Biodiversity
Study the foundations of animal, ecology, and plant sciences.
Overview
Bachelor of Science in the field of Biological Sciences
This exciting course, offered by the School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, provides you with the appropriate skills, knowledge, and attitudes needed for a range of zoological, botanical, and ecological careers and specialisations.
To find out more about the Biological Sciences Programme at Wits, visit our site.
Career Opportunities
- Agricultural Research Council (ARC)
- Biodiversity Planner
- Biology Education
- Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWA)
- Education Officer
- Herbaria (e.g. at Kirstenbosch)
- Medical Research (Linked to Herbal Medicines)
- Nature Conversation
- Research for the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
- Scientific Journalism
- Private Consulting Firms
- South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI)
Curriculum
First-year
Introductory Life Sciences
AND
Chemistry
AND
Auxiliary Mathematics
AND
Any other Level I course
Recommended: Complementary Life Sciences
Second-year
- Life on Earth: Diversity
- Life on Earth: Evolution
- Ecology, Environment, and Conservation IIA and IIB
- Animal Form and Function
- Plant Form and Function
AND
Basic Statistics for the Natural Sciences
AND
Any other Level II courses
Third-year
Each major has a choice of the following courses:
- Applied Ecology and Global Change IIIA: Individuals, Populations and Communities
- Applied Ecology and Global Change IIIB: Managing our Complex World
AND
Any other level lll course
Entry Requirements
APS 43+
English Home Language OR First Additional Language Level 5
Mathematics Level 5
Wait-listing
Applicants with 41-42 points may be wait-listed, subject to place availability
National Benchmark Test
All Faculty of Science applicants must write the National Benchmark Tests (NBT) before being considered for admission. There are two tests. The Academic and Quantitative Literacy Test and the Mathematics Test. Your test results are used in addition to your Grade 12 results to identify students who may need additional support during the course of their studies.
University Application Process
- The Student Enrolment Centre at Wits handles all student applications.
- Please click here for an overview of the application process.
- Check the admission requirements for your degree. Check if any additional selection requirements apply.
- Submit your application, required documentation and application fee before the closing date.
- Once you have applied, an admissions consultant will be assigned to your application.
- Applicants can monitor the progress of their applications via the Self Service Portal.
- If you are an international applicant and/or have a foreign qualification, please click here.
Compliance with the minimum requirements does not guarantee a place at the University. The University has a specific number of places for first year undergraduates, approved by the Department of Higher Education and Training. Final selection is made subject to the availability of places, academic results and other entry requirements where applicable.
University Fees and Funding
Click here to see the current average tuition fees for the first year of study. The Fees website also provides information about the payment of fees and closing dates for fees payments. Once you have applied you will be able to access the fees estimator on the student self-service portal.
The Financial aid office provides information on student funding and scholarships. University-funded Scholarships include Vice-Chancellor's Scholarships, University Entrance Scholarships, Equality Scholarships, Sports Scholarships and National Olympiad winner awards. For information about NSFAS funding, please visit the NSFAS website. External bursaries portal: The Bursaries South Africa website provides a comprehensive list of bursaries in South Africa.
Wits Plus applicants: terms of payment are in accordance with University regulations, and students are not eligible for University bursaries/NSFAS or residential accommodation.