Biotechnology
Qualifications
Overview
Biotechnology is of national and international importance. It considers and develops knowledge about biochemical, molecular, ecological, and evolutionary processes. Biotechnology tools are applied in research underpinning biodiversity and biosecurity throughout Aotearoa New Zealand.
Biotechnology research is directed towards developing technology with both economic and environmental outcomes. The OECD has predicted that, by 2030, biotechnology will assume a major role in the global economy with the advances from research in the tertiary sector.
- Te Kura Pūtaiao Koiora | School of Biological Sciences has some of the most modern research facilities in the country.
- Our postgraduate courses are taught by leading national and visiting international researchers. Several of our staff have received Tertiary Teaching Excellence Awards.
Students undertaking postgraduate study in Biochemistry must meet the entry requirements of their chosen qualification and have a strong foundation in Biological Sciences and Biochemistry.
Prerequisites: At least 60 points from BCHM 301, BIOL 313, BIOL 331, BIOL 333, BIOL 334, BIOL 335, BIOL 351, BIOL 352 or appropriate advanced level courses in biochemistry and the molecular biosciences.
Note: students are normally expected to have taken BIOL 309.
UC offers the following postgraduate programmes in Biotechnology:
- Bachelor of Science with Honours
- Postgraduate Certificate in Science
- Postgraduate Diploma in Science
- Master of Science
- Doctor of Philosophy
See the individual qualification pages for more information on degree requirements.
Bachelor of Science with Honours majoring in Biotechnology
Students will complete BIOT 480 Project, as well as BIOL 411, BIOL 412, and BIOL 496. Another 30 points are chosen from BIOL 429, BIOL 455–463. The remaining course may be selected from other courses approved by the Programme Coordinator.
Postgraduate Certificate in Science majoring in Biotechnology
Students need to complete at least 45 points in BIOL 400-level courses for the major. In total 60 points must be completed for the PGCertSc from Biological Sciences and/or other Science courses.
Postgraduate Diploma majoring in Biotechnology
At least 120 points of courses, including BIOL 411, BIOL 412, and BIOL 496, is required for the major. At least 45 points are chosen from BIOL 429, BIOL 455–463, with the remaining points selected from other courses approved by the Programme Coordinator.
Master of Science majoring in Biotechnology
Part I of the MSc in Biotechnology is 120 points, including BIOL 411, BIOL 412, and BIOL 496, 45 points chosen from BIOL 429, BIOL 455–463, and the remaining selected from other courses approved by the Programme Coordinator. Students need a B+ Grade Point Average to proceed to Part II of the degree.
Part II requires BIOT 690 MSc Thesis.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Biotechnology
In the PhD, students need to pass a thesis of original research in the Biotechnology field (BIOT 790 Biotechnology PhD).
As an emerging field with both national and international importance, biotechnology provides many career opportunities in universities, business, government agencies, Crown Research Institutes, and in ministries concerned with the environment, agriculture, and forestry.
Find out more about what you can do with a degree in Biotechnology.
Contact us
School of Biological Sciences | Te Kura Pūtaiao Koiora
Phone +64 3 369 5200
Email biological-sciences@canterbury.ac.nz
Location
See the School's website for up-to-date location details.
Postal address
College of Science | Te Rāngai Pūtaiao
University of Canterbury | Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha
Private Bag 4800
Christchurch 8140
New Zealand
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