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Bachelor of Science Honours in Molecular Biology

Honours degree
ID:
0584_100_G103

The Bachelor of Science Honours in Molecular Biology will equip you with both a theoretical and practical background in the basic concepts of molecular biology. The programme consists of lecture attendance, participation in discussion of academic journals, writing a grant proposal, participation in a six-month research project, a research report, a research presentation, and written mid-year and end-of-year examinations.

Contact information
Dr Jennifer Jackson
Pogramme coordinator
+27 21 938 9467

Programme overview

Duration
One year
Campus
Tygerberg
Type
Coursework

More information

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When applying

When applying for a postgraduate programme, some may require you to upload additional supporting documents beyond completing the standard application form online. Where such documents are required, more information will appear under the section below titled “Supporting Application Documents.”

Please note that selection for postgraduate programmes is highly competitive. Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission to the programme.

Minimum admission requirements

Specific admission requirements
• An average final mark of more than 60% in one of the following qualifications from a recognised tertiary training institution:
o a bachelor’s degree with Biochemistry, Genetics, Microbiology or Biotechnology at third-year level; or
o an MBChB or BChD degree.
• You may be admitted with an average final mark of less than 60% for the BSc at third-year level based on:
o an adequate motivation and/or
o successful completion of additional work, and
o proof of competence.

Supporting application documents

Letter of motivation
One-page document explaining what factors are motivating you to apply for the specific programme(s) and describing what makes you a suitable candidate.

Document placeholder name on application portal:
Motivational letter / Essay

Programme structure

Programme content
Molecular Biology Theory 715(45)
Molecular Biology Project 775(75)

Assessment and examination
• You must pass both modules with a minimum of 50% to earn the applicable credits.
• If you do not pass the theory module with a minimum of 50% after the second opportunity, you will not be permitted to continue with the research project.
• Assessment opportunities include:
o written examinations and a review article for the theory module; and
o a research report, research presentation, supervisor's report and written examination for the project module.
• The calculation of the final mark is subject to the provisions in the chapter “Assessments and promotions” in Part 1 (General Rules) of the Yearbook.

Last updated 01 April 2026
Disclaimer:
The University reserves the right to amend the information on this webpage at any time. While every effort is made to ensure that the information provided is accurate and complete, it may be subject to change or become outdated. It remains the responsibility of prospective students to verify all details against the relevant faculty yearbook or directly with the relevant department.

Application dates

South African students
Applications open:
1-Apr 2026
Applications close:
30-Sep 2026

International students
Applications open:
1-Apr 2026
Applications close:
31-Aug 2026