A Lincoln University Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) qualification will give you the opportunity to not only challenge yourself to new levels of thinking and problem solving, it will give you the knowledge and skills to create new land-based knowledge that will ultimately benefit society. Our goal is to provide you with a PhD programme that will have you working alongside professional and scientific individuals and organisations, and industry, throughout New Zealand and the world. There are many, many complex issues facing the land-based sectors across the globe and Lincoln's PhDs are helping to address them. You are challenged to join these great minds to make a difference. The Department’s specialist areas cover: Animal and plant science Biochemistry Food science Horticulture Microbiology Sensory science Viticulture and wine science. Examples of departmental research include: Animal, plant breeding and genetics (molecular and quantitative) to confer resistance to disease caused by pathogens Content and availability of bioactive compounds Detection of environmental toxicants using biosensors Industrial fermentation, microbial stress responses, practices for safe food production, health beneficial microbes Influence of environmental stressors on animal and plant health (microbial infections, UV damage in plants, temperature stress in dairy cattle and poultry) Innovative technologies in juice and wine processing Meat quality Pest and disease management Sensory theory Vineyard practice and effects on grape quality (especially for Pinot Noir) Use of computer simulation to predict biological and physical phenomena. Summary of Regulations • Students are required to complete three-years of research. Coursework is not usually a component. However, students may be asked to complete some courses, or choose to do so, especially if unfamiliar with some aspect of the proposed research topic • Defend the PhD via an oral examination after it has been independently assessed.