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.
Your path to biomedical discovery
Explore how Biomedical Science at Otago helps you understand the human body, from cells to diseases. Hear from students and experts about hands-on learning, specialisations, and career opportunities.
Read transcript
Jonika Edgecombe:
Talofa lava, my name is Jonika, and I have just finished my Bachelor of Biomedical Science. My major was reproduction, genetics, and development.
The thing I really enjoyed about this degree was that I got to experience a broad range of topics within my major. I discovered that I really enjoyed genetics, and I got to explore that way more in depth. I discovered areas of the subject that I didn’t even know existed, and I’m now pursuing that at a postgraduate level, doing my honours this year.
If you’re thinking about biomedical sciences, I really recommend you talk to a careers advisor at your school or any students who have gone to Otago that you know of, who can maybe give you some advice about it.
Associate Professor Liz Ledgerwood:
Kia ora, I’m Liz Ledgerwood, and I’m the Director of the Biomedical Sciences Programme at Otago University.
So, what is biomedical science? Biomedical science is the study of the human body, from what’s happening in the individual cells through to the whole body, and then how we might diagnose diseases and how we might treat diseases.
If you’re really interested in how our body works and how we can understand how our body works, you might be interested in doing a degree in Biomedical Sciences at Otago.
The Biomedical Sciences degree is a three-year programme. In your first year, you study biology subjects, as well as chemistry and physics. You can take these subjects either as part of Health Sciences First Year or the Biomedical Sciences First Year programme. After this, you have the opportunity in Biomedical Sciences to choose a combination of subjects that really interests you.
We have six majors. For example, you might combine anatomy and genetics to study reproduction, development, and genetics, or you might combine physiology and pharmacology in your study of drugs and human health. It’s really a degree that you can tailor to your interests.
Our graduates in Biomedical Science go on to a wide range of careers, both in New Zealand and internationally. Many of our students go on to further study—this could be with us, as we have postgraduate programmes in Dunedin, Wellington, and Christchurch. Other students go on to study in health professional programmes such as medicine, dentistry, or audiology.
We also have students who become involved in education—some become secondary school teachers, others university lecturers like me. Some go on to work for the government, and try and put into practice, what we learn in research, into government policy.
Otago University is a world leader in Biomedical Sciences. When you come to study Biomedical Science at Otago, you’ll be taught by researchers who are at the forefront of this field, whether it’s in infectious diseases or in cancer genetics, for example. You’ll really get the opportunity for hands-on learning—not just lectures, but also a lot of practical work—so you can truly understand how we discover what we know about our bodies.
So, if this sounds like you—if you’re really interested in how our body works and how we can treat people—really think about coming to Otago and doing a degree in Biomedical Sciences.
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.
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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:
BBiomedSc majoring in Molecular Basis of Health and Disease
(current until end of semester 2, 2025)
Year | Papers | Points |
---|---|---|
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)
Level | Papers | Points |
---|---|---|
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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