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    Step into the world of Plant Biotechnology, where plant science and technology combine to drive breakthroughs in sustainability, food security, and human wellbeing.

    Why study Plant Biotechnology?

    Plant Biotechnology combines biology, technology, and innovation to tackle some of the world’s biggest challenges. By understanding how plants grow, adapt, and interact with their environment, you’ll develop skills to create new crops, improve food security, and design sustainable solutions for health and industry.

    This subject opens the door to careers that help fight climate change, boost nutrition, and protect biodiversity. At Otago, you’ll learn to use advanced tools like genetic engineering and molecular biology through hands-on, practical projects.

    Career opportunities

    This subject opens doors to careers at the intersection of science, sustainability and innovation. You’ll graduate with skills that are valued across Aotearoa’s growing biotech, agriculture and environmental sectors.

    Graduates find opportunities in:

    • Crown Research Institutes (dealing with horticultural, arable, pastoral and forestry products)
    • Biotechnology and agricultural technology companies
    • Research roles in universities or government labs, contributing to projects in genomics, plant breeding, molecular biology or ecosystem resilience
    • Environmental and sustainability advisory roles
    • Science communication, education or teaching

    How you will learn

    You’ll study specialised Plant Biotechnology papers alongside key courses in Biochemistry, Botany, and Genetics, giving you a deep understanding of plant biology at the molecular level.

    Classes combine engaging lectures with practical lab work where you apply what you learn. Our small class sizes mean you’ll get plenty of support from experienced staff and build strong connections with your classmates. You’ll be part of a collaborative, hands-on learning environment that prepares you for real-world challenges.

    Recommended high school subjects for undergraduate study

    A solid foundation in biology and chemistry will help you get the most from Plant Biotechnology.

    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.

    Note: this subject can also be studied as a minor.

    Ready to apply?

    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.

    Join a forward-thinking community solving global challenges through science

    Otago is a leader in Plant Biotechnology research and teaching, with passionate experts driving innovation in plant science.

    You’ll benefit from close links with research centres and industry, giving you valuable hands-on experience and connections and our modern laboratories are equipped with the latest technology to support your discoveries.

    Programme details

    Compare programmes for this subject.

    LevelPapersPoints
    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 18
    At least three 200-level BIOC, BTNY or GENE papers 54
    300-level PLBI 301 Applied Plant Science 18
    PLBI 302 Plants for the Future 18
    At least two approved 300-level BIOC, BTNY or GENE papers 36
    Plus

    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

    LevelPapersPoints
    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

    Two 200-level BIOC, BTNY or GENE papers

    18

    36

    300-level

    PLBI 301 Applied Plant Science, or PLBI 302 Plants for the Future

    18

     

    * PTWY 132 is only available to students enrolled in the Diploma in Science.

    		 
    Total 90

    Papers

    View a list of all related papers below.

    PLBI papers

    Paper Code Year Title Points Teaching period
    PLBI301 2026 Applied Plant Science 18 points Semester 1
    PLBI302 2026 Plants for the Future 18 points Semester 2
    PLBI351 2026 Research Perspectives in Plant Biotechnology 18 points Not offered in 2026
    PLBI401 2026 Frontiers in Plant Biotechnology 20 points Full Year, 1st Non standard period (13 July 2026 - 18 June 2027)
    PLBI480 2026 Research Project 40 points Full Year, 1st Non standard period (13 July 2026 - 18 June 2027)
    PLBI490 2026 Dissertation 60 points Full Year, 1st Non standard period (13 July 2026 - 18 June 2027)
    PLBI495 2026 Master's Thesis Preparation 40 points Full Year

    More information

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    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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