Biochemistry and Cell Biology
Study life forms and their functions at the molecular level.
Overview
Bachelor of Science in the field of Biological Sciences
Majors: Biochemistry and Cell Biology
Biochemistry embraces the fascinating worlds of Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Genetic Engineering, Immuno-Technology, Advanced Cell Biology, and Enzymology.
In Biochemistry and Cell Biology, you will study all living organisms (microbes, parasites, plants, insects, animals, and humans) at the molecular level. You will investigate the structure and biological functions of enzymes, carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and nucleic acids.
You will use computational biology to visualise these molecules in three dimensions and you will apply your knowledge to drug design. You will also learn how these molecules function in cells, how they orchestrate our immune systems and how vaccines are developed.
To find out more about the Biological Sciences Programme at Wits, visit the Biological Sciences website
Career Opportunities
- Analytical Biochemistry
- Biomedical Scientist
- Clinical Biochemistry
- Forensic Scientist
- Healthcare Scientist
- Industrial Enzymology
- Life Science Research Scientist
- Nanotechnologist
- Personalised Medicines
- Protein Biotechnology
Curriculum
First year
Introductory Life Sciences
AND
Chemistry
AND
Auxiliary Mathematics
AND
Any other Level I course
Second year
Molecular and Cell Biology IIA: Molecular Processes
AND
Molecular and Cell Biology IIB: Cells and Organisms
AND
Molecular and Cell Biology IIC: Applications (for double-MCB major students)
OR
Any other Level II course
Third year
Biochemistry and Cell Biology
AND
Any other Level III major
Entry Requirements
APS 43+
English Home Language OR First Additional Language Level 5
Mathematics Level 5
Wait-listing
Applicants with 41-42 points may be wait-listed, subject to place availability.
International Applicants
For specific international entry requirements, click here to view the full guidelines
National Benchmark Test
All applicants to the Faculty of Science are required to write the National Benchmark Test by 31 October 2026.
There are two tests: The Academic and Quantitative Literacy Test and the Mathematics Test. Both tests must be written in one session. Your test results are used in addition to your Grade 12 results to identify students who may need additional support during the course of their studies.
You can register for the NBT before you submit your application to Wits. DO NOT wait for an official notification from Wits to register for and write the tests, as you may miss the end of September deadline. For test dates, registration dates and available venues, please refer to the NBT website www.nbt.ac.za
University Application Process
- The 足球竞彩app排名 Enrolment Centre at Wits handles all student applications.
- Please click here for an overview of the application process.
- Check the admission requirements for your degree. Check if any additional selection requirements apply.
- Submit your application, required documentation and application fee before the closing date.
- Once you have applied, an Admissions Consultant will be assigned to your application.
- Applicants can monitor the progress of their application/s via the Self Service Portal.
- Part-time students are not eligible for NSFAS funding, University Entrance Scholarships, or campus residence placement.
- If you are an international applicant and/or hold a foreign qualification, please click here.
Compliance with the minimum requirements does not guarantee a place at the University. The University has a specific number of places for first year undergraduates, approved by the Department of Higher Education and Training. Final selection is made subject to the availability of places, academic results and other entry requirements where applicable.
University Fees and Funding
Click here to see the current average tuition fees for the first year of study. The Fees website also provides information about the payment of fees and closing dates for fees payments. Once you have applied you will be able to access the fees estimator on the student self-service portal.
The Financial Aid and Scholarships Office provides information on student funding and scholarships. University-funded Scholarships include Vice-Chancellor's Scholarships, University Entrance Scholarships, Equality Scholarships, Sports Scholarships and National Olympiad winner awards. For information about NSFAS funding, please visit the NSFAS website. External bursaries portal: The Bursaries South Africa website provides a comprehensive list of bursaries in South Africa.