Regulations - Science
The Degree of Master of Biotechnology – MBiotech
The regulations for this degree are to be read in conjunction with all other relevant statutes and regulations including the Academic Statutes and Regulations.
Admission
1 In order to be admitted to this degree, an applicant must have:
a completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Science from this University with a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher, and a relevant major or specialisation, or have equivalent prior study
or
b completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Science from this University with a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher in 60 points above Stage II, and a relevant major or specialisation
or
c (i) completed the requirements for a Bachelors degree from this University in a relevant major or specialisation
and
(ii) passed 60 points towards the Postgraduate Diploma in Science from this University with a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher, and a specialisation in Biotechnology or Biological Sciences, provided that the postgraduate diploma has not been awarded.
2 Equivalence and relevance in Regulation 1 will be determined by the University. Equivalence pertains to the standard as well as nature and level of study.
3 In exceptional circumstances, the requirement in Regulation 1 may be waived by the relevant Associate Dean Academic or nominee if they determine that an applicant has at least three years of relevant practical, professional or scholarly experience that provides an equivalent level of preparation.
Notes:
(i) Relevant majors and specialisations may include biochemistry, biological sciences, biomedical sciences, biotechnology, cell biology, genetics and molecular biology.
(ii) This is a limited entry programme as per the Limitation of Entry Statute 1991 and selection criteria apply. Selection criteria are available from the Faculty of Science.
Duration and Total Points Value
4 A student admitted to this degree must:
a pass courses with a total value of 180 points
and
b complete within the time limit specified in the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.
5 The total enrolment for this degree must not exceed 220 points.
Structure and Content
6 a A student enrolled for this degree must complete the requirements as listed in the Master of Biotechnology Schedule, which may include the requirements for one of the specialisations listed.
b A student must achieve a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher in the first 120 points of taught courses prior to enrolment in BIOTECH 793 or a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher in the first 60 points of taught courses to enrol in BIOTECH 793 A/B. If the Grade Point Average is not achieved to allow enrolment in BIOTECH 793 A/B, then enrolment may continue without a research component.
7 A student must complete the University of Auckland Academic Integrity course as specified in the Enrolment and Programme Regulations, Academic Integrity, of the University Calendar.
Dissertation
8 a The dissertation is to be carried out under the guidance of a supervisor appointed by the relevant Academic Head.
b The dissertation topic must be approved by the Programme Director prior to enrolment.
c The dissertation is to be completed and submitted in accordance with the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.
Reassignment
9 A student may apply to reassign courses passed to the Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Biotechnology or Biological Sciences.
Transfer from Postgraduate Diploma in Science
10 A student who has passed courses towards a Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Biotechnology or Biological Sciences and is eligible to be admitted to this degree may apply to reassign those courses to the Master of Biotechnology provided that the postgraduate diploma has not been awarded.
Distinction / Honours / Merit
11 This degree may be awarded with either Honours, Distinction or Merit in accordance with the General Regulations – Masters Degrees.
Variations
12 In exceptional circumstances the Programme Director may approve a variation to a student’s programme of study in accordance with the Enrolment and Programme Regulations.
Amendment
13 These regulations and/or schedule have been amended with effect from 1 January 2025.
Taught Masters
Requirement:
30 points: BIOSCI 761, SCIENT 703
15 points from BIOSCI 701, 704
either
a further 45 points from BIOSCI 700–704, 736–738, 741, 746, 749, 751, 752, 754–759, 764, 765, CHEM 738
30 points from other 700 level courses offered by the Faculty of Science or Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences
60 points: BIOTECH 793 Dissertation
or
90 points from BIOSCI 700–704, 736–738, 741, 746, 749, 751, 752, 754–759, 764, 765, CHEM 738
a further 45 points from other 700 level courses offered by the Faculty of Science or Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences
or
Specialisations available:
Bioinformatics
30 points: BIOSCI 761, SCIENT 703
15 points from BIOSCI 701, 704
a further 45 points from BIOSCI 700–702, 738
a further 30 points from BIOSCI 700–704, 736–738, 741, 746, 749, 751, 752, 754–759, 764, 765, CHEM 738
60 points: BIOTECH 793 Dissertation
or
Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics
30 points: BIOSCI 761, SCIENT 703
15 points from BIOSCI 701, 704
45 points from BIOSCI 755, 758, 759, 765
a further 30 points from BIOSCI 700–702, 736, 738, 741, 746, 749, 751, 752, 754–759, 764, 765, CHEM 738
60 points: BIOTECH 793 Dissertation
or
Molecular Microbiology
30 points: BIOSCI 761, SCIENT 703
15 points from BIOSCI 701, 704
45 points from BIOSCI 736, 741, 749, 764
a further 30 points from BIOSCI 700–704, 736–738, 741, 746, 749, 751, 752, 754–759, 764, 765, CHEM 738
60 points: BIOTECH 793 Dissertation
or