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Study Nutrition and Metabolism in Human Health at Otago

    Nutrition and Metabolism in Human Health 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 Nutrition and Metabolism in Human Health?

    The key answer is because you are interested in, and motivated by, the science that will allow us to improve human health. Our Nutrition and Metabolism in Human Health 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 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.

    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 Nutrition and Metabolism in Human Health (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 Nutrition and Metabolism in Human Health
    (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 223 Cellular Biochemistry and Metabolism 18
    HUNT 241 Fundamentals of Nutrients and Health 18
    HUNT 243 Lifecycle Nutrition or HUNT 245 Sport and Exercise Nutrition 18
    At least 54 further points from ANAT 241, BIOC 221, GENE 221, GENE 222, MICR 221, MICR 223 , PATH 201, PHSL 232, PHSL 233
    (FOSC 201, FOSC 202, HUNT 242, HUNT 243 , HUNT 245, SPEX 203, SPEX 205)*
    54
    18 further points 18
    * Maximum of two papers can be taken from the list in brackets.  
    3rd year HUNT 342 Nutrition and Chronic Disease 18
    And one of: 18
    BIOC 353 Molecular Basis of Health and Disease, HUNT 345 Applied Sports Nutrition or HUNT 346 Global Nutrition and Health   
    At least 36 further points from ANAT 331, BIOC 352, BIOC 353, BMSC 321, GENE 313, GENE 315, MICR 332, PATH 301 , PATH 302, PHSL 344, PHSL 345
    (FOSC 301, FOSC 302, HUNT 343, HUNT 345 , HUNT 346, SPEX 303)*
    36
    36 further points 36
      * Only one paper can be taken from the list in brackets.  
    Total 360

    BBiomedSc majoring in Nutrition and Metabolism in Human Health (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
    HUNT 141 Understanding Human Nutrition 18
    Recommended:
    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 223 Cellular Biochemistry and Metabolism 18
    HUNT 241 Fundamentals of Nutrients and Health 18
    HUNT 243 Lifecycle Nutrition or HUNT 245 Sport and Exercise Nutrition 18
    At least three of:
    ANAT 241 Human Biology: Cells to Systems
    BIOC 221 Molecular Biology
    GENE 221 Molecular and Microbial Genetics
    GENE 222 Genes, Chromosomes and Populations
    MICR 221 Microbes to Medicine
    MICR 223 Infection and Immunity
    PATH 201 Foundations in Human Pathology
    PHSL 232 Cardiovascular and Respiratory Physiology
    PHSL 233 Cellular, Gastrointestinal and Renal Physiology
    (FOSC 201, FOSC 202, HUNT 242, HUNT 243 , HUNT 245, SPEX 203, SPEX 205)*  
    54
    * Maximum of two papers can be taken from the list in brackets.  
    300-level HUNT 342 Nutrition and Chronic Disease 18
    BIOC 353 Molecular Basis of Health and Disease or HUNT 345 Applied Sports Nutrition or HUNT 346 Global Nutrition and Health  18
    At least two of:
    ANAT 331 Functional Anatomy
    BIOC 352 Advanced Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics
    BIOC 353 Molecular Basis of Health and Disease
    BMSC 321 Cell Biology
    GENE 313 Medical Genetics
    GENE 315 Genomes
    MICR 332 Health Microbiology
    PATH 301 Advanced Pathology
    PATH 302 Cancer Biology
    PHSL 344 Cardiovascular Physiology
    PHSL 345 Physiological Aspects of Health and Disease
    (FOSC 301, FOSC 302 , HUNT 343 , HUNT 345, HUNT 346, SPEX 303)*  
    36
    * Only one paper can be taken from the list in brackets.  
    Plus 72 further points 72
      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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