Program Overview

Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology

Cellular and Molecular Biology is a field of biology that studies the structure and function of genes at a molecular level. The study of chromosomes and gene expression of an organism can give insight into heredity, genetic variation, and mutations. Genetics is at the heart of the cellular and molecular biology, providing a platform for the development of new drugs to combat diseases, methodology for the conservation of endangered species, and understanding evolutionary patterns and processes.

Program Overview

The University of Canterbury (UC) has a strong representation of Cellular and Molecular Biology and Genetics, overlapping with other majors such as Biochemistry, Microbiology, and increasingly, Ecology and Environmental Science. The School of Biological Sciences has modern, well-equipped teaching and research laboratories with excellent technical support, including real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) machines, DNA sequencing facility, confocal microscopy, and tissue culture and image processing facilities.

Courses and Programs

UC offers the following postgraduate programs in Cellular and Molecular Biology:

• 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 the Bachelor of Science with Honours majoring in Cellular and Molecular Biology, students must:

• Complete CEMB480 Research Project
• Complete BIOL411 Research Preparation and BIOL412 Research Proposal
• Select another 45 points from BIOL455, BIOL456, BIOL496, and BIOL 459462
• Select the remaining points from other courses as approved by the Programme Coordinator

Postgraduate Certificate in Science

To complete the Postgraduate Certificate in Science majoring in Cellular and Molecular Biology, students must:

• Complete at least 45 points in 400-level BIOL courses for the major
• Complete a total of 60 points from Biological Sciences and/or other Science courses

Postgraduate Diploma in Science

To complete the Postgraduate Diploma in Science majoring in Cellular and Molecular Biology, students must:

• Complete at least 120 points of courses, including BIOL411 Research Preparation and BIOL412 Research Proposal
• Select at least 45 points from BIOL455, BIOL456, BIOL496, and BIOL 459462
• Select the remaining points from other courses approved by the Programme Coordinator

Master of Science

To complete the Master of Science majoring in Cellular and Molecular Biology, students must:

• Complete Part I of the MSc, which includes 120 points of courses, including BIOL411 Research Preparation and BIOL412 Research Proposal
• Select at least 45 points from BIOL455, BIOL456, BIOL496, and BIOL 459462
• Select the remaining points from other courses approved by the Programme Coordinator
• Achieve a B+ Grade Point Average to proceed to Part II of the degree
• Complete Part II, which requires CEMB690 MSc Thesis

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

To complete the PhD in Cellular and Molecular Biology, students must complete a thesis of original research in the Cellular and Molecular Biology field (CEMB790 Cellular and Molecular Biology PhD).

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Cellular and Molecular Biology program can work in various fields, including:

• Civil society organisations
• Government agencies
• Laboratory work, such as culturing micro-organisms, sequencing DNA, identifying species
• Careers in Genetic Services, Laboratory technician, Laboratory manager, Biotechnology technician, Plant breeder.