Master of Science - Biochemistry

Biochemists apply molecular approaches to understand life and death, how cells can be turned into bio-factories, how to make improved crops, how trillions of cells assemble to form you, why you get old, and what causes diseases like cancer. Biochemistry is a rapidly-developing molecular science that studies living processes by considering an organism’s biological molecules: their functions, their interactions (both amongst themselves and with molecules in the environment), and how they can be affected by the environment itself. Biochemistry is at the heart of cutting-edge developments in molecular medicine and the biotechnology industry. Molecular medicine is poised to revolutionise human health. Better methods for diagnosis, drug design, and therapeutic treatment at the molecular level will improve health outcomes for society. Biotechonology will bring us more and better foods, new sources of energy, and new materials for engineering.Biochemists can choose from a diverse array of job opportunities, and Otago biochemistry graduates can be found all over the world.Careers in research, product development, forensics, public health, bioinformatics, agribusiness, patent law, science policy, publishing, teaching and science communication, commerce, and marketing are all available to biochemists.The New Zealand biotechnology industry has opportunities for biochemists in livestock improvement, the development of food crops, winemaking, the protection of native flora and fauna, pharmaceuticals, and industrial and household products.A candidate achieving the degree by papers and a thesis shall normally follow a programme for the equivalent of not less than two years of full-time study and not more than three years of full-time study, and a candidate achieving the degree by thesis alone shall normally follow a programme of study for the equivalent of not less than one year of full-time study and not more than two years of full-time study. Exceptions shall be permitted only with the approval of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Sciences).

Admission to the programme shall be subject to the approval of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Sciences).Every applicant must either be a graduate with an average grade of at least B for the appropriate 300-level papers, orhave alternative qualifications or experience acceptable to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Sciences).An applicant seeking admission to the thesis-only option of the programme (see regulation 2(c) below) on the basis of the degree of Bachelor of Science with Honours or the Postgraduate Diploma in Science or equivalent must have achieved a grade of at least B+ for the research report, thesis preparation, or dissertation requirement of the qualification concerned.In considering an applicant's qualifications, regard will be had to the detail of the course of study followed to gain the qualification, as well as the applicant's performance in the programme.