Marine Biology @ UKZN

We use local examples from our research to illustrate principles

About the Programme

The purpose of the Programme is to produce Marine Biology graduates who will be capable of accessing and organising pertinent information, of solving problems, and of thinking in an integrative manner. They will also be numerate and literate to the degree required by contemporary Marine Biology, they will be familiar with a range of laboratory-, field- and computer-based techniques specific to Marine Biology, and they will be able to communicate effectively in both written and spoken English. These skills will be generated in a hierarchical manner, starting with specific information regarding relevant biotic and abiotic features of the sea, and ending with an emphasis on the integrated nature of ecosystems, their constituent biotic and abiotic processes, and the goods and services that they deliver. To inculcate social awareness and responsibility, particular importance will be placed on the dependence of humanity on the sea as well as the impacts that humanity has had on marine environments.

Who wants to be a Marine Biologist?

 Why study Marine Biology?

Graduates in Marine Biology will be equipped with a thorough specialist background that is important for a wide range of attractive and socially important employment opportunities. These include, inter alia, fisheries science, marine conservation, aquaculture, specialist environmental consultancy, environmental planning and management, academic research, science writing and teaching. Within many of these broad fields, opportunities exist in activities as diverse as management, administration, communication, and laboratory and field-based technical and scientific work. Given the growing public recognition of the impending ecological crises that face humankind, especially in the coastal zone, where problems of urban development exacerbate the impacts of overharvesting, sea-level rise, warming of waters, and ocean acidification, Marine Biology should be seen as an important career choice. Moreover, because the Marine Biology programme is designed to develop a wide range of skills and competencies, it also lays the foundation for further specialisation in many other directions, including not only the more general biological sciences, but also business, communication, management and research in other disciplines. It is important to note, though, that formal employment as a Marine Biologist will generally require study beyond a Bachelor's degree (BSc).

Some critters from local beaches

What are the entry requirements?

Access to this Programme requires a National Senior Certificate with passes in:

• Mathematics at level 4;
• Life Sciences or Physical Sciences or Agricultural Science at level 4;
• English at level 4;
• Life Orientation at level 4; plus
• 3 other subjects from the approved list, with the minimum of 28 points excluding the points from Life Orientation.

Candidates with slightly lower point counts, but showing strength in particular subjects that are considered more relevant to studies within the Faculty or in this Programme, may be admitted at the Dean’s discretion. Candidates who do not meet these criteria, but are deemed to have an educationally disadvantaged background and who show promise, may be admitted into a special augmented level-1 curriculum, which will normally extend over two years. Access by this route will still require matriculation exemption with passes in Mathematics and Biology or Physical Science, but will in other respects be at the discretion of the Dean.

Candidates who matricuated in 2007 or earlier require a matriculation exemption with a higher-grade E or standard-grade B in Mathematics and either Biology or Physical Sciences.

For more information on entry requirements, application and admission procedure, fees, scholarships, accommodation and general information see the Undergraduate Prospectus for 2010 on the UKZN website, or contact the UKZN Admission and Information Offices for Mrs. P. Moodley (moodleyp29@ukzn.ac.za, 031-260 3302) or Mrs. V. Govender (govenderv1@ukzn.ac.za, 031-260 7146).

Our new, state-of-the art Biology Building

What does the Programme look like?

Flow diagram of BSc (Marine Biology)

Details of individual modules can be found elsewhere on this site and also in the Faculty Handbook, which is available from http://www.ukzn.ac.za/handbooks/.

For more details

Please contact Dr Usula Scharler, by phone on 031 260 1605 or by email on scharler@ukzn.ac.za.