Why Study/Key Benefits

• Study microbiology in a multidisciplinary science environment alongside areas such as veterinary, animal and environmental science.
• Explore applications of microorganisms in agriculture, environmental protection, biotechnology, food production, health, diagnostics and bio-based technologies.
• Gain substantial laboratory experience, including simulated research projects involving microbial identification and production of useful proteins in bacterial cultures.
• Develop knowledge of modern areas including bioinformatics, genomics, DNA technology, environmental microbiology, immunology, medical microbiology, microbial diversity and industrial microbiology.
• Opportunities are available to undertake research projects through summer studentships with Massey researchers, providing exposure to practical research and potential employer networks.
• Facilities include microscopy and imaging, genomics and DNA sequencing, protein analysis, bioreactors and fermentation facilities. 

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

The Bachelor of Science requires at least 360 credits, with no more than 165 credits at 100 level and at least 75 credits at 300 level. Students must complete at least one major, and the BSc regulations require the relevant core courses and practical learning activities such as laboratories where applicable.

First-year Microbiology planning includes:

• 247113 Science and Sustainability for Science
• 161111 Applied Statistics or 161122 Statistics
• One of 124103 Biophysical Principles, 160101 Calculus, 160102 Algebra, 160104 Introductory Mathematics for Science or 160105 Methods of Mathematics
• 162101 Cell Biology
• 123104 Chemistry for Biological Systems
• 122102 Biochemistry
• Two 100-level electives, including the possibility of taking a subject outside Science.

The compulsory Microbiology major courses include:

200 level:

• 203210 Genetics and Evolution
• 162211 Biology and Genetics of Microorganisms
• 162221 Immunology
• 280201 Industrial Microbiology

300 level:

• 162301 Medical Microbiology
• 162304 Applied and Environmental Microbiology
• 203310 DNA Technology
• 203311 Genome Science

Disciplines/Specialisations

The selected specialisation is Microbiology within the Bachelor of Science.

The Microbiology major covers several related disciplines:

• Environmental and ecological microbiology
• Medical microbiology
• Veterinary microbiology
• Food microbiology
• Biotechnology
• Industrial microbiology
• Microbial genetics
• Immunology
• DNA technology
• Genomics and bioinformatics

Programme Highlights

• Microbiology major within a 360-credit Bachelor of Science.
• Strong laboratory component and practical experimental experience.
• Research exposure through summer studentship opportunities.
• Access to specialised microscopy, genomics, sequencing, protein analysis, bioreactor and fermentation facilities.
• Study areas connect microbiology with health, agriculture, food, environmental science and biotechnology.
• The curriculum includes contemporary molecular and computational techniques such as PCR, DNA sequencing, genome analysis and bioinformatics.

Career Outcomes

Massey identifies a broad range of potential employment areas for Microbiology graduates, including:

• Microbiology laboratories
• Hospital and diagnostic laboratories
• Food and beverage production
• Pharmaceutical and vaccine-related industries
• Biotechnology
• Quality assurance and quality-control laboratories
• Research and development
• Environmental and pollution-control work
• Government and regulatory organisations
• Crown Research Institutes
• Meat and dairy processing
• Forensics
• Agricultural and environmental industries

Latest Updates/Special Requirements

• The current Microbiology programme remains listed at the Manawat? campus in Palmerston North.
• The programme currently has no additional formal entry requirement beyond Massey's university admission requirements, but Biology and Chemistry preparation is strongly expected.
• Massey's current BSc regulations confirm Microbiology as an approved major and require 120 credits for the major.
• Students must complete laboratory and other practical learning activities where required by their programme and courses.
• Course prerequisites are important. For example, progression to Medical Microbiology requires Biology and Genetics of Microorganisms plus an appropriate Immunology-related prerequisite, while other advanced courses have their own prerequisites.
• Massey notes that students can potentially change their BSc major before their second year because several BSc majors share similar first-year courses, although changing majors can increase the overall completion time.

International Student Visa Requirements

Because Microbiology is an on-campus programme in New Zealand, an international student normally needs an appropriate New Zealand student visa to study it in person.

The relevant Immigration New Zealand visa is the Fee Paying Student Visa. Current requirements include:

• An offer of place from an approved education provider.
• Evidence of sufficient funds to pay tuition fees, or an applicable scholarship.
• Evidence of sufficient living funds or an acceptable sponsor.
• Acceptable medical and travel insurance.
• Good health and character.
• Genuine intention to study in New Zealand.
• Evidence that the student can leave New Zealand at the end of their stay.