Welcome Message from the Head of School
The School of Biology and Environmental Sciences (SBES) is positioned as an Afrocentric leader in the fields of Biological Sciences, Conservation, Geography, and Environmental Sciences. The School offers programmes that are responsive to its Afrotropical savanna context, intending to deepen understanding of Africa’s exceptional biodiversity, supporting its conservation, and promoting sustainable development.
With the highest proportion of NRF-rated researchers at the University, SBES also hosts the UMP–Oppenheimer Research Chair in Biodiversity Conservation. Its academic staff are recognised experts in Aquatic Science, Botany, Conservation Ecology, Entomology, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, Microbiology, and Zoology.
SBES is housed in the new state-of-the-art Nature Conservation Building and is responsible for the delivery and coordination of the following programmes:
Undergraduate:

• Diploma in Nature Conservation (DIPCON) – NQF level 6
• Advanced Diploma in Nature Conservation (ADPCON) – NQF level 7
• Bachelor of Science (BSc) Degree – NQF level 7
• Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science (BScEnv) Degree – NQF level 7

• Bachelor of Science Honours in Ecology Degree
• Bachelor of Science Honours in Environmental Science Degree
• Bachelor of Science Honours in Geology Degree
• Bachelor of Science Honours in Geography Degree
• Postgraduate Diploma in Nature Conservation
• Master of Science Degree (MSc) by dissertation
• Doctor of Philosophy Degree (PhD)