Biomedical Sciences takes a multi-faceted and applied approach to improving the hauora of our communities. It embraces an integrative approach to developing biomedical understandings and skills that will allow students to work across the health sector.

Biomedical Sciences is available as a first major for the Bachelor of Health (BHealth) and the Bachelor of Science (BSc). Biomedical Sciences may also be included as a second major or minor in other undergraduate degrees, subject to approval of the Division in which the student is enrolled.

To complete Biomedical Sciences as a single major for the BHealth, or the BSc, students must gain 135 points from the papers listed for Biomedical Sciences, including 105 points above 100 level, and 45 points above 200 level. Students must complete BIOMD101, BIOMO101, BIOMD201, BIOMD301, a minimum of 15 points at 200 level from the BIOMO-coded papers, and a minimum of 15 points at 300 level from the BIOMO-coded papers.

To complete Biomedical Sciences as part of a double major for the BHealth, BSc or other undergraduate degree, students must gain 120 points from papers listed for Biomedical Sciences, including a minimum of 75 points above 100 level, and 30 points above 200 level. Students must complete BIOMD101, BIOMO101, BIOMD201, and BIOMD301.

To complete a minor in Biomedical Sciences, students must complete 60 points from the papers listed for the Biomedical Sciences major, including at least 30 points above 100 level. Students must complete BIOMD101 and BIOMO101.

Note:

The Certificate in Health and Wellbeing in Biomedical Sciences is not available in 2026. Please see the Health and Wellbeing subject page.

Other qualifications

Prescriptions for:

Biomedical Sciences papers

100 Level 200 Level 300 Level 500 Level 800 Level 900 Level
Code and paper title Points
BIOEB101 Concepts of Biology - Ngā Huatau o te Koiora

An introduction to the foundations of biology, including the structure and functioning of cells, evolution, the origins and diversity of life, and a...

15 27A (Hamilton)
BIOMD101 Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology

This paper will introduce the student to the basics of human anatomy and physiology.
He whakataki tēnei pepa i te hunga tauira ki ngā tūāpapa o te...

15 27A (Hamilton) & 27A (Tauranga) & 27B (Hamilton)
BIOMO101 Introduction to Molecular and Cellular Biology - Mātai Pūtau a Mātai Rāpoi Ngota Koiora

An introduction to the central concepts of Molecular and Cellular Biology, including the ultrastructure and function of cells, the biochemical...

15 27B (Hamilton)
CHEMY100 Chemistry in Context - Matū o te Ao

This paper covers a broad range of chemical concepts that are fundamental to the sciences and engineering. A strong emphasis is made to teach...

15 27A (Hamilton)
HELTH102 Drugs in Sport and Society

This paper introduces foundational academic skills to support students in successfully completing their undergraduate studies. Students will develop...

15 27A (Hamilton) & 27A (Tauranga)
HELTH120 Navigating Hauora in Aotearoa

This paper explores Hauora in Aotearoa from Māori and Pacific perspectives. Students will develop an understanding of the significance, relevance...

15 27A (Hamilton) & 27A (Tauranga)
HMDEV100 Lifespan Development

HMDEV100 focuses on understanding and enhancing human development through an exploration of biological, psychological, social and cultural factors...

15 27A (Hamilton) & 27A (Online) & 27B (Tauranga)
HPSCI101 Introduction to Human Performance Science

This introductory paper provides the foundation for the Human Performance Science major within the Bachelor of Sport and Human Performance Science...

15 27B (Hamilton) & 27B (Tauranga)
MAORI150 Te Tiriti o Waitangi: An Introduction to the Treaty of Waitangi

This paper seeks to provide a sound understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. It reviews historical and contemporary interpretations and takes into...

15 27A (Hamilton) & 27B (Hamilton) & 27B (Tauranga)
PSYCH100 Brain, Behaviour and Cognition

This paper introduces perceptual systems, mechanisms of learning, emotions and motivation, the biological basis of psychology, such as brain...

15 27A (Hamilton) & 27B (Tauranga)
Code and paper title Points
BIOMD204 Fundamentals of Pharmacology

This paper introduces the key principles of how drugs interact with the human body, including molecular mechanisms and factors that influence drug...

15 27A (Hamilton)
BIOMO201 Biochemistry

The aim of this paper is to familiarize students with the structure and function of proteins, nucleic acids, lipids and carbohydrates (as fundamental...

