Bachelor of Biological Sciences Programmes at UCT

The following degrees are available in Biological Sciences. Please consult the webpage and the faculty handbooks available on the website for more detailed descriptions, admission requirements and fee information.

Three Year Undergraduate Degrees
Bachelor of Science in Applied Biology
Bachelor of Science in Ecology and Evolution
Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology               

Postgraduate Degrees
Biological Sciences Honours
Marine Biology Honours

  • PROFESSIONAL BODIES AND ASSOCIATIONS

    American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS)
    AIBS is a non-profit scientific association dedicated to advancing biological research and education for the welfare of society. They have a website which provides valuable information on international jobs, career advice, outreach initiatives, publications, education programmes, professional development and other relevant resources.

    Botanical Artists Association of South Africa (BAASA)
    BAASA is a non-profit organisation committed to the promotion and development of botanical art. They provide exhibitions, regional meetings, newsletters and relevant resources.

    Botany Society of South Africa (BotSoc) KEY RESOURCE
    BotSoc is a non-profit organisation, which promotes wildflower protection and conservation through conservation and education programmes, projects and initiatives.  The head office is situated in Kirstenbosch Gardens, Cape Town. The society provides various conservation projects, education initiatives, publications, events, relevant links and resources. They also offer volunteer positions, which are valuable opportunities for botany students.

    Conservation South Africa (CSA)
    The CSA champions various conservation projects in areas such as food security and land reform; building resilience to climate change and greening economic development. CSA is linked to Conservation International which lists international job listings on the CSA website.

    EMBO KEY RESOURCE
    EMBO is an organization of more than 1700 leading researchers that promotes excellence in the life sciences. They provide courses, workshops, conferences, EMBO Press publications, the latest research, training, funding, awards and job listings.

    Environmental Justice Networking Forum (EJNF) 
    EJNF is a shared resource established to service the common interests of participating South African non-governmental and community-based organizations on matters concerning environmental justice and sustainable development.

    Royal Society of South Africa (RSSAf)
    RSSAf recognises research excellence, organises scientific conferences, expeditions, workshops and seminars, fosters science education, publishes an accredited international journal and promotes public awareness of all aspects of science and technology.

    South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) KEY RESOURCE
    SACNASP is the legislated regulatory body for natural science practitioners in South Africa. The organisation offers valuable information regarding employment in South Africa, conferences, courses, workshops, events, publications, news and a list of voluntary organisations.

    South African Association of Botanists (SAB) KEY RESOURCE
    SAB promotes and upholds the status of the botany profession. They provide awards, bursaries, events, publications and relevant links to career resources and organisations. They also have a student council which is a useful resource for botany students.

    South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) KEY RESOURCE
    SANBI leads and coordinates research, and monitors and reports on the state of biodiversity in South Africa. They provide information regarding jobs, volunteer programmes, bursaries, student internship programmes, news, events and other valuable resources.

    Southern African Society for Systematic Biology (SASSB)
    SASSB promotes and represents the activities and interests of all biological systematists, evolutionary biologists, curators and managers of natural history collections in South Africa. It hosts conferences and provides valuable information on bursaries and awards.

    Succulent Society
    Succulent Society promotes the knowledge, cultivation and conservation of succulents. The society publishes a journal quarterly on the cultivation of the succulents to scientific descriptions of new succulent species.

    Tree Society of Southern Africa
    The Tree Society of Southern Africa promotes the awareness and preservation of our natural heritage. The society organises day outings to local areas of particular botanical interest and educations lecturers. They also promote the publications of books and journals related to botany.

  • SECTOR INSIGHTS

    Nature KEY RESOURCE
    Nature is an international journal, published weekly, with original, ground breaking research spanning all of the scientific disciplines. Their website also provides up-to-date sector information, career and job information and events.

    Science Daily
    Science Daily is a popular science news web site, which offers breaking news about the latest scientific discoveries.

    Science in Africa
    Science in Africa is Africa’s first online science magazine. This online magazine provides up-to-date news and valuable insight on the field of science in Africa.

  • PREPARING FOR THE JOB MARKET

    Graduate Vacancies
    Access graduate jobs and internships in the vacancy section of our site. Be sure to set up job email alerts and check our website regularly for news and events. 

