The breadth and depth of Massey University’s postgraduate microbiology programme is unique in New Zealand. WHAT IS IT LIKE? The Massey University Master of Science (Microbiology) is a multi-disciplinary postgraduate qualification that will give you the research skills to move up the hierarchy of your career, or move onto more in-depth research. An essential science Microbiology is an essential science that helps us understand the microbes in the environment, including those that dwell in the soil, air and water, in our food and inside people, animals and plants. Understanding microbiology can: improve safety and success of food and beverage production and fermentation help prevent infectious diseases through development of novel antibiotics and vaccines use of “good” microbes in prebiotics or probiotics, or microbial community [A1] transplantation between patients. Help treat diseases such as inflammation, allergy, neurological disorders, diabetes and even cancer. Through comparing diversity and composition of gut microbial communities between people, we may better understand and treat these diseases, that are not typically considered related to microbes, Have an environmental impact through creating alternative ways to produce fuel, or by increased ability to mitigate the greenhouse gas emission by working with the microbes in the cattle rumen. Multi-disciplinary You will gain the advantage of learning in a multi-disciplinary environment. Massey has world-leading expertise in many areas of science, especially veterinary, animal, health and environmental science. You can take advantage of this for your learning and research to look at microbiological sub-disciplines, such as environment/ecology, food and biotechnology. Let our expertise become yours You will learn from world-leading specialists in microbiology and related areas like biochemistry, biotechnology, immunology and epidemiology. At Massey we use a diverse range of molecular, cellular, plant and animal model tools to investigate the molecular biology of diseases. We also use metagenomics and other advanced genomic technologies to study microbial communities in the environment, including those that may be health threat if found in food or medical environments. Our biomedical interests are diverse. We research the mechanisms of neurological, skeletal and muscular disorders, infectious microbial diseases and cancer. Careers If you are interested in pursuing further research, microbiology is a key discipline of biological sciences. Microbiology research skills are particularly suited for work in the research or teaching institutions in the fields of biomedicine, bioprotection, biotechnology, epidemiology, veterinary and plant pathology. There are also roles in the legal or business sectors, for instance assisting with the commercialization of science, drafting of patents and technology transfer agreements. Dairy, food, pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries are key employers, however there are numerous other opportunities in cosmetics, breweries, food and oil industries, horticulture, and agriculture. Government and private sectors provide opportunities for bioprotection, regulatory, sample testing or diagnostic laboratory positions. Positions in industry include: Management Quality control Research, and Product development Structure You will follow a parts-based course of study, which shall consist of courses totalling at least 180 credits, comprising Part One and Part Two as defined by the Courses Schedule below.