Professional Registration: Animal Science

PROFESSIONAL REGISTRATION: Zoological and Ecological Science

Work Experience requirements

1. For registration purposes, work experience should be gained after the completion of the highest qualification.

After completing a B.Sc. Honours or recognised B.Tech. degree, three years work experience is required, two years after completing an appropriate and recognised M.Sc. degree, and one year after completing a Ph.D.

If an applicant was employed full-time, work experience gained while studying part-time for a recognised M.Tech./M.Sc. degree, may be taken into consideration.

2. Applicants that are operating on a decision-making level should have been responsible for the drafting of guidelines in the decision-making process and responsible for the affects of their decisions.

3. Applicants employed in an advisory capacity should indicate to what extent peers or clients depend on their professional advice and expertise for which they could be kept responsible, or if they have been involved in research which has lead to publication(s) in established science journals.

4. Research projects, which have lead to publication(s) in established science publications or papers, should be listed.

Guidelines for work experience report (not a CV):

1. The work experience report should be clear about the nature, extent and variety of the natural scientific work, as well as the level of participation in projects. A list of projects completed is not sufficient.

(a) All work experience relevant to the field of practice for which is applied.

(b) Information such as name of company, position occupied, period of employment, and responsibilities of each position in chronological order.

(c) Evidence of the application of the basic scientific principles, methods and techniques, scientific observation, discussion and interpretation of data where a scientific opinion is delivered and findings explained in scientific terms.

(d) A description of any major research, project or design, and their appropriate values.

(e) List of articles published in recognised scientific journals.

(f) Papers presented at congresses/symposia, attendance of conferences and symposia

(g) Membership of scientific societies or other involvement in the profession.

4. Lecturing, in a full-time or part-time capacity presented as occupational experience, should include research which is recorded and can lead to the publication in a acknowledged science publication, or is of a standard acceptable to the Council. In addition, the applicant should also have been responsible for lecturing on a postgraduate or equivalent level in one or more of the natural science fields and/or have given guidance with respect to Masters or Doctorate dissertations or research dissertations, which are acceptable to the Council.

Identification of work for the field of practice Zoological Science

in terms of Section 27 of Act 27 of 2003

The Zoologist study the structure, life processes, behaviour and development, environment, classification and other basic aspects of the animal kingdom. Animal kingdom include the study of mammology, ichthyology, ornithology, entomology, parasitology, umnology, etc.

Biological Scientist Ethnologist Herpetologist

Ichthyologist Malacolocist Mammalogist

Marine Biologist Nature Conservationist Nematologist

Ornithologist Palaeozoologist Zoological Anatomist

Zoological Ecologist Zoological Geneticist Zoological Parasitologist

Zoological Physiologist Zoological Taxonomist Zoologist

Certificated Natural Scientist

· Routine data/sample collection in fieldwork outside the laboratory using standardized methods.

· Sample preparation of bulk samples for analysis.

· Routine laboratory analysis of solid, liquid or gas samples of organic or inorganic nature in the laboratory using standardized methods.

· Ensuring that instruments are accurately calibrated by routine checking, maintenance and calibration of laboratory instrumentation.

· Work in close collaboration with conservation organisations and be familiar with the specific laws applicable to the fauna and flora of the area in which he is working.

· Recording details of work performed as well as making sure that subordinates keep up-to-date daily records on test results.

· Supervising the activities of subordinates.

· Management of the relatively low level risks associated with chemical science processes, systems, equipment and infrastructure.

Professional Natural Scientist

· Studies the composition, structure and unique properties of matter, as well as the processes and changes it undergoes to obtain knowledge of chemical structures and processes.

· The practical application of zoological knowledge, called technology, to the benefit of the community in diverse fields such as agriculture, conservation, etc.

· Create and develop procedures and data management techniques which highlight norms, trends and abnormal patterns.

· Determine validity and accuracy of analytical data and interpret conditions.

· Maintain records of all analytical data produced to reflect a complete history.

· The description of new species (or particulars of their anatomy) to correctly classify them in the evolution order.

· Research animals in their natural surroundings to determine adaptability to prevailing circumstances (ecological zoology).

· Physiological research of the functioning of different organs of different animal bodies; structure and function of cells.

· Research entomologists identify and classify insects and study their anatomy, physiology, behaviour and environment.

· Research effective strategies to combat those insects considered as pests by developing pesticides that cause the least possible damage to beneficial life as well as to the environment

· Import, breed and distribute beneficial insects in order to fight pests, such as the ladybird beetle for killing the Australian bug.

· Study of the behaviour of insects, or in the production or standardisation of pesticides.

· Act as technical advisers, marketing representatives, and counsellors to the farmer; apply the knowledge obtained by the research scientists.

· Responsible for preparing talks on the displays to enable the museum guide to explain displays to visitors and answer their questions.

· Work in close collaboration with conservation organisations and be familiar with the specific laws applicable to the fauna and flora of the area in which he is working.

· Process the data he collects and record the relevant findings.

· Research on rare or economically important species or endangered bird species such as the Bald Ibis

· The capturing of birds to weigh measure and ring them. Ornithologists worldwide are ringing birds to establish how far and how fast they can travel and what their life expectancy is. There by establish fluctuation in population sizes and possible causes for these fluctuations. Attention is also given to the development of feathers and moulting, and parasites are removed from the birds for analysis.

· Hunts to ascertain what certain species eat by analysing the crop and/or stomach contents of dead animals. At the same time an accurate count is kept of how many animals of different age groups are being shot.

· Advise farmers on certain bird species on their farms- the needs of a particular bird in the form of cover, nesting material and food and how it can be attracted to his farm.

