Red X iconGreen tick iconYellow tick icon

Overview

Preparation of a thesis proposal/preliminary thesis research. Normally taken by students in the papers year for a Master’s degree by papers and thesis.

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, which will expose you to advanced topics in microbiology (MICR 495) or immunology (IMMU 495). 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 Master's Thesis Preparation
Subject Immunology
EFTS 0.3333
Points 40 points
Teaching period(s) Full Year (On campus)
1st Non standard period (13 July 2026 - 18 June 2027) (On campus)
Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $3,822.28
International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
Limited to
MSc
Eligibility

Students must have achieved a B+ average (average GPA = 6.0 or above) over their four best MICR 300-level papers. IMMU 495 requires study within a project area related to immunology.
Enrolments for this paper require departmental permission. View more information about departmental permission.

Contact

alex.mclellan@otago.ac.nz

Teaching staff

Convenor: Professor Alex McLellan
Other Lecturers: Microbiology & Immunology academic staff

Paper Structure

IMMU 495 is the research project component for the first-year part of a two-year MSc.

Teaching Arrangements
To complete this paper you will undertake a six-month research project within one of the research labs in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology. The research project will continue for the next 12 months for completion of the MSc degree.
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

Upon successful completion of this paper, students will:

  • Be able to demonstrate an advanced knowledge of research-based microbiology and immunology as a stepping stone to the final year of their MSc
  • 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
  • Oral presentation (10%) - late Second Semester
  • Thesis (90%)

Overview

Preparation of a thesis proposal/preliminary thesis research. Normally taken by students in the papers year for a Master’s degree by papers and thesis.

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, which will expose you to advanced topics in microbiology (MICR 495) or immunology (IMMU 495).

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 Master's Thesis Preparation
Subject Immunology
EFTS 0.3333
Points 40 points
Teaching period(s) Full Year (On campus)
1st Non standard period (12 July 2027 - 2 June 2028) (On campus)
Domestic Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for 2027 have not yet been set
International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
Limited to
MSc
Eligibility

Students must have achieved a B+ average (average GPA = 6.0 or above) over their four best MICR 300-level papers. IMMU 495 requires study within a project area related to immunology.
Enrolments for this paper require departmental permission. View more information about departmental permission.

Contact

alex.mclellan@otago.ac.nz

Teaching staff

Convener: Professor Alex McLellan
Other Lecturers: Microbiology & Immunology academic staff

Paper Structure

IMMU 495 is the research project component for the first-year part of a two-year MSc.

Teaching Arrangements

To complete this paper you will undertake a six-month research project within one of the research labs in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology. The research project will continue for the next 12 months for completion of the MSc degree.

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

Upon successful completion of this paper, students will:

  • Be able to demonstrate an advanced knowledge of research-based microbiology and immunology as a stepping stone to the final year of their MSc.
  • 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
  • Oral presentation (10%) - late Second Semester
  • Thesis (90%)
Back to top