The MSc in Chemical Science is a one-year taught programme run by the School of Chemistry.
The course consists of two semesters of taught modules followed by a significant research project and dissertation (15,000 words) focused over the summer months.
Teaching methods include:
Modules are assessed through coursework and/or written examinations. Typical class sizes range from around 5 students for seminars and tutorials and around 40 students for lectures.
Students will take three compulsory modules during the course and choose four optional modules in semester 1 and three optional modules in semester 2.
The modules in this programme have varying methods of delivery and assessment. For more details of each module, including weekly contact hours, teaching methods and assessment, please see the latest module catalogue which is for the 2017–2018 academic year; some elements may be subject to change for 2018 entry.
This 12-month course is ideal if you want to develop skills in a range of areas. It includes project work and an introduction to research-level theory. You’ll take taught classes for the first two semesters. In the third semester, you’ll work on an extended research project of your own.
Employers value this kind of experience. By the time you graduate, you’ll have proved you can work within a research group, organise your own research, complete a project and communicate your findings.
Our graduates are highly valued in the chemical and pharmaceutical sector. They work all over the world for companies including AkzoNobel, Amgen, AstraZeneca, Corus, Dow Chemicals, GSK, Smith and Nephew and Syngenta. Many move on to PhD study, then careers in research or teaching.
Chemistry is vital to the way we live. It helps power industry and drive economic growth. Polymer science contributes to advances in everything from biology to engineering and medicine. As a researcher in industry or academia you could be involved in work that improves lives and changes the way we see the world.
Top-quality research directly informs our teaching. The 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF) rates 98 per cent of our work world-class or internationally excellent. You’ll learn about the very latest developments from experts in theory and spectroscopy, synthesis, analytical science, chemical biology and materials.
We’ll train you to use our modern analytical instrumentation. We have NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, x-ray crystallography, polymer characterisation methods and advanced microscopy. We also have a team of technicians to assist with spectroscopic services. There are labs for molecular biology, protein chemistry, polymer/colloid synthesis and materials characterisation.
You’ll carry out two smaller laboratory projects prior to starting your main research project, to develop practical and scientific communication skill. You also undertake a Research and Presentation Skills module to further develop the higher level skills needed for research.
Lectured modules consist of a wide range of segments, spanning the breadth of chemistry, from which you can choose, to tailor your MSc to your strengths and interests.
We use a mixture of lectures, laboratory practicals, workshops and individual research projects. You may tailor the area of your research project to your particular interests. Assessment of taught modules is through examination, laboratory reports and coursework. Assessment of the project is through a 15,000-word dissertation, oral presentation and viva, as well as assessed performance during the project.
Unique in New Zealand
The breadth and depth of Massey University’s postgraduate microbiology programme is unique in New Zealand.
Find out more about the Master of Science parent structure.
The Massey University Master of Science (Microbiology) is a multi-disciplinary postgraduate qualification that will give you the research skills to move up the hierarchy of your career, or move onto more in-depth research.
You will learn from world-leading specialists in microbiology and related areas like biochemistry, genetics, biotechnology, food science, plant pathology, immunology and epidemiology.
At Massey we use a diverse range of molecular, cellular, plant and animal model tools to investigate the molecular biology of diseases. We also use metagenomics and other advanced genomic technologies to study microbial communities in the environment, including those that may be health threat if found in food or medical environments.
Our biomedical interests are diverse. We research the mechanisms of neurological, skeletal and muscular disorders, infectious microbial diseases and cancer.
Facilities available to you include our microscopy and imaging centre, genomics and dna sequencing facility, protein analysis suite (mass spectroscopy, x-ray crystallography, nmr), bioreactors and fermentation facilities.
Microbiology is an essential science that helps us understand the microbes in the environment, including those that dwell in the soil, air and water, in our food and inside people, animals and plants.
Understanding microbiology can:
You will gain the advantage of learning in a multi-disciplinary environment. Massey has world-leading expertise in many areas of science, especially veterinary, animal, health and environmental science. You can take advantage of this for your learning and research to look at microbiological sub-disciplines, such as environment/ecology, food and biotechnology.
During your study you will gain a contemporary, relevant view of microbiology which is in line with topical research and developments in the area. You will be exposed to the latest discoveries and research.
There is a well-established community of fundamental scientists and students involved in a broad range of microbiological and microbiology-inspired research at Massey. We work together to share discoveries and research and provide peer support.
Postgraduate study is hard work but hugely rewarding and empowering. The workload of the Master of Science (Microbiology) replicates the high-pressure environment of senior workplace roles.
Postgraduate study is not just ‘more of the same’ as undergraduate study. Our experts are there to guide but if you have come from undergraduate study, you will find that postgraduate study demands more in-depth and independent study. It takes you to a new level in knowledge and expertise especially in planning and undertaking research.
The MSc in Catalysis is a one-year taught programme run by the School of Chemistry. It is designed to equip students and professionals who have a degree in Chemistry or a similar subject with a range of analytical, critical and communication skills.
The course consists of two semesters of taught modules followed by a significant research project and dissertation (15,000 words) focused over the summer months.
Teaching methods include:
Modules are assessed through coursework, written examinations, or a combination of both. Typical class sizes range from around 5 students for seminars and tutorials and around 40 students for lectures.
Further particulars regarding curriculum development.
Students will take six compulsory modules during the course and choose three optional modules during Semester 1 and 2.
The modules in this programme have varying methods of delivery and assessment. For more details of each module, including weekly contact hours, teaching methods and assessment, please see the latest module catalogue which is for the 2017–2018 academic year; some elements may be subject to change for 2018 entry.
