School of Molecular and Life Sciences

Department of Biodiversity

The Department of Biodiversity consists of the disciplines Botany and Zoology including the diversified fields of study related to both.

The student is offered the opportunity to get acquainted with the diversity of life in terms of animals and plants and the characteristics that make different groups included in both kingdoms unique. The understanding of the uniqueness of different groups of organisms will also direct the student to appreciate the levels of biodiversity encountered in South Africa and the world wide drive towards the conservation of biodiversity.

General Information & Modules

Biodiversity Rules

BIOD1

    1. Departmental Rules should be read in conjunction with the University General Rules (G-Rules), Faculty of Science and Agriculture Rules (FSA-Rules) and School of Molecular and Life Sciences Rules (SMLS-Rules) and, except where otherwise stipulated by the Department, should hold good for all programmes and individual modules on offer by the Department.
    2. Faculty is the custodian of all academic rules in the Faculty. All proposed academic rule changes at departmental level must, therefore, be approved by Faculty before implementation.

DEGREE PROGRAMMES
BIOD2

    1. Before enrolment into any of the programmes or modules on offer by the Department, it is the responsibility of each student to acquaint him/herself with all applicable G-Rules, FSA-Rules and SMLS-Rules.
    2. Every student shall follow a curriculum, approved by the Head of Department, for at least the minimum period prescribed for the qualification as specified under Rule G10 and Rule SMLS2.
    3. Enrolment into any of the programmes on offer by the Department shall be subject to approval by the Head of Department and in line with the departmental enrolment planning.

B.         RULES FOR UNDERGRADUATE STUDY
PROGRAMME ENROLMENT AND COMPOSITION
BIOD3

    1. For admission into any programme or module on offer by the Department, Rule SMLS3.6 applies.
    2. The curriculum shall extend over three year levels and be composed of a combination of modules that include at least two majors selected as follows:
      1. Botany as major, with at least one of the following as joint major(s): Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Physiology or Zoology.  A major from another School in the Faculty may be selected, but then only in consultation with the Head of Department and with the provisions of Rule FSA3.3 and Rule SMLS3.3.
      2. Zoology as major, with at least one of the following as joint major(s): Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Botany, Microbiology or Physiology.  A major from another School in the Faculty may be selected, but then only in consultation with the Head of Department and with the provisions of Rule FSA3.3 and Rule SMLS3.3.
      3. For a degree majoring in Botany, credits of at least the following six (6) modules on offer by the Department must successfully be accumulated: SBIO011/SBIO000, SBOT012/SBIB000, SBOA021, SBOA022, SBOA031 and SBOA032.  Additionally, SZOO012 is strongly recommended.
      4. For a degree majoring in Zoology, credits of at least the following six (6) modules on offer by the Department must successfully be accumulated: SBIO011/SBIO000, SZOO012/SBIB000, SZOA021, SZOA022, SZOA031 and SZOA032.  Additionally, SBOT012 is strongly recommended.
      5. For a degree majoring in both Botany and Zoology, credits of at least the following eleven (11) modules on offer by the Department must successfully be accumulated: SBIO011/SBIO000, SZOO012/SBIB000, SBOT012/SBIB000, SBOA021, SBOA022, SZOA021, SZOA022, SBOA031, SBOA032, SZOA031 and SZOA032.
      6. All modules on offer by the Department will be composed of a theory and a practical component, both of which contribute to the final modular mark as detailed under Rule BIOD4.2.  Students are expected to attend both these components and Rule G13 will apply.
    3. Students may repeat failed modules, only with the approval of the Head of Department, and then with the provisions of Rules G8.3.3, G12.2, G20.2 and SMLS3.5.

 

ASSESSMENT AND RELATED ASPECTS
BIOD4

    1. These rules should be read in conjunction with Rules G12 to G23, FSA4 and SMLS4.
    2. All modules in the Department are subjected to continuous assessment, with the final mark calculated as follows: average of formative theory assessments (35%), formative and summative practical assessments (25%) and summative theory assessment (40%).
    3. Summative assessment of all final year modules (third year and Honours) will be subjected to external assessors as prescribed by Rule G18.3.
    4. Assessment of all modules will be managed by departmental assessment policy and procedure.

