1. Zoology
  2. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What career opportunities are there?

Some possible career options related to Zoology are:

  • Conservationist
  • Ecologist
  • Entomologist
  • Environmental consultant
  • Geneticist
  • Laboratory technician
  • Marine biologist
  • Museum curator
  • Nature conservationist
  • Palaeontologist
  • Parasitologist
  • Pathologist
  • Researcher
  • Scientist
  • Taxonomist
  • Teacher
  • Wildlife biologist
  • Zoologist

What are the prerequisites for Zoology at NWU?

The admission requirements for the faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences can be found here: https://studies.nwu.ac.za/undergraduate-studies/natural-and-agricultural-sciences-2025

A Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences or Environmental Sciences with Zoology requires:

  • Mathematics level 4 OR Technical Mathematics level 5
  • Physical Science level 4
  • [Biology or Life Sciences are highly recommended]
  • Admission Point Score (APS): 26

The undergraduate degree duration is 3 years.

All new enrolments must have access to a laptop for study purposes. It is compulsory, as part of the equipment a student needs to participate in learning and assessment activities of the academic programme.

How can I apply?

Applications for Zoology at NWU can be done online, on the NWU website: https://studies.nwu.ac.za/studies/apply

Please note that Zoology is only available on the Potchefstroom Campus.

What subjects complement Zoology?

Currently, the subject combinations with Zoology at NWU are:

  • Biochemistry (Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences)
  • Botany (Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences)
  • Microbiology (Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences)
  • Physiology (Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences)
  • Chemistry (Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences)
  • Geography (Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences)
  • Geology (Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences)
  • Tourism (Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences)

Please see the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences yearbook (https://studies.nwu.ac.za/studies/yearbooks) for more information on subject choices.

What funding opportunities are there?

There are a number of external funding opportunities, but the NWU offers financial support (https://studies.nwu.ac.za/financial-support) and bursaries (https://studies.nwu.ac.za/studies/bursaries) too.

How long will it take to qualify?

  • An undergraduate degree is three years.
  • An honours degree is one year after completion of the undergraduate degree.
  • The recommended time for a master's degree is 2 years.
  • A doctorate can only begin after completion of a master's degree and should take three years.

What can I do if I do not meet the requirements for Zoology?

Students who have not achieved the required points for entry into BSc may be admitted into the, BSc (Extended (BSc-e) Programme. Students need a “Bachelors” matric pass. Important to note that this is available at Mahikeng and Vanderbijlpark campuses only.

What is the process if I want to become a teacher?

Students wishing to become teachers in biological sciences can do so with a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). Students must first complete their BSc degree before they can be admitted to the PGCE programme.

Please see the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences yearbook (https://studies.nwu.ac.za/studies/yearbooks) for more information, as well as the PGCE calendar of the Faculty of Education for complete information.

What are the different research fields at NWU Zoology?

Currently, the different areas of research at NWU Zoology include:

  • Aquatic Health
  • Biodiversity
  • Conservation Ecology
  • Coral Reef Ecology
  • Ecotoxicology
  • Entomology
  • Environmental Pollution
  • Integrated Pest Management
  • Nanoecotoxicology
  • One Health
  • Parasitology
    • Including parasites in amphibians, blood, fish (teleost and elasmobranchs), mammals and reptiles.
  • Vectors
  • Zoonoses

Please see the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences yearbook (https://studies.nwu.ac.za/studies/yearbooks) for more information on Animal Health & Animal Science.

How do Zoology and Biology differ as fields of study?

Zoology and biology are closely related fields but differ in their scope and focus. Biology is the broad study of living organisms and their interactions with each other and their environments. It covers all forms of life, including plants, animals, fungi, microorganisms, and their molecular and genetic processes.

Zoology is a branch of biology that specifically focuses on the study of animals. It covers all aspects of animal life, from the molecular level to the ecosystem level, but does not include the study of plants or microorganisms. Zoology emphasises the structure, function, behaviour, and evolution of animals. It also covers aspects like animal physiology, anatomy, taxonomy, ecology, and genetics as they pertain to animals. These different aspects are covered in the undergraduate studies of Zoology at NWU.

What are the preferred module combinations with Zoology if I want to study veterinary science or marine biology?

If you are interested in veterinary science with a primary focus on Zoology, it's beneficial to have a combination of modules that provide a strong foundation in biological and medical sciences. Some of the preferred module combinations at NWU that you can take with Zoology include:

Biochemistry: Studying the chemical processes and substances that occur within living organisms.

Microbiology: Learning about microorganisms and their effects on animals, including pathogens and beneficial microbes.

Physiology: Understanding the physical structure and biological functions of different biological species.

If you are interested in pursuing marine biology with a primary focus on zoology, it's important to choose modules that provide a comprehensive understanding of marine organisms, their environments, and the ecological processes that govern marine ecosystems. Here are some preferred module combinations at NWU:

Biochemistry: Understanding the chemical processes within marine organisms.

Botany: Studying marine plants and algae and their ecological roles.

Microbiology: Studying microorganisms in marine environments and their ecological roles.

Physiology: Understanding the physiological adaptations of organisms to their environment.

What is the difference between Zoology and Animal Health/Science?

At NWU, Zoology and Animal Health & Animal Science are offered.

Zoology is only available on Potchefstroom campus and Animal Health & Animal Science is only available on Mahikeng campus.

For more information on what Zoology entails, please look at the Study Info tab, at the Undergraduate modules.

The Animal Health & Animal Science degree covers the following modules over 4 years:

  • Animal Health, Handling and Welfare
  • Anatomy and Physiology
  • Ethno veterinary Medicine
  • Fundamentals of Aquaculture
  • Microbiology and Immunology for Animal Health
  • Bacterial Diseases
  • Metabolic and Fungal Diseases
  • Viral Diseases
  • Epidemiology for Animal Health
  • General Pathology
  • Obstetrics and Genital Diseases
  • Parasitology
  • Introduction to Game and Wildlife
  • Meat Inspection
  • Pharmacology and Toxicology
  • Organ Pathology
  • Clinical Laboratory Techniques
  • Veterinary Jurisprudence
  • Research Methodology
  • Scheduled Diseases, Quarantine and Biosecurity
  • Environmental and Public Health for Animal Health
  • Management and Entrepreneurship
  • WIL I: Companion Animal Medicine and Surgery
  • WIL II: Production Animal Clinical Care for Animal Health
  • WIL III: Pathology and Laboratory Practice
  • WIL IV: Applied Biosecurity for Animal Health