Postgraduate course overview

MCB4002W | MOLECULAR & CELL BIOLOGY HONOURS
Since the code MCB4002W will not carry a NQF credit value, students will be concurrently registered for MCB4003W (coursework component of 96 NQF credits) and MCB4004W (research project of 64 NQF credits). Entrance is limited to 16 students.
160 NQF credits at NQF level 8; the combined credit value of both components.

Convener:
Dr T Oelgeschläger

Course entry requirements:
BSc degree with a major in Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Genetics or Microbiology. Molecular-based courses are highly recommended. Preference may be given to UCT graduates. Entrance is limited to 16 students, dependent on availability of supervisors and funding. Acceptance will be at the discretion of the Head of Department who will consider quality of senior course results and material covered in the undergraduate curriculum.

Course outline: 
The first part of this course consists of a ten-week techniques course including gel electrophoresis, recombinant DNA technology, PCR, sequencing, bioinformatics, gene expression, protein isolation and analysis, confocal and electron microscopy, and large data set analysis. After successful completion of the techniques course, a six-month research project on a specific topic will be undertaken.

DP requirements:
Techniques examination must be passed at 50% to continue course.

Assessment:
Two 3-hour techniques examinations written in May, and the techniques course assignments, count 20%; essays count 15%; oral presentations count 20%; statistics module 1%, one 4-hour examination written in November counts 10%; project counts 34%. The research project must be passed at 50%. These component parts of the course will be combined in a final overall mark which will be reflected against the course code MCB4002W, with PA (pass) entered against the coursework and project codes; each of these components must be passed separately for the award of the degree.

MCB5005W | MOLECULAR & CELL BIOLOGY DISSERTATION
180 NQF credits at NQF level 9

Course outline: 
This course consists of an investigation of an approved topic chosen for intensive study by the candidate (student), culminating in the submission of a dissertation. The dissertation shall demonstrate the successful completion of a programme of training in research methods, a thorough understanding of the scientific principles underlying the research and an appropriate acquaintance with the relevant literature. It must be clearly presented and conform to the standards of the department and faculty. The dissertation will usually consist of a report detailing the conduct, and analysis of the results of, research performed under the close guidance of a suitably qualified supervisor/s. The dissertation should be well-conceived and acknowledge earlier research in the field. It should demonstrate the ability to undertake a substantial and informed piece of research, and to collect, organise and analyse material. General rules for this degree may be found in the front of the handbook

MCB6002W | MOLECULAR & CELL BIOLOGY THESIS
360 NQF credits at NQF level 10

Course outline: 
The PhD is a research degree on an advanced topic under supervision which can be taken in any of the departments in the Faculty. Examination is by thesis alone. A candidate shall undertake doctoral research and advanced study under the guidance of a supervisor/s appointed by Senate. The thesis must constitute a substantial contribution to knowledge in the chosen subject, must show evidence of original investigation and give a full statement of the literature on the subject. The PhD degree demands that the candidate is able to conduct independent research on his/her own initiative. Through the thesis the candidate must be able to demonstrate that he/she is at the academic forefront in the topic selected, that the work is original and that it advances our knowledge in the relevant field. Candidates are referred to the rules for this degree as set out in Book 3, General Rules and Policies
 

Application procedure 

Students interested in pursuing Postgraduate studies in the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology should do the following:

1. Identify whom you would like to have as a supervisor of your postgraduate studies by looking up the individual research profiles of each of our academic staff members or the MCB research page. Staff members will often advertise potential graduate research projects on their web sites
2. Email the academic concerned with a copy of your CV and academic record, and names of three referees. Express an interest in their research area, and ask the academic if they would be prepared to offer you a graduate research project.

3. Once supported by the host department, follow the instructions set out on the Application Guidelines page.