C.         RULES FOR POSTGRADUATE STUDY

BIOD5

    1. The rules contained under Sections A, C, D, E and F of the G-Rules, Sections A, C, D and E of the FSA-Rules and Section C of the SMLS-Rules apply.
    2. Prospective students will only be registered and enrolled for postgraduate studies after consultation with and approval by the Head of Department.
    3. Renewal of registration in subsequent years will only be allowed subject to approval by the Head of Department and the relevant Supervisor(s) concerned, and with provision of Rules G10, G31.1, G44 and G54.
    4. HONOURS BACHELOR OF SCIENCE: BSc (HONS) [HSCE01 / HSCH01]

BIOD6

    1. The programme is structured to extend over a period of one academic year
    2. Programme admission: A BSc-degree with Botany/Zoology (average final year mark of at least 60%) as a major subject. Candidates with alternative qualifications may be admitted on special recommendation, after consultation with and approval by the Head of Department.
    3. Programme structure: The programme consists of four (4) theory modules and a supervised Research Project, assessed by an external assessor.  The duration for each theory module is eight weeks, inclusive of all assessment processes, as scheduled internally by the Department. 
    4. For the Botany qualification (HSCE01), the curriculum is structured as a fixed curriculum consisting of a Research Project (40 SAQA credits) and four (4) theory modules (20 SAQA credits each) totalling 120 SAQA credits.  The Research Project (SBOT070) will be offered as a year module. The theory modules SBOA071 (Plant micro-propagation and its application), SBOB071 (Plant transformation), SBOA072 (Plant ecology and management of Savannahs) and SBOB072 (Plant responses to environmental change) are defined as core modules.
    5. For the Zoology qualification (HSCH01), the curriculum is structured as a fixed curriculum consisting of a Research Project (40 SAQA credits) and four (4) theory modules (20 SAQA credits each) totalling 120 credits.  The Research Project (SZOO070) will be offered as a year module.  The theory modules SZOB071 (Parasitology), SZOA072 (Wildlife management in arid regions), SZOC072 (Biological systematics) and SZOB072 (Freshwater ecosystems) are defined as core modules.
    6. Submission and assessment of the Research Project shall be completed in line with the final date as annually determined by the Department, but before the end of the academic year of registration.  
    7. Summative assessment of theory modules offered during Q1 and Q2 will be done during the mid-year (May/June) assessment cycle, and summative assessment of theory modules offered during Q3 and Q4 will be done during the end-of-year (November/December) assessment cycle.

MASTER OF SCIENCE: MSc [SBOA090 / SZOA090]
BIOD7

    1. Programme admission: A BSc (Hons)-degree in Botany / Zoology.
    2. A candidate, who does not meet the requirement under 7.1, may be admitted on special recommendation, after consultation with and approval by the Head of Department. It may be expected of potential students to attain additional competencies, as required by the Department.
    3. Programme structure: The MSc in Botany/Zoology comprises a dissertation (Rule G45.1) based on the results of an approved supervised research project presented in a form suitable for publication.

7.3.1  Depending on the field of research, an external supervisor(s) may be required to supply effective supervision of the project.

    1. Assessment criteria: Apart from internal assessment by the supervisor(s), at least one external assessor (Rule G41.1), officially appointed by the University, will assess the dissertation.

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY: PhD [SBOA100 / SZOA100]
BIOD8

    1. Programme admission: An MSc-degree in Botany / Zoology.
    1. A candidate, who does not meet the requirement under 8.1, may be admitted on special recommendation, after consultation with and approval by the Head of Department.  It may be expected of potential students to attain additional competencies, as required by the Department.
    2. Programme structure: The PhD in Botany/Zoology comprises a thesis (Rule G57) based on the results of an approved original supervised research project presented in a form suitable for publication.
      1. Depending on the field of research, an external supervisor(s) may be required to supply effective supervision of the project.
    3. Assessment criteria: Apart from internal assessment by the supervisor(s), at least two external assessors (Rule G59.1), officially appointed by the University, will assess the thesis.
Undergraduate Programmes

