Zoology – What Marks Requirements and Subjects are Needed to Study in South African Universities?

On this page, we explore what High School subjects marks/results are needed or required to study Zoology in South African Universities and Colleges (in order to become a Zoologist)? We also look at what APS Score is required (entry requirements for admission) for Zoology Degree and Diploma courses, and where to study Zoology. You should know that every learning institution, internationally or locally, will have its own set of requirements for Zoology studies.

List of Grade 10 High School subjects(marks/results) required to study Zoology courses

Well, let us explore what subjects are required in order to study Zoology in South African Universities and Colleges.

This is a Sciences field of study, therefore there are specific High School subjects, which you should choose in grade 10, that are required to study in this field. You also need to meet the minimum APS score in the University you are going to study at. The following grade 10 subject choices are recommended for Zoology studies at any particular university:

• Physical Science: 50% – 70% and above
• Mathematics: 50% – 70% and above
• Life Sciences, or Biology: 50% – 70% and above
• English Home Language, or English First or Second Additional Language: 50% – 70% and above

Minimum requirements for Zoology studies relating to Higher Certificate, Diploma and Bachelor Studies?

• Higher Certificate. The minimum admission requirement is a National Senior Certificate with a minimum of 30% in the language of learning and teaching of the higher education institution as certified by Umalusi, the Quality Assurance Council. Institutional and programme needs may require additional combinations or recognised NSC subjects and levels of achievement.
• Diploma. The minimum admission requirement is a National Senior Certificate with a minimum of 30% in the language of learning and teaching of the higher education institution as certified by Umalusi, the Quality Assurance Council, coupled with an achievement rating of 3 (Moderate Achievement, 40% – 49%) or better in four (4) recognised 20-credit subjects. Institution and programme needs may require additional combinations of recognised NSC subjects and levels of achievement.
• Bachelor’s Degree The minimum admission requirement is a National Senior Certificate with a minimum of 30% in the language of learning and teaching of the higher education institution as certified by Umalusi, the Quality Assurance Council, coupled with an achievement rating of 4 (Adequate Achievement, 50% – 59%) or better in four (4) recognised 20-credit subjects. Institution and programme needs may require additional combinations of recognised NSC subjects and levels of achievement.

Watch: Zoologist sharing job experience

https://youtu.be/CNMbCOCZRV0

What Zoology Career is all about

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.

Zoology is a very broad area of scientific study, and careers can be defined in several different ways. For example, one person might specialise in fish (an Ichthyologist) whereas another may specialise in mammals (a Mammalogist). Another might concentrate on the development of the early stages of life in both fish and mammals (an Embryologist or Developmental Biologist). Thus, specialists can be defined in many different ways.

Zoology Job titles and what Qualifications are required

Research Marine Biologist – Required Qualifications and subject Choices:

• B.Sc. Degree to include:
  • Year 1. Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology or Zoology
  • Years 2 and 3. Zoology, Marine Biology, and/or Statistics, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Computer Science, Mathematical Modelling.
• B.Sc. (Hons) Honours in Marine Biology or Fisheries Science or training in Marine Biological research in general.
• M.Sc. A dissertation on a particular marine biological topic.
• Ph.D. A thesis on another marine biological topic.

Limnologist – Required Qualifications and subject Choices:

• B.Sc. Degree to include:
  • Year 1. Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology or Zoology
  • Years 2 and 3. Zoology and Botany or Statistics, and/or Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematical Modelling.
• B.Sc. (Hons) Honours in Limnology or Freshwater Studies or training in freshwater biological research in general.
• M.Sc. and Ph.D. As for Marine Biologist (above) but with freshwater-related topics.

Entomologist – Required Qualifications and subject Choices:

• B.Sc. Degree to include:
  • Year 1. As above
  • Year 2. Zoology, Entomology and from Statistics, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Computer Science,
  • Year 3. Entomology and Botany
• B.Sc. (Hons) Honours in Entomology.
• M.Sc. and Ph.D. As for above but in entomological topics.

Nature Conservator – Required Qualifications and subject Choices:

• A 2-year diploma in Nature Conservation at a suitable technikon OR A B.Sc. Degree to include:
  • Year 1. Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology or Zoology
  • Years 2 and 3. Zoology and/or Botany, Ecology, Statistics, Computer Science, Mathematical Modelling.
• B.Sc. (Hons). Honours in Zoology or Nature Conservation or Wildlife Management or Ecology / Biodiversity.
• M.Sc. and Ph.D. Not usually a necessity but otherwise as above.

What is the APS marks/results Score for Zoology

In order for you to get accepted at a University in South Africa, or (Colleges that use APS scores) for a qualification in Zoology, you should possess a National Senior Certificate (Grade 12) with an APS score of between 26 -35. APS score is determined by the Grade 12 marks or results. It is also good to know that Universities and Colleges may use your Grade 11 marks if you applied before your matric results came out.

 

 

The minimum requirements for a candidate to obtain a Grade 12 National Senior Certificate?

The minimum requirements are:

• Achieve 40% in three subjects, one of which is an official language at Home Language level and 30% in three subjects.
• Provide full evidence in the SBA component in the subjects offered

Correct Subject Choice is Important

When it comes to subject choices, every learner should ensure that their subject choice (from Grade 10 already) will lead them in pursuing the careers they want.

The subject choice at the end of Grade 9, or Grade 10 according to The Department of Education, could determine the field of study learners can follow once they complete school. In other words, if learners do not select the correct combination of subjects, they could find themselves unable to enter into certain higher or further education programmes. So when making this important subject choice, learners should consider their options for when they complete school and select accordingly.

How much does it cost to study Zoology in South Africa?

Although every learning institution will have its own fees structure and costing, studying Zoology courses can range from R15 000 to R60 000 per annum. It is always advisable for learners to contact the institution they want to learn at in order to confirm the study fees amounts for the year.

Zoology Job Titles

Sources:

Zoology Degrees