Science
The Faculty of Science has developed expertise in a variety of research fields ensuring that students stay abreast of the latest developments in their chosen fields of study.
We offer ten three-year BSc degree programmes in three broad fields: biological, physical and mathematical sciences. Within these broad fields, there are further divisions into programmes with a more specific focus each. If a particular programme offers two or more different options, these options are known as streams. An example: the stream Materials Technology, or the stream Chemical Biology, or the stream Chemistry and Polymer Science all lead to the degree BSc in Chemistry. The Faculty also offers two interdisciplinary programmes, a BSc programme comprising three streams and a Bachelor of Data Science comprising nine streams. Both programmes lead to interdisciplinary postgraduate options.
All the undergraduate programmes are also offered as extended curriculum programmes (ECPs). However, a limited number of places are available in the ECPs, where preference is given to socio-economically disadvantaged applicants. These programmes take one year longer than the mainstream programmes. During the extra year, special modules are taught as a preparation for entering the mainstream modules from the second year onwards. In the end, ECP students obtain the same degree as mainstream students.
Besides the subject-specific expertise that students acquire, they acquire useful skills through Science in Context, a compulsory subject in the first year. This subject teaches students to integrate various scientific disciplines. At the same time, they develop scientific communication skills, basic computer skills and graduate attributes. These are much-needed skills for a scientist in the 21st century.
The Faculty ecourages students to enhance their BSc degree by taking, upon completing the BSc programme, a Bachelor of Science Honours (BScHons) programme. This will enable them to gain recognition (where applicable) as professional scientists and will also broaden their career opportunities.
Suppose you wish to qualify as a high school teacher after you have obtained a BSc degree. Then you can take the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in the Faculty of Education. Your subject choice for your degree programme, however, should enable you to teach two school subjects.
The Faculty strives to ensure that students acquire the necessary scientific knowledge and skills in their chosen field for them to become sought-after employees.
Selection
All our programmes are selection programmes. See admission and selection. Please also read the Faculty's selection guidelines for more information on the selection process.
Postgraduate programmes
All undergraduate programmes in the Faculty of Science can lead to honours, master's and doctoral degree programmes.