About the Division of Sciences
Science at Otago
Science at Otago had its beginnings when the University of Otago was established in 1869 with three professorial chairs - one of which was Mathematics. A fourth chair in Natural Science was established in 1872 as the result of a grant from the Provincial Council, which considered that this would be beneficial to the province.
Initially the Bachelor of Arts was the only undergraduate degree offered at Otago, although it included science subjects. Science was not constituted as a faculty until 1944. Over the years the Faculty of Science grew, and by the mid 1980s it included nine departments - Botany, Chemistry, Computer Science, Geology, Mathematics and Statistics, Physics, Psychology, Surveying and Zoology. In 1989 the Division of Sciences was established following the amalgamation of these departments, as well as the School of Consumer and Applied Sciences (encompassing the disciplines of Human Nutrition, Clothing and Textile Sciences, Community and Family Studies, Design Studies, and Food Science), and the School of Physical Education. By 1992 the Department of Marine Science had also been founded. In 2001 the Applied Science degree was developed, combining the strengths of innovative science with essential business skills. This degree is interdisciplinary, maximising existing teaching and research.
Student numbers within the Division continue to grow, both at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, as do the number of major subjects and qualifications being offered. At the same time the career choices and destinations of our graduates are becoming more and more extensive and varied.
An increasing range of post-graduate qualifications are available, allowing greater specialisation and honing skills for targetted career outcomes.
Strategic Plan 2006- 2012
The mission, values and goals of the Strategic Plan are outlined below. To request a full copy of the Division's Strategic Plan, please email us.
Mission
Already acknowledged as a major science research organization in New Zealand and abroad, with several groups operating at the cutting edge internationally, the Division of Sciences will consolidate and strengthen its high international profile to become a top tier research force. Dynamic, interdisciplinary linkages will lead to the development of a broader base of research excellence composed of vibrant research programmes utilizing state-of-the-art equipment. We aspire to be the foremost scientific research establishment in New Zealand, measured by the passion and excitement for science shown by our highly motivated workforce and the Division's aggregate Performance Based Research Fund score. A mix of fundamental and applied research is planned, where the discovery of science and its responsible application are valued equally, the latter leading to strong relationships with industry, a high diversity of external associations and networks, the scientific underpinning of New Zealand's science-based economies, and an attendant contribution to the health and wealth of the nation.
Offering a range of pure, applied and unique professional programmes, the Division of sciences will be recognised as a leading provider of undergraduate and postgraduate science education and training in Australasia,.. attracting committed, enthusiastic and talented students, its staff will inspire, nurture and mentor the next generation of scientists and industry leaders and shape the scientific evolution of society. The Division is also resolved to increase scientific literacy more widely in the community, by continuing to lead in the promotion and popularization of science through the articulation of the excitement and fun of scientific discovery and the enunciation of scientific ethics and social responsibilities, and to be a critical voice on science matters that is valued by the public and the Government.
We acknowledge our obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi, especially those articulated in the University's Memorandum of Understanding with Ngäi Tahu. We aim to develop meaningful relationships with tangata whenua, confident that these relationships will enhance the quality of our research as well as broadening our perspectives on oversight and strategic networking.
With its flat organizational structure the Division will continue to function as a collegial, cooperative, and mutually supportive work and study environment to foster a strong science identity in its staff and students to encourage them to reach their full potential and to engage in lifelong learning.
Values
The Division
- has a passion for excellence and aspires to be the best
- seeks to produce research of significance and distinction
- achieves the highest standards in scientific and professional practice
- demands honesty, integrity and superior ethical principles from its staff and students in their scientific and professional conduct
- expects outstanding performance in the teaching and mentoring of students
- is committed to research led teaching
- respects critical analysis and perceptive debate across all spheres, and defends the freedom to challenge and to question
- is a collegial, supportive and encouraging workplace for all staff and students, which fosters enjoyment and institutional pride
Goals
The goals identified in the Strategic Plan are
- To conduct world-class fundamental and applied research that achieves international recognition and enhances Otago's reputation as a pre-eminent science research centre
- To advance scientific and technological literacy through leadership in resarch-informed teaching and learning
- To foster a working environmeent that encourages and rewards staff and students, and helps them reach their full potential
- To promote scientific understanding for the benefit of society, by committing to meaningful engagement with the community, potential users and investors of science, and with government.
Te Timatanga
Below is the executive summary from Te Timatanga. For a copy of the full document please contact us directly by email.
The purpose of this document – Te Timatanga - is to establish goals and objectives for Maori support and development within the Division of Sciences. Te Timatanga has been developed in consultation with key stakeholders over a period of nine months, and as it is a living document it will continue to develop. Te Timatanga can be seen as the Division's practical outworking of the University's Strategic Maori Framework and other policy documents.
Te Timatanga will
- develop an environment where Te Reo and tikanga are recognised and accepted
- develop research that is of relevance to Maori, as well as research that is carried out in a way that is sensitive to Tikanga
- develop teaching that incorporates Te Ao Maori, and deliver teaching in a way that is appropriate to Maori students and their needs
- focus and improve recruitment, retention and support of Maori students
- focus and improve recruitment, retention and support of Maori staff
- establish oversight which will link the Division of Sciences with Ngäi Tahu and other stakeholders, as well as providing direction and accountability.
Many of the initiatives in Te Timatanga are already in progress while some will require a degree of development and time.