Molecular and Cell Biology

The MSc by dissertation in Molecular and Cell Biology is offered in the School of Molecular and Cell Biology, with focus areas in Applied Bioinformatics, Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Genetics and Developmental Biology, and Microbiology and Biotechnology.

Overview

Molecular and Cell Biology encompass a wide range of focus areas, each with its own unique advantages:

Applied Bioinformatics: Several researchers within the school work at the interface of experimental biology and bioinformatics, therefore, the school provides an ideal environment for students to learn and apply bioinformatics skills on a wide variety of biological data. Students will get hands-on experience in bioinformatics tools and working at the command line.

Biochemistry & Cell Biology: The field of Biochemistry and Cell Biology provides theoretical and experimental understanding of the structure and function of biological molecules and the integrative signalling systems that underlies cellular function. The application of this knowledge can, for example, help to develop new drugs to combat complex and deadly diseases affecting mankind.

Genetics & Developmental Biology: This is the era of the gene. You can sequence it, research how it functions, study how it makes an animal, plant, bacterium or virus, how it evolves and how it can make cells cancerous. See how it is transforming biology, biotechnology, pharmacology and medicine.

Microbiology & Biotechnology: All life as we know it is dependent on microbes. The field of microbiology aims to expand our current understanding of not only individual microorganisms but also the impact they have on humankind as a whole. This new found knowledge can be applied across a variety of fields including agriculture, biotechnology and medicine, thereby addressing many of our global challenges benefiting both humankind and our environment.

An MSc in molecular and Cell Biology:

  • Exposes students to theoretical and analytical aspects in the field of either Applied Bioinformatics, Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Genetics and Developmental Biology, or Microbiology and Biotechnology.
  • Encourages and guides students to critically examine these topics and develop an appreciation of the integrative nature of biology, especially in its applications through biotechnology, disease biology and metagenomics.
  • Exposes students to the range of experimental and analytical techniques fundamental to research at the molecular and cellular level.
  • Grounds students in the research process, from conceptualisation and design of the project to its execution and dissemination and discussion of its findings.
  • Assists students to become independent researchers and develop professional attitudes and skills

Why study at Wits?

The School of Molecular and Cell Biology is unique in that it offers excellence in teaching and research at the postgraduate level in diverse focus areas. We do research in protein biochemistry and drug discovery (Dr Achilonu, Prof Cronje, Dr Fanucchi, Prof Kaur, Prof Sayed, Dr van der Merwe), cancer cell biology (Prof Cronje, Dr Jivan, Prof Kaur, Prof Mavri-Damelin, Dr Buthelezi), developmental biology (Prof Nikitina), industrial microbiology (Prof Bouwer, Prof Sibanda), immunology (Dr de Assis Rosa, Dr Gentle, Dr Meyer, Dr Paximadis, Dr Xulu), microbial biological control and insect pathology (Prof Bouwer, Dr Lephoto), food security (Prof Sibanda), molecular genetics (Dr de Assis Rosa, Dr Gentle, Dr Meyer), genetic engineering (Dr Botes, Prof Nikitina, Prof Sibanda), functional genetics (Dr Gentle, Dr Jivan, Prof Mavri-Damelin, Dr Meyer, Dr Xulu), epigenetics (Dr Meyer, Dr Xulu), metabolomics (Dr Meyer), metagenomics (Dr Botes, Dr de Maayer, Prof Sibanda), biotechnology (Dr Botes, Prof Bouwer, Dr de Maayer Dr Lephoto, Prof Sibanda), mycology (Dr Botes), pharmacogenetics (Dr de Assis-Rosa, Prof Mavri-Damelin).   

Career Opportunities

Analytical biochemist, Biomedical scientist, Healthcare scientist, Clinical biochemist, Industrial enzymology, Life science research scientist, Medical diagnostics, Cryopreservation of cells and tissues, Stem Cell Technology, Agricultural, Medical, Environmental & Veterinary biotechnology, Industrial biotechnology, Insecticides research and production, Water quality research, Production of scientific products, Medicinal products and Pharmaceutical Industry, Food Industry, Biotechnology Industry, Brewing Industry, Science Journalism, Patent Law, Bioinformatics, Bioconsultant, Application Specialist, Life science & pharmaceutical sales. 

Curriculum

By research and dissertation only.

Entry Requirements

  • A Bachelor of Science Honours in a related field with a minimum weighted average of 65%.
  • A supervisor from the School must be identified and approached prior to application.

University Application Process

  • Applications are handled centrally by the Student Enrolment Centre (SEnC). Once your application is complete in terms of requested documentation, your application will be referred to the relevant School for assessment. Click here to see an overview of the Wits applications process. Refer to Wits Postgraduate Online Applications Guide for detailed guidelines. 
  • Please apply online. Upload your supporting documents at the time of application, or via the Self Service Portal.
  • Applicants can monitor the progress of their applications via the Self Service Portal.
  • Selections for programmes that have a limited intake but attract a large number of applications may only finalise the application at the end of the application cycle.

Please note that the Entry Requirements are a guide. Meeting these requirements does not guarantee a place. Final selection is made subject to the availability of places, academic results and other entry requirements where applicable.

International students, please check this section.

For more information, contact the Student Call Centre +27 (0)11 717 1888, or log a query at www.wits.ac.za/askwits.

University Fees and Funding

Click here to see the current average tuition fees. The Fees site also provides information about the payment of fees and closing dates for fees payments. Once you have applied you will be able to access the fees estimator on the student self-service portal.

For information about postgraduate funding opportunities, including the postgraduate merit award, click here. The University's Postgraduate Funding portal is a database of scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities available to Wits postgraduate students. Please also check your School website for bursary opportunities. NRF bursaries: The National Research Foundation (NRF) offers a wide range of opportunities in terms of bursaries and fellowships to students pursuing postgraduate studies. External bursaries portal: The Bursaries South Africa website provides a comprehensive list of bursaries in South Africa.