Course details

Summary

Massey University is one of the only universities in New Zealand where you can study a full course in microbiology, and the breadth of our course is unique. Emerging New Zealand export industries, such as winemaking and biotechnology, are increasing the demand for graduates from the programme.

What is it Like?

Microorganisms are by far the most abundant and widely distributed forms of life on this planet. They are found in such diverse environments such as humans, animals, plants, streams and soil, but also extreme environments such as the boiling waters of hot pools, the ocean depths, and air.

Microbiology helps prevent infectious diseases through development of novel antibiotics and vaccines, but also through use of ‘good’ microbes in prebiotics or probiotics, or microbial community transplantation between patients. Comparing diversity and composition of gut microbial communities between people may help understand and treat diseases that are typically not considered related to microbes, such as inflammation, allergies, neurological disorders, diabetes and even cancer.

Environmental impact of microbiology is reflected in alternative ways to produce fuel, or by increased ability to mitigate the greenhouse gas emission by the microbes in cattle rumen. Microbes are also used as factories for production medications or fuel.

Multi-disciplinary

We teach microbiology hand-in-hand with other science areas such as veterinary, animal, and environmental science allowing you to explore microbiological sub-disciplines, including environment/ecology, food and biotechnology.

Relevant learning

During your study towards a Massey Bachelor of Science (Microbiology) you will gain a contemporary, relevant view of microbiology which is in line with topical research and developments in the area. You will be exposed to the latest discoveries and research and be able to take advantage of Massey’s expertise in other areas of science.

Topics

Some of the topics taught in microbiology courses include:

• Bioinformatics and genomics
• Biotechnology
• DNA technology
• Environmental microbiology
• Immunology
• Medical microbiology
• Microbial diversity
• Molecular microbiology
• Epidemiology
• Food microbiology

Careers

There is a large and increasing variety of career opportunities for you as a Massey University microbiology graduate.

The growing demand for qualified microbiologists is highlighted by the number of microbiology positions advertised in the scientific journals Science and Nature. Microbiologists are on the Immediate Skill Shortage List as published by the New Zealand Immigration Office.

Areas graduates could work in include:

• Reducing global warming and the production of environmentally-friendly biodegradable materials
• The production of high-value compounds such as antibiotics and vaccines
• Food production - such as beer, wine and cheese
• Preventing and treating diseases, forensics and cleaning up pollution
• Search for life on the bottom of the ocean and on other planets

The importance of microbes in traditional New Zealand industries means that you will be in high demand by these industries and Crown Research Institutes in quality control and research and development.

Note: July start will take 3.5 years to complete

Entry criteria

Students must have successful completion of a qualification equivalent to the New Zealand Year 13 - NCEA Level 3 University Entrance.

It is strongly recommended (but not compulsory) that students beginning their study of microbiology should have a sound background in chemistry and biology. It will be assumed that students enrolled in the compulsory first year chemistry course, 123.101 will have studied at least 20 credits from NCEA Level 3 Chemistry (or an equivalent alternative) and have achieved at least 14.

English Language Requirements:

• IELTS score of 6.0 (no band less than 5.5)
• TOEFL iBT score of 80 overall (min 19 in Writing)
• PTE Academic score of 50 Overall (min 42 in communicative skills)
• Cambridge English score of 170