Modules

First year

SBIO011: Introduction to Biological Sciences Credits: 12 Co-requisite / Prerequisite: Grade 12 Life Sciences
Content:
An introduction to biology with the emphasis on the scientific method, introduction to fields of biology, biological terminology, characteristics of living organisms, chemistry of biological molecules, classes of biological molecules, cell types and cellular structure, groupings of organisms and the kingdoms of life, cellular transport, energy storage and release during chemical reactions, enzymes regulating chemical reactions in living organisms, ATP as primary energy carrier, introduction to the fundamental processes of photosynthesis and cellular respiration, mitosis and meiosis, Mendelian genetics and an introduction to developmental biology

 

SZOO012: Animal Biology Credits: 12 Co-requisite / Prerequisite: SBIO011
Content:
An introduction to Zoology at organism level, with a review of phylogenetic relationships, structure and function of selected invertebrate and vertebrate fauna. A comparative study of anatomy and physiology of selected vertebrate systems. Lectures and practicals are used to illustrate the multiplicity and diversity of animals in their environment.

 

SBOT012: Plant Biology Credits: 12 Co-requisite / Prerequisite: SBIO011
Content:
The diversity of plants in form, growth, habit, reproduction, ecology, metabolism, and genetic composition.  The emphasis is on how the structure and anatomy of plants enable them to:  carry out certain functions, adapt to certain ecological habitats, carry out different physiological processes; and modes of reproduction.

Second year

SZOA021: Biodiversity of Invertebrates Credits: 20 Co-requisite / Prerequisite: SBIO011 SZOO012
Content:
Systematic review and adaptive biodiversity of the invertebrates and non-vertebrate chordates: Animal-like Protists, Porifera, Cnidaria, Ctenopohora, Platyhelminthes, Nemertea, Nematoda and other minor pseudocoelomates. Coelomate phyla; Mollusca, Annelida, Arthropoda, Echinodermata as well as the minor coelomate phyla: Sipuncula, Echiura, Priapulida and Pogonophora. Non-vertebrate chordates; Urochordata, Cephalochordata and Hemichordata. The economic importance and effect on humans of parasitic forms will be highlighted. Poisonous or venomous animals in each group will be studied in terms of: the poisonous or venomous structures, type of toxin, effect on humans and possible treatment of toxin.

 

SBOA021: Plant Taxonomy &
South African Flora
Credits: 20 Co-requisite / Prerequisite: SBIO011 SBOT012
Content:
Concepts of plant taxonomy, sources of taxonomic information, taxonomy in practice, origin of the Angiosperms, the Monocotelydons, the Gymnospermae.  Plant diversity in southern Africa (vegetation types and characteristics of each), plant diversity in South Africa (origin and affinity, biomes, veld types, rare and threatened species, plant endemism), plant diversity in Limpopo province (biomes, vegetation types, endemism), plant conservation (international conventions, local environmental laws, conservation status of SA vegetation types.

 

SZOA022: Biodiversity of Vertebrates Credits: 20 Co-requisite / Prerequisite:
SBIO011 SZOO012
Content:
The module comprehensively illustrates the diversity of animal life at vertebrate level (Pisces, Amphibia, Reptilia, Aves and Mammalia). Relationships among groups, basic body plans and adaptations to make the most of and be successful in their respective environments are examined. The module is based on review, morpho-functional and adaptation studies of vertebrates. Additionally, specific examples of poisonous and venomous animals in each group will be highlighted as well as their poisonous or venomous structures, effects and possible treatment.

 

SBOA022: Plant Physiology -1  Plant Metabolism &Stress Credits: 20 Co-requisite / Prerequisite: 
SBOT012 AND any module of 1st year Chemistry
Content:
Water and mineral nutrition in plants (solute transport, hydroponics culture and its application). Plant metabolism: photosynthesis (light reactions, carbon metabolism, and translocation in the phloem); respiration and lipid metabolism; assimilation of mineral nutrients; secondary metabolites and plant defense against herbivores and pathogens. Plant stress physiology and biotechnology, responses to various abiotic and biotic stresses.

