Undergraduate Science Group Research Project
The Science Capstone Project (SCIEN301) allows students to participate an interdisciplinary group project on a topic of relevance to the scientific or wider community. It is an excellent entry experience into the world of academic science research, and ideal for students who are looking for a career where their science knowledge will be used in a more applied manner.
Available only in B trimester (July to November)
The Programme
Highlights include:
- Flexibility to choose from a range of research topics
- Hone your ability to conduct independent research and communicate results through a written research report
- Work with world-renowned faculty in areas of animal behaviour, chemistry, coastal processes, earth sciences, ecology and biodiversity, environmental sciences, hydrology and more.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for this study option, students must:
- Be a science major
- Be in your third (3rd) year of study or higher
- Be self-motivated to research in a group as well as independently
Current Research Projects
Check out the latest Capstone Science Research Projects available to students.
Please note: some projects listed are for C Trimester. Those projects are not open to Study Abroad & Exchange students.
NOTE: Rēkohu - Chatham Islands Project
The application deadline for the Rēkohu - Chatham Islands project is March 1. Applications received after this deadline will be put on a waitlist.
There is an additional fee associated with this project as you will need to fly to and stay on the Chatham Islands for two weeks (organised by the University). The cost usually sits around $3000 (NZD) but will be confirmed closer to the trip.
Application Process
After you have accepted your Offer of Place to study at Waikato (in your MyWaikato account), you will need to submit your paper (course) selection.
- Enrol into SCIEN301 - Capstone Project
- Once enrolled, visit MyWIL to select your preferred Capstone Project
- Email hecs-wil@waikato.ac.nz (CC studyabroad@waikato.ac.nz) with the following information:
- State your major
- Research topic/area of focus and a brief outline of your applicable knowledge
- State that you are a Study Abroad and Exchange Student who is confirmed to study with us
- Include your Waikato Student ID.
Ready to Apply?
Science Research Package Programmes: Project + Papers
We offer curated packages for students wanting to specialise in their specific field of study and hone their scientific skills.
- Enrol in Capstone Research Project (SCIEN301)
- Combine it with three other papers suggested in your chosen science subject area
Research Project Title: Marine Conservation, Human Use and Underwater Noise
Campus: Tauranga Campus only
Overview: Complete an interdisciplinary project of relevance to the community, in the theme of marine conservation and underwater sound.
Majors: Marine Science, Ecology & Biodiversity, Environmental Science
Recommended Papers:
Then one of the following
Reseach Project Title: Rewilding Rivers
Campus: Hamilton Campus only
Overview: Assess how well restoration strategies are working to reconnect communities to their waterways and restore healthy freshwater habitats that sustain native biodiversity and important ecosystem services
Recommended Papers:
Then one of the following:
Reseach Project Title: Modern Methods for Molecular Scientists
Campus: Hamilton Campus only
Overview: Develop a detailed working knowledge of the techniques that are commonly used in modern molecular biology
Majors: Molecular & Cellular Biology
Suggested Papers:
Then one of the following:
Research Project Title: Rēkohu – Chatham Island
Campus: Hamilton Campus only
Overview: Develops skills in preparing for, undertaking, and analysing the results of an extended field investigation at Rēkohu (an island off New Zealand)
Majors: Earth Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Ecology & Biodiversity
Suggested Papers:
Then one of the following: