Science University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg

Overview

Key facts

BSc General

The Bachelor of Science offered at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg is a flexible degree programme, that allows you to design your own curriculum.

If you are interested in a more specialised BSc degree, you may choose from one of the fields below. These degrees have different entry requirements. 

BSc Biological Sciences

Biology involves the study of living organisms, from understanding genes to managing ecosystems. This includes the biochemistry of molecules, such as DNA, RNA, and proteins; the physiological functions of cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems; the influence of evolutionary relationships on biological problems; and aquatic and terrestrial ecology.

Biological Sciences fall into two main streams: the School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, and the School of Molecular and Cell Biology.

BSc Earth Sciences

Earth Sciences study the earth’s processes, atmosphere, and organisms. Specialist fields include the exploration for, and mining of, minerals; weather and earthquake prediction; the evolution of species; and the state of our natural environment and how to best manage it. Earth Sciences courses are taught through the Schools of Geosciences and Geography, Archaeology, and Environmental Studies.

BSc Mathematical Sciences

Wits has three ‘Mathematical Sciences’ schools, including the School of Mathematics, the School of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics, and the School of Statistics and Actuarial Science.

Know the difference

• Pure Mathematics is a developing science.
• Computer Science covers hardware and software, in all their applications.
• Applied Mathematics has applications in banking, finance, and industry.
• Statistics and Actuarial Science are important in business and governmental planning, insurance, finance, banking, and investments.

BSc Physical Sciences

Physical Sciences include nuclear, particle, solid and liquid state physics, as well as electricity, electronics, magnetism, optics, acoustics, heat, and thermodynamics. This area also covers the composition of matter (gas, liquid or solid) and the changes that take place under certain conditions. Physical Sciences are taught by the Schools of Chemistry and Physics.

Career Opportunities

The BSc degree is primarily a stepping stone to further study. An additional year of study could lead to a teaching qualification or a more specialised Honours qualification. Because the Faculty actively encourages research, many students go on to study for Master of Science and Doctoral degrees. Career opportunities for Science graduates are many and varied.