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Study Immunology at Otago

    Overview

    Immunology is taught within the Department of Microbiology. It is concerned with the study of how individuals protect themselves against infectious organisms, i.e. immunity and correcting abberant immune responses. Topics covered include the structure and function of the immune response, immunity to infectious diseases, vaccines and their use, and manipulation of the immune system (immunotherapy). Abnormalities and diseases of the immune system e.g. cancer, allergy, autoimmunity and AIDS also form an integral part of immunology.

    Employment opportunities for graduates are excellent with major employers being research and diagnostic laboratories, Crown Research Institutes and universities. This is a rapidly advancing and exciting discipline in which the University of Otago has had a long and productive role.

    Immunology is available as an area of study for:

    Papers

    See the full list of Microbiology (MICR) papers.

    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, Master’s, 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.

    Ready to apply?

    Take your expertise to the next level with advanced study.

    Programme details

    Compare programmes for this subject.

    Papers and Thesis
    • IMMU 495 Master's Thesis Preparation

    • MICR 461 Molecular Microbiology

    • MICR 462 Microbiology and Immunology Research

    • MICR 463 Trends in Microbiology

    • MICR 464 Medical Microbiology and Immunology

    • Thesis: IMMU 5

      Note: The papers are normally taken before undertaking the thesis.

    Papers

    View a list of all related papers below.

    IMMU papers

    Paper Code Year Title Points Teaching period
    IMMU495 2025 Master's Thesis Preparation 40 points Full Year, 1st Non standard period (14 July 2025 - 17 June 2026)

    Contacts

    Head of Department
    Microbiology and Immunology
    720 Cumberland Street
    Tel +64 3 479 7734
    Email hod.microbiology@otago.ac.nz


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    Regulations on this page are taken from the 2025 Calendar and supplementary material.

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