Infection and Immunity 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 Infection and Immunity?
The key answer is because you are interested in, and motivated by, the science that will allow us to improve human health. Our Infection and Immunity students have a reputation for excellence and are sought-after by a wide range of employers both here in New Zealand and overseas.
The human immune system defends the body from disease-causing microbial invaders like viruses and bacteria. This major provides in-depth knowledge of the immune system: how it develops, how it functions, its role in health and disease, and what happens when it fails to function.
It covers the microbes responsible for infectious diseases such as HIV, tuberculosis and meningococcal disease, how these infectious diseases are controlled, and how antibiotic resistance arises.
The major also includes how the immune system can be used to treat diseases such as cancer.
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?
Many 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 Infection and Immunity (or equivalent degree), you can choose to pursue research-focused postgraduate study.
The Bachelor of Biomedical Science with Honours (BBiomedSc(Hons)) is a 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.
Qualifications
Explore your study options further. Refer to enrolment information found on the following qualification pages:
- Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences (BBiomedSc)
- Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences with Honours (BBiomedSc(Hons))
- Master of Biomedical Sciences (MBiomedSc)
Programme requirements
Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences (BBiomedSc) majoring in Infection and Immunity
| Year | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1st year | BIOC 192 Foundations of Biochemistry CELS 191 Cell and Molecular Biology CHEM 191 The Chemical Basis of Biology and Human Health HUBS 191 Human Body Systems 1 HUBS 192 Human Body Systems 2 36 further points | 18 18 18 18 18 36 |
| 2nd year | MICR 221 Microbes to Medicine MICR 222 Microbes in Action or PATH 201 Foundations in Human Pathology MICR 223 Infection and Immunity At least 54 points from ANAT 241, BIOC 221, BIOC 222, BIOC 223, FOSC 202, GENE 221, GENE 223, MICR 222, PATH 201, PHSL 232, PHSL 233 18 further points | 18 18 18 54 |
| 3rd year | MICR 332 Health Microbiology MICR 334 Advanced Immunology At least 36 points from ANAT 332, BIOC 352, BIOC 353, GENE 313, GENE 314 (or GENE 315), MICR 337, PATH 301, PATH 302, PHAL 305, PHSL 343, PHSL 345 36 further points | 18 18 36 |
| Total | 360 |
Key information for future students
Contact us
Email biomedsc@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/bms (School of Biomedical Sciences, Dunedin campus)
Web otago.ac.nz/christchurch (University of Otago, Christchurch)
Web otago.ac.nz/wellington (University of Otago, Wellington)
