The University of Waikato is renowned for its research in the restoration of terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems, leveraging its close proximity to the Rotorua lakes, the Waikato River, and the peat lakes and wetlands of the Waikato Region. Additional research areas encompass animal behavior, Antarctic ecology, estuarine and coastal marine biology, forest ecology, plant and animal physiology, plant systematics, and urban ecology. Our strategic location facilitates swift access to coastal marine research, supported by a coastal marine field station in nearby Tauranga. Furthermore, it offers convenient access to a diverse array of terrestrial environments, ranging from pastoral agriculture to lowland and montane forests.

Students will acquire knowledge of ecological and biological theories, alongside practical skills in field identification, surveying, and experimentation involving plants, animals, and microbes across various ecosystems. They will also develop an understanding of biological classification principles, enabling them to identify and classify common organisms within New Zealand’s ecosystems. These skills will be cultivated through a blend of hands-on laboratory experience, practical field courses, and instruction from leading ecologists and biologists.