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Cell Biology
Biochemistry and Cell Biology Study life forms and their functions at the molecular level.
Biochemistry and Cell Biology Study life forms and their functions at the molecular level.

Qualification: BSc

Faculty: Science

Duration: 3 years

School: Molecular and Cell Biology

Study mode: Full-time

Overview

Bachelor of Science in the field of Biological Sciences: programme code SBA11

Biochemistry embraces the fascinating worlds of Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Genetic Engineering, Immuno-Technology, Advanced Cell Biology, and Enzymology.

In Biochemistry and Cell Biology, you will study all living organisms (microbes, parasites, plants, insects, animals, and humans) at the molecular level. You will investigate the structure and biological functions of enzymes, carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and nucleic acids.

  • Analytical Biochemistry
  • Biomedical Scientist
  • Clinical Biochemistry
  • Forensic Scientist
  • Healthcare Scientist
  • Industrial Enzymology
  • Life Science Research Scientist
  • Nanotechnologist
  • Personalised Medicines
  • Protein Biotechnology

1st Year (144 credits)

2nd Year (144 credits)

3rd Year (144 credits)

Introductory Life Sciences BIOL1000A (36 credits)
Molecular and Cell Biology IIA: Molecular Processes MCBG2038A (36 credits)
Biochemistry & Cell Biology MCBG3004A (72 credits)
Maths Auxiliary MATH1041A (36 credits)
Molecular and Cell Biology IIB: Cells and Organisms MCBG2039A (48 credits)
Genetics & Developmental Biology MCBG3034A (72 credits)
Chemistry CHEM102A (36 credits)
Statistics for the Natural Sciences STAT2013A (12 credits)
Microbiology & Biotechnology MCBG3035A  (72 credits)
+ 1 other 36 credit course
Recommended:
Physics I Auxiliary
Complementary Life Sciences BIOL1006A
+ 1 other 48 credit major
Recommended:
Applications IIC MCBG2037A (48 credits)
Applied Bioinformatics  MCBG3033A (72 credits)
TWO of the above courses OR ONE of the above + 1 other 72 credit major
 

APS 43+

English Home Language OR First Additional Language Level 5

Mathematics Level 5

Wait-listing

Applicants with 41-42 points may be wait-listed, subject to place availability.

National Benchmark Test

All Faculty of Science applicants must write the National Benchmark Tests (NBT) before being considered for admission.

There are two tests: The Academic and Quantitative Literacy Test and the Mathematics Test. Your test results are used in addition to your Grade 12 results to identify students who may need additional support during the course of their studies.

Rules for the NBT

You must register on the NBT website, or via mobile phone, to write the tests. Registration closes about three weeks before each test date. You can register for the NBT before you submit your application to Wits. DO NOT wait for an official notification from Wits to register for and write the tests, because you may miss the end of September deadline.

  • The test fee can be paid once you have registered to write the test.
  • The tests must be written by 31 October 2022. You are encouraged to write the tests as early as possible.
  • For a comprehensive list of test dates, registration dates and available venues, please refer to the NBT website www.nbt.ac.za
  • Both tests must be written in one session.
  • ONLY the first attempt results will be considered so we advise against writing the tests more than once in a year.

Application Closing Date: 30 September 2022 | Residence Applications: 30 September 2022

  • The Student Enrolment Centre at Wits handles all student applications.
  • Please click here for an overview of the application process. 
  • Check the admission requirements for your degree. Check if any additional selection requirements apply. 
  • Submit your application, required documentation and application fee before the closing date.
  • Once you have applied, an admissions consultant will be assigned to your application.
  • Applicants can monitor the progress of their applications via the Self Service Portal.
  • If you are an international applicant and/or have a foreign qualification, please click here.

Wits Plus applicants, applications can only be done online. We will be in contact with you should we require additional documentation.

Compliance with the minimum requirements does not guarantee a place at the University. The University has a specific number of places for first year undergraduates, approved by the Department of Higher Education and Training. Final selection is made subject to the availability of places, academic results and other entry requirements where applicable.

Click here to see the current average tuition fees for the first year of study. The Fees website 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. 

The Financial aid office provides information on student funding and scholarships. University-funded Scholarships include Vice-Chancellor's Scholarships, University Entrance Scholarships, Equality Scholarships, Sports Scholarships and National Olympiad winner awards. For information about NSFAS funding, please visit the NSFAS website. External bursaries portal: The Bursaries South Africa website provides a comprehensive list of bursaries in South Africa.

Wits Plus applicants: terms of payment are in accordance with University regulations, and students are not eligible for University bursaries/NSFAS or residential accommodation.

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Majors

Biochemistry and Cell Biology

Enquiries
Please contact the Student Call Centre

Tel: +27 (0)11 717 1888, or
Log a query at www.wits.ac.za/askwits