BSc Biodiversity and Ecology
This BSc degree programme offers broad training in Botany and Zoology. It focusses on the diversity, origin and function of organisms in relation to their environment. It provides a conceptual understanding of ecology, evolution, animal and plant forms and functions, biological changes on a global scale (climate change, invasive species, pollution and anthropogenic factors) and remediation practices (applications). Both terrestrial and marine concepts are covered. The programme also provides appropriate generic and scientific skills, for instance oral and written communication, numerical and statistical techniques, research methodology, problem solving, evaluating and synthesising scientific information, and also computer skills.
Contact information
Programme overview
Duration
Three years
Campus
Stellenbosch
More information
Collapse all
Career opportunities
botanist, zoologist, plant biotechnologist, conservation scientist, forensic scientist, marine scientist, environmental assessment practitioner, conservation technician, ecologist, laboratory analyst, environmental consultant, environmental impact expert, land-use planner, agricultural advisor, environmental educator, life sciences teacher (after completion of Postgraduate Certificate in Education).
Occupations:
Ecologist
Scientist
Minimum admission requirements – NSC/ IEB
- An aggregate of at least 65% for the NSC (excluding Life Orientation)
- Afrikaans OR English (Home Language or First Additional Language) 50%
- Physical Sciences 50%
- Mathematics 60%
- Afrikaans OR English (Home Language or First Additional Language) 50%
- Physical Sciences 50%
- Mathematics 60%
Minimum admission requirements – International curricula
IEB-ISC
IEB-ISC (NBTs compulsory) IEB-ISC aggregate of at least 65% (excluding Active Citizenry) Mathematics 60% Physical Sciences (Physics AND Chemistry) 50% English Home Language 50% OR Afrikaans Home Language 50% OR Afrikaans or English First Additional Language 50% Applicants are also subjected to selection according to selection criteria
German Abitur
University Exemption with 65% average
English 5 (Nam 9)
Maths 8 (Nam 10)
Physics AND Chemistry 5 (Nam 7)
International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB Diploma)
University Exemption with 65% average
English 4 on HL or 5 on SL
Maths 4 on HL or 5 on SL
Physics AND Chemistry 4 on HL or 5 on SL
Cambridge International/Pearson Edexcel AS-level , IGCSE/O-level
University Exemption with
65% average
Afrikaans or English, First or Second Language, C on AS-Level or B on GCSE/O-Level
Maths C on AS-Level
Physics AND Chemistry a C on AS-Level
Cambridge International/Pearson Edexcel A-level , IGCSE/O-level
University Exemption with
65% average
Afrikaans or English, First or Second language, E on A-Level, or B on GCSE/O-Level
Maths E on A-Level
Physics AND Chemistry an E on A-Level
IEB-ISC (NBTs compulsory) IEB-ISC aggregate of at least 65% (excluding Active Citizenry) Mathematics 60% Physical Sciences (Physics AND Chemistry) 50% English Home Language 50% OR Afrikaans Home Language 50% OR Afrikaans or English First Additional Language 50% Applicants are also subjected to selection according to selection criteria
German Abitur
University Exemption with 65% average
English 5 (Nam 9)
Maths 8 (Nam 10)
Physics AND Chemistry 5 (Nam 7)
International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB Diploma)
University Exemption with 65% average
English 4 on HL or 5 on SL
Maths 4 on HL or 5 on SL
Physics AND Chemistry 4 on HL or 5 on SL
Cambridge International/Pearson Edexcel AS-level , IGCSE/O-level
University Exemption with
65% average
Afrikaans or English, First or Second Language, C on AS-Level or B on GCSE/O-Level
Maths C on AS-Level
Physics AND Chemistry a C on AS-Level
Cambridge International/Pearson Edexcel A-level , IGCSE/O-level
University Exemption with
65% average
Afrikaans or English, First or Second language, E on A-Level, or B on GCSE/O-Level
Maths E on A-Level
Physics AND Chemistry an E on A-Level
Programme structure
Full-time
Last updated
01 April 2026
Disclaimer:
The University reserves the right to amend the information on this webpage at any time. While every effort is made to ensure that the information provided is accurate and complete, it may be subject to change or become outdated. It remains the responsibility of prospective students to verify all details against the relevant faculty yearbook or directly with the relevant department.