FIRST-YEAR LEVEL COURSES IN ZOOLOGY

There are two first-year courses in Zoology. CEL 101 is held in the first semester and ZOO 102 in the second semester. Credit for each course may be obtained separately and, in addition, an aggregate mark of at least 50% will be deemed to be equivalent to the year-long course ZOO 1, provided that a candidate obtains the required sub-minimum (45%) in each component. However, students wishing to major in Zoology and/or Entomology must normally obtain credit for each semester course separately. Supplementary examinations may be awarded in either course, provided that a candidate achieves 35% in semester 1 and 45% in semester 2. Adequate performance (at least 35%) for CEL 101 is required before a student may register for ZOO 102.

CEL 101: Cell Biology

This is a first-year, first-semester course (NQF level 5, 15-credits) jointly taught by the Departments of Botany and Zoology & Entomology.

See specific details in the entry for the Department of Botany.

ZOO 102: Animal Diversity, Structure and Function

First-year, second-semester course (NQF level 5, 15-credits)

Entrance requirements: 35% for CEL 101 Course description: This course provides an introduction to the evolution, systematics, structure and functional biology of the animal kingdom, both vertebrate and invertebrate.
DP requirements: Attend at least 90% of practicals and hand in all assignments. Assessment: Class record 40%, Summative assessments 60%
Supplementary exam: yes
Subminimum for November: 45% to aggregate with CEL 101

SECOND-YEAR LEVEL COURSES IN ZOOLOGY

There are two independent second-year courses in Zoology, ZOO 201 and ZOO 202. Credit for each course may be obtained separately and, in addition, an aggregate mark of at least 50% will be deemed to be equivalent to the year-course ZOO 2, provided that a candidate obtains the required subminimum in each component. No supplementary examinations are offered for either course.

Practical reports, essays, seminars and class tests collectively comprise the class mark, which forms part of the final mark.
When the intention is to major in Zoology, Zoology 1 (CEL 101, ZOO 102), Botany 102 (BOT 102), and Chemistry 1 (CHE 1) is normally required before a student may register for ZOO 201 or ZOO 202. Permission may be granted to repeat CHE 1 or BOT 102 concurrently with ZOO 201 and ZOO 202. Adequate performance (at least 45%) in the first semester is required before a student may register for the second semester.

ZOO 201: Principles of Ecology and Evolution

Second-year, first-semester course (NQF level 6, 20-credits)

Entrance requirements: ZOO 1
Co-requisites: CHE 1, BOT 102
Course description: This course concerns the general principles of ecology, micro- and macro- evolution. Ecological topics covered fall under the levels of organism, population, community, and ecosystem. Short field trips may be held. Evolution topics include evolutionary genetics and species diversification.
DP requirements: Attend at least 90% of practicals, hand in all assignments, and attend compulsory field trips.
Assessment: Class record 40%, Summative assessments 60%
Supplementary exam: None
Subminimum for June: 45% to aggregate with ZOO 202

ZOO 202: Environmental and Behavioural Physiology

Second-year, second-semester course (NQF level 6, 20-credits)

Entrance requirements: ZOO 201
Course description: This course examines the effects of environmental variables such as oxygen, carbon dioxide, ions, water, temperature, and other external stimuli on how animals function and how different groups of animals respond to different environmental conditions and stimuli.
DP requirements: Attend at least 90% of practicals and hand in all assignments. Assessment: Class record 40%, Summative assessments 60%
Supplementary exam: None
Subminimum for June: 45% to aggregate with ZOO 201

THIRD-YEAR LEVEL COURSES IN ZOOLOGY

There are two independent third year courses in Zoology. A student wishing to major in Zoology must obtain ZOO 301 and ZOO 302. Credit for each of these courses may be obtained separately. Aggregation will be deemed equivalent to a year- long course ZOO 3, provided the candidate obtains the required subminimum in each semester. No supplementary examinations are offered in third year courses. Practical reports, essays, seminars and class tests collectively comprise the class mark, which forms part of the final course mark. A research project, which is carried out during the year, forms a component of each semester in Zoology. The project mark for the first semester will be based on a midyear report. Students who register for one semester undertake a shorter project. The examination may include an oral examination at the discretion of the examiners. When the intention is to major in Zoology, ZOO 201 and ZOO 202, or its equivalent ZOO 2, are required before a student may register for a third- year semester. Adequate performance (at least 45%) in the first semester is required before a student may register for the second semester.

ZOO 301: African Zoology: land animals and life histories

Third-year, first-semester course (NQF level 7, 30- credits)

Entrance requirements: ZOO 2
Course description: This course uses the African vertebrate fauna to illustrate the principles of behavioural and physiological adaptation to terrestrial habitats. Normally, an introductory section on African biogeography is followed by an examination of the problems and solutions associated with life in particular environments. These include arid habitats, montane and forest habitats and grasslands/savanna. A short field trip may be held.
DP requirements: Attend at least 90% of practicals, hand in all assignments, and successfully complete a mini-research project. Assessment: Class record 20%, Project 20%, Summative assessments 60%

Supplementary exam: None
Subminimum for June: 45% to aggregate with ZOO 302

ZOO 302: Marine Biology

Third-year, second-semester course (NQF level 7, 30-credits)
Entrance requirements: ZOO 2
Course description: The oceans have a profound effect on life on earth, providing food for man and influencing both weather and climate. This course emphasizes the physical properties of the marine environment and how these shape species’ interactions and food webs. Topics covered may include ocean circulation, primary production, zooplankton dynamics, the deep sea, rocky shores, sandy beaches, estuaries, planktonic food webs, pelagic/demersal fisheries, climate change, and the behavioural and physiological ecology of marine animals. Short field trips may also be held.

DP requirements: Attend at least 90% of practicals, hand in all assignments, and successfully complete a mini-research project. Assessment: Class record 20%, Project 20%, Summative assessments 60%

Supplementary exam: None
Subminimum for June: 45% to aggregate with ZOO 301

 

 

Last Modified: Wed, 23 Feb 2022 11:51:28 SAST