Program Overview

Introduction to Microbiology

Microbiology is the study of organisms such as algae, fungi, bacteria, and viruses that cannot be seen with the naked eye. These microorganisms are abundant and diverse, and they affect humans in both negative and positive ways. Some microorganisms cause diseases in humans, other animals, or agricultural crops, and are therefore of significance to our biosecurity. Others can be used to benefit humans, such as microbes that can be used to kill insect pests (bio-control) and those that destroy harmful chemicals such as pesticides (bio-remediation). Other microbes are simply essential to the maintenance of all life, such as those that generate oxygen and other critical elements.

Program Overview

This is a broad major, covering bacteria, archaea, eukaryotic microbes and viruses, and environmental, evolutionary, and molecular microbiology. The study involves researching the use of microbes in multiple contexts, including for industrial microbiology, medicine, environment, and genomics. The courses are structured to have a large hands-on practical component.

Facilities and Support

Te Kura Putaiao Koiora | School of Biological Sciences has modern, well-equipped teaching and research laboratories with excellent technical support.

Postgraduate Programs in Microbiology

UC offers the following postgraduate programmes in Microbiology:

• Bachelor of Science with Honours
• Postgraduate Certificate in Science
• Postgraduate Diploma in Science
• Master of Science
• Doctor of Philosophy

Bachelor of Science with Honours

To complete a Bachelor of Science with Honours majoring in Microbiology, students must complete the following compulsory courses:

• MBIO480 Project
• BIOL411 Research Preparation
• BIOL412 Research Proposal
• BIOL455 Applied and Molecular Microbiology
• BIOL456 Dynamics of Microbiological Interactions One course chosen from the available options. The remaining 15 points may be selected from other courses with the approval of the Programme Coordinator.

Postgraduate Certificate in Science

To complete a Postgraduate Certificate in Science majoring in Microbiology, students must complete at least 45 points in 400-level BIOL courses for the major. In total, 60 points must be completed for the PGCertSc from Biological Sciences and/or other Science courses.

Postgraduate Diploma in Science

To complete a Postgraduate Diploma in Science majoring in Microbiology, students must complete at least 120 points of courses, including:

• BIOL411 Research Preparation
• BIOL412 Research Proposal
• BIOL455 Applied and Molecular Microbiology
• BIOL456 Dynamics of Microbiological Interactions Two courses chosen from the available options. Additional courses may be selected with the approval of the Programme Coordinator.

Master of Science

Part I of the MSc in Microbiology is 120 points, including:

• BIOL411 Research Preparation
• BIOL412 Research Proposal
• BIOL455 Applied and Molecular Microbiology
• BIOL456 Dynamics of Microbiological Interactions Two courses chosen from the available options. The remaining points are selected from courses as approved by the Programme Coordinator. Students will need a B+ Grade Point Average to proceed to Part II of the degree. Part II requires MBIO690 MSc Thesis.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

In the PhD, students will complete a thesis of original research in the Microbiology field (MBIO790 Microbiology PhD).

Career Opportunities

The broad and transferable skills gained from following this pathway open up many career options, many of which may include some component of laboratory work, such as:

• Culturing micro-organisms
• Sequencing DNA
• Identifying species Graduates who specialise in Microbiology may take up careers like:
• Manager at a brewery
• Technical Compliance Officer for a food safety company
• Laboratory technician or manager
• Medical laboratory technician at Canterbury Health.