This module involves the study of life at the cellular level, as well as the study of evolution as an ongoing process on Earth. It consists of four submodules: Biochemistry, Cytology, Genetics, and Evolution.

After completion of this module, you:

• will have a sound knowledge and understanding of the chemical basis of life, the most important biological structures and processes at the cellular level, and basic genetics;
• have a basic knowledge and understanding of evolution as an ongoing process; and
• have acquired key generic skills during the laboratory practicals, with an emphasis on light microscopy as a method of observation and interpretation.

This module focuses on the biodiversity and ecology of biological life. It consists of four submodules: the diversity of micro-organisms, plants, and animals, as well as ecological principles and global change. You will be introduced to the unbelievable diversity of living organisms that share the Earth with us, as well as how these organisms interact with each other and their physical environments. This module serves as a basis for later programmes in the biological and the agricultural sciences.

This module serves as a basis for later programmes in Biological Sciences and therefore includes a variety of topics that are relevant to or essential for a present-day study in any biological discipline. The following topics are covered:
• Plant physiology will cover the integration of plant form (plant anatomy and morphology) and function, photosynthesis; water relations; transport in plants; plant mineral nutrition; growth and development).
• The organization and functioning of the animal body. This includes processes such as movement, digestion, circulation, and respiration.
• The general principles of Biotechnology.

This module is a thorough introduction to the key numerical skills and processes underpinning the good practice of biological sciences. It covers experimental design, statistical analyses, the concept of null and alternative hypotheses, data handling and logical interpretation, data presentation and scientific communication, advanced use of Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint and R Statistical Computing free software. Hands-on statistical exercises cover a range of descriptive statistics, parametric and non-parametric analyses, basic data manipulation, plots, linear regression and analysis of variance. Applied scientific investigatory principles to biology are explored using experimental planning (controls, replication, randomisation), ethics, scientific and popular publication processes, and the use of scientific literature.

This course aims to expose students to the fundamental principles of ecology at various scales of organization, from individuals through ecosystems to the biosphere as a system. Topics covered include life-history strategies, competition, dispersal, predation, mutualism, population dynamics, community assembly, keystone species, diversity patterns and the processes structuring diversity, and elements of systems ecology. The theory will be supported with examples from local terrestrial and aquatic systems, in lectures but also through hands-on exposure during a group field project. The projects will provide students with the chance to get their hands dirty doing their own research. Students will be taught how to conduct scientific research, how to write effective scientific reports and how to analyze ecological data.

In this course we will explore historic and current classifications and phylogenetic relationships among the major invertebrate groups and focus on unique aspects of their ontogeny and physiology This course aims to provide the student with a comprehensive knowledge of the diversity of invertebrate form and function and to depict particular examples that have been shaped by ecological and/or evolutionary constraints. Students will be expected to understand how morphology and physiology of invertebrate phyla differ between aquatic and terrestrial modes of life.

The principal evolutionary mechanisms which shape the biological world will be dealt with. It provides a historical perspective on the development of the major ideas in evolutionary thinking and tackles the interface between evolutionary research and the public's perception of it. Topics covered include theoretical genetic models which underlie modern molecular genetic approaches, natural selection and how it operates, the distinctions and links between micro- and macroevolution and how species are formed and lost. In addition to theoretical understanding, students will be exposed to the design and execution of experiments in evolution.

The module primarily focuses on various aspects of vertebrate life. This includes the origin and diversification of the major vertebrate lineages: fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. As indicated in the calendar topics covered include characteristic features of vertebrates and their body plans; the broad pattern of the evolutionary relationships of vertebrates; ontogeny of vertebrates and the evolutionary implications of developmental mechanisms; basic anatomy, physiology and evolution of vertebrate organ systems; reproductive biology and strategies. All these aspects are discussed in a phylogenetic framework, and where possible the course is presented following Charles Darwins perspective about the History of Life.

Plants occupy the most diverse habitats on earth. A wide range of morphological and physiological adaptations are required to conquer these habitats. The diversity of plant form and function will be explored as interlinked themes to understand how plants grow, respond to natural cycles, capture resources and survive in adverse conditions. The theory and practicals will explore each theme in a complementary way that will include formal lectures, group discussions, laboratory and field experiments.

The study of global change with a biological perspective brings together historical and current evidence for such change and summarises its main drivers. Topics include global climate change, anthropogenic drivers such as pollution, invasion biology, land use and ecosystem change. Data at different spatial and temporal scales and at different levels of biological organisation are covered (from species to communities and ecosystems, and from micro to macroscales), highlighting the technologies and numerical techniques used to study these processes. Examples will have a strong African focus, including case studies from the Western Cape Province from both faunal and floral perspectives. There is a strong emphasis on appropriate communication surrounding all the above topics both among scientists, and between scientists and other stakeholders, including the general public.

This module is field based. The location of the module is Grootbos Private Nature Reserve. The module will be timed to fall outside of the formal lecture periods – in the two weeks before lectures commence. The aim of the module is to bring ecological and evolutionary theory to life in the field, and to build the skills required to effectively implement the scientific method. The main foci are biotic interactions (e.g. pollination, competition, facilitation), animal behaviour and ecosystem-level ecology. Lectures, assignments and discussion groups will be conducted in the field, as well as during the term. The module is a restricted module and largely limited to students registered in the Biodiversity and Ecology programme.

The aims of this module are firstly to introduce students to the origin, diversity and phylogenetic relationships among the angiosperms. As sub-theme those disciplines and their specific traits that are of phylogenetic importance in the reconstruction of angiosperm evolution will be considered in more detail. These include molecular traits, palynology, morphology, anatomy, embryology and karyology. Finally, chemical diversity among angiosperms will be explored.

This module follows from BDE 311 (Global Change Challenges) and explores a range of solutions for managing and conserving biodiversity under changing climates.

This module is presented as five sections that progress from understanding the physical, chemical, geological and biological nature of marine systems to the utilisation, management and protection of marine products systems. Exploration of the physical marine environment focusses specifically on ocean climate and circulation, tides and waves, and coastal and estuarine processes. This is followed by the chemical section, which examines the properties of seawater, focussing on salinity and dissolved gases. The geological section considers plate tectonics, marine provinces and marine sediments. The biological section explores biological life in oceans and adaptations of marine organisms to the different marine environments; productivity and how this feeds into energy and food webs; and benthic, pelagic, island, estuarine and mangrove systems. The final section explores the historical and contemporary reliance of humans on the ocean; consequences of harvesting marine products; the development of marine protected areas and how this often leads to conflict with people who rely on the ocean for their livelihoods or recreation. Throughout the module we will explore skills related to understanding and measuring different processes.

Topical themes in evolutionary ecology will be covered, namely the evolution of behaviour, biotic interactions. This module will deal with the following, as well as related, topics: game theory; optimal-foraging theory; life history evolution; evolution of sex; sexual selection and sex ratios; altruism and the evolution of sociality. Evolutionary arms races with mimicry and sexual conflict as examples; coevolution of plant animal interactions. Appropriate field and statistical techniques used in evolutionary ecology research will be covered during practical sessions.

During this module the evolutionary patterns and processes impacting living organism are studied with the use of molecular methods such as DNA sequencing, chromosomes and next generation DNA using animals as examples. The evolutionary relationships between populations and species levels are investigated with the aid of selected methods to understand the evolutionary drivers of cladogenesis and population genetic structure.