Cell and Molecular Bioscience, Biomedical Science

Cell and Molecular Bioscience and Biomedical Science students analyse life at a molecular level and how this can influence developments in health research.

Cell and Molecular Bioscience is a major in the Bachelor of Science degree. Students study science from a molecular level upwards. They focus on research in areas like immunology, pathology and physiology as well as investigate biological processes for industrial, medical, or environmental purposes.

Students who study a degree in Biomedical Science (BBmedSc) learn about the core areas of biology and cell biology with a focus on human health and medicine. Students learn on campus, in research institutes and hospitals.

They can specialise in human genetics, molecular pathology or molecular pharmacology and medicinal chemistry gaining new knowledge and skills to research diseases and potential cures.

Students from both subject areas have skills in quantitative research, analytical and lateral thinking, methodical scientific processes and data presentation.

Roles and career pathways

Graduates may work in a lab, hospital or clinical setting, starting as a lab technician or assistant and progressing to scientist or manager roles. They focus on activities such as detecting viruses and testing blood and tissue samples for diseases and genetic variances or testing for food or manufacturing companies. For work as a medical lab technician experience in practical blood taking or testing (phlebotomy) may be helpful. Some graduates may complete a medical laboratory science postgraduate diploma to work as medical laboratory scientists.

Graduates with strong grades may move into research specific roles in Universities or crown entities. For these roles a postgraduate qualification, such as a MSc or PhD, is essential. To specialise in public or environmental health or work as a genetic counsellor a specific postgraduate qualification is also required.

Graduates may work in related roles such as technical coordinators or advisors linked to scientific consents or patents. They may also work as administrators, coordinators, advisors or data analysts in government departments, or consultancies with a scientific focus. They may work on projects or policy specific to health, technology or scientific innovation, or other areas such as finance or IT where their mix of skills is relevant.

Combining bioscience study with Statistics or Data Science may lead to opportunities in technology and data analysis as well as some specialised roles within bioinformatics, which combines cell and molecular bioscience with data. Skills in computation modelling are generally required for this.

Studying papers in another subject such as Health, Statistics, Data Science, Computer Science, Public Policy or Science Communication can help broaden your employment options.

Cell and Molecular Bioscience graduates who complete postgraduate qualification in secondary teaching (limited entry) and have studied another teachable subject at undergraduate level can go on to teach subjects such as Biology at secondary school. See Teaching and the Victoria University of Wellington Faculty of Education for more information.

Where do Bioscience or Biomedical Science graduates work?

Graduates may work for government departments, research institutes, universities, biotechnology companies, patent firms, pharmaceutical companies, scientific equipment distributors or in roles that involve science communication. Some large business consultancies hire graduates who have a science qualification as they value their analytical ways of thinking that are useful for consultancy projects. Recent Cell and Molecular Bioscience and Biomedical Science graduates have worked in organisations such as:

Build relevant skills and experience

Part-time work and volunteering during study all help to increase your job prospects when you graduate. Gaining work experience as a lab demonstrator, tutor or research assistant during your studies is a valuable way to gain relevant experience to increase your employability. Gaining work experience as a phlebotomist in medical laboratories can also be useful experience. Summer studentships run by Plant & Food Research every year are a way to learn more about careers in this area and develop practical workplace experience. Programmes such as Wellington Plus, and Wellington International Leadership Programme (WILP) offer opportunities to gain diverse volunteer and leadership experience.

Make career connections

Making connections with individuals and groups during your degree can help you learn more about career opportunities. The Malaghan Institute is a world-leading medical research centre based at Victoria University of Wellington. It offers opportunities for prestigious PhD study as well as opportunities for students and graduates to learn about new medical developments. Te Kāuru—The Ferrier Research Centre is a University research centre that involves bio-chemists researching new drugs and technologies, as well as opportunities for postgraduate students. The Medical Research Institute of New Zealand also offers limited internships and PhD opportunities for students.

Chiasma is a student-led organisation that focuses on linking Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) students with industry. Chiasma has regional committees including one in Wellington that hosts development and networking opportunities. The Wellington Chamber of Commerce and Wellington Young Professionals also offer various events and opportunities for networking. The Alumni as Mentors programme for final-year students also helps enhance your connections and employability while studying.