The Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences (BBiomedSc) degree provides students with a sound foundation in the scientific principles underpinning biomedical research and thus our current understanding of health and disease. A defining feature of this degree is its interdisciplinary nature with students able to select papers from multiple contributing Departments. The BBiomedSc is a springboard for advanced study and a diverse range of careers including research, health services, and professional programmes.
For more information about studying Biomedical Sciences at Otago, visit the Biomedical Sciences subject page:
If this is the qualification for you, get started with your application today.
Programme details
Regulations for the Degree of Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences (BBiomedSc)
(Current until the end of semester two, 2025)
Admission to the Programme
Except for students enrolling in a First Year course for the degree, admission to the programme shall be subject to the approval of the Director of the Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences programme (or nominee).
Structure of the Degree
Every programme of study for the degree shall satisfy the requirements for at least one of the major subjects listed above.
Candidates will not normally be permitted to enrol for any papers of a year until all papers of the preceding year have been passed.
Prerequisites, Corequisites and Restrictions
Every programme of study shall satisfy the requirements for prerequisites, corequisites, and restrictions set out in the Prescriptions (published in the Guide to Enrolment).
Duration of the Programme
The programme may be taken by full-time candidates in three years.
Cross Credits
A candidate who is enrolled for two degrees concurrently, or who has completed one degree and is proceeding with another, may cross credit 100-level and 200-level papers which are common to both degrees up to a maximum of 126 points where the other degree is a three year degree and up to a maximum of 180 points where the other degree is longer than a three year degree.
Variations
The Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Health Sciences) may in exceptional circumstances approve a course of study which does not comply with these regulations.
Regulations for the Degree of Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences (BBiomedSc) from 2026
Structure of the Degree
Every programme of study for the degree:
shall consist of papers worth not less than 360 points.
shall satisfy the requirements for at least one of the major subjects listed in the Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences schedule. No paper above 200-level may count for more than one major subject requirement.
may include one minor subject. No paper may count for both a (BBiomedSc) major and a minor subject requirement unless that paper is at 100-level or 200-level and is specified as compulsory for both requirements.
Prerequisites, Corequisites and Restrictions
Every programme of study shall satisfy the requirements for prerequisites, corequisites, and restrictions set out in the Prescriptions (published in the Guide to Enrolment).
Cross Credits
A candidate who is enrolled for two degrees concurrently, or who has completed one degree and is proceeding with another, may cross credit 100-level and 200-level papers which are common to both degrees up to a maximum of 126 points where the other degree is a three year degree Health Sciences and up to a maximum of 180 points where the other degree is longer than a three year degree.
Variations
The Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Health Sciences) may in exceptional circumstances approve a course of study which does not comply with these regulations.
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