AgriSciences
The Department of Genetics has a proud history which can be traced back to 1898, when the Stellenbosch College of Agriculture was founded, but officially it originated in 1925 from the Department of Agricultural Botany. Today the Department represents an interdisciplinary group of researchers and postgraduate students who focus on research in plant, animal and human genetics. Its mission is to cultivate an environment in which Genetics, as core science, may serve as basis for the creative development of human resources to benefit the individual, broader society, as well as the environment.
But, what is Genetics? It is the study of how biological information is stored, transmitted, translated and expressed. It thus forms a central pillar of biology and overlaps with many fields such as agriculture, medicine and biotechnology. In Genetics you will learn of genes, heredity, and genetic variation in living organisms. This means that we can understand and predict the physiological behaviour of a living organism such as a plant, animal or human.
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For which degree do I enrol for if I want to study Genetics, and for how many years do I need to study?
You have two main options, either you enrol for a BSc degree in the Science Faculty, or you enrol for a BScAgric degree in the Agrisciences Faculty. If you enrol for a BSc degree you can either do BSc (Molecular Biology and Biotechnology) or BSc (Human Life Sciences with Biology), and if you enrol for a BScAgric degree you can either do BScAgric (Crop Production) or BScAgric (Animal Production). A BSc degree is done in three years with the option of a fourth year (for BScHonours). A BScAgric degree is completed in four years.
What are the admission requirements to study Genetics?
The following table offers a summary of the admission requirements for the BSc and BScAgric degrees.
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IFakhalthi yeSayensi |
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BSc (Molecular Biology and Biotechnology)
BSc (Human Life Sciences with Biology) |
An average final mark of 65%, excluding Life Orientation. Afrikaans or English (Home Language or First Additional Language) 4 (50%) Physical Sciences 4 (50%) Mathematics 5 (60%) If you want to register for Mathematics 114, 144 and Physics 114, 144 you need a 6 (70%) for Mathematics. |
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IFakhalthi ye-AgriSciences |
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BScAgric (Crop Production)
BScAgric (Animal Production) |
An average final mark of 60%, excluding Life Orientation. Afrikaans or English (Home Language or First Additional Language) 4 (50%) Physical Sciences 4 (50%) Mathematics 5 (60% |
What career opportunities do I have after studying Genetics?
As a scientist trained in Genetics, you will be able to fill vacancies at research institutions, hospitals, wildlife parks and zoos, as well biotechnology and pharmaceutical enterprises.
What is the Institute for Plant Biotechnology?
The Institute for Plant Biotechnology (IPB), which forms part of the Genetics Department, is a diverse and multi-cultural postgraduate research environment focused on high quality and inter-disciplinary research, offering postgraduate degrees at all levels of tertiary study in biotechnology.
Who can I contact if I want more information about studying Genetics at Stellenbosch University?
You can contact the Genetics Department chair, Mr Willem Botes, at wcb@sun.ac.za
You can also contact the manager of the Department of Genetics, Ms Thanja Allison, at mja@sun.ac.za
