Zoology is the scientific study of animals. The majority of animals, in terms of individuals and species, are insects, and their study is termed entomology. Zoology and Entomology incorporates many more specialised disciplines like anatomy, behaviour, conservation biology, ecology, evolutionary biology, genetics, physiology, the epidemiology of wildlife diseases and plant-insect interactions. Zoologists and entomologists work closely with agriculturalists, economists, engineers, mathematicians, physicists, plant scientists and veterinarians, among others.
During the fisrst two years of study, students in the BSc programmes are exposed to a range of subjects during the first two years of study to provide a firm foundation for further study. In the third year, they take specified modules to qualify in zoology, entomology or ecology. Laboratory- and field-based practical experience in all the modules provide opportunities for students to engage with the methods used to gain new knowledge in the relevant fields. They learn the skills required in the workplace and for postgraduate study. Students can combine entomology or zoology with biochemistry, genetics or plant science as part of a dual major degree.
Zoology is an ideal field of study for students with a keen interest in the biology, diversity and conservation of wild animals. Topics that are covered include physiology, behaviour, diversity and evolution, population and community ecology, and animal conservation in the face of human disturbance and exploitation.
For more information, please consult the Faculty webpage.
Graduates can look forward to a range of exciting career prospects. They could be employed at nature conservancies, environmental consultancies, conservation planning agencies, medical and veterinary research institutions, in biochemical and biotechnology industries, at educational institutions, in IT-related fields and in the corporate sector. Career opportunities include all the potential activities involved in modern research, development and training. These range from full-time involvement in the field or laboratory to full-time training activities, and usually include a stimulating combination of analytical work, fieldwork and human resources-related work.
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Transferring students
Candidates previously registered at UP or at another university
The faculty’s Admissions Committee considers applications of candidates who have already completed the final NSC or equivalent qualification examination and/or were previously registered at UP or another university, on grounds of their final NSC or equivalent qualification results as well as academic merit.
Candidates previously registered at a FET college or a university of technology
The faculty’s Admissions Committee considers the application of these candidates on the grounds of their final NSC or equivalent qualification results as well as academic merit.
Qualifications from countries other than South Africa
University of Pretoria website: click here
Minimum requirements | ||||||
Achievement level | ||||||
English Home Language or English First Additional Language | Mathematics | Physical Sciences | APS | |||
NSC/IEB | AS Level | NSC/IEB | AS Level | NSC/IEB | AS Level | |
5 | C | 5 | C | 5 | C | 32 |
* Cambridge A level candidates who obtained at least a D in the required subjects, will be considered for admission. Students in the Cambridge system must offer both Physics AND Chemistry with performance at the level specified for NSC Physical Sciences in the table above.
* International Baccalaureate (IB) HL candidates who obtained at least a 4 in the required subjects, will be considered for admission. Students in the IB system must offer both Physics AND Chemistry with performance at the level specified for NSC Physical Sciences in the table above.
Candidates who do not comply with the minimum admission requirements for BSc (Zoology), may be considered for admission to the BSc – Extended programme -- Biological and Agricultural Sciences. The BSc – Extended programme takes a year longer than the normal programme to complete.
BSc – Extended Programme – Biological and Agricultural Sciences Minimum requirements | ||||||
Achievement level | ||||||
English Home Language or English First Additional Language | Mathematics | Physical Sciences | APS | |||
NSC/IEB | AS Level | NSC/IEB | AS Level | NSC/IEB | AS Level | |
4 | D | 4 | D | 4 | D | 26 |
3 years, full-time.
The Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences is a diverse faculty with 13 departments that is supported by more than 20 centres and institutes. More than 5 000 students register in this faculty annually of which 70% are undergraduate and 30% postgraduate students.
All degree programmes are designed to develop problem-solving individuals who can easily adapt to changing circumstances and take the lead in their chosen fields of specialisation. The qualifications awarded are of world-class and provide access to a multitude of career opportunities for dynamic and creative people.
In the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, we strive to continuously improve our high impact research and significantly address the national shortage of PhD graduates that respond to global and local challenges.
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