BSc Microbiology and Biotechnology at University of the Witwatersrand

Programme overview

Study microbe groups, their morphology, metabolism, genetics, and taxonomy. Bachelor of Science in the field of Biological Sciences Majors: Microbiology and Biotechnology 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.

Faculty: Science | Department: Molecular and Cell Biology | Duration: 3 years | Study mode: full-time | Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

What you will study

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

Career pathways

• 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

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Minimum APS: 43. 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. International Applicants National Benchmark Test All applicants to the Faculty of Science are required to write the National Benchmark Test by 31 October 2026. There are two tests: The Academic and Quantitative Literacy Test and the Mathematics Test. Both tests must be written in one session. 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. 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, as you may miss the end of September deadline. For test dates, registration dates and available venues, please r

Tuition is charged per module, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Postgraduate applications are made online at www.wits.ac.za/applications; the closing date for each programme is listed in its course finder entry. The application fee is R200 (not payable by current Wits students applying online), paid via the Self-Service Portal or by EFT to the Wits University Application Fees account at FNB.

Apply through the official page: https://www.wits.ac.za/applications

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