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Study Molecular Basis of Health and Disease at Otago

    Molecular Basis of Health and Disease provides a broad, interdisciplinary approach to understanding the science of health and disease.

    You will have the opportunity to pursue this fascinating topic at undergraduate (Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences), postgraduate (Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences with Honours), and research level (Master of Biomedical Sciences).

    The BBiomedSc degree allows you to pursue a flexible programme of study that equips you with a comprehensive grounding in the principles and ideas that underpin current biomedical science.

    Why study Molecular Basis of Health and Disease?

    The key answer is because you are interested in, and motivated by, the science that will allow us to improve human health. Our Molecular Basis of Health and Disease students have a reputation for excellence and are sought-after by a wide range of employers both here in New Zealand and overseas.

    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.

    Career opportunities

    Your working life might begin with an innovative biotechnology company or with a more established company in the 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.

    A significant number of our BBiomedSc graduates are also successful in obtaining PhD positions or gaining postgraduate entry into professional health programmes such as Dentistry, Medicine, and Pharmacy.

    Is the Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences (BBiomedSc) degree different from a Bachelor of Science (BSc)?

    Yes.

    The BBiomedSc allows you to retain an interdisciplinary diversity across the biomedical subjects 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 discipline. In contrast, final-year BBiomedSc students select papers from more than one biomedical discipline to complete their degree.

    Throughout your university studies, advice will be available to help you structure your programme of study.

    How do I structure my BBiomedSc degree?

    Most students enter the BBiomedSc programme having successfully completed Health Sciences First Year (HSFY), however it is also possible to complete the first year enrolled in Biomedical Sciences First Year (BSFY) or a Bachelor of Science (BSc).

    The interdisciplinary nature of Biomedical Sciences is the key feature of our degree, and we aim to ensure that you obtain a coherent programme of study by selecting one of our specific majors.

    Postgraduate study in Christchurch, Dunedin, or Wellington

    After completing a BBiomedSc majoring in Molecular Basis of Health and Disease (or equivalent degree), you can choose to pursue research-focused postgraduate study.

    The Bachelor of Biomedical Science with Honours (BBiomedSc(Hons)) is an eight-month postgraduate degree. With its focus on hands-on biomedical research, it is widely regarded as an excellent choice for students wishing to continue on to master's or PhD study.

    The Master of Biomedical Sciences (MBiomedSc) is a one year thesis-only postgraduate degree for students who have completed the BBiomedSc(Hons) or similar postgraduate programme. It provides excellent hands-on training as preparation either for work in biomedical research or for students wishing to continue on to PhD studies.

    Both the BBiomedSc(Hons) and the MBiomedSc degrees can be undertaken at the Christchurch, Dunedin, or Wellington campuses.

    Choose a study option

    Whether you're embarking on your academic journey with our comprehensive undergraduate programmes or aiming to reach new heights through our advanced postgraduate offerings, Otago is here to support your aspirations.

    Undergraduate qualifications

    For new and current students studying towards a Bachelor's or other first degree. Explore undergraduate qualifications at Otago, designed to build a strong foundation in your chosen field, preparing you for a successful career or further study.

    Ready to apply?

    Take the first step towards your future in this subject.

    Further study opportunities

    Whether you are looking to bridge your undergraduate studies to advanced knowledge or aiming to specialise in a specific field, Otago offers a range of graduate and postgraduate options to suit your aspirations.

    Programme details

    Compare programmes for this subject.

    Some small changes to the programme structure for the BBiomedSc will take effect from 2026.

    Students currently enrolled in the BBiomedSc or the Biomedical Sciences First Year will complete their degree under the new requirements. For most students, there will be no change in terms of which papers are required to complete the degree, but there may be more flexibility around when those papers can be taken.

