UNISA Zoology Course Module 2025-2026

The Zoology program at the undergraduate level offers a comprehensive curriculum that progresses from foundational concepts in animal diversity and physiology to more advanced topics in ethology, ecology, and applied zoology. Each course is designed to build upon the knowledge gained in the previous levels, ensuring a thorough understanding of zoology as a discipline.

Major Combinations:

NQF Level 5:

• Modules:
  • ZOL1501 (Animal Diversity I)
  • ZOL1502 (Animal Diversity II)
  • ZOL1603 (Zoology I – Practical)
  • CHE1501, CHE1502, CHE1503 (Chemistry modules)
  • STA1510 (Statistics)
  • EUP1501 (End-user computing)

NQF Level 6:

• Modules:
  • ZOL2601 (Comparative Animal Physiology)
  • ZOL2602 (Cytogenetics and Embryology)
  • ZOL2603 (Theory of Evolution)
  • ZOL2604 (Zoology II – Practical)

NQF Level 7:

• Modules:
  • ZOL3701 (Ethology and Project)
  • ZOL3702 (Ecology)
  • ZOL3703 (Applied Zoology)
  • ZOL3704 (Zoology III – Practical)

Course Descriptions:

Zoology II (Practical) – ZOL2604:

Focus: Experimental study of physiological processes, embryogenesis, and sensory organs in animals.

Ethology and Project – ZOL3701:

Focus: Fundamental principles of animal ethology and its application in environmental management.

Ecology – ZOL3702:

Focus: Interaction between biotic and abiotic environments, population dynamics, and community ecology.

Applied Zoology – ZOL3703:

Focus: Parasitology, including identification, epidemiology, and control measures of parasites.

Zoology III (Practical) – ZOL3704:

Focus: Advanced principles of ethology, statistical methods, and applied aspects of parasitology.

Entomology: Insects and Arachnids – LSH4803:

Level: Postgraduate Diploma

Focus: Impact of insects and arachnids as disease vectors in Africa.

Advanced Animal Parasitology – LSH4804:

Level: Honours

Focus: Impact and control measures of common parasites in African communities.

Zoology I (Practical) – ZOL1603:

Focus: Practical skills in research, dissection, and understanding of invertebrate and vertebrate animals.

Comparative Animal Physiology – ZOL2601:

Focus: Physiological adaptations of animals to their environments.

Cytogenetics and Embryology – ZOL2602:

Focus: Genetic material transfer, expression, and embryonic development in various animals.

Theory of Evolution – ZOL2603:

Focus: Evolutionary theory, its history, concepts, and mechanisms.

Additional Information:

Admission Requirements: Each course has specific prerequisites and co-requisites, ensuring that students have the necessary background knowledge.

Program Delivery: The program is structured to provide a balance of theoretical knowledge and practical experience, equipping students with skills relevant to various fields, including conservation, veterinary science, marine biology, and more.

Career Opportunities: Graduates can pursue careers in animal conservation, research, academia, environmental management, and other related fields.

This comprehensive and structured approach to Zoology education ensures that students are well-equipped to understand and contribute to the field of Zoology.