Undergraduate

Programmes

The Department of Zoology and Entomology offers modules towards three Bachelor of Science programmes (Ecology, Entomology and Zoology) and two majors (Entomology and Zoology). The first and second year of each programme is similar, with students taking a broad range of modules to build a strong backgroud in the natural sciences. In the third year, students begin to specialise in their respective fields. All of our undergraduate modules include a balance of theoretical and practical work to provide our graduates with relevant knowledge and skills.

NOTE: While modules comprising programmes and majors are prescribed in the yearbook, some modules may be substituted for academic reasons following personalised advice from academic staff within the Department and the approval of the Head of Department where the university timetable permits.

For advice on undergraduate programme and module choices, and career prospects, contact the Departmental Undergraduate Academic Advisors: Dr Honest Machekano (Entomology), Dr Carel Oosthuizen (Zoology), or Prof. Adrian Shrader (Ecology).

BSc in Ecology

This programme is for students who want to understand how animals and plants interact with each other and the natural and human environment. In addition to modules on animals, students take a number of modules on plant diversity and ecology in the third year.

Programme information

BSc in Entomology

This programme is for students with a fascination for insects, wanting to control insect pests of agriculture, forestry, and households, wishing to reduce transmission of vector-borne diseases, or want to become forensic entomologists, quarantine officials, or environmental consultants and managers. There is a focus on insect diversity and management, in addition to ecology, evolution, and physiology.

Programme information

BSc with a major in Entomology

A major in Entomology comprises 72 credits at third year level. The modules counting towards an Entomology major must include ZEN 355 Insect diversity and ZEN 365 Applied entomology. The other two modules vary depending on whether a second major is taken in Biochemistry, Genetics or Plant Science, which are the only second majors currently accommodated by the University timetable.

BSc in Zoology

This programme is ideal for students with a passion for the biology, diversity, and conservation of wild animals. Students cover topics including physiology, behaviour, diversity and evolution, population and community ecology, and animal conservation in the face of human disturbance and exploitation.

Programme information

BSc with a major in Zoology

A major in Zoology comprises 72 credits in ZEN modules at third year level. The modules counting towards a Zoology major vary depending on whether a second major is taken in Biochemistry, Genetics or Plant Science, which are the only second majors currently accommodated by the University timetable.


Modules

Module code and name Credits Semester/Quarter Coordinator

First-year

     
ZEN 161 Animal diversity 8 S2 Dr Carel Oosthuizen

Second-year

     
ZEN 251 Invertebrate biology 12 Q1 Prof. Abdullahi Yusuf
ZEN 261 African vertebrates 12 Q3 Dr Mohlamatsane Mokhatla

Third-year

     
ZEN 351 Population ecology 18 Q1 Dr Mia Wege
ZEN 352 Mammalogy 18 Q1 Prof. Andre Ganswindt
ZEN 353 Community ecology 18 Q4 Prof. Mark Robertson
ZEN 354 Evolutionary physiology 18 Q2 Prof. Andrew McKechnie
ZEN 355 Insect diversity 18 Q1 Prof. Catherine Sole
ZEN 361 Physiological processes 18 Q3 Prof. Chris Weldon
ZEN 362 Evolution and phylogeny 18 Q3 Prof. Armanda Bastos
ZEN 363 Behavioural ecology 18 Q4 Prof. Christian Pirk
ZEN 364 Conservation ecology 18 Q2 Prof. Adrian Shrader
ZEN 365 Applied entomology 18 Q4 Prof. Chris Weldon

 

- Author C. Weldon

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