    If you would like to discuss your options further, please contact the Student Development team for course advice:

    Request an appointment – Course advice

    BBiomedSc majoring in Molecular Basis of Health and Disease
    (current until end of semester 2, 2025)

    YearPapersPoints
    1st year BIOC 192 Foundations of Biochemistry 18
    CELS 191 Cell and Molecular Biology 18
    CHEM 191 The Chemical Basis of Biology and Human Health 18
    HUBS 191 Human Body Systems 1 18
    HUBS 192 Human Body Systems 2 18
    36 further points
    HUNT 141 Understanding Human Nutrition, MAOR 102 Māori Society, PHSI 191 Biological Physics, STAT 110 Statistical Methods or STAT 115 Introduction to Biostatistics recommended.
    36
    2nd year BIOC 221 Molecular Biology 18
    BIOC 223 Cellular Biochemistry and Metabolism 18
    PATH 201 Foundations in Human Pathology 18
    At least 54 points from ANAT 241, ANAT 243, BIOC 222, GENE 221, GENE 222, GENE 223 , HUNT 241, HUNT 243, MICR 221, MICR 223, PHAL 241, PHSL 232 , PHSL 233 54
    18 further points 18
    3rd year Two of:
    BIOC 352 Advanced Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics
    BIOC 353 Molecular Basis of Health and Disease
    PATH 301 Applied Pathology
    PATH 302 Cancer Biology
    36
    At least 36 points from BIOC 351, BIOC 352, BIOC 353, BMSC 321, GENE 313, GENE 314, GENE 315 , HUNT 342, MICR 332, MICR 334, MICR 337, PATH 301, PATH 302, PHAL 311 , PHAL 313, PHSL 345 36
    36 further points 36
    Total 360

    BBiomedSc majoring in Molecular Basis of Health and Disease (from 2026)

    LevelPapersPoints
    100-level BIOC 192 Foundations of Biochemistry 18
    CELS 191 Cell and Molecular Biology 18
    CHEM 191 The Chemical Basis of Biology and Human Health 18
    HUBS 191 Human Body Systems 1 (or PTWY 131 Introduction to the Human Body) 18
    HUBS 192 Human Body Systems 2 18
    Recommended:
    HUNT 141 Understanding Human Nutrition
    MAOR 102 Māori Society
    PHSI 191 Biological Physics
    STAT 110 Statistical Methods or STAT 115 Introduction to Biostatistics
     
      Note: PTWY 131 is only available to students enrolled in the Diploma in Science.  
    200-level BIOC 221 Molecular Biology 18
    BIOC 223 Cellular Biochemistry and Metabolism 18
    PATH 201 Foundations in Human Pathology 18
    At least three of:
    ANAT 241 Human Biology: Cells to Systems
    ANAT 243 Reproductive and Developmental Biology
    BIOC 222 Proteins in Industry and Medicine
    GENE 221 Molecular and Microbial Genetics
    GENE 222 Genes, Chromosomes and Populations
    GENE 223 Developmental and Applied Genetics
    HUNT 241 Fundamentals of Nutrients and Health
    HUNT 243 Lifecycle Nutrition
    MICR 221 Microbes to Medicine
    MICR 223 Infection and Immunity
    PHAL 241 Pharmacology: Drugs to Medicine
    PHSL 232 Cardiovascular and Respiratory Physiology
    PHSL 233 Cellular, Gastrointestinal and Renal Physiology
    54
    300-level Two of:
    BIOC 352 Advanced Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics
    BIOC 353 Molecular Basis of Health and Disease
    PATH 301 Applied Pathology
    PATH 302 Cancer Biology
    36
    At least two of:
    BIOC 351 Advanced Protein Biochemistry
    BIOC 352 Advanced Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics
    BIOC 353 Molecular Basis of Health and Disease
    BMSC 321 Cell Biology
    GENE 313 Medical Genetics
    GENE 314 Developmental Genetics
    GENE 315 Genomes
    HUNT 342 Nutrition and Chronic Diseases
    MICR 332 Health Microbiology
    MICR 334 Advanced Immunology
    MICR 337 Virology
    PATH 301 Advanced Pathology
    PATH 302 Cancer Biology
    PHAL 311 Pharmacology: Molecular Targets of Drugs
    PHAL 313 Pharmacology: Medicines and Diseases
    PHSL 345 Physiological Aspects of Health and Disease
    36
    Plus 90 further points 90
      Note: If thinking of doing BBiomedSc Hons, then students must take at least 126 points at 200-level and 90 points at 300-level.  
    Total  360

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    Regulations on this page are taken from the 2025 Calendar and supplementary material.

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