In parasitology, the focus is on aquatic parasites (in both marine and freshwater environments) and include aspects such as taxonomy, ecology, morphology, parasite/host relationships and phylogeny of parasites. In wetland ecology, the research concentrates on chemical and physical conditions in wetlands, biotic communities in wetlands, threats to wetlands, wetlands as biological filters, production and productivity, as well as wetlands in arid environments.

Due to the scope of aquatic parasitology, the individual researchers have developed their own areas of expertise in certain specialist areas. Student projects (Honours, MSc, and PhD) are chosen from the wider field of aquatic parasitology.

Study group members
Prof Liesl van As
Prof Linda Basson


Postgraduate students and research titles
Recent graduates: 

Pieter Swanepoel, PhD
Assessing small-scale fisheries potential of Gariep Dam, South Africa’s largest impoundment.

Jade Hastings MSc (Cum Laude)
Morphological and taxonomic assessment of ciliophoran symbionts from Sessilida and  Mobilida associated with Oxystele and Turbo (Mollusca: Trochoidea) species along the South African coast

Gerhard De Jager, PhD
Taxonomic and evolutionary assessment of the Order Mobilida Kahl, 1933 (Peritrichia: Oligohymenophorea) from vertebrate and invertebrate hosts in southern African marine and freshwater environments.

Currently enrolled:

Luthando Bopheka, PhD
Morphology, molecular analysis and life cycle of trypanosomes found in fish species from the Orange River System, Free State Provincembers

Prof Liesl van As
Prof Linda