Poutū-mārō Biomedical Sciences
Learn how to contribute to the health of Aotearoa New Zealand by understanding the science behind it.
Poutū-mārō Biomedical Sciences takes a multi-faceted and applied approach to improving the hauora of our communities. It embraces an integrative approach to biomedical sciences (including genetics, biochemistry, molecular biology, anatomy, infection and immunity, pathophysiology) alongside Mātauranga Māori, health communication, and bioethics to develop biomedical understandings and skills that will allow students to work across the health sector.
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 (Poutū-mārō 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 Poutū-mārō 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 |
|---|---|
| Area of Study: |
Study Poutū-mārō Biomedical Sciences in these qualifications
Study Poutū-mārō Biomedical Sciences as a specialisation of
Career opportunities
- Laboratory technician in areas such as micro-biology, immunology or biochemistry
- Research associate/coordinator
- Health protection
- Science writer
- Pathway to graduate allied health and medical qualification
Papers
Available Poutū-mārō Biomedical Sciences papers
Year 1
Students must take the following papers: BIOEB101, BIOMD101, BIOMO101, either CHEMY100 or CHEMY102, CSMAX101, HELTH101, MAORI150, and a 15 point 100-level programme elective from the list below.
Electives: CHEMY101, CHEMY102, ECONS102, ENVSC101, MAORI101, MAORI102, MAORI103, MAORI111, MAORI112, PACIS100 and STMGT101.
Year 2
Students must take the following papers: BIOMO201, BIOMO202, BIOMO203, BIOMO204, HELTH201, MAORI204, PUBRL202, and a 15 point 200-level programme elective from the list below.
Electives: BUSAN205, CHEMY201, CHEMY202, CHEMY203, CHEMY204, CMYHE201, CMYHE202, ENVSC201, ENVSC202, HPSCI203, MAORI200, MAORI202, MAORI203, MAORI211, MAORI212, MAORI222, MAORI250, PACIS200, PHILO225, POPST201, PSYCH202, SOCPY200 and SOCPY201.
Year 3
Students must take the following papers: BIOMD301, BIOMD303, BIOMO304, BIOMO306, HELTH301 or HECSS363, LEGAL300, either MAORI302 or SCIEN305, and a 15 point 300-level programme elective from the list below.
Electives: BIOMO301, BIOMO302, CHEMY301, CHEMY302, CHEMY303, CHEMY304, CMYHE301, CMYHE302, ECONS302, HPSCI301, MAORI303, MAORI304, MAORI311, MAORI312, PACIS300, POPST302 and PUBRL301.
100 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Points | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIOEB101 | Concepts of Biology - Ngā Huatau o te Koiora | 15.0 | 23A (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 | 23A (Hamilton) & 23A (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 | 23B (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 | 23A (Hamilton) & 23A (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 ... | |||
| CHEMY102 | Chemical Reactivity - Tauhohehohe Matū | 15.0 | 23B (Hamilton) |
| A theoretical and practical course covering aspects of physical and organic chemistry. This course is required for the chemistry major. He pepa a-aria, a-mahinga hoki hei tirotiro i nga tuahuaranga o te matuora a-kikokiko, a-paraumu hoki He pepa matua o roto o te tohu matuora. | |||
| CSMAX101 | The World of Data | 15.0 | 23B (Hamilton) |
| This paper teaches students how to build datasets for analysis in health science, and critically evaluate and effectively present the results of such analyses, using commonly used software such as Excel, R, and SPSS. Students are introduced to issues of privacy, and cultural considerations for Maori and Indigenous health. | |||
| HELTH101 | Hauora: Thinking about Health | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton) |
| Health is a multi-disciplinary field of study that draws on multiple cultural perspectives. This paper introduces students to the foundational academic skills required for success within the BHealth, through the lens of hauora, health and wellbeing. | |||
| MAORI150 | Te Tiriti o Waitangi: An Introduction to the Treaty of Waitangi | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton), 23B (Hamilton) & 23X (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. | |||
200 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Points | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIOMO201 | Biochemistry | 15.0 | 23A (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 | 23B (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 | 23A (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 | 23B (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... | |||
| BUSAN205 | Data Analytics with Business Applications | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton), 23B (Hamilton), 23B (Tauranga), 23G (Hamilton), 23VA (National Economics University, Vietnam) & 23X (Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou China) |
| This paper introduces various data analytical methods and illustrates their business and economics applications, showing how to use data to communicate more convincingly and to produce better-informed business decisions. | |||
| HELTH201 | Epidemiology and Bio-statistics | 15.0 | 23B (Hamilton) |
| This course provides students with basic understanding of the techniques and uses of epidemiology in preventing poor health, health planning and evaluation. | |||
| MAORI204 | Māori and Pacific Health and Wellbeing | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton) & 23A (Tauranga) |
| This paper looks at health and wellbeing from Maori and Pacific perspectives, including models and frameworks in relation to Health, Sport, Human Performance, and Nursing. | |||
| PUBRL202 | Health Communication | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton) |
| This paper explores the construction and evaluation of communication campaigns to address health issues in communities and organisations. The campaigns use communication theory to design persuasive and innovative health campaigns. | |||
300 Level
| Code | Paper Title | Points | Occurrence / Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIOMD301 | Anatomy and Pathophysiology | 15.0 | 23B (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 | 23A (Hamilton) |
| This paper will focus on the understanding of specific infectious diseases, infection control and the functioning of the immune system in the host. | |||
| BIOMO306 | Molecular Biology and Health | 15.0 | 23B (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... | |||
| HELTH301 | Industry and Community Engagement in Health | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton), 23B (Hamilton) & 23C (Hamilton) |
| This paper fulfils The University of Waikato's requirement for all students to engage with the wider community in a work-related or applied project setting. This paper provides opportunities for professional and personal development within varied work-related settings relevant to the fields of health. This paper is designed for stu... | |||
| LEGAL300 | Law and Bioethics | 15.0 | No occurrences |
| This is a survey course designed to develop students' understanding of key issues in Medical Law and Bioethics within the legislative and policy framework of Aotearoa/New Zealand. | |||
| MAORI302 | Mātauranga Māori, Indigenous Knowledges | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton) |
| This paper looks at the influence and forms that Matauranga Maori has had and has taken in various postcolonial formations, including in science and research, education, policy and social reform. | |||
| SCIEN305 | Science and Mātauranga Māori | 15.0 | 23A (Hamilton), 23A (Tauranga), 23C (Hamilton) & 23C (Tauranga) |
| This paper will provide science graduates with an understanding of both scientific and Matauranga Maori perspectives on topical issues and the ability to apply these in a Vision Matauranga context. | |||
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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/WaikatoSchoolOfHealth