| Qualification stream: | Biochemistry and Physiology | 
| Qualification code: | 98053 - BAP | 
| NQF level: | 7 | 
| Total credits: | 360 | 
| SAQA ID: | 101234 | 
| APS/AS: | 20 | 
| Maximum time to complete this qualification: | 8 years | 
Purpose statement:
The purpose of this qualification is: 1) To produce science graduates who have the following attributes - a systematic and coherent body of knowledge and an understanding of underlying concepts and principles; the ability to access and evaluate scientific information including knowing how scientific knowledge is created; a high level of cognitive and other generic skills including problem-solving, written and spoken communication and computer literacy and competence in applying knowledge through basic research methods and practice; 2) To provide every graduate with a sufficient depth of knowledge and skills that give opportunities for continued personal intellectual growth - including postgraduate study - for gainful economic activity in a range of careers and for rewarding and constructive contributions to society. 3) To provide society with science graduates who demonstrate initiative and responsibility, who are professional and ethical in their roles within the economy and society and who are able to be intellectual leaders within their society and 4) To produce graduates in all scientific fields in order to increase, widen and transform the leadership base in South Africa, both for innovation and science-based economic and research development and for the education of future generations of scientists, technologists, engineers and other professional people.
This qualification contains modules with practical components, which will require you to spend time away from your home and responsibilities, to gain the required industry exposure through applying your theoretical understanding in a workplace. You will be expected to complete tasks which will reflect your experience and skills gained while in the workplace. These tasks will be formally assessed and grades awarded.
Your admission to Unisa is dependent on you meeting the specific admission requirements for your chosen qualification.
A  National  Senior  Certificate  (NSC)  (Degree  endorsement)  or  equivalent  with  at  least  50%  in  the  language  of  teaching  and  learning,  50%  in  Mathematics  or  Technical  Mathematics  and  50%  in  Physical  Science  or  Technical  Science,  if  any  Physics  or  Chemistry  modules  form  part  of  the  curriculum  of  a  selected  qualification,
or  
a  Senior  Certificate  (SC)  with  matriculation  exemption  or  qualify  for  the  exemption  from  the  Matriculation  Board  with  at  least  a  D  symbol  on  HG  or  a  C  symbol  on  SG  in  the  language  of  teaching  and  learning,  and  with  at  least  a  D  symbol  on  HG  or  a  C  symbol  on  SG  in  Mathematics,  and  a  D  symbol  on  HG  or  a  C  symbol  on  SG  in  Physical  Science,  if  any  Physics  or  Chemistry  modules  form  part  of  the  curriculum  of  a  selected  qualification,
or
an  appropriate  Higher  Certificate  that  satisfies  the  Mathematics  and  Physical  Science  requirements,  
or
applicants  who  would  like  to  apply  for  admission  through  recognition  of  prior  learning  (RPL)  must  be  at  least  27  years  old;  have  completed  at  least  Grade  10;  and  have  at  least  five  years'  relevant  work  experience  in  the  study  field  in  which  they  would  like  to  apply  for  admission  to  a  qualification.  For  more  information  on  RPL  criteria  visit:  http://www.unisa.ac.za/rpl  />
Applicants  who  do  not  comply  with  the  above  requirements  should  consider  enrolling  for  a  lower  level  qualification  for  which  they  meet  the  statutory  and  additional  requirements.
Pay the application fee once you've received your student number:
Please note that this application fee is non-refundable even if you decide not to study through Unisa, do not qualify for admission to Unisa or cannot be offered a space due to limited spaces available.
Click here to find out more about Unisa's student fees, and the bursaries and loans for Unisa students.
Apply for admission to undergraduate qualifications for the 2026 academic year between 18 August and 10 October 2025.
Please take note of the following:
Unisa will send the necessary information about registration dates and the registration process to all successful applicants who have confirmed their acceptance of Unisa's offer. Visit www.unisa.ac.za/register for registration information.