Zoology and Entomology

The University of the Free State (UFS) Department of Zoology and Entomology consists of two sub-disciplines:

• Zoology
• Entomology 

Our undergraduate and postgraduate courses in both these sub-disciplines cover a wide field. Our philosophy is that a student's first year is an introductory year and from the second year we specialise in various aspects.

Zoology

Undergraduate Zoology courses include:

• African vertebrates
• Animal behaviour
• Conservation ecology
• Invertebrate biodiversity
• Marine and freshwater ecology
• Parasite vectors and venomous animal
• Vertebrates: Research techniques
• Survival strategies in arid environments 

Postgraduate Zoology courses include:

• Africa ornithology
• Aquatic parasitology
• Conservation ecology
• Evolution and biogeography
• Freshwater ecology
• Herpetology
• Nematology
• The environment 

Zoology Research Groups:

• Aquatic ecology and parasitology
• Eco-Ethology
• Herpetology
• Nematology
• Pesticide resistance  

Entomology
Undergraduate Entomology courses include:

• Introductory morphology, anatomy and bio-ecology of insects
• Functional morphology and anatomy of insects
• Evolutionary biology of insects
• Insect ecology
• Agricultural entomology
• Eco-physiology of insects
• Insect biochemistry and pharmacology
• Insect pest management
• Medical, veterinary and forensic entomology

Postgraduate Entomology courses include:

• Evolution & biogeography
• Forensic entomology
• Insect - plant interactions
• Medical and veterinary entomology
• Pest management
• Quantitative ecology
• Taxonomy and biology of Arachnida
• The environment

Entomology research groups:

• Arachnid systematics and ecology
• Environmental entomology
• Forensic entomology
• Insect - plant interactions
• Medical and veterinary entomology 

Vision
To be a nucleus of broad-based zoological and entomological learning and research in South Africa (in particular) and continental Africa (in general). 

Mission
To create, integrate, apply, transmit and co-ordinate knowledge in Zoology and Entomology by providing academic tuition and establishing and expanding pure and applied research that is relevant in a South African context.

Story of Life: Darwin 200

A commemoration held in 2009 of 14 events, with 26 popular scientific lectures. (Podcasts availible here)

We prepare students for a career in adventure!