The Bachelor of Science in Microbiology with Zoology at the University of Zululand develops graduates with expertise in microbial science applied to animal health, wildlife disease, and ecosystem biology. The programme connects the study of bacteria, viruses, and fungi with animal biology — producing graduates equipped for veterinary microbiology support, wildlife disease monitoring, aquaculture health management, and environmental microbiology. KwaZulu-Natal's rich biodiversity and wildlife health challenges, including bovine tuberculosis in buffalo and avian influenza in wild birds, provide meaningful research contexts.
English: NSC Level 4
Mathematics: NSC Level 4
Physical Sciences: NSC Level 3
Life Sciences or Agricultural Sciences: NSC Level 4
APS: Minimum 28 points
Wildlife Disease Researcher – Investigate pathogen dynamics, zoonotic risks, and disease ecology in South Africa’s wildlife populations for conservation agencies or veterinary institutions.
Veterinary Microbiologist (Support) – Assist in microbiological testing and disease diagnosis within veterinary laboratories serving animal health or food safety purposes.
Zoological Researcher – Study animal behaviour, physiology, and microbial associations in the context of health and ecology at research institutions.
Aquaculture Health Specialist – Manage microbial pathogens, water quality, and animal welfare in fish farming operations along KwaZulu-Natal’s water systems.
Conservation Health Practitioner – Monitor and manage infectious disease risks in wildlife conservation areas, particularly at the wildlife-livestock-human interface.
