Doctor of Philosophy - Molecular Microbiology

Victoria University of Wellington

A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree involves original and sustained research, mentored by an academic supervisor. It’s an opportunity to make new discoveries, address some of the big issues of our time, challenge yourself, and develop a mix of transferable and specialised skills. 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.