Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry

Biochemistry

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Microbiology

The Department offers both undergraduate and postgraduate education in two distinct but related scientific fields: Biochemistry and Microbiology. This structure allows students to specialise in either discipline while also providing training in a combined department that bridges the fields.

Biochemistry: Studies the chemical processes and substances within living organisms, from small molecules to large ones like proteins and nucleic acids.

Microbiology: Focuses on the study of microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protists, and their interactions with other living organisms.

Combined Approach: Having both disciplines within one department allows for an integrated approach to research and training, especially in fields where the two are interconnected, and finds application in the following areas:

Depending on the level of their qualification, graduates can pursue careers as salespeople, analysts, technicians, researchers, academics, and entrepreneurs in research and development for the production and analysis of vaccines and drugs, as well as diagnostic tests for use in human, animal, and plant health, whether in industry, academia, or research institutes. Laboratory and production assistants and managers working in quality and pollution control in the food, medical, and chemical sectors (e.g., breweries, meat, dairy, and grain industries, vaccine, drug, chemicals, and paper manufacturing, as well as water purification).

Undergraduate studies

Bachelor of Science majoring in:
  • Biochemistry or Microbiology and one of the following:
    • Biochemistry
    • Botany
    • Chemistry
    • Entomology
    • Genetics
    • Microbiology
    • Statistics
    • Zoology
  • Biochemistry and Physiology
UFS online application

Postgraduate Studies

Bachelor of Science Honours majoring in:
  • Biochemistry
  • Microbiology

Admission requirements for a Honours Degree:

  • At least 64 credits in Biochemistry / Microbiology at third year (NQF7) level. An average of 65% in undergraduate Biochemistry / Microbiology modules.

UFS online application

Applications close: 30 September 2025

Master of Science or Doctor of Philosophy majoring in:
  • Biochemistry
  • Microbial Biotechnology
  • Microbiology
Note that both a departmental application for selection (postgraduate MSc or PhD) and a UFS online application are required.

Postdoctoral Research Fellowships

  • Identify your Research Group of Interest
  • Contact the Group/Principal Investigator (PI)

    Academic Head of Department

    Prof Koos Albertyn
    +27 51 401 2396
    AlbertynJ@ufs.ac.za

    Programme Director (Biochemistry and Microbiology)

    Dr Frans O'Neill
    +27 51 401 7553
    OneillFH@ufs.ac.za

    Programme Director (Postgraduate)

    Prof Trudi O'Neill
    +27 51 401 2122
    OneillHG@ufs.ac.za




    BLOEMFONTEIN CAMPUS FACULTY CONTACT

    Elfrieda van den Berg (Marketing Manager)
    T: +27 51 401 2531
    E:vdberge@ufs.ac.za

    QWAQWA CAMPUS FACULTY CONTACT

    Dilahlwane Mohono (Faculty Officer)
    T: +27 58 718 5284
    E:naturalscienceqq@ufs.ac.za

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