Languages: 
Faculty of
Natural Sciences
The Faculty of Natural Sciences is located at the Mthatha Campus at WSU but currently offers its programs from two delivery sites: Mthatha and Buffalo City.
The Faculty of Natural Sciences is located at the Mthatha Campus at WSU but currently offers its programs from two delivery sites: Mthatha and Buffalo city. The Departments of Biological & Environmental Sciences, Chemical & Physical Sciences, Mathematical Sciences and Computing are located on the Mthatha Campus while the Department of Applied Sciences is in Buffalo City. The faculty is home to over 2000 students and offers 27 science programmes ranging from Diplomas to the PHD’s.
The faculty provides a diverse range of educational opportunities through its Bachelor of Science and diploma programmes in both basic and applied sciences. The basic science programmes encompass a wide array of subjects, such as biological sciences, chemistry, computer sciences, environmental studies, mathematics, and physics. On the other hand, the applied science programs focus on specialized fields like pest management, analytical chemistry, and consumer sciences. This comprehensive selection of programmes ensures that students can pursue their academic interests and career goals within the realm of science and its practical applications.
The faculty provides a wide range of exciting postgraduate programmes for science graduates who want to pursue advanced studies. Students in life sciences have the option to specialize in entomology, plant biotechnology, marine biology, and other captivating fields. Within the faculty, there are accomplished experts in organic chemistry, material and nuclear physics, as well as space sciences. Mathematicians research in the area of Lie symmetry of differential equations. Moreover, the faculty serves as a home to the National Pollution Laboratory and the Centre for Risk and Vulnerability, where students engage in research on water quality and its associated effects.
UNDERGRADUATE QUALIFICATIONS OFFERED IN THE FACULTY
Qual Code | SAQA ID | Qualification Name | NQF | Credits | Duration | Delivery Site |
W64001 | 97039 | Diploma in Analytical Chemistry | 6 | 360 | 3 | BCC |
W64002 | 97039 | Diploma in Analytical Chemistry (ECP) | 6 | 360 | 4 | BCC |
W64004 | 96787 | Diploma in Consumer Science in Food and Nutrition | 6 | 360 | 3 | BCC |
W64039 | 96787 | Diploma in Consumer Science in Food and Nutrition(ECP) | 6 | 360 | 4 | BCC |
W64005 | 112034 | Diploma in Pest Management | 6 | 360 | 3 | MTH |
W64007 | 101254 | Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics | 7 | 480 | 3 | MTH |
W64008 | 101254 | Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics (ECP) | 7 | 360 | 4 | MTH |
W64009 | 101255 | Bachelor of Science in Applied Statistical Sciences | 7 | 360 | 3 | MTH |
W64010 | 101255 | Bachelor of Science in Applied Statistical Sciences (ECP) | 7 | 360 | 4 | MTH |
W64011 | 112304 | Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences | 7 | 360 | 3 | MTH |
W64012 | 112304 | Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences (ECP) | 7 | 360 | 4 | MTH |
W64013 | 116397 | Bachelor of Science in Chemistry | 7 | 360 | 3 | MTH |
W64014 | 116397 | Bachelor of Science in Chemistry (ECP) | 7 | 360 | 4 | MTH |
W64015 | 112446 | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science | 7 | 360 | 3 | MTH |
W64016 | 112446 | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (ECP) | 7 | 360 | 4 | MTH |
W64017 | 116190 | Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies | 7 | 360 | 3 | MTH |
W64018 | 116190 | Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies (ECP) | 7 | 360 | 4 | MTH |
W64019 | 101253 | Bachelor of Science in Mathematics | 7 | 360 | 3 | MTH |
W64020 | 101253 | Bachelor of Science in Mathematics (ECP) | 7 | 360 | 4 | MTH |
W64021 | 112432 | Bachelor of Science in Pest Management | 7 | 360 | 3 | MTH |
W64022 | 112432 | Bachelor of Science in Pest Management (ECP) | 7 | 360 | 4 | MTH |
W64023 | 112445 | Bachelor of Science in Physics | 7 | 360 | 3 | MTH |
W64024 | 112445 | Bachelor of Science in Physics (ECP) | 7 | 360 | 4 | MTH |
| QUALIFICATION DETAILS | APS SCORES | SPECIFIC SUBJECT REQUIREMENTS | PROGRAMME OVERVIEW |
Diploma in Analytical Chemistry W64001 & W64002 | 21 19 | Main Stream
Extended stream As for main-stream with a reduced APS requirement of 19 | Graduates of this course can apply the advanced scientific principles and techniques of quantitative and qualitative analysis, quality control of raw materials and finished products, and research and development. |
Diploma in Consumer Sciences and Food Nutrition W64004 & W64039 | 21 19 | Main Stream
