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.
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 as a major and minor (where available).
| Year | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | MICR 221 Microbes to Medicine | 18 |
| MICR 223 Infection and Immunity | 18 | |
| PATH 201 Foundations in Human Pathology | 18 | |
| At least 54 points from ANAT 241, BIOC 221, BIOC 222, BIOC 223, FOSC 202, GENE 221, GENE 223 , PHAL 241, PHSL 232, PHSL 233 | 54 | |
| 18 further points | 18 | |
| 3rd year | MICR 332 Health Microbiology | 18 |
| MICR 334 Advanced Immunology | 18 | |
| At least 36 points from BIOC 352, BIOC 353, BMSC 321, GENE 313, GENE 314 (or GENE 315), MICR 337, PATH 301, PATH 302, PHAL 311, PHAL 313, PHSL 345 | 36 | |
| 36 further points | 36 | |
| Total | 360 |
Papers
View a list of all related papers below.
INIM papers
Sorry, no papers matching this subject were found.
More information
Contact our Schools' Liaison and International teams
Want to connect with a real person and get some advice? Find your Schools' Liaison officer, chat with our International team in New Zealand or your own country, or submit a question through our online form.
This information must be read subject to the statement on our Copyright & Disclaimer page.
Regulations on this page are taken from the 2025 Calendar and supplementary material.
Not sure what to study?
Take our short quiz to uncover study options matched to your background and interests.
Take the quiz