    South African and African Jobs

    South African Government Jobs

    DST-NRF Internship Programme 2016/17 KEY RESOURCE
    The National Research Foundation (NRF) is responsible for the management of the DST-NRF Internship Programme in which unemployed Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) graduates and postgraduates (including those in Social Sciences and Humanities) are offered an opportunity to acquire practical work experience through mentoring and exposure to a research environment. Only South African university graduates with Bachelors, Honours, BTech, MTech or Master’s degrees may apply. Interns will receive a monthly salary ranging between R6 070 and R8 050 per month, depending on the level of qualification.

    GovPage KEY RESOURCE
    A website dedicated to advertising all available Southern African Governments Vacancies including health. Also includes information on Tenders/Quotations and Public Notices/Campaigns. Covers National Government, Provincial Government, Municipal Government, Public Entities and Tertiary Institution, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, Swaziland and International Agencies.

    Advertised information is provided by the relevant Government structures and authorities but govpage.co.za is not the official website of any government organisation.

    The Provincial Government Handbook Website KEY RESOURCE
    This website provides information related to tenders and vacancies for each provincial government in South Africa. The links directly redirect you to the official provincial vacancy website.

    South African and African Career Service and Recruitment Agencies
    Recruitment agencies and employers firms should never ask you to pay for the promise of a job. Please be aware of this.

    Africa Conservation Foundation (ACF) KEY RESOURCE
    The ACF offers various job opportunities, fellowships, internships and volunteer posts for the field of wildlife conservation in Africa.

    Indeed
    Indeed is a job search agency, advertising various positions.

    Grad Connection
    Grad Connection is a specialist recruitment agency operating in South Africa for graduates, providing information on career guidance, job vacancies, bursaries and internships.

    JobVine
    JobVine is a job search agency, advertising various positions.

    Science in Africa
    Science in Africa is Africa’s first online Science magazine, which also lists local job vacancies.

    International Jobs

    General International Career Service and Recruitment Agencies

    Bio-Job.org KEY RESOURCE
    Bio-Jobs.org is an international job website specialising in postdoctoral fellowships, faculty positions, academic and industrial jobs in science and biotech.

    Biology Jobs KEY RESOURCE
    Biology Jobs is an international job website specialising in the life sciences.

    Conservation Job Board
    The Conservation Job Board is an international job website for job opportunities in ecology, wildlife, forestry, marine biology, environmental education, and related fields.

    Earthworks KEY RESOURCE
    Earthworks is an international job website, with a section specialising in employment and volunteer opportunities for oceanography, palaeoceanography, marine science, coastal science and limnology.

    Environment Job
    Environment Job is a comprehensive international career guidance website for environmental jobs.

    Nature Jobs
    Nature Jobs is a global career resource for scientists and an international science jobs board. 

    New Scientist Jobs KEY RESOURCE
    The New Scientist Jobs website is an online resource for international science and technology jobs, courses and careers advice.

    Science Careers
    Science Careers is a comprehensive international career guidance website for science graduates, specifically the field of biological sciences.

    Seek Teachers
    Seek Teachers is a comprehensive international job website for the teaching field. Positions for teachers in the science field are advertised.

    Country Specific International Career Service and Recruitment Agencies

    Europe

    Euro Science Jobs KEY RESOURCE
    Euro Science Jobs is an international job website for science graduates in Europe.

    UK and Ireland

    Careers Group
    Careers Group is a UK career service and provides career guidance and international job vacancies.

    GradIreland KEY RESOURCE
    GradIreland is a careers publication company and works in partnership with tertiary education institutions across Ireland. They advertise jobs in Ireland and are a comprehensive career guidance website.

    Prospects KEY RESOURCE
    Prospects provides careers advice and job and course opportunities to students and graduates.

    Target Jobs KEY RESOURCE
    Target Jobs is a comprehensive career guidance and job website for the UK.

    USA and Canada

    Career Cornerstone Jobs KEY RESOURCE
    Career Cornerstone is a US-based comprehensive career guide resource for science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine and offers a specific section for biology. It provides information and links to employers in the US and that are hiring biology graduates.

    Goodwork
    Good Work is a job board dedicated to recruitment in the green industry sector in Canada.

