Climate warming puts desert lizards in a “cost-of-living” squeeze
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New species of killifish from Kenya already critically endangered
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Scientists tackle one of Africa’s most destructive invasive trees
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First-ever sighting of rare siphonophore in False Bay, South Africa
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Tiny microbes called up in fight against climate change
Read more ›The Department of Botany and Zoology is a leader in the field of biology and ecology, with a specific focus on the unique opportunities offered by Africa’s biodiversity. Our academics are world-recognised leaders in their fields, ranging across microbiology, plant sciences, marine science, molecular ecology, evolutionary biology and global change.
Our programs are designed to deepen our understanding of Africa’s incredible marine and terrestrial ecosystems, preserve them and promote sustainable development. By working together, we aim to investigate and tackle significant challenges, such as managing invasive species, informing conservation and management programmes, and supporting community-based biodiversity initiatives.
Using Africa’s remarkable biodiversity to create unique opportunities for growth and discovery, we aim to understand varying aspects of life of on earth from basic foundational knowledge, to complex evolutionary and ecological interactions. We are home to the School for Climate Studies ?, and the Centre for Invasion Biology? . These entities respond to existing and emerging issues in the management of invasive species, climate change impacts, adaptation and mitigation responses, thus supporting social resilience of the impacts of global change. Our community outreach initiatives, such as the Iimbovane Project? and the LeaTHOPS Programme, both foster a passion for environmental stewardship and expose learners to science in general.
“We aim to advance the understanding of biodiversity, ecology, and evolution through innovative research and teaching. By exploring the complex interactions between organisms and their environments, we contribute to sustainable solutions for global and local environmental challenges.”
Contact details & physical address
?+27 21 808 3236
botzoo@sun.ac.za
Department of Botany and Zoology
Office 2033 Natural Sciences building ? Merriman Avenue, Stellenbosch
?Our undergraduate programme:
Students have a choice between three focal areas, all leading to a BSc Hons in Biodiversity and Ecology, followed by an MSc and PhD in Botany or Zoology:
- Climate Change Ecology
- Plant and Animal Biodiversity
- Plants and Microbes
BSc Biodiversity and Ecology (Focal area: Climate Change Ecology)
The study of global change with a biological perspective brings together historical and current evidence for such change and summarises its main drivers. Topics include global climate change, human-made drivers such as pollution, invasion biology, land-use and ecosystem change. Data at different spatial and temporal scales and at different levels of biological organization are covered (from species to communities and ecosystems, and from micro to macroscales), highlighting the technologies and numerical techniques used to study these processes.
BSc Biodiversity and Ecology (Focal area: Plant and Animal Biodiversity)
This focal area aims to develop an understanding of the diversity, origin, function of organisms in relation to the environment and how interactions between and within species evolve , This includes animals and plants on land, in fresh water, coastlines and the oceans. Studying plant and animal biodiversity within a molecular context is essential for understanding the ecological relationships that sustain ecosystems and support human well-being. Biodiversity research contributes to conservation, habitat protection, and addressing global challenges such as climate change, food security, and disease prevention. By exploring the diversity of life, botanists and zoologists contribute to sustainable resource management, ecological restoration, and the discovery of new medicines and technologies. A degree in this field equips students with the knowledge and skills to understand complex ecosystems, tackle pressing environmental issues and shape a more sustainable future.
BSc Biodiversity and Ecology (Focal Area: Plants and Microbes)
Microbiology forms an intrinsic part of climate and global change studies since impacts on micro-organisms will influence macro-organisms. Understanding and predicting impacts on microbes are further enhanced by understanding principles of ecology and evolution, and the diversity and physiology of plants. This combination of modules will provide you with valuable skills to pursue cross-cutting careers and research in botany, microbiology, and plant pathology in a changing global context.
BSc. Hons in Biodiversity and Ecology
The BSc Hons in Biodiversity and Ecology equips students with advanced research skills, theoretical knowledge and practical expertise in biological sciences. This one-year programme prepares graduates for postgraduate study or diverse scientific careers in biodiversity and ecology.
The MSc in Botany or Zoology offers specialised research opportunities for graduates with a BSc Honours degree. Admission requires at least 65% in Honours and supervisor acceptance. Focus areas include advanced study and innovative research in biological sciences.
PhD in Botany or Zoology
The PhD in Botany or Zoology is a research-intensive programme for MSc graduates in biological sciences. Admission requires supervisor approval and departmental endorsement. Students engage in advanced research, contributing to scientific knowledge and innovation within their chosen field.
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