Bachelor of Science Honours degree in Wildlife Ecology and Management (HWEM)
Programme Overview
To promote the productivity of wildlife resources and through an understanding of wildlife management and the techniques used in habitat and wildlife populations management and their consequences on wildlife resources. This will contribute towards sustainable wildlife management in Zimbabwe’s ecosystems and SADC region.
Entry Requirements
Five ‘O‘ level subjects including English, Maths and Science and any 2 ‘A‘ Level subjects with at least one science subject from the following; Biology, Chemistry, Agriculture, Geography, Physics. Applicants with good ‘O’ level Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Physical Science and Mathematics and any other ‘A’ level subjects can be considered.
Articulation as provided by ZNQF.
Recognition criteria for foreign credentials and international students.
Programme Structure
Level 1 Semester 1
Code Module Description Credits
HAWS 146 Diversity of Life 12
HAWS 147 Animal welfare, behaviour and ethics 12
HSC 135 Introduction to Information Technology 12
HAWS 134 Principles of Ecology 12
AGRO131 Plant Biology and Physiology HAWS132 12
HAWS 133 Introduction to Microbiology 12
Level 1 Semester 2
Code Module Description Prerequisite Credits
HAWS 148 Vertebrate Biology AGPR131 6
AGRO 132 Introduction to Genetics 12
AGRO 136 Introduction to Statistics 12
HAWS 135 Introduction to Entomology and Parasitology 12
HAWS 136 Principles of Wildlife Management HAWS 134 12
HAWS 131 Anatomy and Physiology of Animals 12
Level 2 Semester 1
Code Module Description Prerequisite Credits
GS 231 Gender Studies 12
HAWS 231 Statistical Methods and Experimental Designs AGRO 134 12
ENT 235 Entrepreneurship 12
HAWS 240 Conservation Biology 12
HAWS 233 Grassland Science 12
HAWS 234 Wildlife Nutrition HAWS132 12
Level 2 Semester 2
Code Module Description Prerequisite Credits
HAWS 235 Animal Health and Welfare HAWS 133, HAWS133 12
HAWS 241 Ecotourism Planning 12
HAWS 237 Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing 12
HAWS 238 Natural Resources Management HAWS136 12
Level 3 Semester 1: Work-Related Learning
AGPR330 Work-Related Preliminary Report 30
Level 3 Semester 2: Work-Related Learning
AGPR331 Work-Related Learning Report 45
AGPR332 Employer’s Assessment Report 30
AGPR333 Academic Supervisor’s Report 45
Level 4 Semester 1
Code Module Description Prerequisite Credits
HAWS 431 Rangeland Ecology and Management HAWS233 12
HAWS 432 Wildlife Products Processing 12
HAWS 434 Natural Resources Economics 12
HAWS 435 Intensive Wildlife Production HAWS 136, HAWS 131 12
HAWS 436 Applied Terrestrial Ecology HAWS134 12
HAWS 437 Vertebrate Faunas of Zimbabwe HAWS134 12
Level 4 Semester 2
Code Module Description Prerequisite Credits
HAWS 448 Natural Resources Management and Climate Change 12
HAWS 439 Research Project AGRO 134, HAWS231 24
HAWS 441 Sustainable Wildlife Resources Management HAWS 131 12
HAWS 442 Applied Aquatic Ecology HAWS134 12
HAWS 449 Social Ecology and Policy 12
Module Synopsis
HAWS 147 Animal Welfare, Behaviour and Ethics
This module will introduce students to the science of animal behaviour and the importance of behaviour in our understanding of animal welfare. It will analyse diversity in animal behaviour and relate this to the processes of evolution and natural selection. It will also consider the ethics of society’s usage of different types of animals and the role of legislation and different organisations in the promotion of the interests of animals. Examples will be drawn from a range of diverse species and scenarios to illustrate the principles and practices discussed. An appreciation of the science of animal behaviour and welfare and how underlying ethical values may influence the acceptability of animal use, undertaking welfare assessments of animals and an overview of legislation governing animal welfare. Critical analysis of zoo establishments
HAWS 146 Diversity of Life
Theories for the origin of life, taxonomy and phylogeny, goals of classification, Leys and phylogenetic trees. Viruses and mineral, Protista, fungi, plants and kingdom animalia. Look at the diversity among the kingdoms. A brief outline of the grades of organization and the evolution of the two main lines of animals (vertebrates and invertebrates). The process of evolution through Darwinian natural selection and relating it to the diversity of life seen on Earth. Historic theories of evolution are evaluated, and the mechanisms underpinning evolution are explored, from microevolution, through speciation to macroevolution. The evolution of humans is considered, along with the history and process of animal domestication. The effects of evolution and domestication on animal physiology and behaviour are explored.
