Embrace the twists and turns of your learning journey

Selecting the correct career path is a crucial decision with far-reaching implications. It is a choice that will shape your future, underscoring the importance of making an informed decision.

Over the next few weeks the African Reporter will engage with business people, professionals, and other role players, focusing on a specific career field every week.

Through this, we aim to provide valuable guidance to our younger readers navigating their career choices.

This week we give a platform to Bachelor of Science in molecular biology and biotechnology careers.

Duduza resident Landiwe Mahlangu (26) has a Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology.

She is a quality control (QC) microbiologist as well as a QC lab analyst. A QC microbiologist deals with the testing of pharmaceutical products, all the way from the raw materials (the ingredients) to the final product.

A QC lab analyst needs to analyse the chemical compositions of a product. Let us answer some of the questions you might have.

• What kind of tests does a microbiologist do?
A microbiologist does tests for microorganisms. Microorganisms are mostly our bacteria, then yeast and mould (mould is the one that appears on spoilt bread). There are good and bad bacteria. The good bacteria (probiotics) are the ones our bodies need; they help boost our immune system.

So this kind of bacteria is needed by our bodies. Then we have the bad bacteria.  This one is the one that causes diseases – in this field, they are called pathogens. This kind of bacteria is not needed by our bodies. A microbiologist’s job is to test to see if the medication produced does not contain bad bacteria.

• What subjects do I need to study for a molecular biology and biotechnology degree?
This career requires science and mathematics in high school. In essence, you need physical science (at level 4 – 50%) and mathematics (at level 5 – 60%). Mathematics literacy requires level 6 (70%).

English is required as a home language (at level 4 – 50%). It is a recommendation to add life sciences so that other modules make sense when you tackle them. In varsity, you will dive deeper into the above-mentioned subjects.

• How long is a degree in molecular biology and biotechnology?
An undergraduate degree in molecular biology and biotechnology typically lasts three years.

• What should be my final average percentage?
A final average mark of 65%, life orientation excluded.

• Which universities offer molecular biology and biotechnology?
Stellenbosch University and Wits University are the only two institutions that offer this degree with both majors at once. However, other universities do offer this course but in either microbiology or biotechnology, never both at once.

• What are some of the careers associated with molecular biology and biotechnology?
Microbiologist, laboratory analyst, biotechnologist, plant pathologist, forensic scientist, food microbiologist, biochemist, geneticist, water analyst, biofuel developer and a life sciences teacher upon the completion of a PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education).