The Biological Sciences programme at UKZN offers a comprehensive exploration of life systems across multiple scales – from molecular interactions to ecosystem dynamics. Our degree provides rigorous training in core disciplines while addressing Africa’s unique biodiversity challenges and global scientific advancements.
Biological Sciences includes several sub-disciplines:
Biochemistry explores the molecular machinery of life, investigating metabolic pathways, protein functions, and cellular signaling. At UKZN, students analyze biochemical interactions critical to drug development, nutritional science, and biotechnology, using advanced techniques and instrumentation.
Cellular Biology examines the structure, function, and regulation of cells, from organelles to membrane dynamics. Our curriculum emphasizes African-relevant research in cell differentiation, cancer biology, and microbial interactions, leveraging cutting-edge microscopy and flow cytometry facilities.
Ecology studies organism-environment interactions across terrestrial and aquatic systems. UKZN’s fieldwork-focused approach addresses Southern African biodiversity conservation, climate change impacts, and sustainable ecosystem management through research in savanna, coastal, and wetland habitats.
Genetics deciphers heredity and variation in genes, from molecular mechanisms to population-level patterns. Students engage with medical genomics, agricultural biotechnology, and evolutionary genetics, utilizing UKZN’s DNA sequencing and bioinformatics platforms.
Microbiology investigates microorganisms’ roles in health, industry, and the environment. The programme highlights infectious disease control (HIV/TB/malaria), antimicrobial resistance, and biotechnological applications, with training in BSL-2 labs and microbial culture collections.
Why Study Biological Sciences at UKZN?
Biological Sciences provides the fundamental framework for understanding life across all scales, from molecular interactions to entire ecosystems. At UKZN, our comprehensive programme equips students with both cutting-edge theoretical knowledge and practical skills to address critical global challenges in health, agriculture, biodiversity conservation, and biotechnology. The programme offers five key advantages: diverse specializations allowing focus on areas like biochemistry, microbiology, or ecology; exceptional hands-on research experience through UKZN’s advanced laboratories and field stations; an African-relevant curriculum addressing local priorities such as infectious diseases and indigenous biodiversity; strong career pathways into sectors like pharmaceuticals, environmental consulting, and agricultural research; and the opportunity to learn from leading scientists engaged in groundbreaking research. Graduates emerge with highly valued laboratory and field skills, advanced critical thinking capabilities, specialized sub-discipline expertise, and valuable professional networks – all essential for tackling biological challenges in South Africa and globally.
(For complete programme details, please consult the current UKZN Science Handbook.)
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.
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 (Pietermaritzburg & Westville Campus) are offered.
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 is typically two years of full time study.
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.
NSC degree pass with Maths, English and Life Orientation Level 4 (50%) and Agricultural Science or Life Sciences or Physical Science Level 4 (50%)
28 – 48
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:
NSC degree pass with Maths, English and Life Orientation Level 4 (50%) and Agricultural Science or Life Sciences or Physical Science Level 4 (50%)
28 – 48
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.
NSC degree pass with English and Life Orientation at Level 4 (50%), Maths at Level 3 (40%) and Agricultural Science, Physical Science or Life Sciences at Level 3 (40%)
26 – 48
To apply, please visit our School’s Undergraduate or Postgraduate page for step-by-step instructions, downloadable application forms, and the online application link.
We have a number of research groups that specialise in areas of research in Biological Sciences.
UKZN Research Space was developed to increase the visibility, availability and impact of tour students’ research output.
