Master of Science in Microbiology

University of Canterbury

The Master of Science usually consists of two parts: coursework and a thesis, allowing you to investigate areas of interest and conduct independent and original research. Over 30 subjects are available, and some can only be studied at postgraduate level, which can allow for specialisation in academic and career pathways. For more information about why you should consider studying a postgraduate science programme at UC, see the Postgraduate Prospectus. The MSc may be awarded with Distinction, Merit, or Honours. 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. This is a broad major, covering bacteria, archaea, eukaryotic microbes and viruses, and environmental, evolutionary, and molecular microbiology. Study Involve: Research the use of microbes in multiple contexts, including for industrial microbiology, medicine, environment, and genomics. Our courses are structured to have a large hands-on practical component. Te Kura Putaiao Koiora, School of Biological Sciences has modern, well-equipped teaching and research laboratories with excellent technical support.

Faculty of Science