Overview of studying Microbiology and Immunology
What is Microbiology and Immunology?
Microbiology involves the study of microscopic organisms (viruses, bacteria, fungi and protozoa). Microbes compose greater than 50 per cent of life forms on our planet and microbial metabolism is essential to the functioning of complex biochemical and geochemical networks that sustain Earth. However, probably less than one per cent of all predicted microbial groups have been identified and studied. Technological advances are beginning to reveal the vast reservoir of untapped knowledge of the microbial world, with immense biotechnological promise in the 21st century. New developments are also advancing traditional areas of microbiology in relation to medicine, bioremediation, food processing and agriculture and are helping to elucidate fundamental biological processes.
The immune system has evolved to protect individuals against infection and cancer. Immunology courses taught at Otago outline the evolution of the immune system, and explain how the immune response is organised in modern vertebrates. Major topics covered include immunity to infectious diseases and cancer, as well as autoimmunity and allergies. We also teach how we can “re-programme” immune responses through vaccination and immunotherapy. All of our immunology lecturers are active researchers in the field of immunology and direct state of the art research laboratories.
How can you study Microbiology and Immunology?
There are a number of ways you can study Microbiology and Immunology including a BSc majoring in Microbiology, a BBiomedSc degree and the BAppSc degree
BSc Microbiology
If you intend to major in Microbiology (BSc), your degree must contain the following 100-level papers or their equivalent:
- CELS 191 Cell and Molecular Biology »
- HUBS 191 Human Body Systems 1 »
- CHEM 191 The Chemical Basis of Biology and Human Health »
200-Level and Beyond
The three 200-level Microbiology papers: Microbes to Medicine (MICR 221), Microbes in Action (MICR 222) and Infection and Immunity (MICR 223) introduce you to microbes, infectious diseases and the role of microbes in environmental and industrial processes. Topics covered include medical microbiology, virology, microbial plant and animal interactions, biotechnology, environmental microbiology and immunology. GENE 221 Molecular and Microbial Genetics is also needed in a microbiology major
At 300-level you need at least four of the six Microbiology papers offered. These are Food Microbiology (MICR 331), Health Microbiology (MICR 332), Applied and Clinical Immunology (MICR 334), Microbial Gene Regulation (MICR 335), Microbial Biotechnology (MICR 336) and Virology (MICR 337).
BBiomedSc Programme
An Infection and Immunity major within the Biomedical Sciences degree programme is available (BBiomedSc). This degree structure is essentially similar to the BSc programme, but has a broader biomedical base at 100-level with 200- and 300-level papers being orientated towards medical microbiology and immunology. Two Microbiology papers are required at 300-level: Health Microbiology (MICR 332) and Applied and Clinical Immunology (MICR 334).
For further information on the BBiomedSc programme please click here.
BAppSc Programme
A range of majors, including Molecular Biotechnology (MOBI), that combine business and science subjects in a four-year degree is offered. Microbiology papers (CELS 191, HUBS 191, MICR 221, MICR 336, selected 400-level) are core contributions to the programme.
For further information on the BAppSc programme please click here.
Postgraduate study in Microbiology and Immunology
There are a number of options for postgraduate study in Microbiology and Immunlogy. Information on postgraduate study in Microbiology and Immunology can be found in our pages on 400-level Microbiology and Immunology.