The Department of Zoology and Entomology offers modules towards three Bachelor of Science qualifications (Ecology, Entomology and Zoology) and two majors (Entomology and Zoology). The first and second year of each qualification 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.
For advice on undergraduate programme and module choices, and career prospects, contact the Departmental Undergraduate Academic Advisors: Dr Honest Machekano (Entomology), Prof. Adrian Shrader (Ecology), or Dr Carel Oosthuizen (Zoology).
This qualification 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. Graduates can continue with Honours in Entomology, Plant Science, Wildlife Management, or Zoology.
This qualification is designed to enable students, who show academic potential, to obtain a BSc degree if they fall short of the entrance requirements for the 3-year BSc. The final year module of this qualification are the same as for the BSc in Ecology, which provides a pathway for postgraduate study in Entomology, Plant Sciences, Wildlife Management, or Zoology.
This qualification 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.
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 Genetics or Plant Science, which are the only second majors currently accommodated by the University timetable.
This qualification 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.
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 | Coordinator |
|---|---|---|---|
Foundational | |||
| BIO 147 Foundational biology 147 | 8 | S2 | Dr Nomthi Kanyile |
First-year | |||
| ZEN 161 Animal diversity | 8 | S2 | Dr Carel Oosthuizen |
Second-year | |||
| ZEN 251 Invertebrate biology | 12 | S1 | Dr Honest Machekano |
| ZEN 261 African vertebrates | 12 | S2 | Dr Mohlamatsane Mokhatla |
Third-year | |||
| ZEN 351 Population ecology | 18 | S1 | Dr Bernard Coetzee |
| ZEN 352 Mammalogy | 18 | S1 | Prof. Andre Ganswindt |
| ZEN 353 Community ecology | 18 | S2 | Prof. Mark Robertson |
| ZEN 354 Evolutionary physiology | 18 | S1 | Prof. Andrew McKechnie |
| ZEN 355 Insect diversity | 18 | S1 | Prof. Catherine Sole |
| ZEN 361 Physiological processes | 18 | S2 | Dr Daniel Hart |
| ZEN 362 Evolution and phylogeny | 18 | S2 | Prof. Armanda Bastos |
| ZEN 363 Behavioural ecology | 18 | S2 | Prof. Christian Pirk |
| ZEN 364 Conservation ecology | 18 | S1 | Prof. Adrian Shrader |
| ZEN 365 Applied entomology | 18 | S2 | Prof. Chris Weldon |