Bachelor of Science Honours in Infectious Disease Pathology and Immunology
The Bachelor of Science Honours in Infectious Disease Pathology and Immunology forms part of continued efforts to create a learning culture for students and researchers capable of making a significant contribution to the field of infectious disease pathology and immunology. The programme offers practical research experience, focusing specifically on research relevant to Africa.
Contact information
Programme overview
More information
When applying
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
• A recently obtained BSc or other science degree (NQF level 7) with majors in Microbiology, Biochemistry, Genetics or a similar field of study.
• A pass mark of 60% or higher in the final semester/year.
• Stellenbosch University-registered MBChB students who have successfully completed MBChB III, as well as the two required supplementary courses presented parallel to MBChB II and III and which form part of the Intercalated BSc (Hons)/MBChB track (refer to section 9.1. Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) in the Yearbook for the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (Part 12).
Supporting application documents
Curriculum vitae (CV)
A document that outlines your educational level, employment history, description of work experience, especially that is relevant to your application to study and contact details of three referees.
Document placeholder name on application portal:
Curriculum vitae (CV)
Programme structure
Programme content
Theory of Medical Virology 771(60)
Practical Research Project (Medical Virology) 772(60)
Assessment of the theoretical module is done by means of:
• assignments (10% of the final module mark);
• five block tests (40% of the final module mark);
• a final examination (2 papers) (40% of the final module mark)
• an oral examination (10% of the final mark) and;
• you must obtain a subminimum of 45% in each assessment to pass the module.
The practical research module is assessed by means of:
• the research portfolio and project workbooks (10% of the final module mark);
• seminars (20% of the final module mark); and
• a research assignment (70% of the final module mark).
Your final programme mark is calculated using the weighted aggregate of the theoretical and practical research modules.
You must obtain a subminimum of 50% for both modules to pass the degree. To pass the programme with distinction you must obtain a mark of 75%.
If you are enrolled in the HonsBSc (Medical Virology) or HonsBSc (Medical Microbiology) degrees in 2026 and have to repeat a module in 2027, you will automatically be receiving the HonsBSc (Infectious Disease Pathology and Immunology) degree upon successful completion in 2027.
Academic Exclusion
If you fail both modules, or achieve < 45% in any of the modules, automatic exclusion will apply.
If you pass one module and achieve 45-49% in the other, you will be allowed to repeat the failed module in the subsequent year. A module may only be repeated once, before automatic exclusion will apply.