 

Third year

SZOA031: Ecology
 
Credits: 32 Co-requisite / Prerequisite: SZOA021 and any 1st year module Chemistry
Content:
(1) Basic ecology, in which the fundamental ecological concepts are illustrated with a balanced overview of the applications of these concepts in populations, communities and ecosystems.  Animal associations are discussed as the relationships among members of populations and communities within an ecosystem.
(2) Freshwater ecology: freshwater ecosystems with the emphasis on interactions among animal and plant species, structure, biotic and abiotic components and water quality standards. The role of fish in the ecosystem is studied from the point of view of resource partitioning, physiological adaptations, fish health and the ecosystem and pollution.
(3) Wildlife Management:  introduction to ecological principles of wildlife conservation and the rationale for conservation management.  It deals with the practical applications of ecological principles in the design of management plans for conservation purposes and commercial wildlife farming.

 

SBOA031: Ethnobotany &  Plant  Ecology Credits: 32 Co-requisite / Prerequisite: SBOA021
Content:
Introduction to Ethnobotany, data collection and hypothesis, Collecting and identifying plants, herbarium specimens, phytochemical analysis and plant screening, participant observation, surveys and analytical tools, qualitative and quantitative ecological approaches, economic surveys of forest products, community and households, ethnobotancial research and community development.  Background and basic concepts of ecology, species and communities as ecological units, environmental factors, major vegetation types of South Africa.

 

SZOA032: Conservation
Genetics
Credits: 32 Co-requisite / Prerequisite: SZOA022 and any 1st year module Chemistry
Content:
Part of this course deals with the fundamental principles of evolution and evolutionary analysis. The accent in this part is on an introduction to basic evolutionary concepts, mechanisms of evolutionary change, Mendelian genetics in populations, evolution at multiple loci, adaptation, mechanisms of speciation, continental drift, the geological timetable and human evolution. The second part of this course deals with aspects of conservation genetics, particularly evolutionary genetics of natural populations, effects of population size reduction and applications from theory to practice. The last part of the course includes introductory aspects to biodiversity.

 

SBOA032: Plant Physiology
 11 Growth and    Reproduction
Credits: 32 Co-requisite / Prerequisite: SBOA022
Content:
Basic aspects of plant growth, differentiation and development:  Plant life cycle (sexual and asexual reproduction) – seed development and germination; root, shoot, flower (pollination, fertilization), and fruit development; senescence and programmed cell death. Different levels of control of plant growth and development: Intracellular (genetic control) – plant genome, changes in gene expression and protein synthesis; Intercellular (hormonal regulation) – plant growth hormones and their applications; Extracellular (environmental regulation) – photo morphogenesis, phytochrome, blue and UV light responses, control of flowering, photo- and thermoperiodism in plants.
Postgraduate Programmes

Honours Modules

SZOO070: Zoology Research Project Credits: 40 Co-requisite / Prerequisite:
Content:
Students will undertake a research project of original research of the student’s own choice of an approved topic within one of the following research programmes: Parasitology, Limnology, Small Mammal ecology, Avian ecology or Molecular Population Genetics. Please contact the relevant staff for available research projects.

 

SBOT070: Botany Research Project Credits: 40 Co-requisite / Prerequisite:
Content:
Research project on an approved topic, based on the student’s interest and in consultation with the Head of Department.

 

SZOB071: Parasitology Credits: 20 Co-requisite / Prerequisite:
Content:
This module is an introduction to the interesting World of Parasites.  Apart from their economic importance, an understanding of parasitic diseases is of considerable practical importance.  Although the widest possible scope of parasites is dealt with, the emphasis will mostly be on parasites of freshwater fish.  The course will focus on the following parasitic groups with reference to morphology (form and function), biology and economic importance: Protista, Platyhelminthes, Aschelminthes, Arthropoda, Minor groups (e.g. Acanthocephala, Pentastomida, etc).  Applicable research techniques will be illustrated for different groups.

 

SBOA071: Plant Micro-propagation and its Application Credits: 20 Co-requisite / Prerequisite:
Content:
Introduction to general techniques in plant cell culture (callus and suspension culture, protoplast culture and its application, the regeneration of plants from cultured cells and tissues), the bio-technological application of regeneration techniques, natural products and metabolites from plants and plant tissue culture.

 

SBOB071: Plant Transformation Credits: 20 Co-requisite / Prerequisite:
Content:
Purpose of plant transformation, Agrobacterium, T-DNA, plasmids, selectable marker genes, micro-projectile bombardment, silencing of genes, molecular biology of plants (organisation of plant genes, functional genes, gene isolation, cloning strategies, regulation of gene expression), manipulation of plant product quality and quantity (improving various aspects).

