GENERAL RULES

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Departmental Rules should be read in conjunction with the University General Rules (G-Rules), Faculty of Science and Agriculture Rules (FSA-Rules) and School of Molecular and Life Sciences Rules (SMLS-Rules) and, except where otherwise stipulated by the Department, should hold good for the individual programmes.

DEGREE PROGRAMMES

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1. Before enrolment into any of the programmes on offer by the Department, it is the responsibility of each student to acquaint him/herself with all applicable Rules.
2. Every student shall follow a curriculum, approved by the Head of Department, for at least the minimum period prescribed for the degree as specified under Rule G10 and Rule SMLS2.
3. Annual enrolment into all programmes on offer by the Department will be aligned with the Departmental enrolment planning and subject to approval by the Head of the Department.

B.         RULES FOR UNDERGRADUATE STUDY

PROGRAMME ENROLMENT AND COMPOSITION
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1. The curriculum shall extend over three year levels and be composed of a combination of modules that include at least two majors selected as explained under Rule FSA 3 and Rule SMLS3.3:
1. Biochemistry as a major, with at least one of the following as joint major(s): Botany, Microbiology, Physiology or Zoology.  A major from another School in the Faculty may be selected, but with the provision of Rule FSA3.3.
2. Biotechnology as a major with at least one of the following as joint major(s): Biochemistry, Botany, Microbiology, Physiology or Zoology.  A major from another School in the Faculty may be selected, but with the provision of Rule FSA3.3.
3. Microbiology as a major, with at least one of the following as joint major(s): Biochemistry, Botany, Physiology or Zoology.  A major from another School in the Faculty may be selected, but with the provision of Rule FSA3.3.
4. For a degree majoring in Biochemistry, credits of the following four modules on offer by the Department must be successfully accumulated: SBIA021, SBIA022, SBIA031 and SMIB032.
5. For a degree majoring in Biotechnology with Microbiology and Biochemistry relating to rule BMBT 3.1.2.1, credits of the following ten modules must be successfully accumulated: SBIA021, SBIA022, SBIA031, SBTB031, SBTA032, SMIA021, SMIB022, SBTA022, SMIB032 and any one other module as an elective at second year level provided that all rules are met in electing the module.
6. For a degree majoring in Biotechnology relating to rule BMBT 3.1.2.2, credits of the following six modules on offer by the Department must be successfully accumulated: SBIA021, SBIA022, SBTA022, SBTB031, SMIA021 and SMIB032.
7. For a degree majoring in Microbiology, credits of the following six modules on offer by the Department must be successfully accumulated: SBIA021, SBIA022, SMIA021, SMIB022, SBTB031 and SMIB032.
8. For a degree majoring in Biochemistry and Microbiology, credits of the following eight modules on offer by the Department must be successfully accumulated: SBIA021, SBIA022, SBIA031, SBTB031, SBTA032, SMIA021, SMIB022 and SMIB032.
9. Modules offered in the Department are composed of a theory and a practical component, where applicable, both of which contribute to the final modular mark as explained under Rule BMBT4.2. Students are expected to attend both of these and Rule G13 will apply.
2. SCWS012 is reserved for water and sanitation students.
3. Students repeating any of the modules on offer by the Department may, under exceptional circumstances and with approval from the Head of Department, be exempted from the practical component of the module subject to Rules G8.3.3, G12.2, G20.2 and SMLS3.5.

ASSESSMENT AND RELATED ASPECTS
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1. These rules should be read in conjunction with Rules G12 to G23, FSA4 and SMLS4.
2. All modules in the Department are subjected to continuous assessment, with the final mark calculated as follows: average of all formative assessments (60%) and summative theory assessment (40%).
3. Assessment in all modules will be aligned with the Departmental assessment policy and procedure.
4. Assessment criteria of each module are described under Departmental Detailed Description of Modules.

C.         RULES FOR POSTGRADUATE STUDY
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1. The rules contained under Sections A, C, D, E and F of the G-Rules of the University, Sections A, C, D and E of the FSA-Rules and Section C of the SMLS-Rules apply.
2. Enrolment and renewal of registration for all postgraduate studies is subject to approval by the Head of Department and supervisor(s). In all cases Rules G10, G31.1, G44 and G54 shall apply.

HONOURS BACHELOR OF SCIENCE: BSc (HONS) [HSCD01 / HSCF01]
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1. The course extends over a period of one academic year. 
2. The minimum requirement for admission into the programme is:
1. A BSc-degree with Biochemistry/Biotechnology/Microbiology or equivalent (final average mark for the third level modules of at least 60%) as a major subject.  A candidate who does not meet this requirement may be admitted on special recommendation, after consultation with and approval by the Head of Department. In such cases, a mid-year progress report from the Head of Department will determine continuation in the programme.
2. On special recommendation, including application of the RPL policy and strategy of the University of Limpopo and after consultation with and approval by the Head of Department.
3. Programme structure: The programme consists of four (4) theory modules and a supervised Research Project that culminates in a research report. All modules are assessed by an external assessor.  The duration for each theory module is eight weeks as scheduled internally by the Department. The research project is continuous throughout the academic year.

MASTER OF SCIENCE: MSc [SBIA090 / SMIA090]
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1. The minimum requirement for admission into the programme is:
1. A BSc (Hons)-degree in Biochemistry/Microbiology or equivalent,
2. On special recommendation, including application of the RPL policy and strategy of the University of Limpopo and after consultation with and approval by the Head of Department.

7.2    In addition to those requirements above, the skills profile of potential students will be assessed and they may be required to qualify themselves with additional competencies as deemed to be essential by the Department.

1. Programme structure: The MSc in Biochemistry or Microbiology comprises a dissertation (Rule G45.1) based on the results of an approved supervised research project presented in a form suitable for publication.
2. Depending on the field of research, an external supervisor(s) may be required to supply effective supervision of the project.
3. Students will be required to present biannual progress reports in the form of oral presentations.

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY: PhD [SBIA100 / SMIA100]
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1. The minimum requirement for admission into the programme is:
1. An MSc-degree in Biochemistry/Microbiology or equivalent,
2. On special recommendation, including application of the RPL policy and strategy of the University of Limpopo and after consultation with and approval by the Head of Department.
2. Programme structure: The PhD in Biochemistry or Microbiology comprises a thesis (Rule G57) based on the results of an approved original supervised research project presented in a form suitable for publication.
3. Depending on the field of research, an external supervisor(s) may be required to supply effective supervision of the project.
4. Students will be required to present biannual progress reports in the form of oral presentations.