The Department of Zoology, by virtue of its unique biogeographic position, is focused on bringing its research and teaching to bear on sustainable rural livelihoods. In essence, the aim is to resolve conflicts between rapidly developing rural communities and ecosystems so that ecosystem resilience and services are not irreparably compromised for future generations. This research is all firmly entrenched in a rural setting where teaching is focused on students from disadvantaged backgrounds. The department’s expertise is therefore focused on the conservation of natural animal communities and water resorurces and the teaching underprepared students.

Mission
Teach, research and communicate knowledge in the ecology, conservation and management of rural areas with the following thrusts:
- Global change ecology
- Alien invasion
- Freshwater conservation
- Genetics and taxonomy
 
Vision
To discover, teach and broadly communicate, knowledge on sustainable rural livelihoods
 
Strategic Objectives

Teaching
- Provide quality training for undergraduate students from previously disadvantaged communities that will enable them to access postgraduate opportunities nationally and internationally at reputable tertiary institutions
- Maintain a rigorous, broad-based major in biological sciences that provides a compelling learning experience.
- Emphasize general purpose problem solving and analytical abilities that have broad applicability and so foster an ability to adapt to the changing world.
- Emphasize the fundamental building blocks in biology that constitute themes of unification and integration
- Devise and maintain a non-major instructional program that captures the attention of students and enables them to understand a wide range of contemporary biomedical, biological, medical, and environmental issues.

Research
- Focus research on scarce resources, water in particular
- Develop strategic liaisons with national and international Universities, research institutions and international conservation organisations 

Services
Communicate contemporary biological science in a compelling way to the public through lectures, workshops, service on boards, outreach to schools, interviews with the media, and other appropriate endeavors.
Inform public policy on the pressing problems of the day (e.g., bio-ethics, environment, evolution) through consultations, service on boards, and related endeavors.
Foster the development of science through service with professional societies, editorial boards, foundations, and funding agencies.
Advise undergraduates on the structure of their degree programs, research, and careers.