In Light of the upcoming Stellenbosch University (SU) open day on 15 March, let’s dive into some of the lesser-known degrees offered by SU.
Creating Original Art in the Digital Age – Department of Visual Arts
There are three streams of BA Visual Art: Fine Art, Visual Communication Design (VCD), and Jewellery Design. One can think of Fine Art as traditional gallery art, whereas VCD is creating art digitally. Jewellery Design involves creating styled forms, in keeping with trending markets. The biggest challenges in the art degree are the workload and learning to respond to constructive criticism. With that being said, the degrees are unique and allow for the expression of creativity through passion-fueled design.
From Chemistry to Culinary Excellence – Department of Food Science
Positioned within the Faculty of AgriSciences, the department of Food Science focuses on the processing and production of food, through innovative techniques. Speaking with third-year Anneli Mouton, she says that, “the degree encompasses the whole process of food production, from farm to fork.” A stand-out module for Anneli is Nutrition. “A familial feeling develops because of smaller classes, allowing for an intimate learning experience with students as well as lecturers,”she says.
The Science Behind Growing the Perfect Grape – Department of Viticulture and Oenology
The study of wine – which is not about drinking all day – is a true art and requires a very specific skill set. Due to the university’s location in the Cape Winelands, the science of wine has been studied in Stellenbosch since the 1880’s. First-year BAgriSci (Viticulture) student Willem Roux shares that “the program covers all aspects of winemaking.” He reports that “while the first semester focuses on building foundational knowledge, including chemistry practicals, from the second semester onward, students begin applying what they have learned.” Like Willem, some students plan to become wine farmers. “Some have a family history in the field that influenced their choice of degree, while others rather seem to enjoy the final product,” he says.
The Secret Lives of Leaves – BScHons in Applied Plant Physiology
Plant physiology is a specialised study program that focuses on the variation and structure of plants at both a molecular and cellular level, resulting in ecological, physiological and biochemistry related aspects of plant exploration. The Honours program enables students with an interest in plant physiology to deepen their knowledge. Admission does require a BSc degree in a relevant subject such as botany or plant biotechnology.
By Nina Welsh and Lilja Flohr
