Biochemistry and Cell Biology

The Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Cell Biology (BSc) is a 3 year full-time degree. The strength of the programme lies in the comprehensive introduction to the convergence of modern molecular advances, and their application to the broad fields of medicine, agriculture and biotechnology.

All living organisms (microbes, parasites, plants, insects, animals and humans) are studied at the molecular level in this course. We investigate the structure and biological functions of enzymes, carbohydrates, fats, proteins and nucleic acids.

First Year

BIOL 1000 Introductory Life Sciences (ILS)

• Introductory Molecualr and Cellular Biology
• Growth and Development
• Structure and Function

BIOL1006 Complementary life Sciences I (CLS)

• Life in its Diversity
• Molecular and Cellular Biology
• Principles and Applications of Microbiology

Second Year

• MCBG2031   MOLECULAR AND CELL BIOLOGY IIA: SCIENTIFIC PRACTICE
• MCBG2032   MOLECULAR AND CELL BIOLOGY IIB: CONCEPTS
• MCBG2033 MOLECULAR AND CELL BIOLOGY IIC: APPLICATIONS

Third Year

The third year courses in the School of MCB build on the foundation set by the second year courses. For all third year courses, the second year courses within the same core fields or thrusts are a pre-requisite. A student must pass a course at the second and third year level to major in that area of study. For example, to obtain a degree in Molecular and Cell Biology in the field of Microbiology and Biotechnology a student must pass Molecular and Cell Biology IIA: Scientific Practice MCBG 2031, Molecular and Cell Biology IIB: Concepts MCBG 2032 and the appropriate short courses from Molecular and Cell Biology IIC: Applications MCBG 2033. Due to the short course system within the School of Biology, a student may customise his/her third year course for personal preference and current market demand. Depending on the pre-requisites for a particular third year short course, a student may be able to register for a third year short course only.

Summary of third year MCB courses and short courses

The composition of the third year courses offered in the School of MCB are summarised in the table below. Each of the courses, as reflected by their names, is part of one of the core fields or thrusts in the School of MCB. These courses build on the foundation set by the second year courses in the same core fields or thrusts.

Summary of the short course composition of third year courses (see footnote below)

Footnote: (1) The point values of each short course is indicated in brackets behind the short course name, as is its compulsory/optional status: O = optional and C = compulsory.

• Applications to Wits must enclose a non-refundable application fee of R100 (for international applicants, R700).
• Submit your Grade 11 report which must be signed and stamped by your school principal.
• If you have already matriculated, attach a copy of your matric certificate.
• A pass in the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) with a score of at least 7.0.