 

SZOA072: Wildlife Management in Arid Regions Credits: 20 Co-requisite / Prerequisite:
Content:
This unit of learning covers the main principles of ecological science and how this can be applied to solve issues of conservation and wild life management.  The following topics form the basis of the study: biotic zones of southern Africa, identification and management of veld types and plant communities with special reference to the Limpopo Province, succession within veld types, planning and development of conservation areas, determining the composition and maintenance of wild life populations in isolated areas, carrying capacity, effects of isolation on: population dynamics, behaviour, predation.

 

SZOB072: Freshwater Ecosystems Credits: 20 Co-requisite / Prerequisite:
Content:
The focus of this component of the programme will be on the understanding and management of water bodies in Arid Zones as the LimpopoProvince, in particular, is situated in a region with a semi-arid climate.  The module will look at an overview of freshwater ecosystems, types of wetlands, wetlands of arid regions, management of wetlands in the arid regions, biomonitoring and research and sustainable utilization, Fish Health Assessment Index (HAI) and an overview of freshwater biota with reference to fish, plants, invertebrates, amphibians and birds.

 

SZOC072: Biological Systematics Credits: 20 Co-requisite / Prerequisite:
Content:
This module is an introduction to estimate evolutionary relationships among organisms through phylogenetic trees.The learning content of this module strives to introduce the student to the use of biological systematics in efforts to name and classify taxa. This is based on an understanding of the underlying evolutionary history among taxa and the usage of this knowledge in estimating relatedness among various levels of taxa. The module includes the following topics: cladistics, including aspects about parsimony, character matrices, character states, homology, homoplasy, fit and robustness; introduction to phylogenetics, including aspects about methods for creating trees, evolutionary models, gene trees and species trees, coalescent process, applications of phylogenies, molecular phylogenetics, sources of molecular information, techniques of molecular biology, sequence alignment, databases, genetic distance; introduction to phylogeography and bioinformatics and their uses.  

 

SBOA072: Savannah Ecology Credits: 20 Co-requisite / Prerequisite:
Content:
Plant community development involving species structure and community processes in time, concepts such as carrying capacity, population management, species diversity, veld rehabilitation and succession, factors influencing vegetation change (African examples), ecological and other relevant survey techniques (the use, value, execution and interpretation), application and integration of the above concepts and techniques n the understanding and characterization of African savannahs, with specific examples from the vegetation of the Limpopo Province.
SBOB072: Plant Responses to Environmental and Climate change Credits: 20 Co-requisite / Prerequisite:
Content:
Eco-toxicology and bio-monitoring, Pollution and its eco-toxicological consequences (agrochemicals, air pollution, sewage, heavy metals), bio-concentration of heavy metals in plants, heavy metal tolerance in plants, phyto-remediation of metal-contaminated soils, phytomining, bio-indication with transgenic plants, environmental bio-monitoring legal problems, bio-remediation. Climate change and the effect on plants.
Botany

What is Botany?

Botany is the study of plants on which humans and other organisms are largely dependent. The science of Botany includes a variety of sub-disciplines, due to the diversity and size of the plant kingdom.

• Plant Physiology – Study of the functions and vital processes of plants, e.g photosynthesis and mineral nutrition.

• Plant Morphology – Study of macroscopic plant form and life cycles, also includes the study of the evolution and development of leaves, roots and stems.

• Plant Anatomy – The study of plant cells and tissue.

• Plant Taxonomy – The subdiscipline of identifying, naming, and classifying plants.

• Cytology – Study of structure, function, and life history of plant cells.

• Plant Reproductive Biology – Study of plant heredity and variation.

• Molecular Biology – Study of structure and function of biological macromolecules in plants, including biochemical and molecular aspects of genetics.

• Economic Botany – Study of the utilization of plants by humans.

• Plant Ecology – Study of relationships between plants and the world in which they live, both individually and in communities.

• Phytochemistry – Study of the chemical aspects of plant life processes, including the chemical products of plants (biochemistry).

• Ethnobotany – Study of the uses of plants by indigenous peoples.

Careers in Botany are consequently equally varied. If you are interested in the natural world, Botany may be the career for you.

