Microorganisms are by far the most abundant and widely distributed forms of life on this planet. They are indispensable parts of the global and local ecosystems. Without their continuing support, all animal and plant life on the planet would rapidly be driven to extinction. Microorganisms also play crucial roles not only in human health but also in many New Zealand key industries, such as agriculture, horticulture, and biotechnology. The microbiology curriculum will equip students with the expertise necessary to investigate and control microbial activities. Microorganisms are found in such diverse environments as the boiling waters of hot pools, the ocean depths, soil, and air. Humans, animals, and plants must exist in intimate association with this microbial world. Some organisms are beneficial to our existence, and we exploit these in agriculture, forestry, mining, food processing industries, and environmental protection processes. Other micro-organisms are harmful to our interests because they cause diseases of humans, animals, and plants, or deterioration of food and other materials which we wish to preserve. We attempt to control these by manipulation of the microbial environment, enhanced natural defence mechanisms, or application of a wide variety of physical and chemical agents. Microbes are also increasingly used as model systems to answer questions beyond the immediate range of microbiology, such as the causes of cancer or birth defects.

There is a large and increasing variety of career opportunities for Massey University Microbiology graduates. Only one other New Zealand University offers a BSc Microbiology programme. Given the importance of microbes in traditional New Zealand industries like agriculture and horticulture, Massey University Microbiology majors are in high demand by these industries and Crown Research Institutes in quality control and Research and Development. Other traditional areas of employment include hospitals, meat and dairy processing, or vaccine production. Newly emerging New Zealand export industries, such as winemaking and biotechnology, are continuing to increase the demand for microbiology majors both in research and development and quality control functions. An estimated 90 percent of microbial species still remain undiscovered, with many believed to hold promise for novel biotechnological applications. As a result, there is increasing interest within the industry in the discovery of new species.