This multidisciplinary course encompasses plant physiology, plant biochemistry and plant molecular biology. It brings together the expertise of plant scientists in the Botany and Biochemistry departments and aims to produce graduates with a knowledge of the structure and function of the whole plant and the ability to apply modern molecular and biochemical techniques to the manipulation of plants of agronomic importance.
Choose a study option
Whether you're embarking on your academic journey with our comprehensive undergraduate programmes or aiming to reach new heights through our advanced postgraduate offerings, Otago is here to support your aspirations.
Undergraduate qualifications
For new and current students studying towards a Bachelor's or other first degree. Explore undergraduate qualifications at Otago, designed to build a strong foundation in your chosen field, preparing you for a successful career or further study.
Take the first step towards your future in this subject.
Further study opportunities
Whether you are looking to bridge your undergraduate studies to advanced knowledge or aiming to specialise in a specific field, Otago offers a range of graduate and postgraduate options to suit your aspirations.
Compare programmes for this subject as a major and minor (where available).
Level
Papers
Points
100-level
BIOL 123 Plants: How They Shape the World, or PTWY 132 Introduction to Plant Life
18
At least one of: BIOC 192 Foundations of Biochemistry CELS 191 Cell and Molecular Biology CHEM 191 The Chemical Basis of Biology and Human Health ECOL 111
Ecology and Conservation of Diversity
18
Note: PTWY 132 is only available to students enrolled in the Diploma in Science.
200-level
BTNY 201 Plant Functional Biology and Biotechnology
180 further points; must include 36 points at 200-level or above.
Up to 90 points may be taken from outside Science
Note: Prerequisite for BIOC 192 is CHEM 191.
Prerequisites for 200-level BIOC and GENE papers include CELS 191 and may include CHEM 191 or BIOC 192. ECOL 111 is a prerequisite for some BTNY 200-level papers.
180
Total
360
A minor subject can be included in many of our undergraduate degrees. To earn a minor, you typically must complete a minimum of 90 points in that subject, with at least 18 points at the 300-level.
Your minor can be a subject more commonly taken for a different degree. For example, a BCom majoring in Marketing can include Japanese as a minor subject. To include this subject as a minor in your application, first find a major subject through our Subject Search or Study Match.
You can check what’s required to receive the minor accreditation in the programme details below.
Available as a minor subject for a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Music (MusB), Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA), Bachelor of Theology (BTheol), Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), Bachelor of Entrepreneurship (BEntr), Bachelor of Health Science (BHealSc), Bachelor of Arts and Commerce (BACom), Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc) or Bachelor of Commerce and Science (BComSc) degree
Level
Papers
Points
100-level
BIOL 123 Plants: How They Shape the World, or PTWY 132* Introduction to Plant Life
18
200-level
BTNY 201 Plant Functional Biology and Biotechnology
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