Why Study Botany?

Humans are dependent on plants for food, building material, medicines and for aesthetic purposes. Botanists can provide information and support in terms of the aforementioned needs of humans. They can also assist in terms of environmental management, resulting in the sustainable use of plant products.

Plant scientists today are being called upon to solve problems ranging from conservation and management of native species, to gaining increased agricultural yield from reduced inputs, to predicting and dealing with the impacts of invasive plants, pests and diseases.

Why Study Botany at the University of Limpopo ?

At the University of Limpopo , Botany offers fundamental and advanced modules to make up under- and postgraduate degree qualifications up to Honours level. We are well equipped with a wealth of expertise based on the experience of our staff and the different courses are presented to equip students for the current trends and requirements.

Many students prefer to progress to higher degrees before seeking employment. Our senior postgraduate programmes (Masters and Doctoral) offer interesting scientific research work (which includes laboratory and fieldwork) in a diversity of fields such as bio-monitoring, ecology, plant propagation, plant tissue culture, and genetic transformation of plants. A number of project opportunities are available enabling students to carry out research under the leadership of very capable supervisors.

Zoology

What is Zoology?

Zoology is the biological discipline which involves the study of animals, specifically wild, undomesticated animals. It mainly comprises the following approaches:

  • Comparative anatomy – the study of the structure of animals.
  • The physiology of animals – as studied under various fields including anatomy and embryology.
  • The common genetic and developmental mechanisms of animals and plants – as studied in molecular biology, molecular genetics and developmental biology.
  • Ethology – the study of animal behavior.
  • The ecology of animals – the study of the relationships between animals and their environment including behavioral ecology.
  • Evolutionary biology of both animals and plants – studied in evolution, population genetics, heredity, variation, Mendelism, reproduction.
  • Systematics, cladistics, phylogenetics, phylogeography, biogeography and taxonomy classify and group species via common descent and regional associations.
  • The various taxonomically-oriented disciplines such as mammalogy, herpetology, ornithology and entomology identify and classify species, and study the structures and mechanisms specific to those groups.
  • Palaeontology, including all that may be learnt of ancient environments.

Why study Zoology?

A qualification in Zoology provides an excellent background from which to pursue a career in the biological and environmental sciences. It is a stimulating and interesting subject for anybody who has or wants to develop an interest in nature and wildlife. Additionally, it provides the opportunity to understand and contribute to international news items such as the Convention for the International Trade in Endangered Species, Convention on Biological Diversity, Global Warming and World Heritage Sites.

Why study Zoology at the University of Limpopo ?

At the University of Limpopo , Zoology offers a flexible suite of fundamental and advanced modules to make up attractive under- and postgraduate degree qualifications up to Honours level. We are well equipped with a wealth of expertise based on the experience of our staff and the different courses are presented to equip students for the current trends and requirements. We not only present you, the learner, with access to knowledge and skills accumulation, but strive to develop you towards critical thinking and the ability to analyse and solve problems.

Many students prefer to progress to higher degrees before seeking employment. Our senior postgraduate programmes (Masters and Doctoral) offer interesting scientific research work (which includes laboratory and fieldwork) in a diversity of fields such as different aspects of parasites of freshwater and marine fish, water quality and the factors affecting it, evolutionary biology and systematics, biology and ecology of birds, diversity of spiders in a selected area and the ecological physiology of insects. A number of project opportunities are available enabling students to carry out research under the leadership of very capable supervisors.

Career Opportunities

The varied sub-disciplines of Botany and Zoology result in a wide choice of possible careers, which include the following:

  • Teachers/Lecturers
  • Biology teachers and Botany/Zoology lecturers at universities will inspire in young people the required knowledge and enthusiasm about our unique fauna and flora
  • Anatomists/Morphologists – study the inner and outer structures of organisms
  • Plant Physiologists/ Plant biochemists – deal with the study of growth and development of plants
  • Ecologists – study of plants and animals in relation to the environments in which they occur, particularly emphasizing the interactions between plants, animals and their environment
  • Systematists – specialise to identify and classify plants and animals
  • Mycologists – engage themselves in the study of fungi
  • Ethnobotanists – involved in recording the use of indigenous plants for food, fibre, medicinal and a host of other purposes
  • Plant Geneticists – occupy themselves with the breeding of new and improved existing plant crops
  • Molecular Systematists – study organisms and their interrelationships using biochemical characters
  • Nature Conservation Scientists/Conservation biologists – study our fauna and flora and their conservation
  • Plant Pathologists – study organisms that cause plant diseases
  • Weed Scientists – study invasive plants, in combination with their biological and chemical control
  • Reproductive Biologists – specialise in the study of reproductive mechanisms of organisms
  • Parasitologists – study of the organisms living on hosts
  • Limnologists – study of the water quality and the factors affecting it

