Connecting plants and people for a sustainable future.
Because plants provide us with food, fibres and medicines, knowledge about plants is fundamental to our survival.
It’s also vital to the health of the planet, as plants influence the Earth’s climate, and most life forms on Earth depend directly on plants for oxygen, food, or habitat. Plants also include some of the strangest and most beautiful living things on Earth.
Modern Botany includes research into the biochemistry, ecology, genetics and physiology of plants, plant evolution, the role plants play in ecosystems and plant biotechnology. It covers topics from the breeding of crop plants using the most modern molecular techniques, through to modelling the effects of climate change on plants.
Why study Botany?
Botany is an exciting and challenging degree taught by a team of excellent plant scientists.
You will learn about important, topical issues such as biotechnology, genetic modification, ecosystem services, sustainability and the ecological impacts of environmental change.
Studying Botany at Otago will enable you to examine New Zealand's unique flora on land and in the sea. You will study its diversity and evolutionary history, as well as how this flora may be affected by changing climatic conditions, ocean acidification, and invasive organisms. Botany courses will cover a wide range of topics from how photosynthetic organisms function, to understanding their role in ecosystem processes. This will include the importance of plants in addressing some of the challenges and problems that face society in the 21st century.
Botany courses have great field trips that focus on various aspects of plant ecology and allow you to participate in hands-on study of our exciting natural environment.
Are you just starting uni?
Learn about studying Botany as an undergraduate at Otago.
Choose a study option
Whether you are advancing your career with our specialised graduate qualifications or pursuing in-depth research and expertise through our postgraduate programmes, Otago is here to support your aspirations.
Postgraduate qualifications
Honours, masters’, PhDs, and other advanced degrees for graduates. Just one additional year of study will earn you a valuable postgraduate degree. Or perhaps you want the depth of a full year of research-only time during a master’s or to step up to a PhD.
Bachelor of Science with Honours (BSc(Hons))
A four-year degree focusing on advanced study and culminating in a research project in the final year
Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSci)
A one-year programme which builds on an undergraduate science degree, encompassing coursework and a chosen research topic
Master of Science (MSc)
A two-year degree with a wide range of subject options, the MSc may be taken by a combination of coursework and thesis, or by thesis only
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Engage in original research leading to a doctoral thesis, supported by comprehensive academic and social networks
Graduate qualifications
Our graduate qualifications are crafted to transition students from foundational studies to advanced, specialised knowledge.
Ready to apply?
Take your expertise to the next level with advanced study.
Programme details
Compare programmes for this subject.
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Papers
View a list of all related papers below.
BTNY papers
| Paper Code | Year | Title | Points | Teaching period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BTNY201 | 2026 | Plant Functional Biology and Biotechnology | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| BTNY202 | 2026 | Plant and Fungal Diversity | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| BTNY203 | 2026 | Marine and Freshwater Botany | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| BTNY301 | 2026 | Plant Ecology | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| BTNY302 | 2026 | Plant Interactions | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| BTNY303 | 2026 | Topics in Field Botany | 18 points | 1st Non standard period (9 November 2026 - 12 December 2026) |
| BTNY365 | 2026 | Research Skills | 18 points | Not offered in 2026, expected to be offered in 2027 |
| BTNY370 | 2026 | Special Topic | 18 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| BTNY461 | 2026 | Plant Physiology and Biotechnology | 20 points | Semester 1 |
| BTNY465 | 2026 | Plant and Environment | 20 points | Semester 2 |
| BTNY467 | 2026 | New Zealand Plant Ecology and Evolution | 20 points | Semester 2 |
| BTNY469 | 2026 | Principles of Nature Conservation | 20 points | Semester 1 |
| BTNY470 | 2026 | Special Topic | 20 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| BTNY480 | 2026 | Research Project | 40 points | Full Year, 1st Non standard period (13 July 2026 - 9 June 2027), 2nd Non standard period (23 November 2026 - 29 October 2027) |
| BTNY490 | 2026 | Dissertation | 60 points | Full Year, 1st Non standard period (13 July 2026 - 9 June 2027), 2nd Non standard period (23 November 2026 - 29 October 2027) |
| BTNY495 | 2026 | Master's Thesis Preparation | 40 points | Full Year, 1st Non standard period (13 July 2026 - 9 June 2027), 2nd Non standard period (23 November 2026 - 29 October 2027) |
Contacts
Department of Botany
Email botany@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/botany
This information must be read subject to the statement on our Copyright & Disclaimer page.
Regulations on this page are taken from the 2026 Calendar and supplementary material.
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