Stellenbosch University Science Courses
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.
The programmes of the three year BSc degree are divided into the three broad fields of 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 is the stream: Textile and Polymer Science, or the stream Chemical Biology, or the stream Chemistry and Polymer Science, which all lead to the degree BSc in Chemistry.
A limited number of places are available in the extended degree programmes, 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 preparation for entering the mainstream modules from second year onwards.
Besides the subject specific expertise that students acquire, they also acquire useful skills through the subjects Computer Skills and Scientific Communication Skills (compulsory subjects on first year level).
Students are encouraged to enhance their BSc degree by taking, after completion of the BSc programme, a Bachelor of Science Honours (BScHons) programme. This will enable them to gain recognition (where applicable) as a professional scientist and will also broaden their career opportunities.
After successful completion of your BSc degree you may take the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in the Faculty of Education to qualify as a high school teacher. 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 in order for them to become sought-after employees.
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.
All undergraduate programmes in the Faculty of Science can lead to honours, master’s and doctoral programmes
Programmes in the Biological Sciences
In the first year of the programmes all students take modules in Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Biology, Computer Skills and Scientific Communication Skills. In the Biology with Psychology stream of the Human Life Sciences programme you do Psychology while you do Kinesiology in the Sport Science programme.
In the second and third year you specialise further in your chosen programme, which could also lead to postgraduate studies in one of your major subjects.
These programmes reflect modern trends in biology, and they allow you to compile, within limits, your own curriculum to match your interests and needs.
BSc in Biodiversity and Ecology
BSc in Human Life Sciences
BSc in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
BSc in Sport Science
Programmes in the Physical Sciences
You could qualify as a high school teacher after completing your BSc degree by following the Postgraduate Certificate in Education in the Faculty of Education. However, your subject choice for the degree programme should enable you to offer two school subjects. Depending on your undergraduate subject combination, you could teach the following school subjects: Physical Sciences, Natural Sciences, Mathematics, Mathematical Literacy, Information Technology or Geography.
BSc in Geoinformatics
BSc in Chemistry
BSc in Earth Sciences
BSc in Physics
Programme in the Mathematical Sciences (Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science)
. Abstract Mathematics
. Applied mathematics
. Computer science
. Financial mathematics
. Mathematical Statistics
. Operations Research
BSc in Mathematical Sciences