Employment agencies:

Governmental departments, regional and local authorities, such as:

•  Department of Education

•  Department of Water Affairs and Forestry

•  Conservation (various departments)

•  Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism

•  Department of Water Affairs and Forestry

•  Department of Agriculture

Private and Governmental departments such as:

•  Medical and veterinary laboratories

•  Wildlife and environmental management – water management, pollution control, population genetics

•  Community water and sanitation agencies

•  Environmental consultancy in any biological field

•  Environmental health and welfare

•  Education and training – at all levels

•  Academic research

•  Forensic science

Bio-informatics

Staff & Departmental Committees

Academic and support Staff
Name Position Research Interest
Dr MB Kekana
BSc, Hons, MSc and PhD: Univ. of Limpopo
Tel: +27 15 268 4000
Email: millicent.kekana@ul.ac.za
HOD,
Senior Lecturer
Water quality
Freshwater ecosystems
Biomarkers
Ecotoxicology
Citizen science
Aquatic macroinvertebrates as bioindicators
Prof SM Dippenaar
BSc, MSc and HDE: Univ. of Pretoria,
PhD: Univ. of the North
Tel: +27 15 268 3112
Fax: +27 15 268 2976
Email: susan.dippenaar@ul.ac.za
Professor Copepodology
Systematics
Population Genetics
Prof A Addo-Bediako
BSc (Hons), Dip. Ed: Univ. of Cape Coast; MSc: Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University; PhD: Univ. of Pretoria
Tel: +27 15 268 3145
Email: abe.addo-bediako@ul.ac.za
Professor Ecology of aquatic ecosystems,
Environmental impact assessment, Crop protection –Integrated Pest Management (IPM), Risk analysis of invasive species, Physiological ecology of insects.
Prof SM Mahlo
BSc, BSc (Hons), MSc: Univ. of Limpopo
PhD: Univ. of Pretoria
Tel: +27 15 268 4139
Fax: +27 15 298 9008
Email: mamokone.mahlo@ul.ac.za
Professor Ethnobotany, Phytochemistry, Medicinal Plants, Plant Ecology.
Prof GD Engelbrecht
BSc, BSc (Hons) and MSc: Rand Afrikaans Univ., South Africa, PhD: Univ. of Limpopo, South Africa
Tel: +27 15 268 2269
Fax: +27 15 268 2976
Email: derek.engelbrecht@ul.ac.za
Associate Professor Avian breeding ecology, Parental care strategies of birds, Biometrics and moult pattern of birds, avian vocal mimicry.
Dr HJ du Plessis
M.Sc. (UP), H.E.D. (UP) Pr. Nat. Sci
Tel: +27 15 268 2361
Fax: +27 15 268 2184
Email: helena.duplessis@ul.ac.za
Senior Lecturer In vivo and in vitro plant propagation, Polyploidisation, Plant stress physiology, Phytoremediation
Dr WJ Smit
BSc (NWU) BSc Honours (UP), MSc (Univ. of Limpopo), PhD (Univ. of Limpopo)
Tel: +27 15 268 2307
Email: willem.smit@ul.ac.za
Senior Lecturer Parasites, fish health, ecology
Dr P Mangena
MSc: Univ. of Limpopo, PhD: Univ. of Limpopo
Tel: +27 15 268 4715
Email: phetole.mangena@ul.ac.za
Senior Lecturer In vivo and in vitro plant propagation, Plant Stress Physiology, Phytochemistry, Plant Biotechnology
Ms PT Mabulwana
BSc, BSc Hons and MSc: Univ. of Limpopo
Tel: +27 15 268 3344
Email: paseka.mabulwana@ul.ac.za
Lecturer Plant Physiology
Ms MA Modiba
BSc and MSc: University of Limpopo
Tel: +27 15 268 4045
Fax: +27 15 268 2976
Email: mokgadi.modiba@ul.ac.za
Lecturer Taxonomy, invertebrate biodiversity & phylogenetics of spiders
Mr F Nukeri
M.Sc. (UNIN)
Tel: +27 15 268 2871
Email: frank.nukerif@ul.ac.za
Lecturer Plant Nutrition
Hydroponics
Mr T Mangena
MSc: Univ. of Limpopo
Tel: +27 15 268 4011
Email: tshepo.mangena@ul.ac.za
Lecturer Copepodology
Mr PJ Mokumo
MSc: Univ. of Limpopo
Tel: +27 15 268 2743
Email: peter.mokumo@ul.ac.za
Lecturer Entomology
Mr DM Pretorius
BSc and BSc Honours Univ. of Stellenbosch
Tel: +27 15 268 2299
Fax: 086 265 5964
Email: malan.pretorius@ul.ac.za
Junior Lecturer Distribution and diversity of small mammals in Limpopo province
Small mammal ecology and behaviour.
Dr JR Sara
M.SC (UPE), Ph.D (UKZN)
Tel: +27 15 268 2933
Email: joseph.sara@ul.ac.za
Senior Researcher Inland fisheries
Mr EA Mogotlane
MSc: Univ. of Limpopo
Tel: +27 15 268 3695
Email: emmanuel.mogotlane@ul.ac.za
Senior Laboratory Assistant Plant Physiology and Plant Biotechnology
Ms MC Lebepe
MSc: Univ. of Limpopo
Tel: +27 15 268 4728
Email: modjadji.lebepe@ul.ac.za
Senior Laboratory Assistant Copepodology
Ms TP Ramalepe
MSc: Univ. of Limpopo
Tel: +27 15 268 4763
Email: tshepiso.ramalepe@ul.ac.za
Senior Laboratory Assistant Ecology of ungulates
Mr B Mdaka
MSc: Univ. of Limpopo
Tel: +27 15 268 4232
Email: blessing.mdaka@ul.ac.za
Senior Laboratory Assistant In vivo and in vitro plant propagation, Plant Stress Physiology, Phytochemistry, Plant Biotechnology

