Wits University Faculty of Science Courses

Earth Sciences study the earth’s processes, atmosphere, and organisms.

Specialist fields include the exploration for, and mining of, minerals; weather and earthquake prediction; the evolution of species; and the state of our natural environment and how to best manage it.

Earth Sciences courses are taught through the Schools of Geosciences and Geography, Archaeology, and Environmental Studies.

Biology involves the study of living organisms, from understanding genes to managing ecosystems. This includes the biochemistry of molecules, such as DNA, RNA, and proteins; the physiological functions of cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems; the influence of evolutionary relationships on biological problems; and aquatic and terrestrial ecology.

Biological Sciences fall into two main streams: the School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, and the School of Molecular and Cell Biology.

School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences

Courses offered by the School cover three broad themes: Biodiversity, Ecology and Conservation, and Organismal Biology.

You will study living things and their interaction with the environment. Specialist areas include savannas, grasslands, and aquatic biology, focusing on biodiversity, sustainable resources, and range limitation; ecology and animal behaviour (herbivores, beetles, rodents, lizards, snakes, birds, etc.); biocontrol; biodiversity; conservation; restoration; ecophysiology; systematics; taxonomy; and evolutionary biology. The courses teach important basic knowledge, while exploring new and relevant fields. Training involves both field work and laboratory skills. The majors combine courses to offer you flexibility and choice.

School of Molecular and Cell Biology

The School offers four majors: Applied Bioinformatics, Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Genetics and Developmental Biology, and Microbiology and Biotechnology.

This programme gives you a comprehensive introduction to molecular advances and their application in medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology. Considered the science of the future, molecular understanding has made a substantial impact in a number of disciplines, including bioinformatics, forensics, and drug design.

Regardless of the stream you choose, you must register for Introductory Life Sciences, Chemistry, and Auxiliary Mathematics in your first year. Other course options include Complementary Life Sciences, Physics Auxiliary, Psychology, Geography, Archaeology, and Philosophy.

Physical Sciences include nuclear, particle, solid and liquid state physics, as well as electricity, electronics, magnetism, optics, acoustics, heat, and thermodynamics. This area also covers the composition of matter (gas, liquid or solid) and the changes that take place under certain conditions.

Physical Sciences are taught by the Schools of Chemistry and Physics.

Wits has three ‘Mathematical Sciences’ schools, including the School of Mathematics, the School of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics, and the School of Statistics and Actuarial Science.

Know the difference

• Pure Mathematics is a developing science.
• Computer Science covers hardware and software, in all their applications.
• Applied Mathematics has applications in banking, finance, and industry.
• Statistics and Actuarial Science are important in business and governmental planning, insurance, finance, banking, and investments.