Biochemistry FAQ

Question: What are the Requirements for Admission to the Faulty of Science and Biochemistry?

Answer:

Applicants who matriculated from the end of 2008 onwards:

• Grade 12 Language of Teaching and Learning: 4
• Grade 12 Other recognised language: 4
• Grade 12 Mathematics: 4 (5 if Chemistry will be taken as a major subject)
• Grade 12 Life Orientation: 4
• Grade 12 Physical Sciences: 4 (5 if Chemistry will be taken as a major subject)
• Applicants who matriculated before 2008:
• Certificate of full university admission issued by the SA Matriculation Board
• Grade 12 First Language HG at least 50% (D-symbol)
• Grade 12 Second Language HG at least 60% (C-symbol)
• Grade 12 Mathematics HG at least 50% (D-symbol)
• Grade 12 Physical Science HG at least 50% (D-symbol)
• M-score of at least 16 points

Question: What Possible Combinations can be taken with Biochemistry?

Answer:

• Botany
• Chemistry
• Psychology
• Zoology
• Human Physiology
• Courses for which Biochemistry is compulsory:
• BSc Sports Science
• BSc Aquatic Health

Question: What Qualification do I need for Various Careers in Biochemistry?

Answer:

• BSc: Lab Technician/Technologist, Sales Representative, Product Specialist
• BSc + diploma: Science Teacher, PR person, Information Librarian, Science reporter
• BSc Hons: Researcher, Lecturer (Technikon), Science manager
• MSc: Researcher, Lecturer (Technikon or University)
• PhD: Divisional heads in Industry, Divisional head in Research Institutes, Directors, Senior Lecturers/Professors

Question: What are the career opportunities in Biochemistry?

Answer:

Public Sector

• Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
• Medical Research Council (MRC)
• Agricultural Research Council (ARC)
• South African Institute for Medical Research (S.A.I.M.R.)
• National Departments of Agriculture, Water and Health
• National Institute for Immunology
• Statuary Bodies such as SA Bureau of Standards
• Water Boards (Rand Water)
• Blood Transfusion Services

Private Sector

• AECI
• SAB
• Nestle
• SASOL
• J & J
• Adcock Ingram
• NCD
• Highveld Biological
• Merck
• Lancet Laboratories
• Du Buisson
• Proud