The University of Otago, Christchurch offers a one-year biomedical sciences honours programme to students who have completed and performed well in a BBiomedSc or BSc degree from any New Zealand university in approved disciplines.
The Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences with Honours (BBiomedSc(Hons)) is an excellent stepping stone to PhD study and towards a career in health research.
Course overview
Hands on training in scientific methods is the focus of the biomedical sciences honours programme. Graduates will develop the skills and attitudes required to progress to PhD study or on to other careers.
Each student completes a supervised research project in a laboratory of their choice. The research dissertation is the major component of the BBiomedSc(Hons) assessment.
The programme offers an intensive research training experience consisting of six weeks of tutorial sessions led by expert researchers, integrated with practical sessions based in the Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine (Christchurch)'s laboratories.
Completed biomedical sciences honours projects
Over 100 students have graduated our biomedical sciences honours programme. Research projects have been completed in one of many areas of biomedical research including: biochemistry, cancer biology, molecular pathology, genetics and microbiology.
BBiomedSc(Hons) research projects completed at the University of Otago, Christchurch
Course work
Students begin the programme with six weeks of tutorials and practical laboratory sessions at the start of semester one. This course work consists of several modules covering topics including:
- genome sequencing and genotyping
- bioinformatics
- gene expression
- protein biochemistry
- electrophoresis and blotting
- mass spectrometry
- cell culture
- genetic manipulation
- flow cytometry and microscopy
- experimental design and data analysis
- microbiology
Each module will include a mix of theory, practical demonstration, troubleshooting and critical analysis of published literature.
The goal is for our students to acquire an understanding of the various technologies that are available in biomedical research.
Supplementary lectures throughout the year will focus on broader research skills including scientific writing and presentations, ethics, biobanking and translational research.
A written examination is held at the end of the coursework component. This assessment comprises 15% of the final grade.
Research projects in the biomedical sciences
A research project is the major component of the BBiomedSc(Hons) programme. Students undertake an independent research project under the guidance of experienced supervisors and become part of an active research team.
Throughout their project, students develop advanced skills in research design, data analysis, critical thinking, scientific communication, and independent inquiry, preparing them for further postgraduate study and research-focused careers.
Graduate profiles
Some of our graduates share their study experiences at the University of Otago, Christchurch campus.
Rebekah Crake
Bee Bathish
Emma Spencer
Annika Seddon
Hannah Kennedy
Teagan Hoskin
The research environment
The Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine (Christchurch) provides an excellent environment in which to undertake intensive training in the biomedical sciences.
The Department has over 50 academic staff members that include a mix of established and emerging New Zealand biomedical research leaders.
There are typically more than 20 PhD students enrolled at any one time, and we have graduated over 120 PhDs since 1978.
Contact a supervisor
Ready to apply?
Full details including formal regulations can be found on the Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences with Honours qualification page.
Further information about the programme
Contact the BBiomedSc(Hons) Course Coordinator if you have general enquiries about the programme.
Professor Mark Hampton
Email mark.hampton@otago.ac.nz
Tel +64 3 372 6770
Download the BBiomedSc(Hons) brochure (PDF)
The Master of Biomedical Sciences (MBiomedSc) is also offered at the University of Otago, Christchurch.