University of the Witwatersrand
Bachelor of Science with Honours in Microbiology and Biotechnology
The Bachelor of Science with Honours in Microbiology and Biotechnology in Biology is offered by University of the Witwatersrand.
Program Length: 1 YEAR.
Bachelor of Science with Honours in Microbiology and Biotechnology offered by the University of the Witwatersrand
The Bachelor of Science with Honours in the field of Microbiology and Biotechnology (BScHons) is a 1 year full-time degree.
Why study Microbiology and Biotechnology?
All life as we know it is dependent on microbes. The field of microbiology aims to expand our current understanding of not only individual microorganisms but also the impact they have on humankind as a whole. This new found knowledge can be applied across a variety fields including agriculture, biotechnology and medicine, thereby addressing many of our global challenges benefitting both humankind and our environment.This course:
- Exposes students to theoretical and analytical aspects theoretical and research topics in the field of microbiology and biotechnology.
- Encourages and guides students to critically examine these topics and develop an appreciation of the integrative nature of biology, especially in its applications through biotechnology, disease biology and metagenomics.
- Exposes students to the range of experimental and analytical techniques fundamental to research at the molecular and cellular level.
- Grounds students in the research process, from conceptualization and design of the project to its execution and dissemination and discussion of its findings.
- Assists students to become independent researchers and develop professional attitudes and skills.
Description of the Discipline
Why study Microbiology and Biotechnology at Wits?
- Begomoviruses and whitefly vectors: evolution and epidemiology
- Genomics of host response to begomovirus infection Genetic transformation and regeneration of cassava Biology of mycorrhizas and fungal parasites of plants Microbial production processes
- Industrial enzyme engineering
- iGEM competition
- Synthetic biology
- Biofuels: renewable, sustainable and environmentally friendly energy alternatives
- Agricultural microbiology and the development of eco-friendly microbial insecticides
The School of Molecular and Cell Biology is unique in that it offers excellence in teaching and research at the post-graduate level in the diverse areas of: protein biochemistry, cell and developmental biology, food and industrial microbiology, immunology, microbial biological control, insect pathology, molecular genetics, the biology of mycorrhizas, plant pathology, plant genetic engineering, applied bioinformatics and it contains the Protein Structure and Function Research Unit.
