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undergraduate

Degree

Bachelor of Science (BSc) majoring in Microbiology (Coursework)

undergraduate

Degree

Bachelor of Science (BSc) majoring in Microbiology (Coursework)

Quick facts

  • Annual tuition (2022)

    $39,413 NZD

  • Application fee

    Free

  • Duration

    3 years

  • PSW

    3 years

  • Min GPA

    70 out of 100

Deadlines

Term start& deadline Deadline
Fall-February 31-October-2022 2022-10-31
Winter-July 30-April-2023 2023-04-30
Fall-February 31-October-2023 2023-10-31
Winter-July 30-April-2024 2024-04-30

Overview

Bachelor of Science (BSc) majoring in Microbiology

The Bachelor of Science (BSc) at the University of Otago is a three-year undergraduate degree that enables students to develop their interests in a science subject (science major) and related subjects. 

In addition, students have the flexibility to combine their major subject with other science subjects, as well as topics from different disciplines across the University.

What can’t be seen matters

Microbes are essential for maintaining life on Earth. 

They comprise more than 50 percent of the life forms on our planet, yet only around 1 percent have been identified and studied. 

Infectious microorganisms, including bacteria and viruses, can attack our bodies and we rely on our immune system to protect us. 

Thus the relationship between microbes and immune cells is critical for our survival.

The University of Otago is the only institution in New Zealand offering bachelor’s degrees in both Microbiology AND Infection and Immunity. 

The courses provide insights into the unseen world of microbes and the immune system and an understanding of the practical applications arising from their study.

Why study Microbiology and Immunology?

Microorganisms are everywhere – in our bodies, our food, the air, soil, and water. Because they’re everywhere, they’re involved in almost every aspect of our lives.

They are used in producing foods such as cheese, wine, and beer, as well as many pharmaceutical, chemical, and agricultural products. 

They are important for soil fertility and the decomposition of materials but can cause major diseases in humans, animals, and plants.

The harmful effects of some microorganisms link microbiology with immunology. 

Immunologists investigate how graduates can protect humans and animals from infectious diseases by using vaccines, and the role of the immune system in non-infectious diseases such as cancer.

Estimate your cost

Residency
Count of person

$58,109

Total costs

yearly

Details


Cost of living 1 person $4,140
Accommodation 1 bed room $18,696
Tuition 1 person $39,413

Hourly wage

Min wage

21.20 NZD / 1 hour

in New Zealand every student can work 20 hour per week

Required documents

  • Academic Transcripts
  • Educational Credential Evaluators report (ECE) (If required)
  • Proof of your identity (Full name, date of birth, and nationality)
  • Certified/notarised copy (passport or birth certificate)
  • English Language Proficiency (If Available)

Language requirements

GRE
not required
GMAT
not required

IELTS

6
5.5
listening
5.5
writing
5.5
speaking
5.5
reading

TOEFL

80
-
listening
20
writing
-
speaking
-
reading

PTE

50
42
listening
42
writing
42
speaking
42
reading

Cambridge

176
169
listening
169
writing
169
speaking
169
reading
Language pathway (conditional offer) is available

TOEFL iBT Home Edition is currently accepted for applications for intakes commencing semester 2 2022 and 2023 intakes.

Pearson Test of English Academic Online is currently accepted for applications for intakes commencing in semester 2 2022 and 2023 intakes.

 

Don’t meet the English language requirements?

The University of Otago Language Centre English for Otago programme offers a pathway for Undergraduate and Postgraduate students to meet the English language requirements.

 

Entrance requirements if you are not sitting the English for Otago entrance exam

If you are not sitting the English for Otago entrance exam, these are the entrance requirements:

CourseTestEntrance requirement
Undergraduate programmeIELTS5.5 (no band below 5.0)
 IELTS Online5.5 (no band below 5.0)
 TOEFL iBT70 (writing 15)
TOEFL iBT Home Edition is currently accepted for applications for intakes commencing semester 2 2022 and 2023 intakes.
 Pearson Test of English (Academic)PTE (Academic) score of 42 with no band score lower than 36.
Pearson Test of English Academic Online is currently accepted for applications for intakes commencing in semester 2 2022 and 2023 intakes.

Study period

  • October 2022 intake: 15 weeks
  • February, July and October 2023 intakes: 12 weeks

Academic background and requirement

Undergraduate entrance requirements

The university recognizes many other qualifications as equivalent to the New Zealand qualification for entrance. 

To check if the university recognizes your previous studies, determine the country where you gained the qualification. Countries entrance requirements example:

China entrance requirements:

Senior High School graduation and one year of successful study at a recognized institution of university standing; 
Or Senior High School graduation and completion of a diploma with high passing grades at a recognized institute or university.

Students with the requisite scores in Gaokao may be given direct entry to bachelor degree programme.

India entrance requirements:

Minimum overall average of 75% in the All India Senior School Examination (CBSE) or Indian School Certificate Examination (CISCE) with a minimum of 70% in English.

The scores are calculated on the best four academic subjects excluding local languages and non-academic subjects.

Iran entrance requirements:

One year of successful study at a recognized institution of university standing, or successful completion of a University of Otago Foundation Year programme or equivalent.

The university also accepts the following international qualifications:

  • International Baccalaureate: IB Diploma with a minimum of 24 points.
  • Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) GCE Advanced Levels: minimum Numerical Score of 8.
  • Northern Consortium United Kingdom (NCUK) International Foundation Year (IFY)
  • Satisfactory completion of one year's study at a recognized tertiary institution.

Background required

There are no first-year papers labelled microbiology or infection and immunity. Instead, you take papers relating to the biology of cells and human health that include significant coverage of these subjects.

You will also take a paper in biological chemistry, so it is helpful to have studied Year 13 Biology and Chemistry.

 

Pathway programme

Study in your chosen subject area and gain a university entrance qualification

The University of Otago Pathway programme offers a university entrance qualification within two 13-week semesters for domestic and international students. It is called the Foundation Studies Certificate (FSC).

Career opportunities

  • Research laboratory technician
  • Quality control analyst
  • Clinical microbiologist or immunologist
  • Food or dairy microbiologist
  • Environmental microbiologist
  • Recombinant DNA technologist
  • Fermentation technologist
  • Research scientist
  • Microbiologist
  • Biochemist
  • Biological Technician
  • Immunologist
  • Mycologist
  • Parasitologist

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