Health Sciences First Year

Professor Craig Rodger:

Kia ora! Health Science First Year is the first year of Otago University study for those applying to our professional health science programmes, so that’s Dental Technology, Dentistry, Medical Laboratory Science, Medicine, Oral Health, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, and Radiation Therapy — eight professional programmes.

Health Science First Year is made up of seven core papers, and then there’s the option of an eighth paper in Semester Two — that’s up to you. As part of the programmes, you’ll be attending lectures, tutorials, and getting down and dirty doing the real stuff in the teaching laboratories, getting your hands on reality.

Now, as I said, it is the entry pathway into the professional programmes, but it’s also an excellent broad first year of study for those who are interested in degrees in the biomedical sciences or the sciences. The range of skills and knowledge open up a wide area of pathways all across the University of Otago.

Cam Young:

Kia orana, my name is Cam, and I’m a third-year Pacific Island student. I was born and raised in the beautiful Hawke’s Bay, and in 2019 I moved down to Dunedin to study Health Sciences First Year. It was a challenging year, but the entire way I was supported by staff who really cared about my health and well-being, and I learned great skills like resilience and determination.

I then transitioned into a Bachelor of Science, and I’m in my final year with a major in Anatomy and a minor in Pacific Island Studies. My degree is so flexible, and I can study things that I’m really passionate about, like Pacific Health and Bio-archaeology, which is kind of like being Indiana Jones — and that’s super cool! At Otago, I’ve had so many great opportunities like mentoring, tutoring, and Pacific Health research. I’ve also made lifelong friends who I now flat with.

I know that with Otago, they will help support me in making a difference in my community.

Words of advice from me:

1. Stay hydrated.
2. Don’t be afraid to follow your heart—you don’t know where it’s going to take you.
3. Always listen to your parents. They’re not always right, but they usually are.

Ivana Barbalich:

Kia ora, my name is Ivana Barbalich, and I’m a third-year medical student originally from Wellington.

Health Science First Year is an intense and challenging year that motivates you to perform at your very best. There is quality teaching, practical learning opportunities, and multiple avenues to seek support.

Health Science First Year is a great initial year of university study. It covers key concepts in a variety of sciences that have helped me perform in my studies for Medicine.

In particular, I enjoy the challenge of Chemistry and Biochemistry. Human Body Systems also introduced me to relevant concepts that I still use today.

My top tips for getting through the year are to work hard, stay resilient, learn how you study, and don’t forget to live a balanced life.

Professor Craig Rodger:

Health Science First Year students go on to get great degrees that lead to stimulating and rewarding employment and the rest of their lives. This is true irrespective of whether they go into those professional programmes or whether they go elsewhere.

Now, it’s really important to realize, though, that university is not like high school. When you come to Otago University, you will encounter material that you’ve not seen before. If you come here with an open mind, you’ve got the opportunity to discover what your true passion is.

And then, because Health Science First Year has been designed with huge flexibility in mind, you have that possibility to follow your passion into the skill set and the degree that will allow you to go on in the rest of your life.

We’re looking forward to welcoming you at Otago into Health Science First Year — see you next year!