The Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry is responsible for undergraduate teaching and postgraduate training in two disciplines, namely Biochemistry and Microbiology.
Academic Staff
Research conducted in the Department finds application in the following areas:
Undergraduate teaching and particularly postgraduate training in these research areas equip students for employment in the plant, animal, or human health sectors or in the food, chemical or mining industries.
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
Postgraduate Studies
Bachelor of Science Honours majoring in:
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
Please contact the relevant Research group of interest to enquire about possible positions.