    Jobs.net
    Jobs.net is a US-based job website, advertising various positions.

  • INTERNATIONAL & LOCAL VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES

    NGOs and NPOs are both involved in community-based initiatives but are structured differently. A non-governmental organization (NGO) is any non-profit, voluntary citizens’ group which is organized on a local, national or international level. A non-profit organisation (NPO) is a trust, company or other association of persons established for a public purpose and of which its income and property are not distributable to its members or office bearers, except as reasonable compensation for services rendered. Registering as a NPO enhances credibility for government funding and every non-profit organisation (NPO) in South Africa is issued an NPO number.
    http://www.dsd.gov.za/npo/

    Please research carefully the volunteer organisation you decide to work with.

    Africa Conservation Foundation (ACF) KEY RESOURCE
    The ACF offers various job opportunities, fellowships, internships and volunteer posts for the field of wildlife conservation in Africa.

    African Legend
    African Legend, located in Cape Town, is a non-profit organization that provides educational programmes for youths living in poverty. Volunteer opportunities are available, with positions such as voluntary teachers and soccer and cricket coaches needed.

    The Centre for Animal Rehabilitation and Education (C.A.R.E)
    C.A.R.E is committed to the rescue, care, rehabilitation, release and protection of wild animals and is situated in Phalaborwa in Limpopo. They are seeking volunteers and the main bulk of the volunteering involves caring for the orphan baby baboons, some ex-laboratory sanctuary baboons and the husbandry of the adult baboons.

    Greenpeace
    Greenpeace is an international, independent campaigning organization that uses peaceful protests and creative communication to expose global environmental problems and to promote solutions that are essential to a green and peaceful future. They have various international projects and volunteer opportunities.

    Go Eco
    Go Eco is an international volunteer tourism company that offers volunteer programmes, which focus on humanitarian aid in local communities, wildlife rehabilitation and ecological conservation within local parks and reserves.

    International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ)
    IVHQ is a volunteer travel company focused on providing affordable volunteer travel experiences. They provide volunteer abroad projects in over 30 destinations across Africa, Asia, Europe, Central America, South America and the Pacific in teaching, childcare, construction, conservation or healthcare.

    My Hands and Heart KEY RESOURCE
    My Hands and Heart is a non-profit organisation in South Africa, which acts as a volunteer management network and advertises a range of local volunteer opportunities.

    National Youth Service Programme KEY RESOURCE
    The South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement on behalf of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) is inviting unemployed science, engineering and technology graduates (18 to 35 years of age) to volunteer their services towards the implementation of the Youth into Science Strategy under the auspices of the National Youth Service Programme. Volunteers will be paid and placements commence in January annually.

    Mnarani Marine Turtle Conservation Pond
    Mnarani Marine Turtle Conservation Pond is a community based NGO, which conserves the population of sea turtles native to Zanzibar Island. Volunteer opportunities are available.

    SANCCOB
    SANCCOB is a leading marine non-profit organization in the Cape Town area with a vision to conserve seabirds and other sea-life, especially threatened species such as the African penguin. They are seeking local and international volunteers and offer an aquarium and zookeeper professional exchange.

    South African Marine Rehabilitation and Education Centre (SAMREC)
    SAMREC is a non-profit organisation in Port Elizabeth that cares for sick or injured African Penguins. They are seeking volunteers who have specialised training in many aspects of marine bird rehabilitation. 

    South African NGO Network (SANGONet) KEY RESOURCE
    Charity/non-governmental organisations (NGO) sector recruitment pages for paid employment. Includes a wide range of job roles. Also includes NGO profiles – a useful resource to scope organisations for opportunities.

    [1] http://www.dsd.gov.za/npo/

  • POSTGRADUATE STUDY AND RESEARCH

    This information covers government funding initiatives, links to all higher education institutes in South Africa and some relevant education based websites in South Africa and the UK/USA.

    Africa/Global

    Masters

    Masters Studies
    International site, search by country, useful but not comprehensive.

    Masters Portal
    International site, search by country, useful and comprehensive.

    Find a Masters
    International site, search by country. Useful. Contains information regarding funding and postgraduate open days.

    PhDs

    PhD Studies - phdstudies.com
    International website, search by country, useful but not comprehensive.

