UNIVERSITY OF THE WITWATERSRAND, JOHANNESBURG

Introduction to the MCB Degree of Bachelor of Science with Honours

The School of Molecular and Cell Biology is unique in that it offers excellence in teaching and research at the post-graduate level in the diverse areas of: protein biochemistry, cell and developmental biology, food and industrial microbiology, immunology, microbial biological control, insect pathology, molecular genetics, the biology of mycorrhizas, plant pathology and plant genetic engineering, and it contains the Protein Structure and Function Research Unit. Depending on the research project a student chooses, the students will obtain an Honours Degree in Molecular and Cell Biology in the field of either:

  • Biochemistry and Cell Biology , or
  • Genetics and Developmental Biology , or
  • Microbiology and Biotechnology

These fields correspond to the core teaching and research thrusts in the School of Molecular and Cell Biology.


Objectives of the MCB Honours Degree

  • To expose students to theoretical and research topics in the field of molecular and cellular biology and biotechnology.

  • To encourage and guide students to critically examine these topics and develop an appreciation of the integrative nature of biology, especially in its application through biotechnology.

  • To give students exposure to the range of experimental and analytical techniques fundamental to research at the molecular and cellular level.

  • To ground students in the research process, from conceptualization and design of the project to its execution and dissemination and discussion of its findings.

  • To assist students to become independent researchers and develop professional attitudes and skills.


Course Structure

To obtain an Honours degree in Molecular and Cell Biology, students will need to complete:

  1. A techniques course.

  2. Three special topics.
    The following special topics are offered in 2011:
  • X-ray diffraction and solving structures using X-ray crystallography
  • Molecular Cell Death
  • Neuromuscular mechanisms
  • Molecular microbial genetics
  • Epigenetics in human disease and cancer
  • Food microbiology
  • Plant and intertebrate pathology
  • Rational Drug Design a biophysics approach
  • Systems integration in cell and tumour biology
  • Biotechnology of fungi
  • Hot topics in molecular basis of infectious and non-infectious diseases
  • Stem cells, development and aging: diseases and potential therapeutics
  • Bacterial granulation
  • Advanced signal transduction
  • Protein structure-function principles, structure prediction, motifs and binding sites
  • Plant genetic engineering and breeding 


  1. A research project which will consist of the following components
  • Project proposal seminar
  • Written project report
  • Report-back seminar on completion of the project

The subjects of research projects are within the research interests of the academic staff

Course Assessment

Your project component will contribute 60% towards your final mark and the other components will contribute 40%.

Admission Requirements

You will need a minimum of a BSc degree to be considered for admission to the course. Normally, a minimum of 60% in your major subject is required, but all applications will be considered on an individual basis. Generally, competition for entry to the course is strong and preference will be given to applicants with a major in the discipline of molecular and cellular biology in areas such as genetics, biochemistry, microbiology, biotechnology, cell development and cell biology. The number of students is restricted.

Duration of the MCB Honours Programme

The MCB Honours programme starts in early February and concludes at the end of November. 

Honours programme coordinator

The Honours programme coordinator is Dr Y Sayed. His contact information is as follows:
Dr Yasien Sayed
School of Molecular and Cell Biology
University of the Witwatersrand
Private Bage 3
Wits 2050
Email: yasien.sayed@wits.ac.za
Tel: (011) 717 6350
Fax: (011) 717 6351

Application Forms

Application forms for postgraduate study are available from:

Student Enrolment Centre

e mail: postgrad.senc@wits.ac.za

Phone number 011 717 1030

Fax 011 717 1299

T