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Welcome to the School of Life Sciences
Welcome to the School of Life Sciences, which is located on the Pietermaritzburg and Westville campuses. The School has a staff complement of 144 academic and support staff; houses approximately 1600 undergraduate students; and boasts a postgraduate component of 514, engaged in Honours, Masters, PhD and Postdoctoral research.
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Autumn Grad Highlights
Join us in celebrating our future leaders as they make their way from student life to post-graduation opportunities. Take a look at the Autumn Graduation information and Graduate stories.
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Be a Scientist for a week | 26-30 June
An opportunity for grade 10-12 learners to be exposed to subject experts and to experience different science-related disciplines and careers hands-on.
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UKZN Highly Rated by Centre for World University Rankings
The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) has been ranked in the top 2.4% of 20 531 universities worldwide on the 2023 Centre for World University Rankings (CWUR) list. The CWUR publishes the largest academic rankings list of global universities, according to its President, Dr Nadim Mahassen, who congratulated UKZN, saying the Institution’s...
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Working Women in Science Showcased
Dr Shakira Shaik, senior lecturer in the School of Life Sciences, is extremely proud of her two MSc Biology graduates Ms Preleen Reddy and Ms Shenaid Naidoo as both young women completed their degrees while working full-time. Reddy completed her undergraduate and honours degrees at UKZN before embarking on an...
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Top Achiever Encourages Women to Study Science
Ms Alayka Dookie graduated with a BSc Honours in Forensic Genetics, cum laude. Upon completing her undergraduate studies in biological sciences at UKZN, Dookie found herself drawn to forensic genetics and registered for the honours programme offered by the School of Life Sciences. ‘Crime scene investigations have always interested me,’ she...
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Medicinal Plant Research Contributes to Combatting Diabetes
Dr Kolawole Olofinsan’s PhD study investigated the antidiabetic potential and bioactive phytochemicals of some South African medicinal plants. Diabetes is a major global public health problem. Olofinsan explored the use of alternative medicine to treat type 2 diabetes with fewer or no side effects. He published a number of papers,...
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Dean & Head of School
Prof Ademola Olaniran
PA/Secretary:
Ms Xoli Shandu
031 260 1545
shandu@ukzn.ac.za
The School of Life Sciences is comprised of caring and enthusiastic lecturers ensure that students emerge highly employable, with a rich university experience and a first-class degree in the Life Sciences to their name.
This field of study encompasses all human, plant and animal life – ranging from microscopic germs to elephants and everything in between. Areas of specialisation within UKZN’s School of Life Sciences include: