ZOOLOGY AND ENTOMOLOGY (2005)

Professor & Head of Department AJFK Craig, MSc(UCT), PhD(Natal)
Associate Professor & Head of Entomology MP Hill, PhD(Rhodes)
Professors of Zoology RTF Bernard, PhD(Natal)
AN Hodgson, BSc(Liverpool), PhD(Manchester), DSc (Manchester)
CD McQuaid, PhD(UCT), FRSSAf
Associate Professor in Entomology MH Villet, PhD(Wits)
Lecturer in Entomology DA Downie, PhD(California)
Senior Lecturer in Zoology PW Froneman, PhD(Rhodes)
Junior Lecturer in Zoology CA Simon, MSc(Rhodes)
Honorary Fellows BR Allanson, DSc(Natal), PhD(UCT), DSc(Rhodes), FRSSAf
JRE Lutjeharms, PhD(Washington), DSc(UCT), FRSSAf

Zoology (ZOO) is a six-semester subject which may be taken as a major subject for the degrees of BSc, BCom and BJourn.

Entomology (ENT) is a four-semester subject which may be taken as a major subject for the degrees of BSc and BJourn.

Biology (BIO) is a two-semester first-year subject, offered jointly by the departments of Botany, and Zoology & Entomology. This forms a compulsory part of a BPharm degree, and may also be taken for credit for degree/diploma curricula in the Faculties of Humanities, Education and Science. For details see the departmental entry for Botany.

To major in Zoology, a candidate is required to obtain credit in the following courses: CHE 1; ZOO 101; ZOO 102; ZOO 201; ZOO 202; ZOO 301, ZOO 302; Credit in BIO 101 and BIO 102 may take the place of ZOO 101 and ZOO 102 at the discretion of the Head of Department. All students intending to major in Zoology and/or Entomology are strongly encouraged to take the first year Botany course in plant diversity (BOT 102).

To major in Entomology, a candidate is required to obtain credit in the following courses: CHE 1; ZOO 101; ZOO 102; ENT 201; ENT 202; ENT 301; ENT 302. Credit in BIO 101 and BIO 102 may take the place of ZOO 101 and ZOO 102 at the discretion of the Head of Department.

Two, or in some cases four, semester-credits in Zoology are allowed as credits for degree/diploma curricula in the Faculties of Humanities and Education.

Detailed information on course structures and the types of curricula involving Zoology or Entomology is available from the Head of Department.

See the Departmental Web Page http://www.ru.ac.za/zooento for further details, particularly on the contents of courses.

Students are required to attend all official field trips which form part of any semester-course for which they are registered.

First-year level courses in Zoology

There are two first-year courses in Zoology. ZOO 101 is normally held in the first semester and ZOO 102 in the second semester. Credit may be obtained in each course separately and, in addition, an aggregate mark of at least 50% will be deemed to be equivalent to a two-credit course ZOO 1, provided that a candidate obtains the required subminimum (45%) in each component. However, students wishing to major in Zoology and/or Entomology must normally obtain credit in both components separately. Supplementary examinations may be recommended in either course, provided that a candidate achieves a minimum standard specified by the Department.

ZOO 101: Animal Diversity, Structure and Function

This course provides an introduction to the evolution, systematics, structure and functional biology of the animal kingdom, both vertebrate and invertebrate.

ZOO 102: Cell and Developmental Biology

This course examines the structure and function of animal cells including cellular respiration and cell division. There is a short course of genetics followed by a detailed discussion of animal reproduction.

Second-year level courses in Zoology

There are two independent second-year courses in Zoology. ZOO 201 is normally held in the first semester and ZOO 202 in the second semester. Credit may be obtained in each course separately. Credit may be obtained in each course separately and, in addition, an aggregate mark of at least 50% will be deemed to be equivalent to a two-credit course ZOO 2, provided that a candidate obtains the required subminimum (>=45%) in each component. However, students who wish to major in Zoology must normally obtain >= 47% in both ZOO 201 and ZOO 202. No supplementary examinations will be offered for either course.

