Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences with Honours (BBiomedSc(Hons))

Summary

Study in Christchurch, Dunedin, or WellingtonThe University of Otago has a strong international reputation for biomedical research. The Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences with Honours (BBiomedSc(Hons)) is an eight-month full‑time postgraduate programme which provides an excellent foundation for a career in biomedical research.You will join your supervisor's research team and be based in their home department. Your supervisor and their team will provide training on all necessary scientific techniques.The research focus of the BBiomedSc(Hons) provides an excellent foundation for employment in a research laboratory and pursuing master's or PhD studies in a wide range of biomedical sciences.The BBiomedSc(Hons) is a thesis‑only qualification, comprising 85 per cent research and 15 per cent coursework. There are no final exams.The coursework includes journal clubs and workshops, such as:Human and animal ethicsMāori context to researchMental health and maintaining wellnessPresentation skillsThesis writing skillsWriting techniques3 campuses, 6 biomedical fieldsAvailable at our Christchurch, Dunedin, and Wellington campuses, the BBiomedSc(Hons) programme involves supervised research in one of the following departments and schools:Dunedin:     Department of AnatomyDepartment of BiochemistryDepartment of Microbiology and ImmunologyDepartment of Human NutritionDepartment of PathologyDepartment of Pharmacology and ToxicologyDepartment of PhysiologyChristchurch:     University of Otago, ChristchurchWellington:     University of Otago, WellingtonYour BBiomedSc(Hons) degree is awarded in one of 6 specialisations that reflects the subject of your research project:Drugs and Human HealthFunctional Human BiologyInfection and ImmunityMolecular Basis of Health and DiseaseNutrition and Metabolism in Human HealthReproduction, Genetics and DevelopmentRelevant skillsAfter completing your BBiomedSc(Hons) year, you will have developed key career-ready attributes:Critical thinking with the ability to access, analyse, integrate, and apply informationGrounding in the basic disciplines of biomedical science, coupled with advanced research experience in a specific area of interestUnderstanding of the principles of experimental design, and the application of quantitative methodsUnderstanding of the broad mechanisms underlying normal and abnormal human biology, and the ability to apply scientific principles to biomedical problemsRecognition that lifelong learning is required to remain informed in the rapidly-changing field of biomedical sciencesSelf-motivated learning with the ability to work independently, while recognising the value of teamworkFinancial supportVisit the University of Otago postgraduate scholarship database – you may be eligible to apply for multiple scholarships.The database includes four scholarships particularly suited to BBiomedSc(Hons) students:Barbara Heslop Memorial Scholarship (for students in the fields of immunology or pathology)Elizabeth Jean Trotter 400-level Scholarship in Biomedical SciencesSchool of Biomedical Sciences Māori Postgraduate Scholarship (for Māori students)School of Biomedical Sciences Pacific Peoples' Postgraduate Scholarship (for Pacific students)Entry requirementsYou must have completed the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences (BBiomedSc), or an equivalent qualification, with an average grade of at least B+ for the appropriate four 300‑level papers of the major subject, and have passed one further paper at 300‑level to make a total of 90 points at 300‑level. You must normally have passed papers worth at least 108 points, at 200‑level or above, during your third year of study.