· Lecture and answer enquiries sent to them trying to stimulate a sense of conservation in the community as a whole.

· Controlling exports and imports of animals to prevent the importation of dangerous diseases. Export is controlled to prevent the exploitation of indigenous species, resulting in rarer species becoming extinct.

· Managing all aspects of laboratory functions as well as monitoring project work performed by technicians and ensuring that policies and procedures are adhered to.

· Manage all aspects of chemical discharge to ensure effective pollution control.

· Manage all process plants associated with chemistry.

· Ensure that the chemical plant is operated in the best practical manner with minimal chemical damage to plant and environment.

· Control chemical standards during unit run-ups, report on chemical-related aspects and ensure the timely completion of the necessary documents.

· Supervise and direct the activities of subordinate laboratory and plant personnel.

· Preparing and implementing laboratory work schedules in accordance with priorities.

· Organize and direct the routine care and maintenance of Laboratory equipment.

· Exercising financial control and assisting with the compilation of the annual budget.

Identification of work for the field of practice Ecological Science

in terms of Section 27 of Act 27 of 2003

Ecology is the scientific study of the distribution and abundance of life and the interactions between organisms and their natural environment. The environment includes physical properties, which can be described as the sum of local abiotic factors such as insolation (sunlight), climate, and geology, and biotic ecosystem, which includes other organisms that share its habitat. Both the terrestrial and aquatic (e.g. limnology) environments are included in this field of practice that focuses primarily on the individual, populations and communities within ecosystems.

An Ecologist could specialize in many different fields of varying complexities such as:

Ecophysiology, behavioural ecology, pollution ecology, community ecology or according to the biological group, e.g. animal ecology, insect ecology and plant ecology, or according to the biome, e.g. Anarctic ecology, desert ecology and tropical ecology. The approach to ecological research could also determine the branch of ecology, e.g. theoretical ecology or genetic ecology. None of the above is mutually exclusive.

Certificated Natural Scientist – Ecological Science

As for the Professional Ecological Scientists, but at a lower academic level and responsibility

· Application and understanding of the complexities and interactions between biotic and abiotic factors.

· Understanding and application of the scientific method.

· Involved in research and the development of new knowledge.

· Applying critical analyses and interpretation to complex ecological processes and problems.

· Ability to work and interpret data generated at various levels of organization.

· Ability to document and present research results.

· Integration of knowledge across fields and biotopes.

· Understanding of ecosystem integrity and sustainability.

· Research behavioural ecology.

· Recording details of work performed as well as making sure that subordinates keep up-to-date daily records on test results.

· Supervising the activities of subordinates.

· Management of the relatively low level risks associated with ecological science processes, systems, equipment and infrastructure.

Professional Natural Scientist– Ecological Science

· Application and understanding of the complexities and interactions between biotic and abiotic factors.

· Understanding and application of the scientific method.

· Involved in research and the development of new knowledge.

· Applying critical analyses and interpretation to complex ecological processes and problems.

· Ability to work and interpret data generated at various levels of organization.

· Ability to document and present research results.

· Integration of knowledge across fields and biotopes.

· Understanding of ecosystem integrity and sustainability.

· Research behavioural ecology.

· Supervise and direct the activities of subordinate laboratory and field personnel.

· Preparing and implementing laboratory and field work schedules in accordance with priorities.

· Organize and direct the routine care and maintenance of Laboratory equipment.

· Exercising financial control and assisting with the compilation of the annual budget.

Identification of work for the field of practice Biological Science

in terms of Section 27 of Act 27 of 2003

Biological scientists are involved in basic and applied research in the biological science field. Specialization takes place in a combination that include e.g.; biology, botany, zoology, anatomy, biochemistry, physiology, pathology, genetics, limnology and marine science. The practical application of scientific knowledge and the development of practical methods that can be applied in various other fields, such as medicine, industry and agriculture, are also the concern of persons working in this field.

The biologist studies and undertakes research into the origin, derivation, development, anatomy, distribution, heredity and other basic characteristics of flora (plant life), fauna (animal life) and microbes and their relation to one another.

The biochemist is a scientist who deals with phenomena which distinguish the living from the non-living in chemical and physical terms, be it in animals, plants or micro-organisms. He endeavours to bridge the gap between the highly integrated activity of the living cell (a biological unit) and the properties of its individual components.

Botany is the science of plants including the algae (Protista) and cyanobacteria.

Zoology is that branch of Biology which deals with animals.

Physiologist is a biological scientist who studies the functions and biological activity of living organisms under normal and abnormal conditions in view of solving specific problems existing in everyday life.

Certificated Natural Scientist – Biological Science

· The collection, analysis and classification of botanical (plant), zoological (animal) and microbial materials.

· Routine data/sample collection.

· Sample preparation and analysis.

· Routine laboratory analysis applying the scientific method.

· Quality control and product evaluation by microbiological, physical and chemical testing.

· Applying statistical analyses to data generated.

· Applying good laboratory practice.

· Supervising the activities of subordinates.

· Management of the relatively low level risks associated with chemical science processes, systems, equipment and infrastructure.

Professional Natural Scientist– Biological Science

· The practical application of biological knowledge, theoretical and applied.

· Involved in research and the development of new knowledge.

· Applying critical analyses and interpretation to complex biological processes and problems.

· Ability to work and interpret across taxonomic divisions from the organism down to biochemical levels.

· Ability to document and present research results.

· Supervise and direct the activities of subordinate laboratory and plant personnel.

· Preparing and implementing laboratory work schedules in accordance with priorities.

· Organize and direct the routine care and maintenance of Laboratory equipment.

· Exercising financial control and assisting with the compilation of the annual budget.

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