Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology
Overview
The Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology is offered from the Westville Campus. Marine Biology focuses on the study of life in saltwater environments encompassing everything from the genetics and evolution of marine organisms to their physiological processes and the functioning of marine ecosystems. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in various fields, including conservation, research, and resource management.
SAQA
NQF LEVEL
DURATION
CAO CODE
KN-W-BSM
CLOSING DATE
30 September
DISCIPLINE
Entry Requirements
- Applicants are eligible to apply to register for the Marine Biology major, provided they have a NSC (Bachelor’s pass),
- an APS score of no fewer than 28 points;
- Mathematics at Level 4 and Physical Science, Life Science or Agricultural Science at Level 4.
Modules
Semester 1
- The Smaller Side of Life – BIOL101 (16 Credits)
- General Principles of Chemistry – CHEM110 (16 Credits)
- Mathematics for Natural Sciences – MATH150 (16 Credits)
- Intro Physics for Life Sciences & Agriculture – PHYS131 (16 Credits)
Total Credits: 64 Credits
Semester 2
- Life on Earth – BIOL102 (16 Credits)
- Chemical Reactivity – CHEM120 (16 Credits)
- Introduction to Statistics – STAT130 (16 Credits)
- Elective (16 Credits)
Total Credits: 64 Credits
Semester 1
- Biological Sciences Toolkit – BIOL200 (16 Credits)
- Plant and Animal Ecophysiology – BIOL204 (16 Credits)
- Invertebrate Diversity & Ecology – BIOL214 (16 Credits)
- Elective (16 Credits)
Total Credits: 64 Credits
Semester 2
- Vertebrate Biology and Ecology – BIOL210 (16 Credits)
- Marine Environment – BIOL231 (16 Credits)
- Geographic Information Systems – ENVS211 (16 Credits)
- Molecular DNA Technology – RDNA202 (16 Credits)
Total Credits: 64 Credits
Semester 1
- Population and Community Ecology – BIOL305 (16 Credits)
- Practical Research Skills in Marine Biology – BIOL310 (16 Credits)
- Marine Systems – BIOL341 (16 Credits)
- GIS & Remote Sensing – ENVS316 (16 Credits)
Total Credits: 64 Credits
Semester 2
- Evolution and systematics – BIOL304 (16 Credits)
- Marine Ecophysiology – BIOL342 (16 Credits)
- Applied Marine Biology – BIOL343 (16 Credits)
- Marine Biology Research Project – BIOL391 (16 Credits)
Total Credits: 64 Credits
What do they actually do?
Marine Biologists study all aspects of life in the sea and the environment on which it depends. This includes marine plants, animals and other organisms, both vertebrate and invertebrate, in deep oceans, shallow seas and the laboratory. The main aims of Marine Biology are to improve understanding of the marine world and to understand and
predict changes in ecosystems affected by human and natural disturbances.
Marine Biology is a broad-ranging career. One can go into
field work, academic research, laboratory work, consulting,
charity work, outreach or policy making
Areas of Employment
- Consulting services
- Universities
- Department of Environmental Affairs, Forestry & Fisheries
- Department of Water & Sanitation
- CSIR
- South African Navy
- Water boards
- Municipalities
- Museums
- Sea Fisheries Research Institute
- South African Association for Marine Biological Research
- Aquariums
Apply today and take the next step toward your future.