Why study Biochemistry, Microbiology and Bioinformatics?
What is Biochemistry?
Biochemistry is at the interface of chemistry and biology. It is the study of the chemistry processes in living organisms. At a fundamental level, this discipline incorporates the analysis of both the functional and structural roles of macromolecules (such as nucleic acids, enzymes, hormones, proteins and fats) with the study of how these compounds interact to influence cell biology or the external environment. The study of biochemistry reveals the complexity of even the simplest system, through the analysis of these reaction pathways. The knowledge gained from fundamental biochemical studies is translated into applied research to understand human and animal diseases, inform drug development, understand chemical toxicity and remediate the environment. There are a number of research and teaching themes in the department, including environmental and medical biochemistry. In addition, students are trained in the essential practical techniques required to conduct independent biochemical research.
What is Microbiology?
Microbiology is the study of microbes that are mostly too small to observe with the naked eye. These include viruses, bacteria, yeast, and fungi. Many different microbes exist, and they can be beneficial contributing to the cycling of nutrients in the environment, degradation of harmful substances and assisting in the manufacture of antibiotics, food, and beverage products. Some microbes are harmful causing food spoilage, fouling and diseases of humans, animals, and crops. Microbiology at Rhodes University covers fundamental aspects of microbes, delving into their molecular secrets and how these fundamental aspects can be applicable to industry and the environment. Students are trained in microbiological techniques ensuring confidence to conduct research in a laboratory environment.
What is Bioinformatics?
Bioinformatics is an emerging branch of biological science that developed from the combination of both biology and information technology. Bioinformatics is the application of computer technology to better understand and effectively use biological and biomedical data. It is the discipline that stores, analyses and interprets the Big Data generated by life-science experiments, or collected in a clinical context. This multidisciplinary field is driven by experts from a variety of backgrounds: biologists, computer scientists, mathematicians, statisticians and physicists. Analysis of genome sequence data, particularly the analysis of the human genome project, is one of the main achievements of bioinformatics to date. Prospects in the field of bioinformatics include its future contribution to functional understanding of the human genome, leading to enhanced discovery of drug targets and individualised therapy.
Who needs Biochemistry, Microbiology and Bioinformatics graduates?
What kind of job could I be eligible for after a degree in these disciplines?
Building up a degree curriculum
Biochemistry
Biochemistry (BCH) is a four-semester subject which may be taken as a major subject for the degrees of BSc, BCom and BJourn. To major in Biochemistry, a candidate is required to obtain credits in CHE 1, BCH 2 and BCH 3; CEL 101 and MIC 2 are also highly recommended.
Microbiology
Microbiology (MIC) is a four-semester subject which may be taken as a major subject for the degrees of BSc, BCom and B.Journ. To major in Microbiology, a candidate is required to obtain credits in CHE 1; CEL 101 (or an aggregate pass in ZOO 1 or BOT 1); MIC 2; MIC 3. In addition, students wishing to major in Microbiology are strongly encouraged to obtain BCH 201.
Bioinformatics
Not offered as a Bachelor’s or Honours degree. Offered at MSc and PhD levels.
Postgraduate studies
The department offers Honours degrees in Biochemistry and Microbiology (no joint Honours programmes are offered). The Honours programme is very competitive. Students who achieve a high standard in Biochemistry/Microbiology 3 (normally 70% or above) may be accepted for the Honours course, dependent on staff capacity (seven students per discipline are accommodated on average each year). The Honours course consists of lecture modules on advanced topics, comprehension tests and examinations and a research project, culminating in a thesis and oral examination.
MSc and PhD degrees are offered in each of Bioinformatics, Biochemistry and Microbiology. Masters and PhD applicants are encouraged to first contact prospective supervisors in the field of interest directly to secure a position within a specific research group before submitting application forms. Staff research areas and contact details can be found on the individual staff pages at http://www.ru.ac.za/bm/research/ as well as for each of the Heads of Disciplines to whom you may address general queries. The Department also offers a one-year coursework and dissertation Bioinformatics MSc degree.
