Biodiversity & Evolutionary Biology
Biodiversity is the variety/ variability of life on Earth and Evolutionary Biology studies the evolutionary processes that produced that diversity of life. This cluster is comprised of three disciplines: Biological Sciences, Ecology and Marine Biology.
Disciplines
Biological Sciences
Biological Sciences is a diverse field that focuses on living things and their interaction with the environment. Our courses combine practical and theory work with a mixture of lectures and lab work.
Ecology
Ecology is the study of organisms, the environment and how the organisms interact with each other and their environment. It is studied at various levels, such as organism, population, biosphere and ecosystem.
Marine Biology
Marine biology is the study of marine organisms, their behaviors and interactions with the environment. Marine biologists study life in the oceans, and sometimes the oceans themselves.
Programmes
Bachelor of Science (Biological Sciences)
The three-year undergraduate, focussed programme leading to the degree of Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Biological Sciences is offered on the Pietermaritzburg and Westville campuses.
Bachelor of Science (LES Stream)
The three-year undergraduate programme leading to the degree of Bachelor of Science (BSc) is achieved through a general and BSc Life and Earth Sciences (LES Stream) with possible major subject combinations of any two of the following:
- Biochemistry (PMB & WVL)
- Biology (PMB)
- Cellular Biology (WVL)
- Ecology (PMB)
- Genetics (PMB & WVL)
- Microbiology (PMB & WVL)
Bachelor of Science (Marine Biology)
The three-year undergraduate, focussed programme leading to the degree of Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Marine Biology is offered on the Westville campus.
CASSE
CASSE provides alternative access to students predominantly from disadvantaged educational backgrounds who do not meet the entry requirements to enrol for various science and engineering programmes. Though students are expected to study and pass augmented modules in the first two years, they eventually graduate with various qualifications in the school with mainstream students.
How to Apply
All first-time South African applicants to UKZN for entry into degree/ diploma study (Grade 12s and undergraduate transfer students from other institutions) must apply via the Central Applications Office (CAO).
Bachelor of Science (Honours)
A one-year specialist programme leading to the degree of Bachelor of Science (Honours). A minimum of 50% must be achieved at BSc level to gain admittance to Honours.
Honours programmes in Biological Sciences (PMB & WVL) and Marine Biology (WVL) are offered.
Master of Science
A Master of Science programme is offered, whereby students engage in research under the supervision of an academic staff member. A minimum of a BSc Honours degree or equivalent must be achieved to be considered for this programme. This degree takes a minimum of one year.
Doctor of Philosophy
A Doctor of Philosophy programme is offered where students engage in novel research supervised by academic members of staff. This is typically three years of full-time study and normally follows on from a Master of Science Degree
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted to our College office. Visit the College website to see the steps to follow, download the application pack/ forms and access the link to apply online
Research
Research Areas
We are a research-led institution, producing knowledge for the rapidly-changing and information-rich world.
Research Groups
We have a number of research groups that specialise in areas of research in Chemical Engineering.
Student dissertations
UKZN Research Space was developed to increase the visibility, availability and impact of tour students’ research output.
Academic staff
Dr David Glassom
Academic Leader: Biodiversity/ Evolutionary Biology – WVL
Glassom@ukzn.ac.za | 031 260 3183
Prof Jeffrey Finnie
Academic Leader: Biodiversity/ Evolutionary Biology – PMB
Finnie@ukzn.ac.za | 033 260 5151
Access Programme
BIOLOGY...continued
Grassland Science
Zoology
Contact us
Ms Shereen Samuels
- Administrator - Pietermaritzburg
- 033 260 5525
- samuelss@ukzn.ac.za
Ms Tanya Karalic
- Administrator - Pietermaritzburg
- 033 260 5505
- karalict@ukzn.ac.za
Ms Ziyanda Ndlovu
- Administrator - Pietermaritzburg
- 033 260 5107
- ndlovuz2@ukzn.ac.za
Ms Busisiwe Mbhele
- Administrator - Westville
- 031 260 3192
- mbhelen10@ukzn.ac.za
Ms Shireen Chetram
- Administrator - Westville
- 031 260 1602
- chetramu@ukzn.ac.za
