The full research program in the SMBB degree consists of four thesis subjects (BIO5THA, BIO5THB, BIO5THC and BIO5THD), which run over two semesters (BIO5THA and BIO5THB in the first semester of research and BIO5THC and BIO5THD in the second). The research program commences twice per year - in early February and late July. The SMBB research program consists of an individual research project under supervision, a research essay on the area of the research project, attendance at the Department of Biochemistry and Genetics seminar series, aimed at exposing students to cutting-edge biotechnology techniques, production and presentation of a research poster, a thesis written at the completion of the research project and a mark from the research supervisor.