Bachelor of Biomedical Science - Victoria University of Wellington

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Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Biomedical science is a wide-reaching area of scientific research. It looks at the relationships between humans, health, and disease, including human genetics, immunology, biological and medicinal chemistry, and physiology and environmental health. The Bachelor of Biomedical Science (BBmedSc) provides courses in the fundamentals of modern molecular and cell biology relevant to the clinical practices of current health services.

The staff who teach in Victoria’s Biomedical Science programme undertake research with organisations including the Wellington School of Medicine, Wellington Medical Laboratories, and the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, located from 2004 at Victoria’s Kelburn Campus. This real-world research provides a context for the BBmedSc programme.

BBmedSc graduates have the knowledge base to move into a variety of biomedically related fields, such as genetic counselling or management, and the pharmaceutical industry. Further study can be undertaken in Victoria’s BBmedSc (Hons) and Master of Biomedical Science programmes. The degree also provides an excellent base for study at medical school, or for postgraduate medical and paramedical training programmes.

A BBmedSc at Victoria

A Bachelor of Biomedical Science degree requires three years of full-time study. 360 points are required, at least 180 points of which must be above 100 level. See the Course Catalogue to find out the points value of courses.

To enrol in a BBmedSc you need a university entrance qualification. It is useful to have studied chemistry, biology, and mathematics. A summer bridging course is available for students without the necessary background in maths, and students can also take CHEM 191 Introductory Chemistry over summer.

Three specialisations are offered for the Bachelor of Biomedical Science. In the first year of your degree you study a core programme of human biology, cell biology, chemistry, psychology, and statistics. In years two and three you study courses specific to your area of specialisation.

BBmedSc Specialisations

Human Genetics: covers all aspects of the science of human genetics, including the study of the human genome and the treatment of disease and illness of a genetic origin. This specialisation is for those with an interest in areas such as genetic counselling, syndromes and diseases of genetic origin, human fertility, and ageing.

Molecular Pathology: an introduction to the molecular basis of disease. The emphasis is on the metabolic and other changes that occur when humans succumb to illnesses. This specialisation will suit students interested in the relationship between health and disease, in clinical biochemistry, microbiology, immunology, and forensics.

Molecular Pharmacology and Medicinal Chemistry: a focus on all aspects of chemistry in relation to our bodies, including modern chemical methods for the synthesis of drugs and how they are used to treat disease. This specialisation is appropriate for students interested in both chemistry and biology.