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Study Functional Human Biology at Otago

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    Functional Human Biology 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.

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    Why study Functional Human Biology?

    The key answer is because you are interested in, and motivated by, the science that will allow us to improve human health. Our Functional Human Biology students have a reputation for excellence and are sought-after by a wide range of employers both here in New Zealand and overseas.

    Ultimately human health depends on the correct functioning of the cells, tissues and organ systems of the body. Understanding disease, in turn, rests upon knowledge of the pathological processes on these systems.

    This major provides an overview of the functional mechanisms of the multiple systems in the human body and explores specific areas in depth with a research-informed focus.

    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.

    Functional Human Biology at Otago

    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 Functional Human Biology (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.

    Requirements

    See all programmes

    Qualifications

    Explore your study options further. Refer to enrolment information found on the following qualification pages.

      More information

      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)

      Studying at Otago

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      Regulations on this page are taken from the 2024 Calendar and supplementary material.

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