The University of Otago

The molecule responsible for heart disease in diabetics has been identified by University of Otago researchers recently, which greatly improves chances of survival.

Associate Professor Rajesh Katare, of the Department of Physiology, says diabetes is an epidemic in New Zealand with more than 110,000 people diagnosed with type-2 diabetes, while 100,000 remain undiagnosed. The leading cause of death in diabetics is cardiovascular disease.

"Cardiologists have, until now, not been able to diagnose diabetic heart disease before it has developed,’’ Associate Professor Katare says.

This discovery has shown that, by monitoring the level of microRNA-34a in diabetic individuals, doctors can help identify those who are at risk of developing heart disease.

"This will allow GPs to either prescribe lifestyle modification, or closely monitor those individuals who show changes. Importantly, this can be done without the need for sophisticated equipment.’’

Another key finding of the study was, for the first time, increased microRNA-34a was identified in stem cells isolated from diabetic heart tissue.

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Otago is New Zealand’s only university offering both academic excellence and outstanding student experience. Otago leads the way when it comes to world-class teaching and student lifestyle.

Students at Otago are taught by academic staff who are dedicated to teaching, and who are internationally recognised for their research.

Otago is placed in the top 100 Universities in 13 subject areas including Law, Archaeology, Development Studies, Education, Geography, Physiology, Dentistry, Medicine, and sports-related subjects. The University’s internationally accredited Business School is an Asia-Pacific leader in education and research, and its arts and humanities are ranked 88th in the world.

Otago has earned an international reputation for the quality of its research and training. It is home to 12 flagship multidisciplinary research centres and 17 research themes with particular teaching and research strengths across the areas of Biomedical Sciences, Applied Sciences, Accounting and Finance, Clinical Medicine, Dentistry, Earth Sciences, Economics, Education, English Language and Literature, Food and Nutrition, Law, Medicine, Pharmacy, Philosophy, Physics, Psychology, Public Health, and Tourism.

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Otago offers a first-class education across:

Business

The world needs business graduates who are flexible, capable and determined to succeed. The Otago Business School meets these needs with more than 20 programmes from undergraduate level through to executive education, with postgraduate certificates, diplomas, masters and PhD programmes.

Health Sciences

The Division of Health Sciences consists of the Otago Medical School, the Faculty of Dentistry, the School of Pharmacy and the School of Physiotherapy. Health Sciences provides a range of qualifications leading to careers as medical practitioners, dentists, pharmacists, physiotherapists and medical laboratory scientists. The Division also provides programmes in the areas of radiation therapy, dental technology, oral health and biomedical sciences.

Humanities

The value of a Humanities degree is that it imparts essential knowledge and understanding about humans and the world we live in. In addition to a Bachelor of Arts degree, with its wide range of majors, Otago offers Music, Performing Arts and Theology, as well as professional programmes in Law, Social Work and Teaching. Otago also offers a diverse set of outstanding postgraduate programmes that are highly competitive.

Sciences

The Division of Sciences has strengths in fundamental and applied sciences, in human performance and health, and in environmental science. It offers a number of disciplines that are unique to Otago. As well as the touchstone Bachelor of Science, it offers Applied Science, professional degrees, and programmes that cut across departments.

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For all international students that do not count their first language as English, evidence of a satisfactory level of English language proficiency must be provided. Students should include with their application a certified statement of results from an accepted English language test that has been taken within two years of the start of their proposed studies at Otago.

For undergraduate study, students will usually need the equivalent of IELTS 6.0 overall in the academic module, with no individual band below 6.0. For postgraduate study, students will usually need the equivalent of IELTS 6.5 overall in the academic module, with no individual band below 6.0. Some courses may have a higher English language requirement and students are advised to check with the International Office.

To study at the University of Otago, students also need a recognised university entrance qualification, along with the required score in a recognised English language test. The University recognises many international qualifications as equivalent to a New Zealand qualification for entry.

The entry requirements for postgraduate study varies by programme, with most requiring a bachelor-level qualification in the same field, and some having requirements such as relevant work experience and/or professional registration in New Zealand.

Some master’s degrees require students to complete a postgraduate diploma, then proceed to their second year of study. If students are interested in studying a new subject at postgraduate level, the University has a diploma for graduates, which can act as a bridge to postgraduate study.

To study a PhD, students usually require a master’s degree or good honours degree in the same or related discipline, as their intended area of research.

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To help international students achieve their goal of studying at Otago, the University of Otago Language Centre and Foundation Year (UOLCFY) offers a pathway for students to meet the entrance requirements for both undergraduate and postgraduate study. The UOLCFY also provides excellent preparation for academic study.

The University of Otago Language Centre delivers a range of English-language programmes, as well as pathway programmes leading to further study. Five levels of tuition in General English are offered – from Elementary to Advanced. The lessons are learner-centred and the materials reflect a current New Zealand context. The average class has 14 students and a full-time course consists of 23 hours a week. Upon completion of a programme each student receives a certificate and a report detailing their achievement.

The University of Otago Foundation Year offers a programme of two 13-week semesters where students can choose to study one of the four academic streams which align with the four University of Otago academic divisions: Business/Commerce, Health Science, Arts/Humanities and Science/Applied Science/Life Science. Students who successfully complete the 10 paper, 26 week programme are awarded the Foundation Studies Certificate. This certificate guarantees students’ entry to their chosen University of Otago first-year course (except those with limited intakes) and is recognised by all New Zealand universities as an entrance qualification.

Most study at the University of Otago takes place at its campus in Dunedin, a safe city that is easy to get around and has a relatively inexpensive cost of living. The University also has campuses in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Invercargill, where there are different facilities to meet the needs of its diverse population of students.

Most international students choose to live in one of Otago’s residential colleges during the first year of study. This is a great way for them to meet new friends and adjust to their new home. Others prefer to stay in university-managed flats, and there are also private accommodation options. Whichever students choose, the Accommodation Office will help them find accommodation that is best suitable for them.

A first-class education requires world-class facilities, and Otago is known for its state-of-the-art lecture theatres, research labs and libraries. There is unlimited Wi-Fi across campus and computer labs are open 24/7.

For students who are serious about sports, the University hosts international cricket minutes away from campus, and has an international rugby stadium right next door.

Unipol Recreation Centre is a gym facility that offers everything students need for exercise free of charge, including cardio and weights, sports hall, group fitness classes, social sport and outdoor adventures.