Postgraduate Molecular Microbiology –
Gain advanced knowledge and skills and lead the way in science innovation with postgraduate study in molecular microbiology.
Be at the forefront of development in the biosciences. Focus on the biological needs of humanity, including the discovery of new medicines to prevent and treat infectious diseases.
Taught by the School of Biological Sciences, together with its partner research institutes, you'll work with world leading scientists and benefit from a wealth of research expertise and opportunities.
Investigate prokaryotic and eukaryotic microorganisms, viruses at the level of DNA and RNA, proteins and other cell molecules. You'll look at microbial gene regulation and expression, cell to cell communication and explore evolution, physiology and metabolism.
You'll also examine the virulence of microbes that cause human, animal and plant diseases, as well as the interactions that occur between a disease-causing microorganism and its host.
Now that genomes can be fully sequenced, you can use this information to look for new and more effective drug targets.
Available qualifications
(I am trying to) see if there is any difference in the antibiotics that are produced from bacteria living in New Zealand soils compared with bacteria that live in soils throughout the world.
Full storyLuke Stevenson
PhD candidate in Molecular Microbiology
Research topics
Be part of an active and dynamic culture of research. You'll work with staff and industry partners on groundbreaking and innovative research. Choose an area of research that suits your interests and career goals.
Careers
The management and independent research skills you gain will open doors to higher level roles within the industry. You might find work in biosecurity, biotechnological innovation, genetic counselling, immunology, laboratory management, policy analysis, research science or teaching.
Community
Postgraduate study at Victoria University of Wellington will help you build valuable relationships and networks with peers, university staff and future colleagues. You'll have opportunities to attend events, seminars, workshops and social functions.
The Postgraduate Students' Association can also give you information on study at the University and provides a voice for you on campus.
If I have something new to show my supervisors, they get really excited and will come rushing in and are always keen to help if things aren’t going quite right.
Full storyLuke Stevenson
PhD candidate in Molecular Microbiology
Live and study in the science capital of New Zealand. Benefit from a wealth of research expertise and opportunities through close ties with research institutes, including the Malaghan Institute for Medical Research, Ferrier Research Institute and the Capital and Coast District Health Board.
Scholarships
You can look for scholarships based on your level of study, subject area, and background.
Lab demonstrating
Postgraduate students in the School of Biological Sciences can act as demonstrators for undergraduate labs. You can contact Mark Stephen to register your interest.