Programme: BScHons (Microbiology)

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Code Faculty Department
02240601 Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences Department: Genetics
Credits Duration NQF level
Minimum duration of study: 1 year Total credits: 135 NQF level:  08

Admission requirements

  1. Relevant BSc degree
  2. A weighted average of at least 60% in Microbiology at final-year level
  3. Genetic Manipulation of Microbes (or equivalent) passed at final-year level

Note: Additional modules may be required in order to reach the desired level of competency

Minimum credits: 135

Additional information:
Suitably qualified candidates may also apply for the interdepartmental BScHons Biotechnology (Code 02240393) with a registration in the Division of Microbiology. For more information, please refer to the programme information for the BScHons Biotechnology.

Core modules

  • 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.

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  • Module content:

    Students are guided to collect relevant literature from disparate papers in the broader field of Microbiology and to condense and collate this into a written seminar, which is also presented verbally.

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  • Module content:

    Discussions and essays focusing on recent advances in the field of Microbiology, as well as contextualising these developments within the broader framework of the biosciences and its role in the workplace and modern society. Ethnical and philosophical issues in the broader field of Microbiology are also addressed.

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  • 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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  • 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 and Soil Sciences.

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