Discipline of Biological and Chemical Sciences

Discipline of Biological and Chemical Sciences

Biology

Biology is the study of life – from microscopic cells to the vast ecosystems that comprise the living planet. And where better to study this expansive subject than the South Pacific region where it is possible to visit some of the most biologically diverse and yet starkly contrasting ecosystems in a single day? If you relish the thought of studying the diversity of life from the depths of the ocean to the heights of the montane rain forest, biology is the right choice for you.

A degree in biology will equip you with the observational and critical thinking skills required for a wide range of fulfilling careers. Biology graduates from USP are right now working in industry, education and the public sector in such diverse fields as conservation and biodiversity, product development, research and quality control. They are College Principals, Environment Officers, Conservation Scientists and Plant Biologists working to protect our future food security – to name a few.

As you progress through a biology programme at USP, you will build on the fundamental principles of plant and animal biology learned at 100-level to acquire the professional skills you’ll need to study the living world from probing the molecular and cellular foundations of life to examining the diversity and complexity of the organisms, communities and ecological networks that make up the living biosystems we are immersed in. Through lectures, tutorials, lab-based practical work and field trips to spectacular locations from forested ridges to sparkling coral reefs, you will become fully prepared to take your place in the role of a professional biologist.

Chemistry

Are you curious and inquisitive? Do you enjoy “hands-on” practical activities? Do you want to know more about the building blocks that everything around us is made of? Chemistry is a fascinating programme of study through which you will develop the investigative and analytical skills needed for rewarding careers in a broad range of exciting professional fields. From teaching and research, to industrial product development, quality control and environmental regulation and management, USP chemistry graduates are employed in roles that touch almost every aspect of our lives.

Our courses are specifically designed to encourage enquiring minds and innovative approaches. Building on the foundational chemical principles you will learn in 100- and 200-level courses, by the end of your programme you will have become adept in applying the most up-to-date techniques to probe the chemical and molecular nature of the world around you and understand how these are applied in industrial processes, development of new products and materials and in measuring the quality of the foods, soils, air and water that we depend on. You will be well-equipped to enter your chosen field as a professional chemist.

For more information, contact:
Discipline Coordinator
Dr. Desta Gedefaw
Senior Lecturer
School of Agriculture, Geography, Environment, Ocean and Natural Sciences
The University of the South Pacific,
Private Mail Bag, Suva, Republic of Fiji

Email: desta.gedefaw@usp.ac.fj
Tel: 32 32476