Applied Bioinformatics
Students will learn to select, describe, and use basic bioinformatics tools and how to interpret computational results.
Overview
Bachelor of Science in the field of Biological Sciences
This programme, offered by the School of Molecular and Cell Biology, helps you to understand how bioinformatics is used in the scientific field. This includes how to select, describe and use basic bioinformatics tools and how to interpret computational results.
You will learn the history and application of bioinformatics, as well as algorithm, pipeline and software development and analysis and the transfer and storage/database development of genomics data.
You will also explore gene expression data analysis, protein structure, functional genomics and genome analysis. Bioinformatics is important to genetic research because the large-scale, complex data that is generated in genomics simply would not make sense without contextual knowledge of how life forms work.
To find out more about the Biological Sciences Programme at Wits, visit our site.
Career Opportunities
- Biomechanics
- Biostatics
- Conservation Genomics
- Data Management
- Drug Discovery
- Genomics
- Healthcare Scientist
- Molecular Modelling
- Pharmacogenomics
- Precision Medicine
Curriculum
First year
Introductory Life Sciences
AND
Chemistry
AND
Auxiliary Mathematics
OR
Mathematics I (Major): • Algebra • Calculus
AND
Any other Level I course
Recommended course: • Physics I (Auxiliary)
Second year
Molecular and Cell Biology IIA: Molecular Processes
AND
Molecular and Cell Biology IIB: Cells and Organisms
AND
Molecular and Cell Biology IIC: Applications (for double-MCB major students)
OR
Any other Level II course
Third year
Applied Bioinformatics
AND
Any other Level III major
Entry Requirements
APS 43+
English Home Language OR First Additional Language Level 5
Mathematics Level 5
Wait-listing
Applicants with 41-42 points may be wait-listed, subject to place availability.
National Benchmark Test
All Faculty of Science applicants must write the National Benchmark Tests (NBT) before being considered for admission. There are two tests. The Academic and Quantitative Literacy Test and the Mathematics Test. Your test results are used in addition to your Grade 12 results to identify students who may need additional support during the course of their studies.
University Application Process
- The Student Enrolment Centre at Wits handles all student applications.
- Please click here for an overview of the application process.
- Check the admission requirements for your degree. Check if any additional selection requirements apply.
- Submit your application, required documentation and application fee before the closing date.
- Once you have applied, an admissions consultant will be assigned to your application.
- Applicants can monitor the progress of their applications via the Self Service Portal.
- If you are an international applicant and/or have a foreign qualification, please click here.
Compliance with the minimum requirements does not guarantee a place at the University. The University has a specific number of places for first year undergraduates, approved by the Department of Higher Education and Training. Final selection is made subject to the availability of places, academic results and other entry requirements where applicable.
University Fees and Funding
Click here to see the current average tuition fees for the first year of study. The Fees website also provides information about the payment of fees and closing dates for fees payments. Once you have applied you will be able to access the fees estimator on the student self-service portal.
The Financial Aid and Scholarships Office provides information on student funding and scholarships. University-funded Scholarships include Vice-Chancellor's Scholarships, University Entrance Scholarships, Equality Scholarships, Sports Scholarships and National Olympiad winner awards. For information about NSFAS funding, please visit the NSFAS website. External bursaries portal: The Bursaries South Africa website provides a comprehensive list of bursaries in South Africa.