Biochemistry

Entry requirements

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, or have alternative qualifications or experience acceptable to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Sciences).

Options:

1. Bachelor’s degree in the same subject with B grades – leading to the two-year coursework and research MSc.
2. Postgraduate diploma or honours degree in the same subject with B+ grades – leading to a one-year research MSc. For those completing a one-year research-only degree, study can commence at anytime. Due to the range of majors available, applicants are encouraged to seek advice prior to applying: university@otago.ac.nz

If your first language is not English you need to meet our English language requirements as follows: IELTS score of 6.5 in the academic module (with no individual band below 6.0); we also accept a number of other English language tests. Due to COVID-19, we currently accept Duolingo English Test (DET), IELTS Indicator Test, and TOEFL iBT Special home Edition.

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 for undergraduate and postgraduate study.

Months of entry

February, July

Course content

The Master of Science (MSc) is a two-year degree which encompasses both coursework and research. The first year involves mainly coursework and preliminary research preparation. Students will have the opportunity to contribute to existing fields of research, or to begin to develop new areas.

Students who have a Bachelor's degree will complete the MSc by papers and thesis (at least two years of full-time study). Students who have an Honours degree or postgraduate diploma can complete the degree by thesis only (minimum of one year of study).

Biochemistry combines the molecular approach of chemistry with the breadth and diversity of biology. Very much a laboratory science, it explores, unravels and explains every aspect of the structure and function of all living things at the molecular level.

Biochemistry continues to advance our understanding of how cells are constructed, how they function and communicate with each other, how genetic information is stored, expressed and passed on to the next generation and how all of the cell's chemistry is co-ordinated and controlled.

Because it covers the spectrum of complexity from bacteria, yeasts and viruses to humans, and includes plants, Biochemistry underpins other life sciences such as Microbiology, Physiology, Zoology and Botany as well as being a foundation subject for all the Health Sciences.

Papers and Thesis

BIOC 495 Master's Thesis Preparation

Four of:

• BIOC 461 Research Design and Analysis in Biochemistry
• BIOC 462 Molecular Biology
• BIOC 463 Contemporary Technologies in Biochemistry
• BIOC 464 Applied Biochemistry

Thesis: BIOC 5

Note: The papers are normally taken before undertaking the thesis.

Structure of the Programme

• The degree may be awarded in the name of the subject.
• The programme of study shall be as prescribed for the subject concerned.
• A candidate may be exempted from some of the prescribed papers on the basis of previous study.
• A candidate shall, before commencing the investigation to be described in a thesis, secure the approval of the Head of the Department concerned for the topic, the supervisor(s), and the proposed course of the investigation.
• A candidate may not present a thesis which has previously been accepted for another degree.
• A candidate taking the degree by papers and thesis must pass both the papers and the thesis components.
• For the thesis, the research should be of a kind that a diligent and competent student should complete within one year of full-time study.

Information for international students

Otago offers students an unrivalled campus experience and a vibrant, social student culture. The majority of Otago’s 21,000 students live, work and play in Dunedin - New Zealand’s only true university city. Otago is home to over 3,000 students, from over 100 countries.

Fees and funding

New Zealand is a relatively affordable country to live in. Dunedin, being a student-focused city, has living and entertainment options for all budgets.

Students are eligible for the Otago International Excellence Scholarship.