How to apply for a Graduate Degree in Plant Biotechnology

Background:

1. Make sure you are interested in what we do and willing to work hard! The details of the Hons program is described on our website and a list of Hons/MSc/PhD projects will be available towards the end of each year. Also refer to the rest of our website for more general information on our research and academic programs.
   
   
2. The BScHons (Plant Biotechnology) program is presented by the staff of the Institute for Plant Biotechnology (IPB), its academic home is the Genetics Department and the degree is awarded by the Faculty of Natural Sciences.

Admission requirements:

Hons

A BSc degree approved by the Departmental Postgraduate and Academic Committees, with an average final mark of at least 60% for the appropriate modules at third-year level. Suitable modules include Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology. Additional work may be prescribed, depending on the student's background.


MSc / PhD

A BScHons or MSc degree in Plant Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Botany, Chemistry, Genetics, Microbiology or any other related discipline.

Apply:

1. You have to apply officially through the Faculty Office. Please contact the Natural Sciences Faculty Officer, Mr Bevin Abels, for more information on the administrative issues surrounding your application: Administrative Building A, room A2027, e-mail: bpa@sun.ac.za,
   tel: +27 (021) 808 4832. The application forms and details are also available at http://science.sun.ac.za/index.php?alias=sprogrammes&calias=sprogrammes04&lang=afr (a link to the English application form is available on this page).
   
   
2. Complete the IPB internal application form and e-mail this to Ms Elke Deluse (edeluse@sun.ac.za).

Practical issues:

1. The Hons program usually starts around the last week of January and ends in November.
   
   
2. MSc or PhD studies can start any time of the year.
   
   
3. The IPB is not responsible for organizing any personal matters such as accommodation but Ms Elke Deluse will assist you where possible.
   
   
4. In addition to any bursaries that you might obtain yourself the IPB will award a bursary to all students who are selected. More bursary information is available at http://web-apps.sun.ac.za/beurse/Abeursframes_all.html.
   
   
5. You can also consult the NRF SCHOLARSHIPS AND FELLOWSHIPS PROGRAMME MANUALFOR FINANCIAL SUPPORT IN 2008

General:

1. Please contact Ms Elke Deluse (edeluse@sun.ac.za) if you have any questions or any of the academic staff if you need more details on a specific project.
   
   
2. Academics directly associated with the IPB are
   - Prof Jens Kossmann - (kossmann@sun.ac.za),
   - Dr Paul Hills - (phills@sun.ac.za),
   - Dr James Lloyd - (lloyd@sun.ac.za ) and
   - Dr Ndiko Ludidi - (Ludidi@sun.ac.za)
   

but you would also be able to enroll for the Plant Biotechnology program and do a project with a supervisor in any other academic department, e.g. Dr Nox Makunga (makunga@sun.ac.za) in Botany & Zoology and Prof Johan Burger jtb@sun.ac.za  in Genetics.