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Pursuing a Botany degree offers an engaging and rigorous education led by outstanding plant science experts. The program explores critical contemporary topics including biotechnology, genetic engineering, ecosystem services, environmental sustainability, and how ecological systems respond to climate shifts. At Otago, Botany students have the opportunity to investigate New Zealand's distinctive terrestrial and marine plant life, examining its rich biodiversity, evolutionary origins, and responses to climate change, ocean acidification, and invasive species. The curriculum spans diverse subjects, from the biological processes of photosynthetic organisms to their vital roles within ecosystems, highlighting plants' significance in solving 21st-century global challenges. The program features exceptional field excursions that provide immersive experiences in plant ecology and hands-on exploration of our remarkable natural world.
Students completing the degree through coursework and a thesis typically undertake two to three years of full-time study, while those pursuing a thesis-only option generally complete one to two years. Any variations to these timelines require approval from the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Sciences).