Microbes are essential for maintaining life on Earth. They comprise more than 50% of the life-forms on our planet, yet only around 1% have been identified and studied. Microbiology, immunology, and virology are exciting areas of research. As basic biological sciences, they are at the forefront of research into life processes. A Microbiology or Infection and Immunity major at Otago offers a variety of interesting and current topics with many practical applications, and opens up a wide choice of career options. The Department of Microbiology and Immunology is staffed by many distinguished researchers, five of whom are Fellows of the Royal Society of New Zealand. Learn more about the talented people in our department, the courses we offer and the research we are undertaking.