Overview
A supervised project involving original research and leading to the production of a dissertation.
The ability to carry out original cutting-edge scientific research is essential for students who want to pursue a research career or further study. This paper has a significant research component that will expose you to advanced topics in microbiology and immunology. The research project will be of a high professional standard and will be supervised by academics of international scientific standing. You will attain high-level skills in experimental planning, logistics and data analysis, as well as advanced oral and written presentation skills. This paper offers you the opportunity to develop interpersonal skills in a genuine research environment.
About this paper
| Paper title | Dissertation |
|---|---|
| Subject | Microbiology |
| EFTS | 0.5 |
| Points | 60 points |
| Teaching period(s) | Full Year
(On campus)
1st Non standard period (13 July 2026 - 18 June 2027) (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) | $4,882.50 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Limited to
- BAppSc(Hons), BSc(Hons)
- Eligibility
Students should have passed five relevant 300-level papers and achieved a B+ average (average GPA = 6.0 or above) over the four best MICR 300-level papers.
- Contact
- Teaching staff
Convenor: Associate Professor Keith Ireton
Other Lecturers: Microbiology and Immunology academic staff.- Paper Structure
MICR 490 is the research project component for BSc(Hons), BAppSc(Hons) and in some exceptional cases PGDipSci and MSc.
- Teaching Arrangements
To complete this paper you will undertake a six-month research project within one of the research laboratories in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology. MICR 490 has no formal classes.
- Textbooks
Textbooks are not required for this paper.
Course readings are reviews and original papers from the literature.- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Lifelong learning, Scholarship, Communication, Critical thinking, Cultural understanding, Ethics, Information literacy, Research, Self-motivation, Teamwork.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete this paper will:
- Be able to demonstrate an advanced knowledge of research-based microbiology and immunology as a stepping stone to PhD study or employment in biotechnology, industry or health management sectors
- Display advanced knowledge of fundamental and applied microbiology and immunology, with the ability to assimilate complex information on a spectrum of interdisciplinary topics and to use this knowledge for applications in the workplace
- Possess an enhanced ability to communicate ideas about science to a lay and specialised audience
- Assessment details
- Submission of a project report/dissertation and 20 minute oral examination (90%)
- End of year talk (10%)