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Study Biomedical Sciences at Otago

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    Why study Biomedical Sciences?

    The key answer is because you are interested in, and motivated by, the science that will allow us to improve human health. Our BBiomedSc students have a reputation for excellence and are sought- after by a wide range of employers both here in New Zealand and overseas. Your working life might begin with a company in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, biomedical or agricultural sectors.

    Alternatively, you might be employed by a research institute, in a university, government agency or local authority and use the scientific skills you have learned during your studies to provide policy, technical or diagnostic advice.

    Many of our BBiomedSc graduates continue on to further study in biomedical research or gain postgraduate entry into professional health programmes such as Dentistry, Medicine, and Pharmacy.

    Biomedical Sciences at Otago

    How do I structure my BBiomedSc degree?

    In your first year you will take seven papers, including Cell and Molecular Biology (CELS 191), The Chemical basis of Biology and Human Health (CHEM 191), Foundations of Biochemistry (BIOC 192) and Human Body Systems (HUBS 191 and 192) by enrolling in Health Sciences First Year or Biomedical Sciences First Year. You choose your major at second year, with each major offering an interdisciplinary and coherent programme of study.

    BBiomedSc majors

    Drugs and Human Health

    Medicines play a major role in human health. Scientific advances continue to provide new drug targets, and the search for improved therapeutics has widened from traditional sources, such as plant and animal products, to include rationally designed drugs and novel biologics. This major covers the main drug classes used to treat disease, drug toxicology, and drug safety, and the discovery process for translating molecules with therapeutic potential into clinical use.

    Functional Human Biology

    Ultimately human health depends on the correct functioning of the cells, tissues and organ systems of the body. Understanding disease, in turn, rests upon knowledge of the pathological processes on these systems. This major provides an overview of the functional mechanisms of the multiple systems in the human body and explores specific areas in depth with a research-informed focus.

    Infection and Immunity

    The human immune system defends the body from disease-causing microbial invaders like viruses and bacteria. This major provides in-depth knowledge of the immune system: how it develops, how it functions, its role in health and disease, and what happens when it fails to function. It covers the microbes responsible for infectious diseases such as HIV, tuberculosis and meningococcal disease, how these infectious diseases are controlled, and how antibiotic resistance arises. The major also includes how the immune system can be used to treat diseases such as cancer.

    Molecular Basis of Health and Disease

    This major explores the molecular mechanisms underpinning cellular communication as they relate to human health and disease. Some of the topics covered include pathways of cell growth, cell survival and death, protein interactions in cell signalling pathways, dysregulation of metabolism, and the expression of disease phenotypes.

    Nutrition and Metabolism in Human Health

    This major focuses on the biochemistry and metabolism of essential nutrients, including carbohydrates, fats, protein, vitamins and minerals, with an emphasis on human health and disease across the lifecycle. Topics covered include nutritional assessment, energy balance, and the role of nutrition in the development and treatment of chronic disease.

    Reproduction, Genetics and Development

    One of the key objectives in current biomedical science research is to understand the interplay between our genes and physiology during reproduction and development. In simple terms how do our genes guide our development and what happens when this goes astray? In this major, you will examine the biology of reproduction, embryo formation and development, and the genetics underlying these events. You will also have the opportunity to explore key anatomical and genetic techniques.

    Is the BBiomedSc degree different from a BSc?

    Yes.

    The BBiomedSc allows you to retain an interdisciplinary diversity throughout your three years of study. In the final year of a BSc, most students are required to take four 300-level papers in one subject. In contrast, final year BBiomedSc students have the opportunity to select their required papers from two or more subjects.

    Postgraduate study options

    The School of Biomedical Sciences offers a comprehensive suite of postgraduate programmes in specialised areas of biomedical science, suitable for bachelors' graduates seeking the next step, through to those with existing postgraduate experience looking to undertake PhD study.

    All programmes are excellent stepping stones 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.

    Website otago.ac.nz/bms/postgraduate/

    Background required

    Taking chemistry and biology to Year 13 is recommended. Students who have not done chemistry are strongly advised to complete Introductory Chemistry (any time) or Concepts in Chemistry ( Summer School), prior to their first year of study.

    Qualifications

    Explore your study options further. Refer to enrolment information found on the following qualification pages.

      More information

      Contact us

      Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences Academic Administrator
      School of Biomedical Sciences
      Tel +64 3 479 4205
      Email biomedsc@otago.ac.nz
      Web otago.ac.nz/bms

      Studying at Otago

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      Regulations on this page are taken from the 2023 Calendar and supplementary material.

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