HAWS 134 Principles of Ecology
Understanding the dynamic changes in individuals, populations, communities and ecosystems in relation to each other and the physical environment. Explores the essential processes that determine the distribution and abundance of organisms and the variety of complex biotic and abiotic interactions that take place, ecology of living systems and basic ecological theory. Definitions and examples of ecological parameters. Hierarchy of organisation (molecular – biosphere); structure and development in relation to environmental factors and interactions. Agricultural ecosystems, evolution, succession and climax. Stability and productivity of ecosystems. Major ecosystem types of the world, practical elements of identification, sampling and analysis of data collected.
HAWS 136 Principles of Wildlife Management
Important wildlife definitions- wildlife management, conservation, game ranching etc. Wildlife management compared to adaptive management. Zoogeography and factors affecting animal distributions. Wildlife values and perceptions. Wildlife biology: reproduction, fecundity, natality, recruitment, biotic potential, sex relations, density dependent mortality, starvation and malnutrition, predation and disease, nutrition, nutritional strategy, feeding habits and preference, water requirements. Wildlife behaviour and environmental physiology. Wildlife research and role in management
HAWS 148 Vertebrate Biology
Overview, classification and identification of vertebrate animals. A comparative study of the function and structure of the muscle and skeletal structure and locomotion. Circulatory and immune systems, reproductive and endocrine systems. Life history strategies, Feeding and nutrition, respiration and excretion. Description, composition, distribution, biological characteristics, ecology and conservation significance. Special attention to those groups that illustrate evolutionary principles.
AGRO 136 Introduction to Statistics
Fundamentals of basic statistics and probability theory. Introduction to statistics: definition, uses of statistics in
research, business, tourism and agriculture; Probability: multiplicative law, addition law, conditional probability,
tree diagram, law of total probability; Probability distributions: random variables, discrete, continuous, binomial
distribution, normal distribution; Measures of central tendency and dispersion: mean, median, mode, range, variance, standard deviation, standard error of the mean; Sampling technique: simple random, stratified, cluster, systematic; Data types, presentation and summarization techniques; Tables, graphs, charts; Regression and correlation: regression parameters, correlation coefficient, coefficient of determination; and Simple statistical inference: hypothesis testing, confidence intervals, t-tests, chi-square tests and one-way ANOVA.
HAWS 231 Statistical Methods and Experimental Designs
Module will introduce students to the application of statistics in animal and wildlife research by covering the following aspects: The Whys and Wherefores of Statistics; Descriptive statistics; Probability and Probability distribution; Sampling and sampling Distribution; Experimental and Quasi Experimental Designs; Hypothesis Testing (t-test, F-test, Chi-squared test); Linear Correlation and regression; Further Regression Analysis; Non-parametric statistical methods; Further Aspects of design and Analysis; Additional techniques ( Bioassay and Diagnostic Analysis). Data entry, analysis and interpretation using statistical packages( STATA, GENSTAT, R and EPI Info) for all designs: Regression and Correlation. Fitting statistics in research proposal and dissertation write-ups.
