UP Zoology – UP Online Information

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 background 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 Advisor, Dr Heike Lutermann.

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.

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.

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.

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. Kerstin Krüger
ZEN 261 African vertebrates	12	Q3	Dr Heike Lutermann
Third-year
ZEN 351 Population ecology	18	Q1	Prof. P. J. Nico de Bruyn
ZEN 352 Mammalogy	18	Q1	Prof. Chris Chimimba
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. Kerstin Krüger

Postgraduate

Postgraduate study in our Department opens more doors for employment and makes it possible for students to pursue a passion for animal biology and management. For example, an Honours degree is the minimum requirement for accreditation as a practising natural scientist and to work as an environmental consultant in South Africa.

Our Department offers postgraduate programmes in Entomology, Wildlife Management, and Zoology at the levels of:

Bachelor of Science Honours
Master of Science (MSc)
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

For further information on the Bachelor of Science Honours in Entomology or Zoology, contact Prof. Christian Pirk or Prof. Adrian Shrader. For Honours in Wildlife Management, contact Dr Mark Keith.

For general information on our MSc or PhD programmes, contact the Postgraduate Coordinator, Prof. Catherine Sole.

If you have an ARPPIS-DAAD PhD Scholarship through icipe and need help to link with a supervisor at UP, contact the ARPPIS Local Coordinator, (details to be updated soon).

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