Advanced Diploma in Marine Science

Purpose

This qualification intends to generally empower learners to acquire knowledge, skills, attitudes and values required to operate confidently in the workplace, and specifically to equip the qualifying learners with the requisite levels of theoretical knowledge, understanding and practical proficiency needed to establish a successful career in the marine and related industries/sectors.

Furthermore, qualifying learners will be skilled with competencies in marine science and technology, and be able to apply this knowledge in related technical fields as well as in the management of marine and coastal resources. This qualification also adds to knowledge in a number of key areas such as marine technology and data management, the management of operational oceanography and research methodology.

Rationale

The marine sector is an ever-growing field in South Africa. Besides the large fishing industry in the country, there is an urgent need to produce qualified personnel to manage the ever growing number of Marine Protected Areas, and to assist with the implementation of new legislation governing the management of estuaries and the coastal zone. This qualification attempts to address this need by giving learners the requisite training in ecological, biological, scientific research and technological knowledge which will enable them to manage the marine environment and its resources.

The qualification is aligned to current changes and needs in the South African and global environment and will include management of oceanographic data, climate change, marine ecophysiology, genetics, and research techniques. Rapid changes in marine-related industries have increased the demand for technical skills, and there are gaps in the application of technological knowledge to processes and operations across a number of marine based disciplines, such as climate change, marine aquaculture, oceanography and marine conservation. This qualification will help bridge this skills gap, particularly in the marine technical and conservation fields. It will also help in further accrediting those already employed in the marine sector, and thus enhancing their status, productivity and employability.

A strong emphasis in this qualification is marine science research in order to equip learners to confidently participate in the research process. This is important as effective management of marine resources must be based on scientific principles and appropriate research. The research component of the qualification will be an enhancement of the basics taught within the Diploma and will form the basis of what will be required in the Postgraduate Diploma. The research project could be done within the department or at the learner's place of work if required. However, workplace-based learning is not a compulsory requirement for this qualification.

This qualification helps to forge links between academia on the one hand, and stakeholders in business and industry, government departments and non-profit organizations, on the other. These operations all provide valuable synergies which will enhance the meaningful delivery of the qualification, as well as provide further opportunities for relevant and practical experience.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process of identifying the knowledge and skills of an applicant against the admission requirements of a qualification and/or for credits against a part thereof. The process involves the identification, mediation, assessment and acknowledgement of knowledge and skills obtained through informal, non-formal and/ or formal learning. The RPL process is multi-dimensional and multi-contextual in nature, aimed at the individual needs of learners and is handled in accordance with an institutional RPL policy. RPL in this qualification will relate to gaining access to the qualification and/or credits/advanced standing as described in institutional guidelines.

Access to The Qualification

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• A Diploma in Marine Science or other relevant qualification.

This qualification consists of compulsory modules at Level 7 totaling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules: 120 Credits

• Research Methodology, 20 Credits.
• Marine Biology, 20 Credits.
• Marine Science, 20 Credits.
• Coastal and Marine Management, 20 Credits.
• Marine Technology, 20 Credits.
• Marine Research Techniques, 20 Credits.

1. Demonstrate competence in the use and interpretation of the tools of the maritime industry, such as charts, satellite photography and oceanographic data.
2. Demonstrate competence in the use of instrumentation and techniques, in laboratory, shipboard and field-based contexts, for the acquisition of data from the marine and coastal environment.
3. Manage marine and coastal natural resources through the application of knowledge of the composition, structure, biota and dynamic functioning of the marine and coastal environment.
4. Apply the relevant principles, policies and legislation to manage human activities in the marine and coastal environment.
5. Implement and make use of monitoring and research in the marine and coastal environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Interpret and utilise the most significant features on a navigational chart or satellite photograph.
• Access and summarise relevant oceanographic information and present a seminar and/ or write a scientific report (with correct referencing) on a relevant topic.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Plan a suitable field project.
• Know and interpret health and safety regulations relevant to laboratory and field work.
• Demonstrate the ability to use relevant laboratory equipment.
• Demonstrate the ability to use relevant sampling techniques for field work.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Write scientifically rigorous reports, oral presentations and tests.
• Demonstrate knowledge of various management strategies/principles of marine resources and marine ecosystems.
• Make effective and relevant decisions as a manager of a marine protected area or coastal environment.
• Apply knowledge of marine and coastal ecosystem structure and function to manage coastal environments in a sustainable manner.
• Apply internationally accepted methods of coastal monitoring and research in a range of contexts (long-term monitoring to pollution disasters) to solve pollution related problems.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Write a scientifically valid and industry acceptable report that identifies a management issue/problem that is within your area of work.
• Identify the key stakeholders in the decision-making process.
• Write a synthesis document on the issue that can be distributed to all the stakeholders that will be part of the decision making process on how to deal with the problem/issue.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5.

Plan and execute a research project that includes the following

• Research proposal.
• Written scientific report in a recognised journal format.
• Collection of data.
• Analysis and discussion of data collected.
• Oral presentation of research in scientific conference format.
• Post presentation of research in scientific conference format.

Integrated Assessment

The principle of continuous assessment will be used in all subjects. This may be defined as a system whereby the formal evaluation of a learner's academic progress and performance comprises regular assessment, both formative and summative, with a final summative assessment. The benefit of this type of assessment system is that it is an ongoing process that measures a learner's achievement in a course of study on a particular level, providing information that is used to support a learner's development and enable improvements to be made in the learning and teaching process. All subjects offered as part of the qualification have formative and summative components to them.

Assessment Criteria

• Project write-up which assesses the learner's ability to apply principles of management to case studies.
• Tutorials and practicals that indicates the learner's ability to apply conservation and sustainability principles and manage marine and coastal resources to mitigate impacts of climate change.
• Presentation of the case studies to assess learner's ability to communicate with stakeholders.

Formative Assessment: classroom exercises (tutorials) on case studies of coastal and marine challenges; reviews of current decisions made regarding management of the coastal and marine resources; oral presentations on scenarios and case studies.

Summative Assessment: Tutorials and practicals; presentations; assignments and tests.