Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences (Biochemistry and Microbiology Stream) at UNISA

The Bachelor of Life Sciences is a generalist degree that brings together the biological, environmental, and medical sciences to answer fundamental questions.

This program also provides a pathway to postgraduate study, especially in the health and medical fields.

The major difference between microbiology and biochemistry is that biochemistry involves the study of the macromolecules that make up an organism, while microbiology studies the organism as a whole. Microbiology studies the way an entire organism, such as a virus, lives and infects its host.

Qualification stream:Biochemistry and Microbiology
Qualification code:98053 – BAM
NQF level:7
Total credits:360
SAQA ID:101234
APS/AS:20
Maximum time to complete this qualification: 8 years

Qualification admission requirements

Your admission to Unisa is dependent on you meeting the specific admission requirements for your chosen qualification.

A National Senior Certificate (NSC) (Degree endorsement) or equivalent with at least 50% in the language of teaching and learning, 50% in Mathematics or Technical Mathematics and 50% in Physical Science or Technical Science, if any Physics or Chemistry modules form part of the curriculum of a selected qualification,
or
a Senior Certificate (SC) with matriculation exemption or qualify for the exemption from the Matriculation Board with at least a D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in the language of teaching and learning, and with at least a D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in Mathematics, and a D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in Physical Science, if any Physics or Chemistry modules form part of the curriculum of a selected qualification,
or
an appropriate Higher Certificate that satisfies the Mathematics and Physical Science requirements.
Applicants who do not comply with the above requirements should consider enrolling for a lower level qualification for which they meet the statutory and additional requirements.

Student fees and funding your studies

Application fee

Pay the application fee once you’ve received your student number:

R120 for online applications

Use the student number you receive from Unisa AND the application fee reference number (ie STUDENT NUMBER 5370810030)

Send the proof of payment to susdepid@unisa.ac.za

Visit www.unisa.ac.za/paymentinfo for banking details and payment information.

Please note that this application fee is non-refundable even if you decide not to study through Unisa, do not qualify for admission to Unisa or cannot be offered a space due to limited spaces available.

Student fees

Click here to find out more about Unisa’s student fees, and the bursaries and loans for Unisa students.

Apply for admission

Applications for admission to Unisa’s undergraduate qualifications (higher certificates, advanced certificates, diplomas, advanced diplomas & degrees) will be open from 11 August to 15 October 2022.

Please take note of the following:

All applications for admission must be submitted online. No self-help stations will be available for applications.

Admission to a qualification is not automatic. It will depend on whether you comply with the admission requirements and if space is available.

Additional support for this qualification via TVET colleges

Unisa has an agreement with various Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges to offer classes in a selected number of qualifications. These classes have proved to generally improve the throughput rate of students who enroll for them.

Take note of the following:

Make sure that your TVET college of choice offers support in your qualification. 

Apply for admission during Unisa’s application period via your TVET college or via Unisa.

Registration

Unisa will send the necessary information about registration dates and the registration process to all successful applicants who have confirmed their acceptance of Unisa’s offer. Visit www.Unisa.ac.za/register for registration information.

What jobs can I get with a life science degree?

Geneticist.

Health & Safety Advisor.

Health Care Administrator.

Horticulturist.

Laboratory Technician.

Marine Bacteriologist.

Marine Biologist.

Marine Ecologist.

What can I do with a biochemistry degree in South Africa?

Biochemistry degrees

Biochemistry is usually split into three branches of Science: Molecular Genetics, Protein Science, and Metabolism. After graduation, Biochemistry students can find jobs as toxicologists, forensic or analytical scientists, clinical research associates, clinical biochemists, and more.

How much is a biochemist paid in South Africa?

R18,797 (ZAR)/yr.