| Code | Faculty |
|---|---|
| 02240393 | Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences |
| Credits | Duration |
|---|---|
| Minimum duration of study: 1 year | Total credits: 135 |
BScHons (Biotechnology) is a unique interdepartmental programme aimed at enabling students to pursue their interest in molecular biotechnology through relevant research areas offered within fields of biochemistry, plant science, microbiology and plant pathology, plant production, as well as genetics. Students within this programme will be registered and will conduct their studies within the department of their choice. A student’s choice of research programme will determine which of the respective departments will mentor their honours degree programme.
Renewal of registration
In calculating marks, General Regulation G.12.2 applies.
Apart from the prescribed coursework, a research project is an integral part of the study.
BSc in Biotechnology or equivalent degree with GTS 351, BCM 356 and MBY 364; an average pass mark of 60% or more at final-year level or permission by the head of department. Preference will be given to applicants with the highest final grade point averages for their preceding degree and qualifying applicants may be subjected to an entrance evaluation examination. Admission is furthermore contingent on the availability of supervisors and/or research projects within the participating departments.
Minimum credits: 135
Minimum credits: 135
Fundamental credit: 16
Core credits: 30
Elective credits: 105
Other programme-specific information:
Module content:
Introduction to the principles and realities of working in the field of biotechnology. Discussions on various aspects, including entrepreneurship; intellectual property; patent rights; financial management; grant applications and product marketing. The module will be assessed by way of a simulated grant application for the development of a hypothetical biotechnological venture.
Module content:
Principles and applications of recombinant DNA, and other novel molecular and genomics technologies, to address questions in the biological sciences and/or biotechnology. Strong emphasis is placed on the principles of research planning, including identifying suitable research objectives, formulating a research strategy and understanding the relevance and feasibility of research. The module is assessed by means of a research project proposal, conceived and formulated by each student. The proposal must focus on the use of molecular technologies in addressing realistic questions in biology and/or biotechnology. There is also an oral defense of the project proposal.
This module is jointly presented in the departments of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology and Plant Pathology.
Module content:
Students are guided through the methodology of research planning and data handling, as well as science communication skills. They are offered hands-on experience in a range of advanced techniques employed in biochemistry, molecular technologies and biochemical analysis. Scientific writing and presentation skills required for research in biochemistry, are also addressed. Ethical and philosophical issues in the broader field of the Cellular and Molecular Sciences are also addressed. Several of these aspects will be presented collaboratively by the Department of Genetics and the Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology.
Module content:
Students are guided through the methodology of research planning and data handling. They are offered hands-on experience in a range of advanced techniques employed in molecular research and analysis.
Module content:
A mini-dissertation with well-defined limits is undertaken under the guidance of a supervisor. The students are allowed to choose from a number of projects from the different research programmes in the department. The module also has a strong theoretical component since emphasis is placed on writing and presenting a comprehensive literature review and project proposal. Additional technical and analytical training is provided. The project is concluded with a final report, presented in the format of a short manuscript, as well as a poster and an oral presentation.
Module content:
Students are guided through the methodology of research planning and data handling. They are offered hands-on experience in a range of advanced techniques employed in molecular research and analysis. Scientific writing and presentation skills, required for research in genetics, are also addressed.
Module content:
The module provides students with planning, data handling, writing, and presentation skills required for microbiological research. In addition, students are provided with hands-on experience in the advanced techniques utilised in research and analysis. Ethnical and philosophical issues in the broader field of Microbiology and Plant Pathology are also addressed.
Module content:
The module includes both practical and theoretical components. In addition to an individual research project with well-defined limits that is undertaken under the guidance of a lecturer, the module also acquaint the student with the theoretical aspects relevant to a specific research topic. The research project is thus preceded by the presentation of an in-depth review of the relevant literature, and the project is concluded with a progress report, presented in the format of a short publication and an oral presentation.
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