Download Degree Programme in Biology, Earth and Environmental Sciences

Degree Programme in Biology, Earth and Environmental
Sciences (BEES)
This Programme brings together the disciplines of the Biological Sciences, the Earth
Sciences and the Environmental Sciences. The Programme combines fundamental
knowledge of the natural and social environment with experience of both laboratory analysis
and field excursions.
Who would be interested in this Programme?
Students with a deep interest in one or more of the Biology, Ecology, Flora and Fauna,
Archaeology, Geology, the atmosphere, the oceans, and environmental management of
Africa, its inland waters and surrounding seas. This is a very broad Programme, and
there are a wide variety of possible directions of specialization within it.
What courses will you take?
The BEES Programme is based on a series of ‘Specialisations’ each of which has its own
suite of compulsory courses. Most graduates complete two of these Specialisations,
selected from a wide-ranging list of ten (below). It is not necessary to finalise the selection of
Specialisations until after first year, as many of the choices have the same first-year
requirements.
Students enrolling for this degree Programme will, during the first semester, undertake one
or more of Biological Diversity, Cell Biology, Introduction to Earth and Environmental
Sciences, and basic courses in Chemistry, Statistics, Mathematics. First year allows for the
choice of other complementary courses both within the Science Faculty and in other
Faculties at UCT.
In the senior years of the degree, students will select from a wide range of Specialisations in
the Biological Sciences, Earth Sciences and Environmental Sciences. These are:
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Archaeology
Atmosphere Science
Botany
Ecology
Environmental and Geographical Science
Evolutionary Biology
Geology
Marine Biology
Ocean and Atmosphere Science
Zoology
As well as supporting senior courses in Chemistry, Physics and Mathematical Sciences. It is
also possible to take senior courses from other programmes in the Science Faculty, and
even from other Faculties.
Career Opportunities for Graduates
The important industries associated with the resources of the natural and social environment
such as tourism, mining, fishing, aquaculture and environmental management are major
employers of properly trained graduates. Research initiatives on our unique natural heritage
in South Africa are a large source of employment of our graduates, particularly with regard to
indigenous knowledge, development, climate change, and sustainable use of resources
such as water, minerals, and our unparalleled biological resources on land and in the sea.
Growth areas are resource management and environmental impact assessment in both the
government and private sector. Educators with a sound knowledge of science of natural
systems are needed at all levels. There are professional careers associated with the natural
sciences (such as geology).