Molecular Biotechnology is about the application of biological science at the molecular level.
TIME magazine called the 21st Century the ‘Biotechnology Century’, a claim based on the explosion of molecular technologies, and the impact these technologies are likely to have upon the world we live in.
The number of new products being developed for human and animal health is growing exponentially, and this trend is set to continue.
Molecular Biotechnology provides you with a multidisciplinary mix of scientific knowledge – skills that will set you up to make the most of commercial opportunities which abound in this fast-growing industry or to focus on an interdisciplinary area of study.
Why study Molecular Biotechnology?
You could become involved in world changing developments like finding new treatments for diseases, identifying important genetic traits, or helping solve crimes through new forensic techniques.
You’ll gain a wide range of knowledge in the fields of genetics, biochemistry and microbiology that can be used in industries in New Zealand and around the world.
You’ll develop an appreciation of the impact of Molecular Biotechnology, and learn about the technology behind recent advances in the biological sciences.
Background required
Students from a range of backgrounds are welcome to study Molecular Biotechnology.
There is some flexibility in entry requirements, but clear passes in Year 13 Biology and Chemistry are needed.
Career opportunities
There is worldwide demand for well-trained molecular biotechnologists. New Zealand already has a sound base in biotechnology, especially as it relates to healthcare innovation and the primary industries, with a range of research organisations and companies involved in biotechnology.
You could find yourself cloning genes to identify new pharmaceuticals, or working with new vaccines. You could help develop identifying markers for beneficial genetic traits in animals or disease in humans, or work in areas like vaccine development, genomic analysis, or patenting.
While your roles may vary in the different environments, your sound understanding of genetics, biochemistry and microbiology will provide you with a very sound base from which to develop your future.
There are the traditional research opportunities in Crown Research Institutes and Universities, or openings in the commercial sector.
Teaching style
As well as learning theory in lectures, and working on practical skills in labs, there is the option of having practical training in research centres or companies.
Qualifications
Explore your study options further. Refer to enrolment information found on the following qualification pages.
- Bachelor of Applied Science* (BAppSc)
- Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc)
- Bachelor of Commerce and Science (BComSc)
- Bachelor of Applied Science with Honours (BAppSc(Hons))
- Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Science (PGCertAppSc)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Science (PGDipAppSc)
- Master of Applied Science (MAppSc)
- Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad)
*It is a requirement that every Bachelor of Applied Science (BAppSc) normally includes an approved minor subject or an approved second major subject. Usually such a minor or second major subject must be selected from the approved combinations of major subjects with minor or second major subjects. Some exceptions may apply.
Programme requirements
Bachelor of Applied Science (BAppSc) majoring in Molecular Biotechnology
| Year | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 100-level | BIOC 192 Foundations of Biochemistry CELS 191 Cell and Molecular Biology CHEM 191 The Chemical Basis of Biology and HUman Health HUBS 191 Human Body Systems 1 | 18 18 18 18 |
| 200-level | BIOC 221 Molecular Biology GENE 221 Molecular and Microbial Genetics MICR 221 Microbes to Medicine At least two of BIOC 222, BIOC 223, BTNY 201, GENE 222, GENE 223, MICR 222, MICR 223 | 18 18 18 36 |
| 300-level | MICR 336 Applied and Environmental Microbiology At least three of BIOC 351, BIOC 352, GENE 313, GENE 314, GENE 315, MICR 335, MICR 337, PLBI 301, PLBI 302 | 18 54 |
126 further points, including either requirements for an approved minor or approved second major subject or other approved papers | 126 | |
| Total | 360 |
Bachelor of Applied Science with Honours (BAppSc(Hons)) in Molecular Biotechnology
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Master of Applied Science (MAppSc) in Molecular Biotechnology
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Key information for future students
Contact us
Professor Julian Eaton-Rye
Tel +64 3 479 7865
Email julian.eaton-rye@otago.ac.nz
Website otago.ac.nz/applied-science
