations.
Career Options
Many of our graduates have decided to make Industrial and Organisational Psychology their career by becoming organisational development consultants, HR professionals, research analysts, or academics.
Applied Psychology graduates find employment in a variety of organisations. These have included human resource management or organisational development positions in a range of industries – banking and finance, manufacturing, IT, healthcare, NZDF, and government agencies. Some of our graduates have returned to obtain their PhD qualification, and pursued academic careers or specialist consulting roles.
Biological Sciences
Biologists investigate animals, plants, and microbes in many different ways, and on a huge range of scales from molecules and cells to individual organisms, populations, and ecosystems.
The Biological Sciences programme is broad and flexible, allowing students to study multiple aspects of the biological sciences or take on an interdisciplinary approach. These approaches fit well with the School of Biological Sciences' philosophy of embracing modern trends and preparing students well for future science careers.
Career Opportunities
Our graduates have gone on to positions as researchers, managers, teachers and technicians; and diverse other careers in agriculture, horticulture, veterinary and medical science, freshwater and marine fisheries, aquaculture, oceanography, entomology, soil biology, and food, brewing, and pharmaceutical industries.
Government agencies frequently target Biological Sciences graduates. Regular employers of our graduates include Crown Research Institutes, government ministries concerned with conservation, the environment, agriculture, forestry and health, and regional and local councils.
A Biological Sciences degree indicates you have the ability to access, understand, analyse, and communicate complex information. This is attractive to many employers.
Ecology
Ecology is the scientific study of the interactions between organisms and the environment. In reality, modern ecology is much broader than this, encompassing studies on individuals, species, populations, communities, and ecosystems, and includes behaviour, evolution, physiology, and increasingly molecular biology.
In New Zealand, the study of ecology is especially important. As a small group of islands separated from larger land masses, New Zealand's flora and fauna evolved unique characteristics in the absence of mammals. The invasion of New Zealand by humans and the organisms (including mammals) that they introduced has dramatically altered its ecology, leading to drastic reductions in numbers, or even extinctions, of the original animals and plants.
Career Opportunities
Ecologists can take up a wide range of careers working for organisations such as the Department of Conservation | Te Papa Atawhai, city or regional councils, universities, and Crown Research Institutes, as well as with private companies such as environmental consulting agencies.
Their work can take them to a wide range of beautiful and unique areas in New Zealand and beyond.
Medical Physics
Medical Physics applies the concepts and methods of physics to the diagnosis and treatment of human disease.
Modern medicine relies heavily on many physical tools, techniques, and principles which have been developed in the physical sciences. The complexity and precision required in the operation of modern-day diagnostic and therapeutic equipment, and the quest to constantly improve medical technology, has led to the subspecialty of Medical Physics.
A medical physicist applies scientific knowledge and technological skills to help prevent, diagnose, and treat many types of disease and health conditions. They are a mix of research and clinical scientists who play a pivotal role in providing physics support to various areas of the health sector to achieve better outcomes for patients. They also ensure the safety of staff and patients exposed to radiation.
A medical physicist is typically a member of multidisciplinary team and may be involved in several activities relating to diagnosis and/or treatment in radiology, nuclear medicine, or radiation therapy.
Career Opportunities
Medical physics provides an intellectually stimulating, multidisciplinary environment; personally rewarding work that may have a direct effect on patient care; and excellent career prospects in a field with a recognised shortage of suitably qualified graduates.
Medical physics graduates are employed by hospitals in various department’s including radiation oncology, diagnostic radiology, and nuclear medicine. They are involved in creating new devices and technology, both in industry and academic environments. They also help to regulate the safe use of medical technology, including radiation safety.
Biochemistry
Biochemistry brings together chemistry, physics and molecular biology with a view to understanding the chemistry of life. Such a unique and privileged position at the interface of the traditional sciences makes for a dynamic and exciting discipline. It provides basic insight into biological processes such as enzyme action, drug discovery and design, the molecular basis for disease, gene expression and control, and food biochemistry such as protein biosynthesis.
Biochemistry is at the cutting edge of contemporary science, research, and industry. Biochemical innovation is critical in adding value to New Zealand's agricultural production, advancing medicine, and understanding the fundamentals of the biological world around us.
With separate courses for Early Childhood, Primary, and Secondary teaching, the GradDipT combines Professional Education papers with placements in schools (or ECE centres).
Career Opportunities
Biochemical innovation is critical in adding value to New Zealand's agricultural production, as well as in understanding the fundamentals of the biological world around us. Biochemistry graduates are sought after all over the world.
Biological Sciences
Biologists investigate animals, plants, and microbes in many different ways, and on a huge range of scales from molecules and cells to individual organisms, populations, and ecosystems.
The Biological Sciences programme is broad and flexible, allowing students to study multiple aspects of the biological sciences or take on an interdisciplinary approach. These approaches fit well with the School of Biological Sciences' philosophy of embracing modern trends and preparing students well for future science careers.
Career Opportunities
Our graduates have gone on to positions as researchers, managers, teachers and technicians; and diverse other careers in agriculture, horticulture, veterinary and medical science, freshwater and marine fisheries, aquaculture, oceanography, entomology, soil biology, and food, brewing, and pharmaceutical industries.
Government agencies frequently target Biological Sciences graduates. Regular employers of our graduates include Crown Research Institutes, government ministries concerned with conservation, the environment, agriculture, forestry and health, and regional and local councils.
A Biological Sciences degree indicates you have the ability to access, understand, analyse, and communicate complex information. This is attractive to many employers.
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