Disciplinary Foundation Papers Subject regulations
All of our undergraduate qualifications offer a foundational element to give students a firm grounding in their chosen discipline early on. This foundational element may be a single paper, or it may be a collection of papers. Completing this foundational element is compulsory.
The disciplinary foundation papers are listed here by Division. However, the appropriate paper or papers will depend on which qualification and subjects you are studying. For course planning information, please see a Student Advisor in your Division of study.
Other qualifications
Prescriptions for:
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Division of Arts, Law, Psychology and Social Sciences If you are taking a Bachelor of Arts with any first major (excluding Education and Society or Human Development) offered through this Division, you should include any one of: ARTSC101, ARTSC103, ARTSC105, ENSLA103 or ENSLA202.
If you are taking a Bachelor of Arts with a first major in Education and Society or Human Development you should include any one of: DLRNG100 or ENSLA103 only.
If you are taking a Bachelor of Environmental Planning you should include any one of: ARTSC101, ARTSC103, ARTSC105, ARTSC106, or ENSLA103.
If you are taking a Bachelor of Global Studies you should include COMMS101.
If you are taking a Bachelor of Laws or a Bachelor of Laws with Honours you will need to include LEGAL103 and LEGAL104.
If you are taking a Bachelor of Music you should include any one of: ARTSC101, ARTSC103, ARTSC105 or ENSLA103.
If you are taking a Bachelor of Social Sciences you should include any one of: ARTSC101, ARTSC103, ARTSC106, ENSLA103 or ENSLA202.
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Division of Education If you are taking a Bachelor of Social Sciences (studying with the Division of Education) you must include DLRNG100 or ENSLA103.
If you are taking a Bachelor of Teaching you will need TEACH100, TEACH101, TEEDU100, TEEDU101 and TEEDU102.
If you are taking Te Ara Poutama Toit奴 Te Reo you will need TOITU100, TOITU101, TOITU102, PUTOI100 and PUTOI101.
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Division of Health If you are taking a Bachelor of Health you will need to include HELTH102.
If you are taking a Bachelor of Sport and Human Performance you will need to include HELTH102.
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Division of Management If you are studying a Bachelor of Banking, Finance and Technology you will need to include DIGIB101, FINAN101 and STMGT101.
If you are studying a Bachelor of Business you will need to include ECONS101 and STMGT101.
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Division of STEM If you are taking a Bachelor of Applied Computing your programme includes CSMAX175.
If you are taking a Bachelor of Climate Change you will need to take ARTSC106 and CLIMT101.
If you are taking a Bachelor of Computer Science you will need to include CSMAX175.
If you are taking a Bachelor of Design you will need to include DSIGN151.
If you are taking a Bachelor of Engineering with Honours you will need to take ENGEN112 and ENGEN180.
If you are taking a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Science (Technology) with the School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences, you will need to include CSMAX175.
If you are taking a Bachelor of Science with the School of Science, you will need to include 45 points from APHYS111, AQCUL101, BIOEB101, BIOEB102, BIOMD101, BIOMO101, CHEMY100, CHEMY101, CHEMY102, CLIMT101, EARTH101, EARTH102, ENGEN111, ENGEN112, ENGEN180, ENVSC101, MARIN101, MARIN102 or PHYSC100.
If you are taking a Bachelor of Science (Technology) with the School of Science, you will need to include 45 points from APHYS111, BIOEB101, BIOEB102, BIOMD101, BIOMO101, CHEMY100, CHEMY101, CHEMY102, CLIMT101, EARTH101, EARTH102, ENGEN111, ENGEN112, ENGEN180, ENVSC101 or PHYSC100.
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Faculty of M膩ori and Indigenous Studies If you are taking a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Social Sciences (studying with Te Pua W膩nanga ki te Ao - Faculty of M膩ori and Indigenous Studies) you will need to include MAORI100.
