University of Stellenbosch 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.