15 27B (Hamilton)
BIOMO202 Genetics

This paper deals with genetics in the widest sense from the molecular and cellular to the applied and evolutionary. Both prokaryote and eukaryote...

15 27A (Hamilton)
BIOMO203 Microbiology

This paper will focus on microbial cell structure, function, and metabolism. Content and context will be drawn from both human and environmental...

15 27A (Hamilton)
BIOMO204 Cell and Organ Physiology in Health and Disease

This paper integrates basic cell physiology with organ-based physiology and histology, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the...

15 27B (Hamilton)
HELTH220 Facilitating Hauora in Aotearoa and the Pacific

This paper explores conceptual and applied understandings of Māori and Pacific health and wellbeing, with a focus on dual impacts of colonisation and...

15 27B (Hamilton) & 27B (Tauranga)
HPSCI203 Nutrition for Health, Exercise and Human Performance

This paper examines the principles of nutrition for health, exercise, and human performance. It focuses on the roles of energy, macronutrients...

15 27A (Hamilton) & 27A (Tauranga)
PSYCH203 Cognitive Neuroscience

This paper will provide students with an overview of current findings and theories of cognitive neuroscience, cognitive development, and cognitive...

15 27B (Hamilton) & 27B (Tauranga)
Code and paper title Points
BIOMD301 Advanced Human Anatomy and Pathophysiology

This paper provides an in-depth examination of advances in our understanding of major physiological systems in the human body and their integration...

15 27B (Hamilton)
BIOMD303 Infection and Immunity

This paper will focus on the understanding of specific infectious diseases, infection control and the functioning of the immune system in the host.

15 27A (Hamilton)
BIOMD304 Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy

This paper extends students’ understanding of how drugs work, including pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, therapeutic effects, adverse reactions...

15 27A (Hamilton)
BIOMD306 Molecular Biology and Health

This paper will provide the application of molecular biology knowledge and skills in the health sciences. This paper is specifically designed to...

15 27B (Hamilton)
Code and paper title Points
BIOMD501 Technology in Biomedicine: From Drug Discovery and Development to Precision Medicine

In this paper, students will gain an understanding of how technology, including artificial intelligence, is used in disease diagnosis, drug...

15 27B (Hamilton)
BIOMD589 Directed Study

Students have the opportunity to pursue a topic of their own interest under the guidance of academic staff.

15 27A (Hamilton) & 27A (Tauranga) & 27B (Hamilton) & 27B (Tauranga) & 27C (Hamilton) & 27C (Tauranga)
BIOMD592 Dissertation

A report on the findings of a theoretical or empirical investigation.

60 27X (Hamilton)
BIOMD594 Biomedical Sciences Thesis

An externally examined piece of written work that reports on the findings of supervised research.

120 27X (Hamilton) & 27X (Tauranga)
BIOMO502 Molecular Genetics in Health and Disease

This paper explores how modern molecular approaches are contributing to our understanding of molecular genetics and how this information can be...

15 27A (Hamilton)
BIOMO504 Biomedical Physiology

This paper examines select topics in human/animal physiology in the context of functioning of the organism in health and disease. Elements of...

15 27B (Hamilton)
BIOMO511 Current Topics in the Biomedical Sciences

There is a significant amount of research addressing global biomedical challenges such as obesity, cancer, neurological diseases, cardiovascular...

15 27A (Hamilton)
CHEMY504 Medicinal Chemistry

This paper will introduce students with a background in organic chemistry to the pragmatic realities of synthesis with a medicinal focus and explore...

15 27B (Hamilton)
HELTH573 Summer Research Scholarship Project

This paper has been developed specifically for students who will be undertaking a project as a part of the University of Waikato Summer Research...

15 27C (Hamilton) & 27C (Tauranga)
HSHUP501 Research Methods in Health, Sport and Human Performance

This paper develops advanced research skills in health, sport, and human performance. Students learn to critically evaluate and synthesise...

30 27A (Hamilton) & 27B (Hamilton)
Code and paper title Points
BIOMD800 Biomedical Sciences MPhil Thesis

120 27X (Hamilton) & 27X (Tauranga)
Code and paper title Points
BIOMD900 Biomedical Sciences PhD Thesis

120 27I (Hamilton) & 27I (Tauranga) & 27J (Hamilton) & 27J (Tauranga) & 27K (Hamilton) & 27K (Tauranga) & 27X (Hamilton) & 27X (Tauranga)
time

2027 Subject regulation information current as at 26 Aug 2026 01:00am