Biomedical Sciences
Biomedical Sciences investigates the biological basis of human health and disease to improve healthcare outcomes.
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 involves the study of the body's functional at cellular and sub-cellular levels. This knowledge is contextualised with an understanding of epidemiology, which examines patterns of illness across society, and the foundational components of kawa whakaruruhau, promoting cultural safety in healthcare.
Developed and underpinned by the term hauora, we endeavour to respect the collective essence of health and wellbeing as well as applying the bio-medical principals that are essential for robust, quality healthcare. Hauora is a holistic approach that values the interconnection between the physical and meta-physical in ways that nourish and sustain the vitality of people and their communities. In doing so, recognition is attributed to past generations, historical contexts, and connections to the land.
As we seek to change the health workforce of the future, you will need knowledge of health service quality and equity, and applied technologies, that is built on a foundation of cultural competency, multidisciplinary knowledge, interpersonal and collaborative skills, applied biomedical skills, critical thinking, and regional and community engagement. To genuinely enact hauora in practice graduates of the BHealth (Biomedical Sciences) will embrace and respect multi-disciplinary views, practice in ways that exhibit an understanding of hauora as it relates to the individual, whānau and community. As Aotearoa New Zealand moves towards the adoption of hauora in practice and a diversification of the workforce, there are exciting possibilities for roles that will be embedded in our communities.
The Biomedical Sciences major is underpinned by the following six core concepts that are the BHealth’s point of difference:
- Māori and indigenous perspectives and practices;
- Holistic understandings of hauora, health and wellbeing;
- Community collaboration and engagement;
- Analytical and communication skills;
- Clear links to regional/rural health, social justice and equity, and critical perspectives;
- Competencies desired in the practices of health professionals, as identified through consultation with key stakeholders and industry.
These six core strengths underpin a degree that will appeal to those interested in health in the broader sense, beyond primary healthcare. It will also be an ideal qualification for those who are already working in some way in health and want to gain broader and multi-disciplinary perspectives of hauora, health and the health system.
Key information
Study Location: | Hamilton |
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Area of Study: |
Study Biomedical Sciences in these qualifications
Study Biomedical Sciences as a specialisation of
Career opportunities
- Clinical laboratory scientist
- Health and safety inspector
- Medical science writer
- Research technician
- Study/research coordinator
Papers
Available Biomedical Sciences papers
100 Level
Code | Paper Title | Points | Occurrence / Location |
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BIOEB101 | Concepts of Biology - Ngā Huatau o te Koiora | 15.0 | 24A (Hamilton) |
An introduction to the foundations of biology, including the structure and functioning of cells, evolution, the origins and diversity of life, and a tour of the major forms of life and their defining characteristics. He whakataki tenei pepa i nga matapono o te koiora taea noatia te hanganga me nga whainga o te putau, o te kuneroa... | |||
BIOMD101 | Introduction to Human Biology - Tinana Tangata Koiora | 15.0 | 24A (Hamilton) & 24A (Tauranga) |
This paper will introduce the student to the basics of human anatomy and physiology. He whakataki tenei pepa i te hunga tauira ki nga tuapapa o te matai tinana me te matai whaiaroaro o te ira tangata. | |||
BIOMO101 | Introduction to Molecular and Cellular Biology - Mātai Pūtau a Mātai Rāpoi Ngota Koiora | 15.0 | 24B (Hamilton) |
An introduction to the central concepts of Molecular and Cellular Biology, including the ultrastructure and function of cells, the biochemical processes involved, and the role of DNA in cellular function, inheritance and evolution. He whakataki tenei pepa i nga aria pokapu o te Matai Putau, Matai Rapoi hoki, tae atu ana ki te ngota... | |||
CHEMY100 | Chemistry in Context - Matū o te Ao | 15.0 | 24A (Hamilton) & 24A (Tauranga) |
This paper covers a broad range of chemical concepts that are fundamental to the sciences and engineering. A strong emphasis is made to teach concepts through real-life examples from the world around us. He toro na tenei pepa i nga tumomo tuapapa o te matai matu kei te tuapapa o nga horopaki putaiao, pukaha hoki He kaha hangai te ... | |||
HELTH102 | Drugs in Sport and Society | 15.0 | 24A (Hamilton) & 24A (Tauranga) |
This paper introduces students to foundational academic skills using the context of drug use for purposes of recreation and performance enhancement. | |||
HELTH110 | Understanding Hauora, Health and Wellbeing | 15.0 | 24A (Hamilton), 24A (Online) & 24A (Tauranga) |
This paper examines a social determinants approach to Health. It includes exploration of a range of interactions that influence the health of populations and determinants of health in New Zealand and global contexts. | |||
HMDEV100 | Lifespan Development | 15.0 | 24A (Hamilton), 24B (Online) & 24B (Tauranga) |
HMDEV100 focuses on understanding and enhancing human development through an exploration of biological, psychological, social and cultural factors that influence patterns of development and learning over the lifespan. | |||
