Biological Sciences
Study pure Biological Science or branch out into a specialty field such as Biotechnology or Cell and Molecular Bioscience.
Subjects
- Biology
- Biotechnology
- Cell and Molecular Bioscience
- Molecular Microbiology
Biomedical Sciences –
From disease prevention and treatment, to the development of new life—study Biomedical Sciences and discover how human bodies operate at the molecular, genetic, and cellular levels.
Investigating the body and finding new ways to preserve health
Biomedical scientists develop new ways to understand human biology. They investigate the way that the brain functions and medicines act. They explore biological processes like reproduction and ageing.
Learn about immunology and technologies like in vitro fertilisation (IVF). Drill down to the foundations of human illness and health, and find out about topics such as gene-editing and antibiotic resistance.
When you study Biomedical Sciences, you’ll find practical applications for your love of biology and expand our shared knowledge of the human body.
Backing up the theory with practical experience
In your first year you'll get a grounding in general aspects of cell and animal biology, and the processes of disease. From then on, you can choose to specialise in one or more areas—Human Genetics, Molecular Pathology, or Molecular Pharmacology and Medicinal Chemistry.
You'll spend around a quarter of your time hands-on in the laboratory, learning the practical skills needed in the industry or for further study.
Develop technical skills in the use of microscopes and in protein biochemistry. Work with technologies like PCR tests, and learn how to use electrophoresis to separate DNA and RNA for analysis.
You'll examine the make-up of tissues at the microscopic level, and grow and manipulate embryos of sea urchins and chickens.
Biomedical Sciences is for everyone
Although it helps, you don’t need to have a background in Chemistry when you study Biomedical Sciences.
We offer foundation courses to help you get started right away in your area of interest.
The active research going on at the University adds great depth to the education being offered.
David Young
Bachelor of Biomedical Science student
Biology with immediate practical applications
Build the foundations for a career in the industry, or use your knowledge of the science alongside other disciplines including law, health informatics, and data science to open new career avenues.
Graduates of Biological Sciences have the skills and knowledge to move into positions in healthcare laboratories, research institutes, or firms that sell medical equipment. They work in government departments and for Te Whatu Ora, at programmes that attract test subjects for drug testing, or for the pharmaceutical industry.
Number 1
Biomedical Science at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington was ranked first in New Zealand for the proportion of top-quality researchers in the latest Performance Based Research Fund.
Learning at the forefront of research
Your teachers are active scientists and world experts in cancer, developmental biology, drug development, immunology, neurobiology, reproduction, and viral diseases.
Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington has relationships with organisations at the forefront of research and development in the field, including the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Medical Research Institute of New Zealand, and the Ferrier Research Institute.
I chose the University mainly because of Wellington city. I wanted to study outside Auckland, and have new experiences. After visiting the campus and looking at the programme, I knew I would enjoy it.
Full storyJodie Chandler
Bachelor of Biomedical Science student
Support for students
Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington is a welcoming place with great student support. There are all sorts of resources available to help you get the best out of your time at university.
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