Biological Sciences

This course examines embryogenesis, starting from fertilization to birth in the case of animal development; and to germination, growth and differentiation in plants. It covers concepts, principles and mechanisms that underlie development in plants and animals. Different organism models are studied to demonstrate the rapid advances in this field of life sciences

Immunology focuses on the role of different humoral factors, cells and cell systems of the innate and adaptive immune system, that are involved in the defense of an organism against intruders like foreign cells or non-complex structures such as foreign proteins. Processes in the immune response after immunization, vaccination, and transplantation are discussed. Prerequisites knowledge in Introduction to Biology is required. 

The course develops and promotes skills in the marine sciences in South Africa, focusing on the global marine ecosystem structure and functioning with an emphasis on South African systems. Lectures, tutorials and practicals build upon prior knowledge to further develop interpretative and integrative skills. The course also develops numerical and written skills, as well as providing an introduction to modern research techniques and approaches.

This course examines evolutionary principles, examining the history and philosophy of evolutionary thought, the mechanisms and products of evolution, and speciation, using up-to-date evidence and analysis of a diversity of life forms.

This course examines fundamental genetic concepts using real life applications and implications of genetics while providing an opportunity for students to get hands-on experience in analyzing and interpreting genetic data.

This course provides an Introduction on formation of tides; distribution patterns of organisms in sandy shore, mangrove and rocky shore habitats, as well as relevant surveying techniques.

At the end of this course students should be able to:
1.Describe the physical environmental factors (e.g., waves, tides) shaping the intertidal environment
2.Understand the basic factors affecting the distribution and abundance of intertidal organisms
3.Understand the factors limiting species distribution patterns on the vertical intertidal gradient and study the methods to measure and investigate these patterns
4.Design experimental studies to investigate patterns (e.g., zonation) and processes (e.g. competition) in intertidal areas
5.Plan a simple experimental and statistical study on intertidal ecology.
6.Review and critique scientific papers