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 in a range of areas including: genetics, biochemistry, cancer biology, infectious diseases, molecular biology, and pharmacogenomics.
Practical training towards a career in health research
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 Biomedical Science's laboratories.
Research projects in the biomedical sciences
A research project is the major component of the biomedical sciences honours programme. Each student undertakes a research project and completes a dissertation which comprises 85% of the final grade.
Prospective students are encouraged to directly contact supervisors about the projects which are of interest to them. Our supervisors may occasionally be able to create or customise a project tailored to your research interests.
2021 BBiomedSc(Hons) research projects
The following research projects are available to the 2021 intake of biomedical sciences honours students:
- Amyloids of p16 in cancer*
- Can we improve sepsis diagnosis and mortality prediction of critically ill patients in intensive care?
- Characterising the role of peroxidasin in breast cancer*
- Colon carcinogenesis: how a high fibre diet might reduce risk*
- Controlling the microRNAs that contribute to adipocyte-driven progression in breast cancer cells
- Exploring a novel preventative therapy to reduce breast and ovarian cancer risk in high-risk individuals
- Exploring the role of vitamin C in cancer
- Genetic variation and endometrial cancer risk
- Isolating and identifying amoebal species in pine tree bark for Legionella longbeachae co-culture: Implications for preventing Legionnaires’ disease
- Genome sequencing and human susceptibility to Legionella longbeachae infection
- TET2 and epigenetic regulation of macrophage phenotype and function*
- The role of circulating bacteria in cardiovascular disease*
*This project has been selected by a prospective 2021 BBiomedSc(Hons) student.
BBiomedSc(Hons) research projects undertaken in 2020
- Interaction between neutrophils and amyloid proteins in Alzheimer’s disease
- The potential use of ascorbate as an epigenetic therapeutic in AML
- The role of the microbiome in pre-cancerous colorectal lesions
Completed biomedical sciences honours projects
Over 35 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.
Biomedical sciences honours 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
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.
Graduate profiles
Some of our graduates share their study experiences at the University of Otago, Christchurch campus.
Rebekah Crake
Rebekah grew up in Christchurch and wanted to stay in her home town while she did postgraduate study.
Bee Bathish
“Medical research was always a dream for me. I am curious and I want to know how pathologies develop."
Emma Spencer
Emma’s search for the perfect place for postgraduate biomedical study led her straight to Otago’s door.
Annika Seddon
As an undergraduate biology student, Annika decided she wanted to do postgraduate research in the field of cancer.
Teagan Hoskin
A Summer Studentship project at the University of Otago, Christchurch, opened up a world of opportunity for Teagan.
The research environment
The Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science at the University of Otago, 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 100 PhDs since 1978.
This short video explains the course and shows some of the laboratories in which students will be located.
Contact a supervisor
Professor Madhav Bhatia
Inflammation Research Group
Professor Steve Chambers
The Infection Group
Associate Professor Margaret Currie
Mackenzie Cancer Research Group
Associate Professor Gabi Dachs
Mackenzie Cancer Research Group
Professor Mark Hampton
Centre for Free Radical Research
Professor Martin Kennedy
Gene Structure & Function Lab
Professor Tony Kettle
Centre for Free Radical Research
Professor David Murdoch
The Infection Group
Professor Margreet Vissers
Centre for Free Radical Research
Entry requirements for BBiomedSc(Hons)
The BBiomedSc(Hons) programme is offered through the University of Otago, Christchurch, to students who have completed an approved degree, such as a BSc or BBiomedSc in a related field from the University of Otago, or an approved degree from another University.
A Minimum B+ average for appropriate 300-level papers.
Applicants must normally have passed papers worth at least 126 points, at 200-level or above, during the third year of study for the degree of Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences (or equivalent).
For students transferring from another New Zealand University we have to adjust for the fact that a standard full-time course is 120 points at those Universities. So 120 points or credits is equivalent to 126 points. Thus a transferring student must:
- Have completed their third year full-time with a minimum of 120 points
- Have at least 5 papers at 300-level (or 75 points) (closest we can get to 72 points, as four 15-point papers is only 60 points)
- Amongst those 300-level papers demonstrate a multi-disciplinary mix of papers
- With the rest of 45 points at 200-level or above.
Admission to the programme is subject to approval of the Board of Studies. The Board must be satisfied that the candidate has the ability and experience to proceed to the degree.
Before enrolment you will need to arrange a proposed supervisor and a project outline for your dissertation. Contact the programme coordinator Professor Madhav Bhatia or a potential supervisor, to obtain these details.
Places on this course are limited.
The University of Otago, Christchurch reserves the right to cancel the programme if there are insufficient enrolments in any given year.
Further information about the programme
Contact the BBiomedSc(Hons) Course Coordinator if you have general enquiries about the programme.
Download the BBiomedSc(Hons) brochure (PDF)