HAWS 240 Conservation Biology
This module is designed to develop the appropriate skills and knowledge concerned with the science of conservation biology, analysis of current and historical factors contributing to biodiversity loss and the strategies that conservation biologists use for management, and protection of vulnerable species and their associated ecosystems. Local, national and international examples will be used to highlight key concepts and practices.
HAWS 233 Grassland Science
Forage plants: – Morphology and identification of species, growth physiology and defoliation effects, Herbage quality. Principles of planted pasture production, Pasture management and productivity, Veld Management, Fodder crops, Fodder conservation, Forages in the communal area, Fodder flows.
HAWS 234 Wildlife Nutrition
Physiology and fermentation, the role of secondary chemicals and toxins in plants, measures against toxic plants and symptoms of poisoning; energy balance, mineral shortages, supplementary feeding and nutritional requirements of animals; diseases associated with poor nutrition
HAWS 241 Ecotourism Planning
Ecotourism, wildlife, environmental interpretation and community development based on Sustainable Tourism. Challenges related to recreational and tourism activities and how these can be managed. The hierarchy of planning, the process of planning, the economic value of ecosystem services, assess the direct and indirect benefits to local stakeholders, and benefit sharing.
HAWS 237 Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing
Introduction to GIS; Software and Hardware: GIS Applications; Sources of GIS data; Global Positioning Systems; Introduction to Remote Sensing; Imagery and Photogrammetry; GIS Acquisition and Platforms; Electromagnetic spectrum; Spectral signatures/patterns of objects: water, soil, vegetation; Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI); Raster and Vector; GIS Data Input; Digitizing; Data quality; Data Output; Geo-databases; Usage of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAVs) Technologies in Cartography; Map projections; Geo-processing; Data queries; Spatial Data analysis; and Cartographic modelling.
HAWS 238 Natural Resources Management
Ecological concepts and sustainable use of natural resources; Concepts and principles of renewable and non-renewal resources; Management of resources: degradation of resources, depletion of resources, types of natural resources; Policies in Natural Resources Management; Appraisal of the relationship between resources, ecology and the environment; Management of heritage resources: land, water, animals and vegetation, cultural and related gene banks; Cultural property: Tangible and intangible attributes; and Identification, preservation and safeguarding of Zimbabwean values (ubuntu/hunhu) and heritage in its diverse forms.
Industrial Attachment
This module assesses the reports submitted by the student during the time he is learning at the workplace in relation to the degree program. This module is based on the academic’s field visits to the employers and assesses the effectiveness of the student in the work environment. This module assesses the role of the student in the work environment based on the employer’s assessment of the student.
HAWS 442 Applied Aquatic Ecology
Introduction to limnology, hydrological cycle and nature or aquatic environments physical and chemical properties of water in streams and lakes. Nature and function of communities, benthos, plankton, epiphytes, macrophytes and fish, invasive drainage and siltation, fishing and exploitation. Effect of men on systems – pollution eutrophication, exploitation.
HAWS 436 Applied Terrestrial Ecology
Adaptive management of wildlife. The influence of body size of large mammal ecology. Foraging Theory. Optimal Foraging: population regulation, survival and extinction of a species, conservation strategies, case studies, determinants of community structure, large mammal biomass, density, carrying capacity and culling, census method, wildlife utilisation.
HAWS 431 Rangeland Ecology
Definition and description of rangelands, their characteristics and economic importance of rangelands. Biological cycle, physiology, growth and morphogenesis of rangeland plants. Phenology. Structure, function and productivity of rangeland ecosystems. Effects of grazing and the abiotic environment on rangeland ecosystems. Temporal changes of rangeland vegetation and succession. Drivers of rangeland changes, role of fire, decomposition, rainfall and herbivores in shaping rangelands. Human effects, disturbance and degradation of rangeland ecosystems – desertification. Description and identification of the most important rangeland species. Plant diversity – indicators Forage plants, Animal foraging behaviour.