    Find a PhD - http://www.findaphd.com/
    International website, search by country, institution and subject. Contains information regarding funding.

    PhD Portal - http://www.phdportal.eu/
    International website, search by country, useful and comprehensive.

    Doc Links - http://www.doclinks.org/
    An international website aimed at increasing understanding and establishing better links between African and European doctoral candidates. Provides useful information regarding funding, mentorship, research support, PhD resources and networking opportunities.

    UCT Doctoral Applicants Webpage KEY RESOURCE
    See for more details of PhD opportunities across the faculties and how to apply  

    Association of Commonwealth Universities KEY RESOURCE
    A site search for ‘vacancies’ provides links to sites for seeking job opportunities in Commonwealth universities, including all SADC countries except Angola and Congo.

    See additional resources on academic postgraduate opportunities. Particularly useful for Masters considering Doctorate study and PhD researcher/early career post docs.

    South Africa

    South African Department of Higher Education and Training KEY RESOURCE
    Go to institutions for a list of public universities then research courses via online prospectus.

    Use search function for “register of private higher education institutions” then research courses via online prospectus.

    National Research Foundation
    The NRF was established in 1998 from the amalgamated of the Centre for Science Development (CSD), the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) and the Foundation for Research Development (FRD) and is a good website for staying up-to-date with research initiatives/centres, job and funding opportunities.

    Universities South Africa  (previously HESA) - https://www.usaf.ac.za/Universities South Africa, formerly known as Higher Education South Africa (HESA), is a membership organisation representing South Africa’s universities. The new name was launched on 22 July 2015 in order to reposition the organisation as a representative body of South Africa’s public universities, that aims to promote a more inclusive, responsive and equitable national system of higher education.

    SA Bursaries KEY RESOURCE
    A comprehensive website outlining various bursaries in South Africa across different disciplines.

    All Bursaries KEY RESOURCE
    the most comprehensive and up-to-date list of bursaries and funding support available for students and potential students in South Africa. 

    Go Careers KEY RESOURCE
    A list all of the latest internships, learnerships and graduate programmes available to South African students.

    UK

    Postgraduate Information
    https://www.prospects.ac.uk/postgraduate-study
    Good website for finding UK based Masters with useful “insight” articles but limited information on opportunities worldwide.

    USA/Canada

    http://www.usastudyguide.com/how-to-choose-a-college.htm

    www.graduateguide.com
    These are websites which provide directories of graduate schools in the USA and Canada and information regarding programmes, funding, immigration and other resources.

  • COMPETITIONS AND ENTREPREURSHIP

    Student Competitions KEY RESOURCE
    This is an international and up-to-date website which allows you to search for competitions for university students.

  • DIVERSITY IN SCIENCE & EMPLOYMENT

    UCT is committed to the principles of diversity and transformation, specifically a transformed university where there are no stereotypical views of others based on their gender, race or disability.

    Women

    Women in Bio
    Women in Bio is a North American-based organization of professionals committed to promoting careers, leadership, and entrepreneurship for women in the life sciences. The organisation offers mentoring, scholarships, events and news updates.

    Diversity-Related Engineering Professional Bodies & Associations

    Association for Women in Science (AWIS)
    AWIS is an American-based large multi-disciplinary organization for women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), which is dedicated to driving excellence in STEM by achieving equity and full participation of women in all disciplines and across all employment sectors. They have a careers service on their website, resources, relevant industry news and links.

    Association of South African Women in Science & Engineering (SAWISE) KEY RESOURCE
    SAWISE supports the idea of strengthening the role of women in science and engineering in South Africa and offers scholarships, outreach initiatives, mentorship, relevant links and job listings. It is a useful resource for women in science and engineering.

    Black Management Forum (BMF)
    The BMF develops and empowers managerial leadership primarily amongst black people within organisations and the creation of managerial structures and processes which reflect the demographics and values of the wider society. They provide managerial and leadership development, research services, consulting, resources, news, links and host events.

    Business Women's Association (BWA) of South Africa
    The BWA is a non-profit and voluntary organisation which is also the largest association of business and professional women in South Africa. They provide awards, events, news and networking opportunities.

