The University of Otago's unique Applied Science degrees links the excitement of science and the power of technology with business challenges. 

Applied Science programs help graduates become innovative thinkers with an entrepreneurial spirit, the attributes successful New Zealanders are well-known for. 

It is a requirement that every program typically includes an approved minor subject or an approved second major subject.

Working with the building blocks of life

Molecular Biotechnology is the application of biological science at the molecular level.

Time Magazine called the 21st century the “biotechnology century”, a claim based on the explosion of molecular technologies, and the impact these technologies are likely to have.

The number of new products being developed for human and animal health is growing exponentially, and this trend is set to continue.

Otago’s Bachelor of Applied Science (BAppSc) in Molecular Biotechnology provides you with a multidisciplinary mix of scientific knowledge – skills that will set you up to make the most of the commercial opportunities in this fast-growing industry or focus on an interdisciplinary area of study.

Why study Molecular Biotechnology?

You could become involved in world-changing developments like finding new treatments for diseases, identifying important genetic traits, or helping solve crimes through new forensic techniques.

You’ll gain wide knowledge in the fields of genetics, biochemistry, and microbiology that can be used in industries in New Zealand and around the world.

You’ll develop an appreciation of the impact of Molecular Biotechnology, and learn about the technology behind recent advances in the biological sciences.

• 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)

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 subject requirements for entry into the BAppSc in Molecular Biotechnology.

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).