HAWS 435 Intensive Wildlife Production Systems
Intensive apiculture; the biology of bees, apiculture equipment, harvesting, processing, yield, by-products and marketing. Ostrich farming; handling facilities, nutrition, disease, reproduction, egg collection and hatchery management, ostrich products and marketing. Fish farming; the biology of fish in the pond, large fresh water bodies, and controlled environments, transport of live fish. Pond management; construction, fertilisation, weed control, stocking and predator control. Fish harvesting; growth cycles, netting. Principle and practice of fish production in artificially controlled environment systems. Principle and practice in integrated beef-wildlife systems. Crocodile farming- setting up farm, crocodile biological characteristics, reproduction, management, collection and incubation, types of incubators, sex determination during incubation, hatching, care for hatchlings, dietary needs, diseases, skinning, grading and preserving. Processing products.
HAWS 432 Wildlife Products Processing
Handling of wildlife products and by-products, harvesting for meat, eggs, and processing. Differences amongst species, effects of body condition, slaughter of animals, preservation, processing and storage. Game meat processing, marketing and illegal harvesting. Hides; quality, pre-treatment, tanning. Wool, mohair, cashmere, feathers; quality and processing products. Other minor animal products
HAWS 434 Natural Resources Economics
This module develops a rationale for and explains the methodologies used in, the application of economic theory to the allocation of natural resources. Using a series of natural resource sectors as examples, several economic models are then explained in detail in a way that is intended to raise the learner’s confidence in the interpretation and assessment of various policy insights that are derived from the models. Whilst developing and applying the microeconomic applications deviations from basic models are explored in the context of the ‘sustainable development’ debate. Resource scarcity will be explored against the rationale for the use of natural resources economics theory, resource allocation challenges and limitations of the neo-classical economics theory in the allocation of resources.
HAWS 448 Natural Resources Management and Climate Change
The module investigates the many aspects of the natural environment which impact our communities. This will include the study of rainfall patterns in Zimbabwe and the SADC region and causes of climatic change, which has a marked effect on the range of natural habitats. The variety and nature of soils and how these affect the land quality will be considered. Conservation and the assessment, creation and management of habitats commonly found in, and around agricultural lands and the impact of pollution from agricultural sources will be investigated. The effects of climate change will be analysed in different habitats and how they can be managed to benefit the natural environment.
HAWS 439 Research Project
Explore research issues, research area selection, research concept development, research proposal writing, data collection and organization, data analyses and statistical indication, data interpretation and presentation, prototyping; presentation of research findings; research project write-up.
HAWS 449 Social Ecology and Policy
Philosophical issues in ecological science, its relationship with conservation biology, and non-anthropocentric values. Critical assessment of linkages amongst the natural environment, scientists and policymakers and express their implications. A holistic approach to environmental problems by locating issues in their wider environmental, social, economic and political context. Building upon these concepts, students are introduced to the fields of ecological and environmental economics and the application of this knowledge to examine real-life problems from micro and macro levels. An analysis of various policy interventions that address diverse environmental sustainability problems and their effectiveness and efficiency.
HAWS 441 Sustainable Wildlife Resources Management
Wildlife Values. Consumptive and non-consumptive exploitation of wildlife. Ecological and zoological principles in game park management with emphasis on environmental protection, assessment of animal impact, impact of ecotourism, harvest intensity and conservation of biodiversity in wildlife species. Case studies on environmental degradation and rehabilitation strategies, on endangered species and strategies of restoration. An analysis of national and international statutory instruments guiding the sustainable utilisation of wildlife resources. Studies on the impact of sustainable use initiatives in Zimbabwe and the Southern African region; Campfire, Intensive Protection Zones, The Conservancy Concept and Cattle-wildlife integrated or multi-use systems, Trans-frontier Parks.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Employability : Wildlife Biologist, Natural Resources Managers, Park Rangers, Consultants, Ecologists, Researchers.
Further Studies : Masters and Doctoral studies