Program Overview

BSc in Biotechnology

Programme Information

The interdepartmental Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology programme places particular emphasis on molecular biology and is aimed at empowering students to pursue their interest in biotechnology. Undergraduate training includes exposure to aspects of biochemistry, genetics, and microbiology, in addition to the other subjects chosen by the student.

At the undergraduate level, students are provided with a thorough background in the principles of genetics, as well as the application of those principles in fields as diverse as genomics, plant and animal biotechnology, diagnostics and risk determination, bioethics, conservation ecology and population, and behavioural and evolutionary studies.

Graduates acquire skills in analytical and critical thinking, as well as creativity in problem-solving and data handling, all of which equips them for success in both scientific and non-scientific careers.

Individuals seeking to enrol in programmes such as Biotechnology should be innovative and creative thinkers with curious minds who exhibit inquiry-driven tenacity, display a passion for life-science-related topics, and have a fair understanding of mathematics.

Career Opportunities

Graduates mostly find work as laboratory-based researchers or bio-entrepreneurs using medical, animal, plant, or microbe-based technologies to develop products and services. If students combine biotechnology with additional qualifications such as law, they will be equipped for success in careers such as patent law, pharmaceutical sales and marketing, project management, computer programming (natural computation), and science journalism. Please note that the level of training and qualification plays an important role in determining the type of work a qualified biotechnologist can pursue.

Faculty Notes

All modules will only be presented in English, which is the University's official language of tuition, communication, and correspondence.

The Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences is home to more than 6,500 undergraduate and postgraduate students. The Faculty presents degrees in fields ranging from the proverbial A to Z from actuaries to zoologists, and consists of 13 departments.

All degree programmes are designed to develop problem-solving individuals who can easily adapt to changing circumstances and take the lead in their chosen fields of specialisation. The qualifications awarded are of world-class and provide access to a multitude of career opportunities for dynamic and creative people.

Admission Requirements

• Achievement level
  • English Home Language or English First Additional Language: 5
  • Mathematics: 5
  • Physical Sciences: 5
  • APS: 32
• Life Orientation is excluded when calculating the APS.
• Applicants currently in Grade 12 must apply with their final Grade 11 (or equivalent) results.
• Applicants who have completed Grade 12 must apply with their final NSC or equivalent qualification results.
• Please note that meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee admission.

Minimum Duration

3 years, full-time

Closing Dates

• South Africa: 30/06/2025
• International: 30/06/2025

Programme Code

Not specified

Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences

The Faculty strives to continuously improve its high-impact research and significantly address the national shortage of PhD graduates that respond to global and local challenges.