- To increase knowledge of key biological concepts, processes, systems and theories.
- To develop the ability to critically evaluate and debate scientific issues and processes.
- To develop scientific skills and ways of thinking scientifically that enables you to see
the flaws in pseudo-science in popular media. - To provide useful knowledge and skills that are needed in everyday living.
- To create a greater awareness of the ways in which biotechnology and knowledge of
Life Sciences has benefited humankind. - To show the ways in which humans have impacted negatively on the environment and
organisms living in the environment. - To develop a deep appreciation of the unique diversity of biomes In Southern Africa,
both past and present, and the importance of conservation. - To create an awareness of what it means to be a responsible citizen in terms of the
environment and life-style choices that they make. - To create an awareness of the contributions of South African scientists.
- To expose you to the range and scope of biological studies to stimulate interest in and
create awareness of possible specialities and fields of study. - To provide sufficient background for further studies and careers in one or more of the
biological sub-disciplines.
An A to Z of possible careers in Life Sciences DUMMY
Ever wondered what you can do with Life Sciences after school? Below are some careers
which you could study:
- Agronomist: someone who works to improve the quality and production of crops.
- Animal scientist: a researcher in selecting, breeding, feeding and managing of domes-
tic animals, such as cows, sheep and pigs. - Biochemist: someone who investigates the chemical composition and behaviour of
the molecules that make up living things and uses this knowledge to try understand
the causes of diseases and find cures. - Botanist: someone who studies plants and their interaction with the environment.
- Developmental biologist: studies the development of an animal from the fertilised egg
through to birth. - Ecologist: a person who looks at the relationships between organisms and their envi-
ronment. - Food Scientist: someone who studies the biological, chemical and physical nature of
food to ensure it is safely produced, preserved and stored, and they also investigate
how to make food more nutritious and flavourful. - Geneticist: a researcher who studies inheritance and conducts experiments to inves-
tigate the causes and possible cures of inherited genetic disorders and how traits are
passed on from one generation to the next. - Horticulturalist: a person who works in orchards and with garden plants and they aim
to improve growing and culturing methods for home owners, communities and public
areas. - Marine biologist: a researcher who studies the relationships between plants and ani-
mals in the ocean and how they function and develop. They also investigate ways to
minimise human impact on the ocean and its effects, such as over fishing and pollu-
tion.
Chapter 1. Introduction to Life Sciences 5