Virology
Welcome to Stellenbosch University

Division of Medical Virology

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Education

Undergraduate​​

The Division is involved with lectures and practi​cal sessions for MBChB students, as well as lectures to Natural Health Science students from the University of the Western Cape. In addition to the module on Essentials of Disease Processes consultants also lecture in clinical modules in the 3rd, 4th and 5th years of the MBChB programme. The Division is involved with a practical module in the 4th year where students visit the laboratories and perform case studies that involve all the pathology disciplines.
Members of the Division are coordinators and organizers of the comprehensive Infections and Immunology module of the MBChB programme at Stellenbosch University.

Postgraduate

Bachelor of Science with Honours in Medical Virology / HonsBSc (Medical Virology) Programme

Overview

The Division of Medical Virology of the University of Stellenbosch is recognised as a leader in the field of viral diagnostics and virological research in South Africa, and for the contribution it makes internationally. The HonsBSc (Medical Virology) programme forms part of an effort to develop a learning culture for students and researchers who can make a worthwhile contribution in the field of basic and molecular virology and viral immunology.

The course is in consistence with the HEQCfs Programme Accreditation criteria and has been approved and re-accredited at all required levels within the university.

The programme will be presented in English and/or Afrikaans, depending on the preferred language of the students. The major research areas in Virology are Molecular, Immunology and Diagnostic Virology.

Name of programme:

Bachelor of Science with Honours Medical Virology - Code 43745-778
 
Admission and selection requirements

The Virology postgraduate programme committee selects prospective students on the basis their June average mark in their final BSc year and a short interview. To qualify, applicants must be in their final year BSc with majors in Microbiology, Biochemistry, Genetics, or similar. The average percentage for both June and December examinations should be greater than 60%. BTech degrees will be considered on condition that the candidate fulfils all the requirements defined by the University as stipulated in the yearbook. There is no set number of students that will be accepted and will depend on the availability of projects and funding.For more information on the course, please consult the student guide on the website or contact:

Dr Corena de Beer
Tel: (021) 938 9453
E-mail: cdeb@sun.ac.za
 
Secretary: Ms Elly James
Tel: (021) 938 9354
E-mail: elrezea@sun.ac.za
 

Bachelor of Science with MSc in Medical Virology / MSc (Medical Virology) Programme

Overview


Name of programme:

Masters of Science in Medical Virology - Code 43745-

Admission and selection requirements

There is no set number of students that will be accepted and will depend on the availability of projects and funding. For more information about the course, please consult the student guide on the website or contact:

Dr Corena de Beer
Tel: (021) 938 9453
E-mail: cdeb@sun.ac.za 
 
Secretary: Ms Elly James 
Tel: (021) 938 9354
E-mail: elrezea@sun.ac.za

MMed Pathology (Virology)

Course objectives:

Train and equip specialist virologists that will be able to:

  • Lead and guide virology laboratories in performing clinically appropriate, cost effective diagnostic tests reliably and interpret them within a clinical and epidemiological framework.

  • Manage quality assurance of a diagnostic virology laboratory

  • Act as consultants in the clinical management of viral diseases (including monitoring and treatment).

  • Provide guidance in the prevention and infection control of viral diseases

  • Explain viral diseases and complications with reference to the pathogenesis thereof.

  • Partake in regional and national surveillance of viral disease.

  • Conduct and manage clinically relevant research.

Admission and selection requirements

There are four MMed positions allocated to Medical Virology.  Students are accepted annually depending on vacant posts.  The National Health Laboratory Services (NHLS) is responsible to advertise any vacant posts.  For more information about the course, please consult the student guide on the website or contact:

Prof GU van Zyl
Tel: (021) 9389691
E-mail: guvz@sun.ac.za

Secretary: Ms Elly James
Tel: (021) 938 9354
E-mail: elrezea@sun.ac.za

Course content:

The following modules form part of the course:

  • Introduction Modules (completed in the first year of study)

  • Research Methodology (Presented by Division of Medical Microbiology)

  • Molecular Biology (Presented by Department of Biochemistry)

  • Laboratory Management (Presented by Division of Chemical Pathology)

  • Good laboratory practise and Medical Ethics (Presented by Division of Chemical Pathology)

Main modules:

  • Medical Microbiology

  • Medical Virology

  • Research Module (project and mini-thesis)