Understanding plant form and function.
Changes to science masters’ degrees from 2027
From 2027, our science masters' degrees are changing. The Master of Science and Master of Applied Science will be renamed to the Master of Science (Thesis) and Master of Science (Applied).
This multidisciplinary course encompasses plant physiology, plant biochemistry and plant molecular biology. It brings together the expertise of plant scientists in the Botany and Biochemistry departments and aims to produce graduates with a knowledge of the structure and function of the whole plant and the ability to apply modern molecular and biochemical techniques to the manipulation of plants of agronomic importance.
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Learn about studying Plant Biotechnology as an undergraduate at Otago.
Choose a study option
Whether you are advancing your career with our specialised graduate qualifications or pursuing in-depth research and expertise through our postgraduate programmes, Otago is here to support your aspirations.
Postgraduate qualifications
Honours, masters’, PhDs, and other advanced degrees for graduates. Just one additional year of study will earn you a valuable postgraduate degree. Or perhaps you want the depth of a full year of research-only time during a master’s or to step up to a PhD.
Bachelor of Science with Honours (BSc(Hons))
A four-year degree focusing on advanced study and culminating in a research project in the final year
Postgraduate Certificate in Science (PGCertSci)
A coursework programme, typically consisting of three papers, that can be completed with full-time (one-semester) or part-time (full-year) study
Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PGDipSci)
A one-year programme which builds on an undergraduate science degree, encompassing coursework and a chosen research topic
Master of Science (Applied) (MSc(Applied))
A coursework postgraduate degree with a research component. The MSc(Applied) can be completed in 12 months or in stages over a longer period.
Master of Science (Thesis) (MSc(Thesis))
A two-year degree with a wide range of subject options. The MSc(Thesis) may be taken by a combination of coursework and thesis, or by thesis only.
Graduate qualifications
Our graduate qualifications are crafted to transition students from foundational studies to advanced, specialised knowledge.
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Take your expertise to the next level with advanced study.
Programme details
Compare programmes for this subject.
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Papers
View a list of all related papers below.
PLBI papers
| Paper Code | Year | Title | Points | Teaching period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PLBI301 | 2026 | Applied Plant Science | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| PLBI302 | 2026 | Plants for the Future | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| PLBI351 | 2026 | Research Perspectives in Plant Biotechnology | 18 points | Not offered in 2026 |
| PLBI401 | 2026 | Frontiers in Plant Biotechnology | 20 points | Full Year, 1st Non standard period (13 July 2026 - 18 June 2027) |
| PLBI480 | 2026 | Research Project | 40 points | Full Year, 1st Non standard period (13 July 2026 - 18 June 2027) |
| PLBI490 | 2026 | Dissertation | 60 points | Full Year, 1st Non standard period (13 July 2026 - 18 June 2027) |
| PLBI495 | 2026 | Master's Thesis Preparation | 40 points | Full Year |
Contacts
Email plant.biotechnology@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/plant-biotechnology
This information must be read subject to the statement on our Copyright & Disclaimer page.
Regulations on this page are taken from the 2026 Calendar and supplementary material.
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