School of Life Sciences

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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Explore the World of Bioinformatics and Mathematical Modelling

Are you fascinated by the intricate dance of genes and diseases? Do you have a passion for unraveling complex biological puzzles using mathematics? Join us for an enlightening journey into the realm of Bioinformatics and Mathematical Modelling of Infectious Diseases! Topic:  Unravelling Infectious Diseases:  A Deep Dive into Analysis and...
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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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BirdLife South Africa’s Most Prestigious Award for Star Ornithologist and Researcher

Professor Colleen Downs is the most recent recipient of BirdLife South Africa’s Gill Memorial Medal Award established more than seven decades ago to recognise outstanding lifetime contributions to ornithology in southern Africa. Downs, the South African Research Chair (SARChI) of Ecosystem Health and Biodiversity in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape, joins...
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Nurturing Hope: Biochemistry Students Volunteer at Local Baby House

In a world where compassion and empathy often take a back seat, second-year students in the School of Life Sciences, Biochemistry Discipline at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) recently demonstrated their compassion and dedication to making a difference in their community. The students established a committee in March 2023, volunteering time...
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Colourfest 2023 a Fun Run Extravaganza!

Staff in the College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science (CAES) donned their running shoes and colourful costumes to take part in the annual CAES Fun Run which had as a theme: Easter with a Splash of Colour! Lured by the many prizes on offer - including First Man Home, First...
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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:

Get in touch with us

If you don’t find the information you need, please drop up us a line and we’ll get back to you. 

Use the contact form to submit your query pertaining to the School of Life Sciences.

We look forward to hearing from you!