Disciplinary Foundation Papers papers
| Code and paper title | Points | |
|---|---|---|
|
APHYS111
Physics in Context - Ahup奴ngao o te Ao
This is an introductory paper in physics for students who have not studied physics or mathematics at NCEA level 2 or 3. It is intended to support a... |
15 | No occurrences |
|
AQCUL101
Introduction to Aquaculture - Ahumoana
This paper has been designed to introduce you to important aspects of the fastest growing food-producing sector in the world. Aquaculture is one of... |
15 | 26A (Tauranga) |
|
ARTSC103
Rights and Reasons
Students will develop critical thinking skills by reasoning about human rights. Issues include rights-protection in difficult circumstances, who... |
15 | 26A (Hamilton) & 26A (Tauranga) & 26B (Hamilton) |
|
ARTSC105
Language in Context
Language in Context is an essential paper for students of a broad range of disciplines where language and communication are a focus. Students are... |
15 | 26B (Hamilton) |
|
ARTSC106
Critical Social Science Research: The Crisis of Climate Change
This paper is an introduction to critical social science research in Aotearoa New Zealand. It adopts an interdisciplinary approach spanning... |
15 | 26B (Hamilton) & 26B (Online) |
|
BIOEB101
Concepts of Biology - Ng膩 Huatau o te Koiora
An introduction to the foundations of biology, including the structure and functioning of cells, evolution, the origins and diversity of life, and a... |
15 | 26A (Hamilton) |
|
BIOEB102
Introduction to Ecology and Biodiversity - M膩tai Hauropi a Kanorau Koiora
An introduction to the principles of ecology and biodiversity. Topics include population, community and ecosystem ecology, conservation biology, and... |
15 | 26B (Hamilton) & 26B (Tauranga) |
|
BIOMO101
Introduction to Molecular and Cellular Biology - M膩tai P奴tau a M膩tai R膩poi Ngota Koiora
An introduction to the central concepts of Molecular and Cellular Biology, including the ultrastructure and function of cells, the biochemical... |
15 | 26B (Hamilton) |
|
CHEMY100
Chemistry in Context - Mat奴 o te Ao
This paper covers a broad range of chemical concepts that are fundamental to the sciences and engineering. A strong emphasis is made to teach... |
15 | 26A (Hamilton) & 26A (Tauranga) |
|
CHEMY101
Chemistry: A Toolkit for Science - M膩tai Mat奴: He taputapu taiao
A theoretical and practical course covering aspects of analytical and inorganic chemistry. This course is required for the chemistry major. |
15 | 26A (Hamilton) |
|
CHEMY102
Chemical Foundations for Life - Orokohanga Mat奴 m艒 te Oranga
A theoretical and practical course covering aspects of physical and organic chemistry. This course is required for the chemistry major. |
15 | 26B (Hamilton) |
|
CLIMT101
Introduction to Climate Change Science - P奴taiao Huringa 膧huarangi
An overview of the scientific basis of climate change with emphasis on understanding climate change mitigation and adaptation. |
15 | 26A (Hamilton) & 26A (Online) & 26A (Secondary School - Unistart) |
|
COMMS101
Communication Competencies
This paper introduces students to the significance and meaning associated with our everyday communication choices. From traditional face-to-face... |
15 | 26B (Hamilton) |
|
CSMAX175
Introduction to Cyber Security
This paper provides an introduction to Cyber Security through the exploration of concepts such as digital information, digital identities, digital... |
15 | 26A (Hamilton) & 26A (Tauranga) & 26X (Hainan University, Haikou China) |
|
DLRNG100
Developing Digital Fluency
This paper offers a foundation for students learning to navigate and communicate effectively through digital learning environments. It incorporates... |
15 | 26A (Tauranga) |
|
DSIGN151
Design History
Students journey through a thematic history of design and its interplay with society and technology by studying historical artefacts that influence... |
15 | 26B (Hamilton) & 26X (Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou China) |
|
EARTH101
Introduction to Earth, Ocean, and Environmental Sciences - Ng膩 P奴taiao Whenua, Moana, me te Taiao
A lecture and laboratory paper that explores the interacting processes that affect the surface of the Earth, producing landforms and resources, with... |
15 | 26A (Hamilton) & 26A (Tauranga) |
|
EARTH102
Environmental Geosciences - T奴huratia Papat奴膩nuku
This paper explores the Earth's interior and its dynamic interaction with the crust, including: the major rocks and minerals; interpreting the rock... |
15 | 26B (Hamilton) |
|
ECONS101
Economics for Business and Management
This paper offers insights into the behaviour of consumers, firms and the government within the economy, giving students skills in analysing and... |
15 | 26A (Hamilton) & 26A (Hamilton Waikato College) & 26A (Secondary School - Unistart) & 26A (Tauranga) & 26B (Hamilton) & 26B (Hamilton Waikato College) & 26VA (National Economics University, Vietnam) & 26X (Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou China) |
|
ENGEN111
Electricity for Engineers
Concepts underlying electricity such as current, voltage and power will be introduced, and apply these concepts to analyse electrical energy systems. |
15 | 26B (Hamilton) & 26B (Tauranga) & 26C (Hamilton) |
|
ENGEN112
Materials Science and Engineering
Introduction to engineering materials (metals, ceramics, polymers, composites, semiconductors and biomaterials) and their atomic structure and... |
15 | 26B (Hamilton) & 26B (Tauranga) |
|
ENGEN170
Engineering and Society
Introduction to the role of engineering in society with a focus on sustainable development, data analysis, holistic systems thinking, and the future... |
15 | 26A (Hamilton) & 26A (Tauranga) |
|
ENGEN180
Foundations of Engineering
Introduction to the engineering design process and computer aided design, fundamental principles of engineering analysis, open ended problem solving... |
15 | 26A (Hamilton) & 26A (Tauranga) |
|
ENSLA103
English as an Additional Language: Effective Academic Writing
This paper covers research, approaches to and techniques for different writing genres, analysis of English text and discourse, and an understanding... |
15 | 26A (Hamilton) |
|
ENVSC101
Environmental Science - P奴taiao Taiao
A scientific study of the interaction between humans and the environment including climate change, utilisation and exploitation of natural resources... |
15 | 26B (Hamilton) & 26B (Tauranga) |
|
FINAN101
Introduction to Finance
This paper introduces the three core areas of finance - financial management, investments, and capital markets and institutions. The paper also... |
15 | 26A (Hamilton) & 26B (Hamilton) & 26B (Hamilton Waikato College) & 26B (Tauranga) & 26C (Hamilton Waikato College) & 26H (Hamilton) & 26VB (National Economics University, Vietnam) & 26X (Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou China) |
|
HELTH102
Drugs in Sport and Society
This paper introduces students to foundational academic skills using the context of drug use for purposes of recreation and performance enhancement. |
15 | 26A (Hamilton) & 26A (Tauranga) |
|
LEGAL103
Legal Method A
This paper introduces students to the skills of the legal method in New Zealand, with particular emphasis on case law analysis, legal reasoning, and... |
15 | 26A (Hamilton) & 26A (Tauranga) |
|
LEGAL104
Legal Method B
This paper introduces students to the skills of the legal method in New Zealand, with particular emphasis on statutory interpretation and introduces... |
15 | 26B (Hamilton) & 26B (Tauranga) |
|
MAORI100
K艒kiri: Academic Skills for Indigenous Studies
This paper introduces academic skills that are directly useful for the rest of your university studies but will also provide a foundation for... |
15 | 26A (Hamilton) |
|
MARIN101
Marine Biodiversity - Rerenga Rauropi Taimoana
This paper provides an introduction to marine ecosystems, the form and function of key marine taxa, the identification of New Zealand marine plants... |
15 | 26A (Tauranga) |
|
MARIN102
Marine Mammals, Birds and Apex Predators
This paper provides an overview of marine charismatic megafauna and ecosystem processes including food webs, biogeochemical cycling, trophic... |
15 | 26B (Tauranga) |
|
STMGT101
Introduction to Management
Managing in organisations, small and large, in changing local and international business environments requires knowledge, skills, and abilities of... |
15 | 26A (Hamilton) & 26A (Hamilton Waikato College) & 26B (Hamilton) & 26B (Tauranga) & 26C (Hamilton Waikato College) & 26VA (National Economics University, Vietnam) & 26X (Hangzhou City University, Hangzhou China) |
|
TEACH101
Ko te Reo me ng膩 Tikanga o ng膩 kura
This paper introduces students to the skills, attitudes and values required of a teacher in Aotearoa New Zealand. It explores professional and... |
15 | 26D (Hamilton) & 26D (Tauranga) & 26X (Online) |
|
TEEDU100
Concepts of Learning and Teaching 1
In this paper, students will examine theories of learning, working with diverse learners and a range of innovative teaching practices. |
15 | 26B (Hamilton) & 26B (Tauranga) & 26K (Online) & 26X (Online) |
|
TEEDU102
Learning and Development Across the Lifespan
This paper focuses on understanding and enhancing human development through an exploration of biological, psychological, social and cultural factors... |
15 | 26B (Hamilton) & 26B (Tauranga) & 26X (Online) |
| Code and paper title | Points | |
|---|---|---|
|
ENSLA202
English as an Additional Language: Effective Academic Speaking
This paper provides students with skills needed to understand and question academic texts. It covers skills in reading and text inquiry and... |
15 | 26B (Hamilton) |
-
APHYS111 Physics in Context - Ahup奴ngao o te Ao
This is an introductory paper in physics for students who have not studied physics or mathematics at NCEA level 2 or 3. It is intended to support a...
