Academic cluster within our faculty

The Faculty of Science at Nelson Mandela University is organized into several academic clusters, each focusing on different areas of scientific study. These clusters facilitate specialized education and research within their respective fields. Here is an overview of the academic clusters within the Faculty of Science:

  1. Life, Earth, Environmental, and Agricultural Sciences Cluster:

    • This cluster includes departments such as Botany, Zoology, Geosciences, and Environmental Science. It focuses on the study of living organisms, their environments, and the management of natural resources.
  2. Biosciences and Biotechnology Cluster:

    • This cluster encompasses fields like Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Biotechnology. It emphasizes the study of biological processes and the development of technologies based on biological systems.
  3. Physical Sciences Cluster:

    • Departments within this cluster include Physics and Chemistry. It focuses on understanding the fundamental principles of matter and energy, as well as their interactions.
  4. Mathematical and Computational Sciences Cluster:

    • This cluster includes Mathematics, Statistics, and Computing Sciences. It covers theoretical and applied aspects of mathematical sciences and computer technology, providing critical skills for data analysis, algorithm development, and computational modeling.
  5. Natural Resource Science and Management Cluster:

    • This is a newer cluster that includes programs like Natural Resource Management. It aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills to sustainably manage natural resources and address environmental challenges.

These clusters are designed to provide a focused and comprehensive education in their respective areas, encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration and research. For more detailed information about the specific programs and departments within each cluster


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.

 

  • Atmospheric & Oceanographic Sciences

 

 

 

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.

  • Material & Nano-micro Sciences
  • Particles & Forces: minute to massive
  • Space Sciences
  • Centre for Advanced Scientific Computing

 

 


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.

 

  • Experiential Training
  • Institute for Advanced Studies
  • Research Experience for Undergraduates
  • Science & Technology in Society
  • Science Communication, Awareness & Advancement
  • Science Education
  • The Scientific Method – History & Philosophy of Science
  • Forensic Science
  • Smart Connected Society