Biomedical Sciences (2023)

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, and pathophysiology) alongside Mātauranga Māori, health communication, and bioethics to develop biomedical understandings and skills that will allow students to work across the health sector.

Poutū-mārō Biomedical Sciences is available as a specified programme for the Bachelor of Health (BHealth). To complete the specified programme in Poutū-mārō Biomedical Sciences, students must take the following programme - listed under Year 1, 2 and 3.

Poutū-mārō Biomedical Sciences is also available as a subject in the Certificate in Health and Wellbeing. To complete the Certificate in Health and Wellbeing in Poutū-mārō Biomedical Sciences, students must complete the papers listed under Year 1 of the Poutū-mārō Biomedical Sciences specified programme.


On this page


  • 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
    BIOEB101Concepts of Biology - Ngā Huatau o te Koiora15.023A (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...
    BIOMD101Introduction to Human Biology - Tinana Tangata Koiora15.023A (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.
    BIOMO101Introduction to Molecular and Cellular Biology - Mātai Pūtau a Mātai Rāpoi Ngota Koiora15.023B (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...
    CHEMY100Chemistry in Context - Matū o te Ao15.023A (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 ...
    CHEMY102Chemical Reactivity - Tauhohehohe Matū15.023B (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.
    CSMAX101The World of Data15.023B (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.
    HELTH101Hauora: Thinking about Health15.023A (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.
    MAORI150Te Tiriti o Waitangi: An Introduction to the Treaty of Waitangi15.023A (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
    BIOMO201Biochemistry15.023A (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...
    BIOMO202Genetics15.023B (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...
    BIOMO203Microbiology15.023A (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...
    BIOMO204Cell and Organ Physiology in Health and Disease15.023B (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...
    BUSAN205Data Analytics with Business Applications15.023A (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.
    HELTH201Epidemiology and Bio-statistics15.023B (Hamilton)
    This course provides students with basic understanding of the techniques and uses of epidemiology in preventing poor health, health planning and evaluation.
    MAORI204Māori and Pacific Health and Wellbeing15.023A (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.
    PUBRL202Health Communication15.023A (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
    BIOMD301Anatomy and Pathophysiology15.023B (Hamilton)
    This paper will build on the core principles of human anatomy and physiology and explore how it relates to hauora and human disease.
    BIOMD303Infection and Immunity15.023A (Hamilton)
    This paper will focus on the understanding of specific infectious diseases, infection control and the functioning of the immune system in the host.
    BIOMO306Molecular Biology and Health15.023B (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...
    HELTH301Industry and Community Engagement in Health15.023A (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...
    LEGAL300Law and Bioethics15.0No 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.
    MAORI302Mātauranga Māori, Indigenous Knowledges15.023A (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.
    SCIEN305Science and Mātauranga Māori15.023A (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.

2023 Catalogue of Papers information current as of : 7 June 2023 9:03am

This page has been reformatted for printing.