Study Pathology at Otago

• Overview
• Why study Pathology?
• Background required
• Pathology at Otago
• Teaching Format
• Postgraduate Study in Pathology
• Pathology research at Otago
• Career Opportunities
• Qualifications
• Contact details

• Minor subject requirements
• Papers

Overview

Pathology is the study of human disease at the molecular, cellular and organ systems levels.

Studying Pathology will allow you to learn about diseases caused by genetic, infectious, immunological and environmental injury, including how diseases affect cells and organ systems, and how diseases can be detected and treated.

At Otago, the study of Pathology is included in health professional courses as well as the Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Biomedical Science programmes.

Why study Pathology

Understanding human disease is key to the development of effective treatments. Students who complete Pathology papers at the University of Otago will have an integrated knowledge of the biology of disease.

Our undergraduate Pathology papers at Otago provide a foundation for basic and translationally focused post-graduate research and graduate entry into professional programmes.

A single discipline Pathology minor will produce graduates who can blend biomedical science with clinical knowledge to respond to global health challenges.

Background required

No specific secondary school subject requirements, however Year 13 Biology and Chemistry are recommended. Calculus and Statistics are also useful.

Please refer to the University’s general admission requirements.

Pathology at Otago

Pathology is offered as a minor for a three-year Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree.

A Pathology minor in the BSc programme integrates with other papers offered in the BSc programme and integrates well with other majors in Biomedical sciences, as well as with a range of other subjects.

Pathology is also offered as part of the Bachelor of Biomedical Science (BBiomedSc) degree. We also offer core papers in the Molecular Basis of Human Disease major in the BBiomedSc Programme. Pathology papers are also available as options in four additional BBiomedSc majors.

Teaching Format

Teaching is delivered in lectures and laboratories. Laboratories provide hands-on experience and demonstrate the principles that underpin the understanding of the pathogenesis of disease.

Postgraduate study in Pathology

There are currently various options open to students seeking to further their education in Pathology at 4th year and beyond.
Students who have completed any of the majors in the BBiomedSc programme can enrol in a BBiomedSc(Hons) in the Department of Pathology. The BBiomedSc(Hons) can be in any of the majors, including the Molecular Basis of Health and Disease. Some students who have completed a BSc in appropriate subjects may also be permitted to complete a BBiomedSc(Hons).

Students who have completed a BSc in Genetics can complete a BSc(Hons) in Genetics that includes a research project based in the Department of Pathology.

Further postgraduate study includes options such as a Masters in Biomedical Science, a Masters in Science (subject to joint supervision with a department that offers the MSc), or a PhD.

Find out more about our postgraduate study options:

• 400-level study
• MSc/PhD study

Pathology research at Otago

Our staff undertake internationally-recognised Pathology research.

This research is focused on three thematic areas:

• Translational Cancer Research
• Epigenetics
• Developmental Biology

The types of medical and scientific problems that this research addresses include:

• Cancer cell biology
• Genomics and molecular markers for cancer
• Cancer drug resistance
• Cancer immunology
• Haematology
• Stem cell biology and cell fate determination
• Epigenetics of human disease
• Genetics of early development

Current research projects available in the Department of Pathology

Career opportunities

Otago graduates who include Pathology papers within their qualifications find employment in a wide variety of areas.

Recent developments in fields such as biotechnology, molecular biology, genetics, immunology and medicine have increased the demand for graduates with a background in Pathology.

Graduates can opt to follow a traditional academic research pathway, or work in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. Graduates are also employed as managers and advisers in government agencies.

Qualifications

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

• Bachelor of Science (BSc)
• Bachelor of Applied Science (BAppSc)
• Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences (BBiomedSc)
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

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Contact details

Email pathology@otago.ac.nz

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Regulations on this page are taken from the 2022 Calendar and supplementary material.