What is Microbiology?
Microbiology is the scientific study of microorganisms, those being of unicellular, multicellular, or acellular.
Microbiology encompasses numerous sub-disciplines including virology, bacteriology, protistology, mycology, immunology, and parasitology.
Universities That Offer Microbiology In South Africa
University of Pretoria
University of Cape Town
University of Stellenbosch
University of the Witwatersrand
University of KwaZulu-Natal
University of the Free State
University of Fort Hare
North-West University
Rhodes University
Tshwane University of Technology
University of the Western Cape
University of Johannesburg
University of Limpopo
How long does it take to study microbiology in South Africa?
Required Qualification/s
In South Africa, you can only study for a Bachelor’s degree in Science to be able to become qualified in microbiology. There are no diplomas available.
You will need to complete a three-year Bachelor of Science in Microbiology. Some universities may have microbiology fall under the Biotechnology degree. You can also study a more general Bachelor of Science and do postgraduate studies in Microbiology.
Required Skills
As a Microbiologist, you will need to have the following skills:
- analytical data analysis
- problem-solving skills
- communication
- time management and organizational skills
- teamwork
- numerical skills
- technical skills
- attention to detail
- IT skills
Is microbiology a good career in South Africa?
There is very high growth potential in this field. Those who study Microbiology as a master’s course or higher may get the following job roles: Research Assistant. University/College Teacher.
How much does a microbiologist make in South Africa?
The average microbiologist salary in South Africa is R 402 000 per year or R 206 per hour. Entry-level positions start at R 213 225 per year, while most experienced workers make up to R 680 893 per year.
Do you need maths to study microbiology?
Although mathematics is not a prerequisite subject for taking up a bachelor’s course in microbiology you need to have a basic knowledge of mathematics.
In the microbiology stream, you have to prepare media and chemicals with appropriate concentration, which requires basic mathematics.
Is it hard to pass microbiology?
Microbiology is hard. Some theories, such as that you should possess this or that knowledge before studying microbiology, make the situation harder.
Maybe some background in biology or chemistry won’t hurt, but you are going to college after all, where you’ll get all the learning you need from scratch.