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.
Bachelor of Science (BSc)
A three-year degree offering flexibility to explore a major in Science along with other subjects
Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc)
Combine two majors, one in Arts and one in Science, into a four-year degree and expand your future career prospects
Bachelor of Commerce and Science (BComSc)
Combine two majors, one in Commerce and one in Science, into a four-year degree and expand your future career prospects
Bachelor of Entrepreneurship (BEntr)
A three-year degree that equips you to change the world as you create new products, services and ideas
Bachelor of Sustainability (BSust)
A three-year degree with a core sustainability focus, combined with a major from Sciences, Commerce, or Arts and Social Sciences.
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.
Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad)
The Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad), requiring study of at least seven papers (at least four of which are at 300-level o...
Postgraduate study in Plant Biotechnology
Explore postgraduate study in Plant Biotechnology at Otago. Gain advanced knowledge, skills, and research opportunities ...
Related subject areas
Explore all subject areasJoin 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.
| 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 | 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.
| 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 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, 2027 | Applied Plant Science | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| PLBI302 | 2026, 2027 | Plants for the Future | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| PLBI351 | 2026, 2027 | Research Perspectives in Plant Biotechnology | 18 points | Not offered in 2026, Full Year |
| PLBI401 | 2026, 2027 | Frontiers in Plant Biotechnology | 20 points | Full Year, 1st Non standard period (13 July 2026 - 18 June 2027), 1st Non standard period (12 July 2027 - 2 June 2028) |
| PLBI480 | 2026, 2027 | Research Project | 40 points | Full Year, 1st Non standard period (13 July 2026 - 18 June 2027), 1st Non standard period (12 July 2027 - 2 June 2028) |
| PLBI490 | 2026, 2027 | Dissertation | 60 points | Full Year, 1st Non standard period (13 July 2026 - 18 June 2027), 1st Non standard period (12 July 2027 - 2 June 2028) |
| PLBI495 | 2026, 2027 | Master's Thesis Preparation | 40 points | Full Year |
More information
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Regulations on this page are taken from the 2026 Calendar and supplementary material.
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