About Us

Departments

Qualification
and Programmes

Students

General Rules

Postgraduate Registration Guidelines

Guidelines for Returning BSC Students

Guidelines for First Entering BSC Students

Guidelines for ECP First Entering Students

Guidelines for ECP Returning Students

Areas of Study

Contact Details

Staff

Director: Professor Leseilane Mampuru

The School of Molecular and Life Sciences is pleased that you consider joining the most exciting academic programmes in the Life Sciences.

The school boasts some of the most rigorous, competitive and sought-after academic programmes in the sector, including Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Botany, Microbiology, Physiology, and Zoology. These programmes are presented within the Departments of Biodiversity; Biochemistry, Microbiology and Biotechnology; and Physiology and Environmental Health.

Driven by change and relevance, the school understands Life Sciences as not only a discipline that is set in motion by global changes and challenges but also as a solutions machine to local socio-economic problems. Our core function and continued existence are, therefore, implanted in the communities we serve.

As a result, through a combination of cutting-edge research and academic excellence with local and global applicability, we provide our students with the knowledge and tools needed to excel in the various fields in the Life Sciences today – and the ability to create and provide the highly-trained and competent human capital of tomorrow.

Indeed, the school is home to a number of Units or Centres of Excellence, including the DST/NRF SARChI Chair in Ecosystem Health, Biotechnology Unit, Larry Leach Herbarium, Biodiversity Museum, and Science Education Centre. These units serve as resource vehicles to facilitate the three academic functions of the school, namely Teaching and Learning, Research and Innovation, and Community Engagement.

Certainly, our strategic geographical position not only places us in the forefront of providing the much-needed tertiary education training for the previously marginalised South African communities, but also provides access to a large contingent of students from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.
Thus, if you are looking for a Life Sciences programme that will advance your career and growth as a Life Scientist, we invite you to join us in this pursuit for self-understanding, learning, and discovery which will undoubtedly increase your analytical, synthesis and creative skills, and leadership capacity.

Vision
The School of Molecular and Life Sciences strives to be an internationally recognised afro-centric centre of excellence in biotechnology, environmental influences on biota, and health-related disciplines.

Mission

The School of Molecular and Life Sciences provides an opportunity for students to obtain quality and marketable education by technological and scientific innovation through excellence in teaching, problem-solving, integrated research and community responsive service provision.

Core Values

The School:

• Is committed to the development of an environment conducive to studying and promotes lifelong learning, teaching, and research;
• Strives towards the fulfilment of its goals in a professional manner by promoting good communication and high standard of workmanship between staff and students;
• Believes in networking and synergetic collaboration to promote its research at local, national, regional and international levels;
• Is recognised for its high academic standards, both in teaching and research;
• Is devoted to improving the quality of life and fostering stronger, successful and self-sustaining communities; and
• Will continue to maintain academic excellence to ensure the offering of market-relevant programmes and the production of highly sought-after graduates.

Contact Details:

Prof LJ Mampuru
Director
Tel: (+27) 15 268 4892
Email: SMLS@ul.ac.za

Mr G Lebepe
Senior Secretary
Tel: (+27) 15 268 4891/4892
Email: george.lebepe@ul.ac.za

Ms Nadia Cassiem
Principal Admin Officer
Tel: (+27) 15 268 2588
Email: SMLS@ul.ac.za

Ms K Sefoka
Admin Officer
Tel: (+27) 15 268 3189
Email: SMLS@ul.ac.za