    National Council for Persons with Physical Disabilities in South Africa (NCPPDSA)
    NCPPDSA is a national non-profit organisation that runs various projects, services and advocacy programmes for the advancement of persons with disabilities to attain integration into society and independence. The NCPPDSA acts as the national umbrella for nine provincial associations with their 90+ branches. 

    National Organization of Gay and Lesbian Scientists and Technical Professionals (NOGLSTP)
    NOGLSTP is a US-based professional society that educates and advocates for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer students and professionals in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The website provides information regarding networking, programmes, mentoring, scholarships, workshops, awards, various media resources and sector insights.

    Organization of Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD)
    OWSD provides research training and networking opportunities for women scientists throughout the developing world at different stages of their career. This website provides valuable STEM information regarding PhD fellowships, workshops, mentorship and awards.

    Out in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (oSTEM)
    OSTEM is a US-based national society dedicated to educating and fostering leadership for LGBTQA communities in the STEM fields and is primarily for students. OSTEM hosts LGBTQA-oriented events and provides mentoring and advice, workshops and information sessions, networking with professionals and professional recruiting.

    Women in Science, Technology and Engineering (WISE)
    WISE is an international organisation which inspires girls and women to study and build careers using STEM. This organisation provides training, recruitment resources, funding information, and advertises engineering-related job vacancies.

    Diversity-Related Services, Awards and Scholarships

    UCT Disability Centre
    The UCT Disability Service works towards the removal of any physical, policy, information and attitude barriers that might prevent students and staff from fulfilling their potential. The centre provides information regarding different forms of support, resources, bursaries, funding opportunities, advocacy, counselling, academic and examination accommodations, technical assistance and other services.

    UCT Funding Boards
    Please check the postgraduate funding boards (http://www.uct.ac.za/apply/funding/postgraduate/notice/) and undergraduate funding boards (http://www.uct.ac.za/apply/funding/undergraduate/financial/) currently on the UCT website for up-to-date details on other diversity-related scholarships, fellowships and bursaries.

    UCT- Harvard Mandela Fellowships
    This fellowship is intended to strengthen connections between the W.E.B. Du Bois Research Institute (at the Hutchins Center for African and African American Research, Harvard University) and UCT, to provide opportunities for UCT staff to gain international experience, and to support the professional advancement of academics working particularly, but not only, in the humanities and social sciences. To be eligible, applicants must have been awarded the PhD degree at the time of application, and have permanent or T3 academic posts at UCT. In line with UCT’s equity objectives, preference will be given to applicants from the designated groups, with particular emphasis on black South African applicants.

    Disability Bursaries
    This website provides a comprehensive list for individuals with disabilities in South Africa.

    List of Scholarships for African Women and Developing Countries
    After School Africa provides an up-to-date and comprehensive list of scholarships (undergraduate, Masters, MBA, PhD and Postdoctoral) that are open for women from African and developing countries.

    Margaret McNamara Memorial Fund (MMF)
    The MMF awards education grants to women from developing countries to help further their education and strengthen their leadership skills.

    Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship Programme (MMUF)
    MMUF is an equity-inspired program that is awarded to highly performing Black students who are entering the final year of a three-year first degree or the third year of a four-year professional degree from the sciences and humanities at UCT and other participating undergraduate institutions. The program offers financial support, organized mentoring and is designed specifically to provide students with a greater awareness of what it means to be an academic. 

    Mwalimu Nyerere African Union (AU) Scholarship Scheme
    The AU scholarship is only for applicants with physical disabilities for masters in social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, mathematics, education sciences and sports sciences and closes in March annually.

    National Research Foundation (NRF)
    The NRF provides various postgraduate funding bursaries and scholarships. Preference is given to equity candidates.

    Opportunities for Africans (OFA) KEY RESOURCE
    The OFA is an online information platform that seeks to connect Africans to opportunities, such as scholarships, internships, fellowships, bursaries, conferences, jobs, competitions and volunteering positions. This is a comprehensive and up-to-date website.

    Scholarships for Women
    This website provides comprehensive information regarding scholarships, awards and funding opportunities for women.

    The description regarding UCT’s policy towards diversity in engineering and employment is sourced from the UCT Disability Service Page (https://www.uct.ac.za/main/explore-uct/transformation) and the Transformation at UCT Page (http://www.uct.ac.za/about/transformation/).