How to Become A Biotechnologist South Africa

A biotechnologist uses biological organisms to create and improve products and processes.

Education & Training to Become a Biotechnologist in South Africa

To become a biotechnologist you usually have to complete a degree in biotechnology or a degree in science with a major in one of the life sciences.

You can also become a biotechnologist by completing a degree in chemical engineering with a major in any type of biological engineering.

To get into these courses you usually need to gain your Senior Secondary Certificate of Education.

Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English, mathematics, chemistry, biology, earth and environmental science, and physics are normally required.

Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study. Contact the institutions you are interested in for more information.

Personal requirements to Become A Biotechnologist inSouth Africa

Enthusiasm and aptitude for science and research

Able to think logically and analytically

Able to carry out detailed and accurate work

Good communication skills

Able to solve problems and think creatively

Able to work independently or as part of a team

Able to grasp the ethics of scientific research involving humans

The following institutions are highly recommended for studies in Biotechnology:

University of Pretoria (UP) – APS of 30.

University of Johannesburg (UJ) – APS of 21.

UNISA.

University of Western Cape (UWC) – APS of 33+

How long does it take to become a biotechnologist?

Based on the degrees and laboratory experience necessary, it is estimated that becoming a biotechnologist would take at least four years, though ten years is a more reasonable estimate.

How long does it take to study biotechnology in South Africa?

Biotechnology is a two year major subject and can only be taken in the second year of study.

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

Some career possibilities after completing honours programme include:

Analytical biochemist,

Biomedical scientist

Healthcare scientist

Clinical biochemist,

Industrial enzymology,

Life science research scientist,

Plant and Animal breeding,

Medical diagnostics,

Cryopreservation of cells and tissues,

Stem Cell

Does biotechnology pay well?

According to Pay Scale, biotechnology graduates with a bachelor’s degree earn average salaries of more than R 1002637.94 per year. However, biotechnologists in executive and management positions routinely earn more than R1432339.91 annually.

Is biotechnology hard to study?

Biotechnology is a very complex field and requires intelligence, creativity, and more importantly, patience & perseverance. You need to remain updated and aggressively seek opportunities to gain hands-on experience and training.

Is there a demand for biotechnology?

With the spread of Coronavirus (Covid-19) the demand for Biotech engineers has increased many folds. Apart from assisting scientist in developing vaccine to fight viruses the Biotech engineers are required in four major industrial areas including health care (medical), agriculture, waste treatment and food production.

Is maths required for biotechnology?

No, Maths is not a compulsory of you are looking to do B.Sc Biotechnology course. You just need to have passed (10+2) in science stream with PCM or PCB. Although for admission in B. tech in Biotechnology, Maths is a compulsory subject.