Course details

Summary

The Master of Science (MSc) programme enables you to pursue advanced study in your area of interest with the opportunity to work on independent research.

Programme overview

Studying for an MSc is an opportunity for committed scientists to focus on a relevant area of interest or practise and pursue an advanced qualification. While taught masters will provide you with specialist training in your chosen field, a research masters will develop advanced research skills, working alongside Faculty of Science researchers - many of whom are major contributors in their field.

Biotechnology

Biotechnology, in its broadest sense, is the commercial exploitation of living organisms or their components, such as proteins. Traditionally, these technologies have encompassed industrial microbiology, and dealt with ancient processes such as brewing or the microbial production of cheese and yoghurt, for instance. However, there has been an explosion of genetic, metabolic, and protein information now available that increasingly enables us to address major issues faced by society. In parallel it is also important for scientists operating within the life sciences to have knowledge of the business skills needed to translate scientific research into the commercialization.

Programme structure

Requirements: Research Masters

90 points: BIOTECH 796 MSc Thesis in Biotechnology

30 points from BIOINF 701, BIOSCI 736–738, 746, 751, 753, 754, 756, 758

Career Opportunities

A BSc major in Biotechnology provides students with a strong foundation in biological sciences, biotechnology and entrepreneurship. The programme enables you to be taught by specialists from the Faculties of Science, Business and Economics and Medical and Health Sciences. You will be instructed in areas of fermentation technology, aspects of medical technology, down-stream processing and protein purification, managing technology and the appreciation of biotechnology’s social, legal and ethical place in society.

Graduates are likely to qualify for technical and research assistant positions within fundamental and applied research programmes in Crown Research Institutes, universities, biotechnology companies; the brewing, dairy and other traditional fermentation industries; pharmaceutical companies; and diagnostic facilities in medicine and agriculture. Employment in biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies is especially buoyant in the United States and Europe, with significant growth expected in New Zealand.

Further study options

Doctor of Philosophy

Other Master of Science (MSc) Subjects

Applied Mathematics, Bioinformatics, Biological Sciences, Biomedical Science, Biosecurity and Conservation, Chemistry, Clinical Exercise Physiology, Computer Science, Earth Sciences, Environmental Management, Environmental Science, Exercise Sciences, Food Science, Forensic Science, Geography, Geology, Geophysics, Logic and Computation, Marine Science, Mathematics, Medical Statistics, Optometry, Pharmacology, Physics, Physiology, Psychology, Speech Science, Sport and Exercise Science, Statistics, Wine Science.

Entry criteria

Applicants must have completed a BSc(Hons) or a PGDipSci in Biomedical Science, or an equivalent qualification as approved by the Board of Studies (Biomedical Science).

English language requirements: