Biological Sciences (Organismal Biology)

Study how evolution, heredity, and development shape animal and plant life.

Overview

Bachelor of Science in the field of Biological Sciences

Animal and plant life is shaped by central processes of evolution, heredity, and development. In the School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, we focus largely on whole organisms. But we also cover topics ranging from basic animal or plant biology, including physiology, to animal and plant interactions with the biotic and abiotic characteristics of their environments.

The syllabus provides broad competence for careers involving the biology of animals and plants in relation to their environment, including human or veterinary medicine.

This major aligns well with Physiology or Anatomy offered through the Faculty of Health Sciences and is an excellent first degree for continuing in the medical profession.

To find out more about the Biological Sciences Programme at Wits, visit our site.

Career Opportunities

  • Biodiversity Planner
  • Biology Education
  • Education Officer
  • Private Consulting Firms
  • Scientific Journalism
  • Veterinary Research Institute

Research or related work in various institutions:

  • Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
  • Agricultural Research Council (ARC)
  • Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWA)
  • South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI)
  • Nature conservation, museums (e.g. Ditsong NMNH)

Curriculum

First-year

Introductory Life Sciences I
AND
Chemistry I
AND
Auxiliary Mathematics I
AND
Any other Level I course

Second-year
  • Life on Earth: Diversity
  • Life on Earth: Evolution
  • Animal Form and Function
  • Plant Form and Function

AND

  • Basic Statistics for the Natural Sciences II

AND

  • Any other Level II courses
Third-year

Each major has a choice of the following courses:

  • Biodiversity in a Changing World IIIA: From Process to Pattern
  • Biodiversity in a Changing World IIIB: From Physiology to Behaviour

AND Any other level III course

Course selection is subject to the guidance of the School for second and third year majors.

Entry Requirements

APS 43+

English Home Language OR First Additional Language Level 5

Mathematics Level 5

Wait-listing

Applicants with 41-42 points may be wait-listed, subject to place availability.

National Benchmark Test

All Faculty of Science applicants must write the National Benchmark Tests (NBT) before being considered for admission. There are two tests. The Academic and Quantitative Literacy Test and the Mathematics Test. Your test results are used in addition to your Grade 12 results to identify students who may need additional support during their studies. 

University Application Process

  • The Student Enrolment Centre at Wits handles all student applications.
  • Please click here for an overview of the application process. 
  • Check the admission requirements for your degree. Check if any additional selection requirements apply. 
  • Submit your application, required documentation and application fee before the closing date.
  • Once you have applied, an admissions consultant will be assigned to your application.
  • Applicants can monitor the progress of their applications via the Self Service Portal.
  • If you are an international applicant and/or have a foreign qualification, please click here.

Compliance with the minimum requirements does not guarantee a place at the University. The University has a specific number of places for first year undergraduates, approved by the Department of Higher Education and Training. Final selection is made subject to the availability of places, academic results and other entry requirements where applicable.

University Fees and Funding

Click here to see the current average tuition fees for the first year of study. The Fees website also provides information about the payment of fees and closing dates for fees payments. Once you have applied you will be able to access the fees estimator on the student self-service portal. 

The Financial aid office provides information on student funding and scholarships. University-funded Scholarships include Vice-Chancellor's Scholarships, University Entrance Scholarships, Equality Scholarships, Sports Scholarships and National Olympiad winner awards. For information about NSFAS funding, please visit the NSFAS website. External bursaries portal: The Bursaries South Africa website provides a comprehensive list of bursaries in South Africa.

Wits Plus applicants: terms of payment are in accordance with University regulations, and students are not eligible for University bursaries/NSFAS or residential accommodation.