Microbiology and Biotechnology

Study microbe groups, their morphology, metabolism, genetics, and taxonomy.

Overview


Bachelor of Science in the field of Biological Sciences

Microbiology and Biotechnology is the study of small living creatures, or microbes, including bacteria, viruses, yeasts, and fungi. Our courses provide you with basic knowledge of the various microbe groups, their morphology, metabolism, genetics, and taxonomy.

Microbiology and Biotechnology embrace environmental biotechnology, industrial microbiology, food and medical microbiology, and plant genetic engineering.

To find out more about the Biological Sciences Programme at Wits, visit our site.

Career Opportunities


• Agricultural, Medical, Environmental and Veterinary Biotechnology
• Brewing
• Industrial Biotechnology
• Food Security
• Insecticides Research and Production
• Healthcare Scientist (Immunology)
• Microbiology
• Nanotechnology
• Pharmacology
• Production of Scientific Products
• Water Quality Research

Curriculum


First year

Introductory Life Sciences
AND
Chemistry
AND
Auxiliary Mathematics
AND
Any other Level I course

Second year

Molecular and Cell Biology IIA: Molecular Processes
AND
Molecular and Cell Biology IIB: Cells and Organisms
AND
Molecular and Cell Biology IIC: Applications (for double-MCB major students)
OR
Any other Level II course

Third year

Microbiology and Biotechnology
AND
Any other Level III major

Entry Requirements


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 their studies. 

University Application Process


  • 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.

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.

University Fees and Funding


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 websiteExternal 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.