Molecular and Cellular Biology

Overview

Molecular and Cellular Biology is an interdisciplinary field combining biochemistry, microbiology, genetics and physiology to study how cells function at the molecular level.

Molecular and Cellular Biology explores the complex mechanisms that coordinate the essential systems that define a living cell and that allow cells to have differentiated properties. This knowledge is used to look at how unicellular and multicellular organisms function and how it can provide researchers with crucial insights into the basis of human and animal diseases.

By studying a major in Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of Waikato, you will:

• Gain a detailed knowledge of the molecules of life and the relationship between the structure and function of biomolecules;
• Understand the subcellular and cellular organisation of eukaryotic cells and the key catabolic, anabolic and metabolic cellular processes that occur;
• Learn how to distinguish between the genetic organisation and gene expression of viruses, prokaryotes, and eukaryotes, and describe the mechanisms of inheritance and evolution;
• Be able to describe the anatomy and physiology of mammals and other organisms, and the mechanisms behind certain diseases.

Along with relevant subject knowledge, you will also gain a range of critical thinking skills, and practical learning experiences from our range of challenging and innovative papers and programmes. There is a significant laboratory component to the Molecular and Cellular Biology major, where you will learn relevant skills and be exposed to some of the latest techniques available.

Teaching is research-led, and you can expect to be taught by world-class researchers. Research strengths within Molecular and Cellular Biology include active programmes within molecular biology, structural biology and protein engineering, neuroendocrine processes that underlie food intake and biomedical related research relevant to veterinary and human medicine.

Facilities

We have extensive laboratory facilities, including:

• Biochemical, microbial, molecular genetics and physiology laboratories
• Microscope facilities, including confocal laser scanning microscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopes at the Waikato Biological Imaging Facility
• Waikato DNA Sequencing Facility

Build a successful career

Molecular and Cellular Biology graduates find employment in New Zealand working in industry or for government related institutes and agencies, while others go on to graduate study or travel overseas. Future employers of graduates include local and national government bodies (e.g. Waikato DHB), Crown Research Institutes (e.g. Plant and Food, NIWA and AgResearch), analytical laboratories and a range of primary industries.

Career opportunities

• Agricultural Researcher
• Plant and Food Researcher
• Biochemist
• Biotechnologist
• Quarantine Officer
• Chemical Analyst
• Laboratory Technician