Overview
Molecular biotechnology involves the use of in vitro genetic manipulation and recombinant DNA methods to genetically alter plants, animals and microbes for commercial gain. Molecular biotechnologists aim to correct, modify, enhance or exploit specific genetic traits in their target organisms for a wide range of practical purposes. This includes improving food production, managing diseases, conservation and bioremediation. Biotechnology will play a pivotal role in the future of the medical, agricultural, veterinary and ecological sciences.
Undergraduate training includes exposure to aspects of biochemistry, genetics and microbiology, in addition to the other subjects of a student’s choice. Students are encouraged to decide on their postgraduate research direction during the course of their undergraduate studies and to choose their electives accordingly.
Graduates acquire skills in numeracy, analytical and critical thinking, as well as creativity in problem solving and data handling, all of which equips them for success in both scientific and non- scientific careers.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Biotechnology programme from University of Pretoria mostly find work as laboratory-based researchers or bio-entrepreneurs using medical, animal, plant or microbe-based technologies to develop products and services. If students combine biotechnology with additional qualifications such as law, they will be equipped for success in careers such as patent law, pharmaceutical sales and marketing, project management, computer programming (natural computation) and science journalism. Please note that the level of training and qualification plays an important role in determining what type of work a qualified biotechnologist can become involved in.
Get more details
Visit official programme websiteProgramme Structure
Courses include:
- Biometry
- Plant biology
- General chemistry
- Introductory genetics
- Introduction to microbiology
- Molecular and cell biology
- Physics for biology students
- Mathematics
Key information
Duration
- Full-time
- 36 months
Start dates & application deadlines
- Starting
- Apply before
-
- StartingApplication deadline not specified.
Application period starts on the 1st of May and ends on 31st of August
Language
Credits
Delivered
Disciplines
Biotechnology Biochemistry Genetics View 4 other Masters in Biotechnology in South AfricaAcademic requirements
We are not aware of any academic requirements for this programme.
English requirements
Other requirements
General requirements
- The following persons will be considered for admission: a candidate who is in possession of a certificate that is deemed by the University to be equivalent to the required Grade 12 certificate with university endorsement, a candidate who is a graduate from another tertiary institution or has been granted the status of a graduate of such an institution, and a candidate who is a graduate of another faculty at the University of Pretoria.
- Life Orientation is excluded in the calculation of the Admission Point Score (APS).
- Grade 11 results are used for the conditional admission of prospective students. Final admission is based on the Grade 12 results.
Tuition Fee
-
International
2364 EUR/yearTuition FeeBased on the original amount of 2364 EUR per year and a duration of 36 months. -
National
2364 EUR/yearTuition FeeBased on the original amount of 2364 EUR per year and a duration of 36 months.
R47 000 – 55 000
Funding
Studyportals Tip: Students can search online for independent or external scholarships that can help fund their studies. Check the scholarships to see whether you are eligible to apply. Many scholarships are either merit-based or needs-based.
Due for update
Updated over a year ago
Check the official programme website for potential updates.