Biomedical Science - Undergraduate options

Biomedical Science is designed for very able students with an interest in emerging areas of medical science and its applications to improve human and animal health. It is currently the most rapidly developing area in basic biological science. The University of Auckland is acknowledged as a centre of excellence in this field, reflecting the high quality of biomedical research carried out between the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences and the Faculty of Science. The Biomedical Science programme is co-taught between the two faculties, with lectures split between the City and Grafton campuses.

During the first three years, students enrol in courses towards a BSc - Biomedical Science, which will deliver rigorous scientific training in a range of disciplines and provide a strong foundation for a number of professional careers. They will also give a unique insight into the principles underlying an important area of modern biological research. Foundation teaching for Biomedical Science will be covered in the first two years of the programme. Up to 60 students will be selected for a provisional place in the Honours programme at the end of their second year, based on academic merit. These students complete the third year of the BSc - Biomedical Science and must maintain a good GPA. At the end of the third year, selected students should apply online for admission to the Honours programme. Students who are not selected for Honours may also complete the third year and graduate BSc -Biomedical Science. Alternatively they may complete a BSc in Biological Science, Pharmacology or Physiology. A pathway to Doctorate is available to these students through the Master of Science or the BSc(Hons) subject to meeting the academic requirements for entry.

BSc - Biomedical Science degrees can be completed in areas such as cancer biology and therapeutics, molecular biology, cardio, genetics and development, microbiology, immunology, neurobiology, nutrition, pharmacology, physiology or reproduction, enabling students to take advantage of an extended range of options. Graduates of the Biomedical Science programme will have an internationally accepted qualification, excellent research skills and the knowledge to work within some of the world's most rapidly advancing scientific fields.

Students who started this programme prior to 2010
will need to complete under the current regulations. Please contact the Science Student Centre to ensure that you are enrolled in the correct courses to complete.

Bachelor of Science (BSc) - Biomedical Science specialisation

See entry requirements for the BSc in Biomedical Science

Year 1 courses

• 90 points: BIOSCI 101, BIOSCI 106, BIOSCI 107, CHEM 110, PHYSICS 160, MEDSCI 142
• 15 points: Elective (for entry to MED students must use POPLHLTH 111 as their elective)
• 15 points: General Education course approved for this programme*

Year 2 courses

• 45 points: BIOSCI 201, BIOSCI 202, BIOSCI 203
• 15 points: MEDSCI 205
• At least 45 points from MEDSCI 201, MEDSCI 203, MEDSCI 204, MEDSCI 206, (BIOSCI 204 or MEDSCI 202), PSYCH 202
• 15 points: General Education course approved for this programme*

*Biomedical Science students can only take General Education courses from schedule A, B, C, G or H. Courses from schedules D, E or F will not count towards this requirement.

Year 3 courses

• At least 30 points from BIOSCI 347-358
• At least 30 points from MEDSCI 301-315
• At least 15 points** at Stage III from BIOSCI, MEDSCI, CHEM 390, CHEM 392 or PSYCH 305
• At least a further 45 points from the Bachelor of Science Schedule

**Students intending to apply for Honours must complete 90 points (6 courses) at Stage III.

We strongly recommend you focus your studies on a recognised area of research as you move into your second and third years. There are eight strands of research supported by academic groups at The University of Auckland.

See a description of each of these research areas

The chart below indicates the range of courses you can choose from to gain experience in each field.

Biomedical science and biotechnology have revolutionised research over the past decade, stimulating growth in a wide range of industries including agriculture, pharmaceuticals, veterinary science and medical research. Students who graduate with a BSc - Biomedical Science can expect to find employment within biomedical and biotechnology companies as laboratory technicians and scientific officers, as teachers, or as researchers in universities and government agencies such as the Department of Conservation, or in Crown Research Institutes. Employment in pharmaceutical or biotechnology companies is especially buoyant in Europe and the U.S., with growth expected in New Zealand.

Joy Yang is studying for a Bachelor of Science (Biomedical Science)

“I’ve always loved science – biology most of all - so it made sense to choose a degree that followed my passion.

“The thing I enjoy most about specialising in Biomedical Science is the content of what I’m studying. The programme is well structured and you can see how the courses are interlinked.

“My main goal is to challenge myself, so I have applied for an exchange in Semester Two. The thought of studying overseas in a completely unknown environment halfway across the world is extremely exciting, but also very daunting.

“I’m not completely sure what I want to do career-wise, but I do want to undertake postgraduate study –
possibly immunology or something molecular biology based.”

Download the Biomedical Science Handbook

or contact

Science Student Centre
Ground Floor, Building 301
Science Centre Phone: +64 9 373 7599 ext 88199
Fax: +64 9 373 7431
Email: scifac@auckland.ac.nz

AP Larry Chamley
Biomedical Sciences Programme Director
Email: l.chamley@auckland.ac.nz

• Frequently asked questions
• Entry requirements for the BSc - Biomedical Science
• How to apply
  
• General Education requirements for undergraduates
• Postgraduate Biomedical Science