Practical reports, essays, seminars and class tests collectively comprise the class mark, which forms part of the final mark.

When the intention is to major in Zoology, credit in Zoology (ZOO 101 and ZOO 102) or, at the discretion of the Head of Department, Biology (BIO 101 and BIO 102), and in Chemistry (CHE 1) is required before a student may register for ZOO 201 or ZOO 202. Permission may be granted to repeat CHE 1 concurrently with ZOO 201 and ZOO 202. Adequate performance in the first semester is required before such a student may register for the second semester. Other second or third year students without these prerequisites may be allowed to register for second-year courses in Zoology at the discretion of the Head of Department.

ZOO 201: Principles of Ecology and Evolution

This course concerns the general principles of ecology, micro- and macro-evolution. Topics covered include niche theory, biogeography, species interactions, succession and disturbance, biodiversity, evolution and behaviour. There is normally an ecology field trip during April.

ZOO 202: Environmental and Behavioural Physiology

This course examines the effects of environmental variables such as oxygen, carbon dioxide, ions, water, temperature, and other external stimuli on how animals function and how different groups of animals respond to different environmental conditions and stimuli.

Second-year level courses in Entomology

There are two independent second-year courses in Entomology. ENT 202 is normally held in the first semester and ENT 201 in the second semester. Credit may be obtained in each course separately and, in addition, an aggregate mark of at least 50% will be deemed to be equivalent to a two-credit course ENT 2, provided that a candidate obtains the required subminimum (45%) in each component. However, students who wish to major in Entomology must normally obtain >= 47% in both ENT 201 and ENT 202. No supplementary examinations will be offered for either course.

Practical reports, essays, seminars and class tests collectively comprise the class mark, which forms part of the final mark.

When the intention is to major in Entomology, credit in Zoology (ZOO 101 and ZOO 102) or Biology (BIO 101 and BIO 102), and in Chemistry (CHE 1) is required before such a student may register for ENT 201 or ENT 202. Permission may be granted to repeat CHE 1 concurrently with ENT 201 and ENT 202. Adequate performance in the first semester is required before a student may register for the second semester. Other second or third year students without these prerequisites may be allowed to register for second-year courses in Entomology at the discretion of the Head of Department.

ENT 201: Professional Entomology: Insects and Man

This course provides an overview of the biology of the major insect orders and their impact on humans, particularly in the context of major entomology career pathways such as agricultural entomology, medical and veterinary entomology, pesticides and biological control, aquatic entomology and biomonitoring. Practicals will be both field- and laboratory-based, and students must submit an insect collection.

ENT 202: General Insect Biology

This course provides an introduction to the anatomy, physiology, genetics, population biology, diversity, phylogeny, and conservation of insects. Practicals will be both field- and laboratory-based and students must submit an insect collection and attend short weekend field trips. In addition students will attend a longer ecology field trip in April.

Third-year level courses in Zoology

There are two independent third year courses in Zoology. A student wishing to major in Zoology must obtain credit in ZOO 301 and ZOO 302. Credit may be obtained in each of these courses separately. Aggregation will be deemed equivalent to a two credit course ZOO 3, provided the candidate obtains >= 47% in each semester. No supplementary examinations are offered in third-year courses. Practical reports, essays, seminars and class tests collectively comprise the class mark, which forms part of the final course mark. A research project, which is carried out during the year, forms a component of each semester in Zoology. The project mark for the first semester will be based on a seminar presentation and literature review. Students who register for one semester only either undertake a shorter project or write an extended essay. The examination may include an oral examination at the discretion of the examiners.

When the intention is to major in Zoology, credit in ZOO 201 and ZOO 202 is required before a student may register for a third-year semester. Adequate performance in the first semester is required before a student may register for the second semester. Other students without these prerequisites may be allowed to register for third-year courses at the discretion of the Head of Department, provided there is no intention to major in that subject.

ZOO 301: African Zoology: land animals and life histories

This course uses the African fauna to illustrate the principles of behavioural and physiological adaptation to terrestrial habitats. An introductory section on African biogeography is followed by an examination of the problems and solutions associated with life in particular environments. These include arid habitats, montane and forest habitats and grasslands/savanna. There is a short field trip.

ZOO 302: Marine Biology

The oceans have a profound effect on life on earth, providing food for man and influencing both weather and climate. This course emphasises the physical properties of the marine environment and how these shape species' interactions and food webs. Topics covered include ocean circulation, primary production, ecology of the deep sea, rocky shores, sandy beaches and estuaries, planktonic food webs and pelagic/demersal fisheries, and the behavioural and physiological ecology of intertidal invertebrates.

Third-year level courses in Entomology

There are two independent third year courses in Entomology. A student wishing to major in Entomology must obtain credit in ENT 301 and ENT 302. Credit may be obtained in each of these courses separately. Aggregation will be deemed equivalent to a two credit course ENT 3 provided the candidate obtains >= 47% in each semester. No supplementary examinations are offered in third-year courses. Practical reports, essays, seminars and class tests collectively comprise the class mark, which forms part of the final course mark. A research project, which is carried out during the year, forms a component of each semester in Entomology. The project mark for the first semester will be based on a seminar presentation and literature review. Students who register for one semester only either undertake a shorter project or write an extended essay. The examination may include an oral examination at the discretion of the examiners.

When the intention is to major in Entomology, credit in ENT 201 and ENT 202 is required before a student may register for a third-year semester. Adequate performance in the first semester is required before a student may register for the second semester. Other students without these prerequisites may be allowed to register for third-year courses at the discretion of the Head of Department, provided there is no intention to major in that subject.

ENT 301: Applied Insect Ecology

This course illustrates the application of ecological theory to applied problems in agricultural entomology, apiculture, weed biocontrol and forensic entomology.

ENT 302: Environmental Entomology

Honours in Zoology and Entomology

The Department offers separate Honours courses in Zoology, Entomology, Marine Biology and African Vertebrate Biodiversity. The aims of these courses are to produce graduates who think in an analytical and critical way and who are capable of independent research, from project planning and experimental design to scientific writing. Students participate in a core course of statistics, scientific writing and philosophy of science, and undertake a series of seminars, two major projects and a number of content-based courses. Whenever possible, students undertake a major field trip and attend a local scientific conference. Details of each Honours course are presented below.

Zoology Honours

The content-based courses include special topics in animal reproduction, cell biology, animal physiology, animal behaviour, disturbance ecology and evolutionary biology. Candidates undertake two research projects in any field of Zoology.

Entomology Honours

The course consists of advanced studies in Entomology, with special emphasis on insect ecology and physiology, economic entomology, biological control and evolutionary biology. Candidates undertake two entomological research projects.

Marine Biology Honours

Candidates should have either Botany, Zoology or Ichthyology as major BSc subjects (exceptions may be made at the discretion of the Head of Department). The course consists of advanced studies in Marine Biology, with special emphasis on physical/chemical oceanography, planktonic food webs, benthic food webs, fringing communities, fisheries management and life history strategies. Candidates undertake two marine biological research projects. This course normally involves a 4-6 week field trip to sub-Antarctic Marion Island.

African Vertebrate Biodiversity Honours

This course will focus on the principles that underpin sustaining vertebrate biodiversity in Africa. The course consists of advanced studies in vertebrate biology with emphasis on biogeography and biodiversity, population processes and life history patterns, physiological adaptations, and conservation and management. There is a strong practical component, in which students get field experience in herpetology, ornithology and mammalogy. Candidates undertake two vertebrate research projects. There will normally be at least two week-long field trips in a local reserve.

MSc and PhD degrees