The Biological Sciences Programme

Biology is the scientific study of all living organisms, both great and small. This very broad field encompasses a broad range of themes that together tell the story of how life began, how it works and how it is changing. All living organisms are made up of cells that incorporate DNA that transmit hereditary information to future generations and that code for proteins and enzymes with various functions in the cells. Cells are further arranged in tissues, organs and organ systems which interact to form a living, breathing organism. These organisms further form populations of biodiverse life which function in various ecosystems. Biology offers a window into these various aspects of life and this forms the basis of the courses offered by the Biological Sciences Programme at Wits.

Students wanting to major in or pursue courses offered by the Biological Sciences Programme would need to apply for a BSc Biological Sciences degree. Courses offered in the Biological Sciences Programme are NOT offered to students who have applied for a BSc General degree.

Courses offered in the Biological Sciences Programme

The Biological Sciences Programme offers two main first year courses, which are taught by experts in their field from the School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences and the School of Molecular and Cell Biology.

Introductory Life Sciences (BIOL1000A)

This course is restricted to a total of 600 students

Introductory Life Sciences is the “core” course that gives entry to all subjects in the Biological Sciences in second year. This comprehensive course comprises four topics, one topic per teaching block, which will introduce you to biological cells and how they function; DNA, genetics, growth and development; structure and function of organs in animal models; Ecology, Environmental Management and Sustainability. This course provides both a theoretical and practical background for your future degree and career. Introductory Life Sciences I will be offered on two time slots (C and D) to allow for maximum flexibility.

Complementary Life Sciences (BIOL1006A)

Complementary Life Sciences 1 (CLS) introduces you to the Diversity of Life – from the smallest viruses, bacteria, protists, to fungi and multicellular animals and plants, as well as to the genetic basis for all diversity. It is an enriching course that extends knowledge and skills in more specialised areas of interest within Biology.

We strongly recommend that anyone interested in a career in the Biological, Molecular and/or Environmental Sciences should take this course.

Part-time Courses offered via Wits Plus

The Introductory Life Sciences BIOL1000A course equivalent is offered through the Wits Plus Centre for Part-time studies for students wishing to pursue their studies part-time.

Part-time students should register for both Introductory Molecular and Cell Biology MCBG1001A (a Semester 1 course) and Introductory Physiology and Environmental Sciences APES1003A (a Semester 2 course).

Note: Second and third year courses in APES and MCB are not offered by Wits Plus, and completion of Wits Plus part-time courses does not allow automatic entry into 2^nd year MCB courses.

Registering for BSc Biological Sciences

BSc Biological Sciences

To qualify for a BSc in Biological Sciences, you must achieve an Admission Point Score (APS) of 43+ and achieve a English Home Language OR First Additional Language Level 5 and Mathematics Level 5 on your National Senior Certificate. Applicants with an APS Score of 41-42 may be wait-listed, subject to place availability.

The three year BSc programme is based on a credit system. You need to complete a minimum number of science courses in order to qualify for two third year level courses, one of which must be in the Faculty of Science. To complete your degree you will need to complete 4 first year courses (144 credits; 36 credits each), 3 second year courses (48 credits each) and 2 third year courses (72 credits each).

Regardless of the stream you choose for second and third year in the Biological Sciences Programme, you must register for Introductory Life Sciences, Chemistry, and Auxiliary Mathematics in your first year. Other course options include Complementary Life Sciences, Physics Auxiliary, Psychology, Geography, Archaeology, and Philosophy. Course pre-requisites and sub-minima for the second and third year of the BSc Biological Science degrees differ according to the School which offer these courses and more information can be found on the website of these Schools.

The course entries for the different streams provide more information about the application process and closing dates: