Academic Clusters within our Faculty

This cluster focuses on the interaction between the Earth, its water, air and living organisms, and on the dynamic interdependent relationships between these four components.

Physical Sciences is part of the South African schooling system curriculum, and first year students are therefore familiar with this discipline. This cluster is the foundation on which the Natural Sciences, Engineering, Technology and Innovation are built. They form part of the Basic Sciences.

Mathematical and computational sciences are members of the Basic Sciences, together with Physical and Life Sciences. This cluster ranks first in terms of servicing the majority of students from all the other Faculties. It plays a critical role in Computational and Data Sciences and in the Digitalisation Unit of the Faculty which assists with technology-enhanced Learning & Teaching, Research, Training and Innovation, and Engagement. This cluster is the ‘language’ of the Faculty and the home of the 4IR and 5IR. Importantly, it services all the other clusters, streams, disciplines, programmes, and entities.

This cluster is focused on growing and developing the study of biological systems using the knowledge of the Basic Sciences and Technology.

The focus of the cluster is on the Sustainability Sciences, drawing on the transdisciplinary science knowledge within each programme.

Strategy 2030 and the Faculty’s Core Ideology supports the X-disciplinary approach (inter-, multi, cross and transdisciplinary) in the creation of the X-Stream so that it becomes endemic to the academic culture. This stream includes creating the necessary conditions for a culture of engagement and citizen science to thrive in the Faculty. It promotes Science Education and Science Education Research; it establishes research experience for undergraduates and advances postgraduate research. It proactively develops the Faculty brand and the Science Communication, Awareness and Advancement unit. It expands and advance partnerships with local, national, African and international stakeholders to strengthen the Faculty’s footprint; and embeds cultural, socio-economic and environmental stewardship as a Faculty culture and practice.