 

Biodiversity Chair

Prof WJ Luus-Powell
BSc, BSc Hons and MSc: Rand Afrikaans Univ. (now Univ. of Johannesburg), South Africa; PhD: Univ. of Limpopo, South Africa
Tel: +27 15 268 2304
Fax: 086 516 9272
Email: wilmien.powell@ul.ac.za
Professor
Chair: Biodiversity Research Chair
Fish health
Parasitology
Metazoan parasites of fish
Fish diseases
Aquatic ecosystem health
Ecology of freshwater ecosystems

 

Science Education Centre

Name Position Research Interest
Prof MJ Potgieter
MSc: University of Pretoria, PhD: Univ. of Limpopo
Tel: +27 15 268 2224
Fax: 086 651 3164
Email: martin.potgieter@ul.ac.za
Associate Professor Ethnobotany, invasive plants, medicinal plants, savannah ecology
Dr BA Egan
BSc, BSc Hons: WITS Univ., MSc: Univ. of Port Elizabeth, PhD: Univ. of Limpopo
Tel: +27(0)15 268 2227
Email: bronwyn.egan@ul.ac.za
Herbarium Curator Indigenous knowledge (useful plants, edible insects), taxonomy, threatened plants, herbarium procedures
Departmental Committees

Teaching and learning Committee
Members: Dr MM Matla (HOD), Ms HJ du Plessis, Prof A Addo-Bediako, Dr TG   Mandiwana-Neudani

Research Committee
Members: Dr MM Matla (HOD), Prof SM Dippenaar, Prof A Jooste, Prof RV Nikolova, Dr PW Mokwala, Prof GD Engelbrecht, Prof WJ Luus-Powell, Prof MJ Potgieter

SCHOOL CONTACTS

Head of Department

Dr MB Kekana
Private Bag X1106
Sovenga, 0727
Tel: 015 268 4000
Email: Millicent.kekana@ul.ac.za