Due to large student numbers, some lab and lecture streams for Health Sciences First Year (HSFY) papers (BIOC 192, HUBS 192, and POPH 192) can be very full. This will vary by paper and type of stream, but in some cases the space constraints require us to restrict timetable changes to the students who need these most.
Some information about lecture and lab streams is on the Health Sciences First Year website:
Under what circumstances can I obtain a permanent streaming change?
You can apply for a permanent streaming change if the reason you cannot attend your lecture or lab stream is due to significant events outside of your control that will last for all or most of semester 2. If you have childcare obligations, paid employment, or will be/have been medically incapacitated, you can apply for a permanent streaming change. If you belong to a social club which meets on the same evening as your lab, you will not be able to apply for a permanent streaming change at this time. In addition to demonstrating that you need a streaming change you will need to demonstrate that your reason applies for the whole semester.
Some examples of acceptable reasons for permanent lab streaming change are:
- Timetable clash
- Medical issues
- Paid work
- Parenting/care obligations
- National or regional-level representative sports
If your situation does not correspond to an example listed here but you still feel that you qualify for a streaming change, you can ask. Each application for a streaming change will be judged on its own merit. Any documentation you do have to support your case will be helpful.
Applying for a permanent streaming change — where and when can I apply?
Permanent: During Tuesday and Wednesday in the first week of semester, 15 and 16 July 2025, Health Sciences will have staff for all the HSFY papers gathered in one place so you can find someone to help.
You will be asked to fill out a Streaming change application form (PDF 60KB) for each paper you have a timetable issue with. Staff will then determine if your request can be granted and help you get the changes completed in eVision.
Location: South Lab, Physics Department Ground Floor, (opposite the entrance to the Science Library).
Times: Tuesday
15 and Wednesday 16 July, 11am to 1pm.
As class numbers are still slightly uncertain during the first few weeks, priority will be given to the more deserving cases. If you are turned down at this time, there may be an opportunity to reapply for a change after class numbers have stabilised.
From Thursday 17 July students will need to go to the offices of each paper (refer to the map below for locations):
- BIOC 192: BIOC 192 office (Room 132) on the First Floor of the Microbiology Building
- HUBS 192: HUBS office on the Ground Floor of the Microbiology Building
- POPH 192: email request to: poph192@otago.ac.nz
What kind of evidence do I need to produce?
It will depend on your reasons for obtaining a streaming change. Any documentation you provide should be produced by a third party that is involved with the reason for your streaming change (such as your employer or doctor) and clearly state the times and dates that you cannot attend lectures or labs. The documentation should also include contact details.