Why Study/Key Benefits

• Molecular Cell Biology explores how life works at the molecular and cellular level, including how cells function, how organisms evolve, and how molecular and cellular processes contribute to disease.
• The programme combines biological theory with laboratory and computational skills, including recombinant DNA engineering, protein analysis, microscopy, genetic analysis, cellular energetics, genome sequencing and evolutionary analysis.
• Teaching is research-led, with lecturers working in areas such as human, plant and microbial molecular biology, cancer and neurological disease mechanisms, diagnostics, vaccines and evolution.
• Students can benefit from Massey’s research connections with organisations including Fonterra, AgResearch, Plant & Food Research and Scion, as well as international research collaborations.
• The programme develops laboratory, analytical, computational, written and oral communication skills relevant to scientific and health-related industries.

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

The first year is designed to provide a foundation in biological, chemical, mathematical, statistical and scientific concepts.

Suggested 100-level courses include:

• 123104 Chemistry for Biological Systems
• 162101 Cell Biology
• 122102 Biochemistry
• 247113 Science and Sustainability for Science
• 161111 Applied Statistics or 161122 Statistics
• 124103 Biophysical Principles, or an approved mathematics option such as Calculus, Algebra, Introductory Mathematics for Science or Methods of Mathematics.

Recommended 100-level electives include:

• 123105 Chemistry and the Physical World
• 196101 Ecology, Evolution and Behaviour
• 199103 Animals and the Environment
• 214101 Human Bioscience: Normal Body Function
• 120101 Plant Biology.

At 200 level, students take:

• 122201 The Molecular Cell
• 122202 The Dynamic Cell
• 122231 Genes and Gene Expression
• 203210 Genetics and Evolution

The Molecular Cell covers protein structure and function, cellular components and molecular/cellular processes. The Dynamic Cell examines energy metabolism and metabolic regulation in health and disease. Genes and Gene Expression covers DNA replication, repair, transcription and methods for studying and manipulating genes. Genetics and Evolution covers genetic variation, inheritance and molecular evolution.

At 300 level, compulsory courses include:

• 122303 Gene Regulation
• 203310 DNA Technology
• 203311 Genome Science

Students also select at least one of:

• 122301 Advanced Cell Biology
• 196318 Molecular Ecology.

Disciplines/Specialisations

The primary specialisation is Molecular Cell Biology within the Bachelor of Science.

The subject combines:

• Molecular biology
• Cell biology
• Genetics
• Genomics
• Evolution
• Protein biochemistry
• DNA technology
• Bioinformatics/computational biology
• Molecular ecology
• Biomedical science
• Disease mechanisms and diagnostics.

Programme Highlights

• 360-credit Bachelor of Science completed normally over three years full-time.
• Manawat? campus study environment with laboratory-based learning.
• Research-led teaching involving internationally recognised researchers.
• Practical training in DNA technology, microscopy, protein analysis, genome analysis and molecular biology.
• Exposure to computational genome sequencing and evolutionary analysis.
• Connections with research and industry organisations in New Zealand and internationally.
• Opportunity to change to another BSc major after first year because several BSc majors share similar first-year courses.
• Optional minor, with Chemistry and Microbiology identified by Massey as particularly compatible choices. 

Career Outcomes

Massey identifies potential career areas including:

• Pure and applied scientific research
• Quality control
• Product development
• Medical laboratories
• Forensic laboratories
• Analytical laboratories
• Biotechnology
• Pharmaceutical manufacturing
• Scientific equipment, chemicals and reagent sales
• Scientific publishing
• Research and education
• Agricultural and horticultural industries
• Food and beverage industries
• Government and regulatory organisations.

Latest Updates/Special Requirements

• The current programme is accepting international students on campus in New Zealand at Manawat.
• There are no additional formal specific entry requirements beyond Massey's university admission regulations.
• Biology and Chemistry preparation remains the expected academic background, at 14 NCEA Level 3 credits in each subject or equivalent.
• The first 120 credits must include at least 90 credits from the BSc Schedule A, including compulsory courses.
• Students should carefully plan prerequisites because several 200- and 300-level courses require particular earlier courses.
• Massey states that students can change to another BSc major after first year, although doing so may increase completion time.
• The current BSc regulations distinguish Molecular Cell Biology from an older “Molecular and Cellular Biology” component that is marked as no longer accepting new enrolments. This should not be confused with the current Molecular Cell Biology major, which is actively presented on the current programme page.

International Student Visa Requirements

Since Molecular Cell Biology is an on-campus qualification in New Zealand, an international student intending to study at Massey's Manawat? campus will generally need an appropriate New Zealand student visa.

The relevant visa is the Fee Paying Student Visa. Immigration New Zealand currently requires evidence including:

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