Extended stream As for main-stream with a reduced APS requirement of 19 | The course is designed to train students for the food manufacturing and retail industries and small entrepreneurial food operations [SMMEs]. Students specialise in various aspects of fresh convenience food development, production, management, and marketing for the industry. It provides the educational base required for eligibility for registration as candidates practising as Food Scientists/Technologists. |
Diploma in Pest Management W64005 | 21 |
| The programme provides knowledge on how to diagnose pest problems and manipulate relevant pest control equipment with minimal supervision. Students demonstrate a good understanding of agricultural pests, their damage diagnostics and control. It also capacitates students with critical communication skills with farmers on issues pertaining to the rational use of conventional approaches in an integrated manner in combatting and containing pests. |
Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics W64007 W64008 | 25 23 | Main Stream
Extended Stream
| The programme provides basic mathematical knowledge tailored for application in the solution of technical problems in the marketplace, and for further training at a higher level in various specialisations of Mathematical Sciences. |
Bachelor of Science in Applied Statistical Science W64009 W64010 | 25 23 | Main Stream
Extended Stream
| The programme provides statistical knowledge in Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Mathematics and Statistics with an inclination towards application in the solution of technical problems in the marketplace, and for further training at a higher level in various specialisations needing a sound foundation in Statistical Sciences. |
Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences W64011 W64012 | 25 23 | Main Stream
Extended Stream
| Skills are developed to carry out scientific investigations on plants and animals (for example, microscopy, biochemistry, plant and animal identification, chemical analysis of plants, ecological techniques, microbiological techniques, etc.) |
Bachelor of Science in Chemistry W64013 W64014 | 25 23 | Main Stream
Extended Stream
| This programme is designed to produce graduates with solid foundations in all branches of Chemistry. The graduates also take additional Mathematics courses up to level two thereby making them capable of understanding Physical Science phenomena. |
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science W64015 W64016 | 25 23 | Main Stream
Extended Stream
| The program equips students with knowledge and skills to become computer scientists, with a focus on meeting regional and national needs. Graduates are in demand locally, nationally, and internationally in scientific, business, and computing industries. Computer science is a critical discipline that deals with the design, implementation, and maintenance of software systems. |
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies W64017 W64018 | 25 23 | Main Stream
Extended Stream
| Provided to students is detailed knowledge and understanding of key terminologies, principles, requirements and legislation related to Environmental Impact Assessment, Resources and Environmental Law. Graduates will be able to identify and solve problems related to post-decision work in unfamiliar contexts, explain key terms and the significance of concepts associated with the nature of tourism and ecotourism and demonstrate understanding of the factors affecting demand in the tourism sector |
Bachelor of Science in Mathematics W64019 W64020 | 25 23 | Main Stream
Extended Stream
| The programme provides mathematical knowledge needed for placement in jobs requiring a significant amount of mathematical maturity, and for further training at a higher level in various specialisations of Mathematics. |
Bachelor of Science in Pest Management W64021 W64022 | 25 23 | Main Stream
Extended Stream
| This programme provides understanding on how to initiate, plan and implement adaptive pest control programmes. Graduates will be able to among other skills manipulate technical equipment, capture and analyse field and laboratory data, write periodic technical reports, apply communication skills in relevant contexts. Students will be able to evaluate the role of Arthropods and related fauna in conventional biodiversity conservation management and outline constraints to human population growth because of food insecurity |
Bachelor of Science in Physics W64023 W64024 | 25 23 | Main Stream
Extended Stream
| The Bachelor of Science in Physics focuses on understanding the fundamental principles governing the natural world. Students are equipped with knowledge in areas such as mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, and thermodynamics. Through hands-on laboratory experiments and theoretical coursework, graduates of this program gain strong analytical and problem-solving skills that can be applied to a wide range of scientific fields |