HPSCI101 | Introduction to Human Performance Science | 15.0 | 24B (Hamilton) & 24B (Tauranga) |
This paper will provide an introduction to Human Performance Science. | |||
HTHPR101 | Promoting Mental and Physical Health | 15.0 | 24B (Hamilton) & 24B (Tauranga) |
This paper provides a broad introduction to health promotion. It includes an overview of core models for health promotion from medicine, psychology, sociology, and education. A range of key aspects of mental and physical health that are a focus of health promotion will be introduced. | |||
MAORI150 | Te Tiriti o Waitangi: An Introduction to the Treaty of Waitangi | 15.0 | 24A (Hamilton), 24B (Hamilton), 24I (Hamilton) & 24X (Hamilton) |
This paper seeks to provide a sound understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. It reviews historical and contemporary interpretations and takes into account the interplay of contextual issues of the time. | |||
PSYCH100 | Brain, Behaviour and Cognition | 15.0 | 24A (Hamilton) & 24A (Tauranga) |
This paper introduces perceptual systems, mechanisms of learning, emotions and motivation, the biological basis of psychology, such as brain structure and functioning, processes underlying behaviour, memory and cognition. | |||
SDCOA101 | Sport, Culture and Development: Trends and Issues | 15.0 | 24B (Hamilton), 24B (Online) & 24B (Tauranga) |
In this paper students will gain an introduction to sociological understandings of sport and movement cultures. They will develop new ways of critically thinking about the important role sport plays in contemporary society, including the economy, politics, tourism, the media, and our sense of identity, belonging and community. Stud... | |||
SDCOA102 | The Coaching Process | 15.0 | 24A (Hamilton) & 24A (Tauranga) |
Understanding the coaching process is fundamental to supporting the development of athletes across participation, development, and high-performance contexts. The purpose of this paper is to introduce students to the study of sport coaching, providing students with the knowledge and skills required to design and deliver high quality... |
200 Level
Code | Paper Title | Points | Occurrence / Location |
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BIOMO201 | Biochemistry | 15.0 | 24B (Hamilton) |
The aim of this paper is to familiarize students with the structure and function of proteins, nucleic acids, lipids and carbohydrates (as fundamental molecules of life). Students will be introduced to molecular techniques used to study these molecules and gain an appreciation of how they interact in living organisms in health and d... | |||
BIOMO202 | Genetics | 15.0 | 24A (Hamilton) |
This paper deals with genetics in the widest sense from the molecular and cellular to the applied and evolutionary. Both prokaryote and eukaryote genetics are discussed with respect to DNA replication, hereditary, gene expression and control, and the role of mutations at both the DNA and chromosomal levels. The paper provides a pat... | |||
BIOMO203 | Microbiology | 15.0 | 24A (Hamilton) |
This paper will focus on microbial cell structure, function, and metabolism. Content and context will be drawn from both human and environmental examples. Students will acquire skills in microbiological laboratory techniques, data collection, data analysis, and report presentation. This paper is required for the Molecular and Cellu... | |||
BIOMO204 | Cell and Organ Physiology in Health and Disease | 15.0 | 24B (Hamilton) |
This paper integrates basic cell physiology with organ-based physiology and histology, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the structure-function relationships in physiological processes. Intercellular communication, tissue/organ structure and systems physiology will be discussed in the context of health and di... | |||
HPSCI203 | Nutrition for Health and Exercise | 15.0 | 24A (Hamilton) & 24A (Tauranga) |
This paper will include an overview of nutrition in the context of sport and health related settings, with focus on understanding the roles of macro and micro-nutrients, energy balance, measurement of resting, exercising energy expenditure, chronic lifestyle related disease and influences on current diet practices. | |||
PSYCH203 | Cognitive Neuroscience | 15.0 | 24B (Hamilton) & 24B (Tauranga) |
This paper will provide students with an overview of current findings and theories of cognitive neuroscience, cognitive development, and cognitive processes such as memory, attention, language, and decision making. |
300 Level
Code | Paper Title | Points | Occurrence / Location |
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BIOMD301 | Anatomy and Pathophysiology | 15.0 | 24A (Hamilton) |
This paper will build on the core principles of human anatomy and physiology and explore how it relates to hauora and human disease. | |||
BIOMD303 | Infection and Immunity | 15.0 | 24A (Hamilton) |
This paper will focus on the understanding of specific infectious diseases, infection control and the functioning of the immune system in the host. | |||
BIOMD306 | Molecular Biology and Health | 15.0 | 24B (Hamilton) |
This paper will provide the application of molecular biology knowledge and skills in the health sciences. This paper is specifically designed to bring together the areas of genetics, biochemistry, microbiology and physiology and look at how they are informing the prevention and treatment of human diseases. Throughout the paper, Uni... |
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Contacts
Te Huataki Waiora School of Health
Phone: 0800 924 528 or +64 7 838 4625
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.waikato.ac.nz/hshp/
Facebook: facebook.com/WUHealthSportHP