Code | Faculty |
---|---|
02240705 | Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences |
Credits | Duration |
---|---|
Minimum duration of study: 1 year | Total credits: 135 |
The honours study programmes serve as the first level of postgraduate training and the aim is therefore to introduce students to the methods of research – from the reading of research papers, through to the conceptualisation, planning, execution and communication of a research project.
Renewal of registration
In calculating marks, General Regulation G.12.2 applies.
Apart from the prescribed coursework, a research project is an integral part of the study.
An appropriate BSc degree with a final grade point average (GPA) of at least 60% and including at least four genetics modules at final-year level or permission by the Head of Department. Preference will be given to applicants with the highest final GPAs for their preceding degree and qualifying applicants may be subjected to an entrance evaluation examination. Admission is furthermore contingent on the availability of supervisors and/or research projects within the Department.
A pass mark is required for all the components of the honours study programme and the final honours mark is calculated proportionally to the credits of the respective prescribed modules.
Minimum credits: 135
Minimum credits: 135
Other programme-specific information:
Module content:
Students are guided to collect relevant literature from disparate papers and to condense and collate this into a written seminar. Seminars are presented, along with formal article talks. Themes and articles covered in the course form part of the written examination upon completion of the module.
Module content:
A mini-dissertation with well-defined limits is undertaken under the guidance of a supervisor. The students are allowed to choose from a number of projects from the different research programmes in the department. The module also has a strong theoretical component since emphasis is placed on writing and presenting a comprehensive literature review and project proposal. Additional technical and analytical training is provided. The project is concluded with a final report, presented in the format of a short manuscript, as well as a poster and an oral presentation.
Module content:
Discussions and essays focusing on a selection of advanced topics, as well as recent advances in the field of genetics, with an emphasis on contextualising these developments within the broader framework of the Biosciences and its role in modern society. Ethical and philosophical issues in genetics are debated.
Module content:
Students are guided through the methodology of research planning and data handling. They are offered hands-on experience in a range of advanced techniques employed in molecular research and analysis. Scientific writing and presentation skills, required for research in genetics, are also addressed.
Module content:
Principles and applications of recombinant DNA, and other novel molecular and genomics technologies, to address questions in the biological sciences and/or biotechnology. Strong emphasis is placed on the principles of research planning, including identifying suitable research objectives, formulating a research strategy and understanding the relevance and feasibility of research. The module is assessed by means of a research project proposal, conceived and formulated by each student. The proposal must focus on the use of molecular technologies in addressing realistic questions in biology and/or biotechnology. There is also an oral defense of the project proposal.
This module is jointly presented in the departments of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology and Plant Pathology.
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