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About Microbiology Microbiology involves the study of life forms too small to see with the unaided eye. Since its early beginnings with Robert Hooke and Antoni van Leeuwenhoek’s observation of microbes using microscopes they developed in the late seventeenth century, the field has gone through a number of exciting revolutions. Microbiology has enabled the causes of many human diseases to be identified. Many bacterial and viral diseases became preventable through the development of vaccines. Furthermore, the birth of the antibiotic era with Alexander Fleming’s discovery of penicillin meant that treatments were found for many previously-incurable bacterial diseases. More recently, the introduction of cutting-edge molecular techniques and the unraveling of the genetic code of an increasing number of microbial species have opened up new frontiers in the study of microbes.
Microbiology is at the forefront of developments in the biosciences. It addresses some of the most pressing biological needs of mankind including the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases, the detoxification of environmental poisons, and the development of new biotechnologies.  |  | Sampling at Rotokawa Lake | Sampling at Waikite Boiling Stream | What degrees/Programme Structure Two postgraduate degree subjects in Microbiology are offered at the School of Biological Sciences. (1) Molecular Microbiology The course content for BSc(Hons) and MSc Part 1 in Molecular Microbiology is:
BIOL430 (Genetics and Molecular Biology), MBIO434 (Microbiology); plus 30 points from BIOL400-429, BIOL431-439, BMSC401, MBIO440; plus MBIO489 (Research Project) or MBIO580 (Research Preparation). The course content for MSc Part 2 in Molecular Microbiology is MBIO591 (Thesis in Microbiology). For PhD level, students enrol in MMBI690 (Molecular Microbiology for PhD). (2) Geomicrobiology. The course content for BSc(Hons) and MSc Part 1 in Geomicrobiology is:
MBIO434 (Microbiology); plus 30 points from BIOL400-439, MBIO440; plus 30 points from ENVI 502-506, GEOL 400-440; plus MBIO489 (Research Project) or MBIO580 (Research Preparation). The course content for MSc Part 2 in Geomicrobiology is MBIO591 (Thesis in Microbiology). For PhD level, students enrol in GMBI690 (Geomicrobiology for PhD).  | |  | Microbial colonies isolated from environmental water sample growing on Marine Agar | | Cyanobacteria isolated from Rotokawa Lake |  | |  | Chemoheterotrophic bacteria from Antarctic Sea Ice | | Algal cells isolated from Rotokawa Lake | Requirements (1) Molecular Microbiology The entry requirements for BSc with Honours and for MSc in Molecular Microbiology consist of the following undergraduate course combinations:
BIOL 340 (or BMSC 310), BIOL/BMSC 361, BMSC 301, BTEC 201; 20 points from BIOL236, 334 (or BMSC 304), BTEC 301. (2) Geomicrobiology The entry requirements for BSc with Honours and for MSc in Geomicrobiology consist of the following undergraduate course combinations:
BIOL 236, BIOL/BMSC 361, BMSC 301; 12 points from GEOL 341-343, 351-352, 370; 30 points from BIOL 334 (or BMSC 304), BIOL 340 (or BMSC 310), BTEC 301. Current research For both degree majors, emphasis is placed on advanced laboratory training as part of the research project which may be conducted on-site at the School of Biological Sciences or at one of its partner institutes. The School of Biological Sciences has expertise in microbiology, molecular biology, immunology, genetics, evolution and ecology. In addition, the school has active microbiology research and teaching links with other institutes which include: AgResearch Ltd;
Antarctica New Zealand;
Industrial Research Ltd;
Institute of Environmental Science Research Ltd;
Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences Ltd;
Malaghan Institute of Medical Research;
National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research. Research projects on offer to students are from a range of areas which may include: - Life Cycle of Mycobacterium tuberculosis;
- Genetic Diversity of Important NZ Pathogens;
- Biodiversity of NZ’s Geothermal Ecosystems;
- Role played by Microbes in Antarctic Sea Ice;
- Development of Novel Biosensors;
- Bioremediation and Bioleaching.
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