Points 15This paper has been designed to introduce you to important aspects of the fastest growing food-producing sector in the world. Aquaculture is one of...
Points 15Students will develop critical thinking skills by reasoning about human rights. Issues include rights-protection in difficult circumstances, who...
Points 15Language in Context is an essential paper for students of a broad range of disciplines where language and communication are a focus. Students are...
Points 15This paper is an introduction to critical social science research in Aotearoa New Zealand. It adopts an interdisciplinary approach spanning...
Points 15An introduction to the foundations of biology, including the structure and functioning of cells, evolution, the origins and diversity of life, and a...
Points 15An introduction to the principles of ecology and biodiversity. Topics include population, community and ecosystem ecology, conservation biology, and...
Points 15An introduction to the central concepts of Molecular and Cellular Biology, including the ultrastructure and function of cells, the biochemical...
Points 15This paper covers a broad range of chemical concepts that are fundamental to the sciences and engineering. A strong emphasis is made to teach...
Points 15A theoretical and practical course covering aspects of analytical and inorganic chemistry. This course is required for the chemistry major.
He pepa...Points 15A theoretical and practical course covering aspects of physical and organic chemistry. This course is required for the chemistry major.
He pepa...Points 15An overview of the scientific basis of climate change with emphasis on understanding climate change mitigation and adaptation.
He tirohanga wh膩nui...Points 15This paper introduces students to the significance and meaning associated with our everyday communication choices. From traditional face-to-face...
Points 15This paper provides an introduction to Cyber Security through the exploration of concepts such as digital information, digital identities, digital...
Points 15This paper offers a foundation for students learning to navigate and communicate effectively through digital learning environments. It incorporates...
Points 15Students journey through a thematic history of design and its interplay with society and technology by studying historical artefacts that influence...
Points 15A lecture and laboratory paper that explores the interacting processes that affect the surface of the Earth, producing landforms and resources, with...
Points 15This paper explores the Earth's interior and its dynamic interaction with the crust, including: the major rocks and minerals; interpreting the rock...
Points 15This paper offers insights into the behaviour of consumers, firms and the government within the economy, giving students skills in analysing and...
Points 15Concepts underlying electricity such as current, voltage and power will be introduced, and apply these concepts to analyse electrical energy systems.
Points 15Introduction to engineering materials (metals, ceramics, polymers, composites, semiconductors and biomaterials) and their atomic structure and...
Points 15Introduction to the role of engineering in society with a focus on sustainable development, data analysis, holistic systems thinking, and the future...
Points 15Introduction to the engineering design process and computer aided design, fundamental principles of engineering analysis, open ended problem solving...
Points 15This paper covers research, approaches to and techniques for different writing genres, analysis of English text and discourse, and an understanding...
Points 15A scientific study of the interaction between humans and the environment including climate change, utilisation and exploitation of natural resources...
Points 15This paper introduces the three core areas of finance - financial management, investments, and capital markets and institutions. The paper also...
Points 15This paper introduces students to foundational academic skills using the context of drug use for purposes of recreation and performance enhancement.
Points 15This paper introduces students to the skills of the legal method in New Zealand, with particular emphasis on case law analysis, legal reasoning, and...
Points 15This paper introduces students to the skills of the legal method in New Zealand, with particular emphasis on statutory interpretation and introduces...
Points 15This paper introduces academic skills that are directly useful for the rest of your university studies but will also provide a foundation for...
Points 15This paper provides an introduction to marine ecosystems, the form and function of key marine taxa, the identification of New Zealand marine plants...
Points 15This paper provides an overview of marine charismatic megafauna and ecosystem processes including food webs, biogeochemical cycling, trophic...
Points 15Managing in organisations, small and large, in changing local and international business environments requires knowledge, skills, and abilities of...
Points 15This paper introduces students to the skills, attitudes and values required of a teacher in Aotearoa New Zealand. It explores professional and...
Points 15In this paper, students will examine theories of learning, working with diverse learners and a range of innovative teaching practices.
Points 15This paper focuses on understanding and enhancing human development through an exploration of biological, psychological, social and cultural factors...
Points 15 -
ENSLA202 English as an Additional Language: Effective Academic Speaking
This paper provides students with skills needed to understand and question academic texts. It covers skills in reading and text inquiry and...
Points 15
2026 Subject regulation information current as at 6 May 2026 01:00am