Overview
Biomedical sciences relevant to dentistry with particular emphasis on the structure and function of the craniofacial complex, oral and dental tissues and their interactions with the environment.
About this paper
| Paper title | Biomedical Sciences 1 |
|---|---|
| Subject | Dentistry |
| EFTS | 0.5146 |
| Points | 65 points |
| Teaching period | Full Year (16 February 2026 - 7 November 2026) (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) | $10,054.25 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Limited to
- BDS
- Contact
- Teaching staff
Course Co-ordinator: Associate Professor Carolina Loch
- Textbooks
- Nanci, A.Ten Cate's Oral Histology: Development, Structure, and function. Elsevier Health Sciences, (2024)
- Campbell, M.K. and Farrell, S.O. Biochemistry, 8th edition, (editions 6-7 are also suitable), Brooks/Cole (2017)
- Marsh, P.D.et al. Marsh & Martin's Oral Microbiology, 6th Edition, Elsevier (2016)
- Neal M.J. Medical Pharmacology at a Glance. Blackwell Science
- Drake, Vogl & Mitchell: Gray's Anatomy for Students, 3E or later, Elsevier
- Norton: Netter's Head and Neck Anatomy for Dentistry, 3E or later, Elsevier
- Vander's Human Physiology by Widmaier, Eric, McGraw-Hill, Inc., 16th edition, 2022
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Global perspective, Interdisciplinary perspective, Lifelong learning, Communication, Critical thinking, Cultural understanding, Ethics, Environmental literacy, Information literacy, Research, Self-motivation, Teamwork.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
DENT262A Oral Biology
- Understand orofacial growth and the structure and development of mineralised tissues, oral mucosa and associated structures.
- Have an understanding of oral biochemistry.
- Develop an understanding of the involvement of oral microorganisms in infectious disease, particularly of the hard and soft tissues in the oral cavity.
DENT262B Pharmacology
- Understand the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of drugs.
- Have an understanding of drug targets, cardiovascular and respiratory pharmacology, Analgesia and Inflammation pharmacology, Endocrine pharmacology, CNS pharmacology, Gastrointestinal pharmacology, Antimicrobial pharmacology and clinical toxicology.
DENT262C Anatomy
- Demonstrate an understanding of regional, surface, radiological, developmental and surgical anatomy of the head and neck. This includes the relevant bones, muscles, nerves, vasculature, and lymphatics in the region.
- Demonstrate the relevance of this knowledge to Dentistry.
DENT262D Physiology
- Understand system functions of the cardiovascular, respiratory and renal systems.
- Describe the function of nerves, muscles, somatic and special senses, pain and higher brain functions.
- Be able to explain key points of gastrointestinal physiology and endocrinology required for dental health and wellbeing.