Cell and Molecular Bioscience
Cell and Molecular Bioscience is the study of life at its smallest and most fundamental levels. It is biology at the scale of molecules and cells, including functions and interactions.
Subject overview
Cell and Molecular Bioscience (CMB) is at the centre of exciting advances in biotechnology, genetics, medicine and conservation. It gives us the tools to understand how living things work at the level of cells, DNA, RNA and proteins – and to use that knowledge to solve real world problems.
In Aotearoa New Zealand these skills are essential for improving healthcare through drug discovery and disease modelling, protecting our unique species and developing smarter, more sustainable approaches to crop development and pest control. As global challenges grow, from antibiotic resistance to crop failure, the ability to investigate and engineer life at the molecular level has never been more important.
What you will learn
You will study microbes, plants, animals and humans, from molecular machines to gene editing, cellular therapies to drug discovery. Your new skillset will include modern laboratory techniques, data analysis, critical thinking, creativity and communication to prepare you for the workplace or postgraduate study.
Where can Cell and Molecular Bioscience take you?
There are opportunities to apply your learning in a number of different career pathways in New Zealand or overseas. You may find employment in biotechnology industries, pharmaceutical or government-owned research organisations and the private sector.
Professions include:
- Biotechnologist
- Lab technician or research scientist
- Science communicator or educator
- Geneticist
- Quantitative biologist
- Product application specialist
- Crop improvement scientist
- Molecular ecologist