Department of Genetics

The Genetics Department offers postgraduate study opportunities in the Natural and Agricultural Sciences, including Honours, MSc, and PhD degrees. Admission to these programs is highly competitive, with only a limited number of students selected each year based on academic performance.

Students pursuing graduate research have two options:

Department-aligned research projects:

Full-time students typically register for projects that align with the department’s ongoing research programs, contributing directly to its scientific goals.

Independent research topics:

Students working part-time at an external, recognized research or training institution may undertake topics outside the department’s primary focus. In these cases, the institution must provide a qualified internal co-supervisor to guide the research.

Postgraduate
Honors

The programme commences during the third week of January and extends over one academic year. Strong emphasis is placed on mastering laboratory skills. Evaluation is done by continuous assessment and an oral exam.

Admission requirements

To be considered for Honours postgraduate studies, candidates must achieve an average final mark of at least 70% in one of the following qualifications from a recognised tertiary institution:
Bachelor’s Degree in Science: Specialisations may include Biochemistry, Genetics, Microbiology, Physiology, Zoology, Biotechnology, Physical, or Mathematical Sciences.

Your application will be evaluated on merit by the Committee for Postgraduate Education, based on your curriculum vitae and a written recommendation from the Preliminary Examination Committee.

Additional Considerations:

Candidates with an average final mark of less than 60% in their BSc at the third-year level may be admitted based on:

  1. An adequate motivation and/or
  2. Successful completion of additional work and proof of competence.

Important Notice: Submission of your completed application form and meeting the admission requirements does not guarantee admission.

Modules

Module Name Credits Module Description
Genetics 821 16
Genetics 711 8
Genetics 712 8
Genetics 713 8
Genetics 721 8
Genetics 721 8
Genetics 722 8
Genetics 716 8
Genetics 741 8
Plant Biotechnology 712 8
Plant Biotechnology 713 8
Plant Biotechnology 715 8
Plant Biotechnology 790 8

Research Modules

Module Name Credits Module Description
778 120
788 120

My lecturers

Module code Module name Module number Module coordinator Other Lecturers
11061 Postgraduate Biometry 721 Ms Cecile Bester Mr Willem Botes
10481 Genetics: Molecular Techniques 711 Ms Mandi Engelbrecht Mr Micheal Wolf
13596 Human and animal Genetics 712 Dr Nathan McGregor Prof Clint Rhode
10478 Genetic data analysis 713 Prof Clint Rhode Prof Aletta vd Merwe
11061 Biometric Application and Data Analysis in R 721 Ms Cecile Bester Mr Willem Botes
13538 Scientific proposal and writing 721 Dr Marlon le Roux Dr Brendon Pearce
13537 Plant Genetics and crop improvers 722 Mr Willem Botes
Genomics 716 Dr Shaun Peters Prof James Lloyd
18007 Genetics Hons Research project 741 Dr Justin Lashbrooke All academic staff
17523 Plant Physiology 712 Dr Christell vd Vyver Dr Paul Hills
10475 Integrated Plant Metabolism 713 Dr Christell vd Vyver Prof James Lloyd
10481 IPB: Molecular Techniques 715 Dr Christell vd Vyver Dr Biancia Loedolff
12582 Plant Biotechnology Hons Research project 790 Dr Christell vd Vyver All academic staff
10481 Genetics: Molecular Techniques 711 Ms Mandi Engelbrecht Mr Micheal Wolf

Duration

The duration of the programme is one academic year and begins at the start of the general academic year.

  • 6 Months Modules
  • 6 Months Research

Course content

The programme consists of the six modules listed below. Subject to departmental approval, you may substitute two of the 8-credit theory modules with equivalent 8-credit modules from BScHons in Plant Biotechnology. You must also complete a research assignment and present the results in the form of a research publication. The department places strong emphasis on acquiring laboratory skills. One of the elective modules must be chosen. The programme is assessed continuously and an oral examination is required.

Honors coordinator

Dr. Justin Lashbrooke
Postgraduate
Masters

The programme consists of research on an approved topic as determined by the department. You must submit a satisfactory thesis on completion of the work. Supplementary study can be required from you in the form of lectures and / or seminars. An oral examination is required. To register for the course, students should have completed an appropriate BSc Honours or BScAgric degree.

Admission requirements

To be considered for MSc postgraduate studies, candidates must achieve an average final mark of over 60% in one of the following qualifications from a recognised tertiary institution:

  1. BSc Honours Degree: Specialisations may include Biochemistry, Genetics, Microbiology, Physiology, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Engineering, Bioinformatics, or Mathematical Science.
  2. BTech or Equivalent Qualification: Provided that you have passed a preliminary examination.

Important Notice: Submission of your completed application form and meeting the admission requirements does not guarantee admission.

Course content

Master of Science program in the Faculties of Science and AgriSciences is research-focused, requiring students to complete a dissertation based on their research. Alongside the dissertation, students must undergo an oral examination to demonstrate their understanding and defend their research findings. Exceptional students may also have the opportunity to publish their work in peer-reviewed academic journals

Duration

  • 2 Years

Masters coordinator

Dr. Brendon Pearce
Postgraduate
PhD& PhDAGRIC

A publication-quality dissertation and an oral examination is required from you. Exceptionally deserving MSc or MScAgric students may be allowed to upgrade their registration to PhD or PhDAgric.

Admission requirements

A publication-quality dissertation and oral examination is required from you. Exceptionally deserving MSc or MScAgric students may be allowed to upgrade their registration to PhD or PhDAgric.

The specific admission requirements for a PhD programme include, an average final mark of more than 60% in one of the following qualifications from a recognised tertiary training institution:

  1. an MSc degree with Biochemistry, Genetics, Microbiology, Physiology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Human Genetics, Bioinformatics, Veterinary Science, Biotechnology, Engineering or Mathematical Science for acceptance for PhD postgraduate studies.

Course content

The PhD program in Genetics is a research-intensive degree focused on advancing knowledge and innovation in the field of genetics. Candidates are required to undertake independent research on an approved topic, as determined by the department, and submit a comprehensive dissertation that makes a significant original contribution to the field.

Duration

  • 3 Years

PhD coordinator

Prof. Aletta Bester-van der Merwe
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