How To Become A Zoologist In South Africa & Subjects Needed

Are you looking for a way to become a Zoologist in South Africa and don’t know the subjects needed or even universities in South Africa where you can undergo the course? If yes, then this informative article is for you. You will be given detailed information about how to become a Zoologist in South Africa, Universities and Subjects Needed.

What Does A Zoologist Do?

Zoologists are biologists who study the structures, characteristics, functions, ecology and environments of living or extinct animals. They do this in order to increase scientific knowledge and develop practical applications in wildlife management, conservation, agriculture and medicine.

As well as observing and studying animals, zoologists may spend time writing research articles and reports. They can also be involved in conservation, protecting endangered animals and their habitats.

Zoologists may find jobs working for government agencies, non-profit organisations, universities, museums and zoos.

Zoologists duties usually include:

• Organising field research studies of animals in their natural habitat
• Studying specimens under microscope in laboratories
• Fundraising
• Writing reports and scientific articles
• Making presentations to schools and interest groups
• Identifying and classifying animals
• Estimating wildlife populations
• Developing programmes to increase or manage the population of wild animals and animals in captivity
• Supervising and coordinating the work of technical officers and technicians.

What Qualifications Do I Need?

A Bachelor of Zoology degree is commonly a minimum requirement for entry-level jobs, while further qualifications are usually required for higher-level research jobs. A PhD is needed for most positions involving original research and developing plans for conservation or management.

A National Senior Certificate that meets the requirements for a degree or diploma course is a prerequisite. Zoologists usually specialise in one aspect of study such as entomology (insects), parasitology (internal and external parasites), ecology (environment of animals), ethology (animal behaviour), ichthyology (fish), mammalogy (mammals), ornithology (birds), herpetology (reptiles) or physiology (functions of animals).

Postgraduate research projects are chosen according to the particular area of interest and specialisation.

What Subjects Do I Need?

Contact each institution for their specific requirements, but these subjects are recommended:

• Mathematics
• Physical Science

Where Can I Study?

University of the Witwatersrand

• Bachelor of Science: Zoology
• www.wits.ac.za

University of Johannesburg

• Bachelor of Science: Environmental Management and Zoology
• www.uj.ac.za

University of Pretoria

• Bachelor of Science: Zoology
• www.up.ac.za

Cape Peninsula University of Technology

• National Diploma: Nature Conservation
• www.cput.ac.za

Tshwane University of Technology

• National Diploma: Nature Conservation
• www.tut.ac.za

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