Bachelor of Science Honours in Applied Science

The purpose of the qualification is to allow students who are currently registered for the B Sc Hons Applied Science degree to complete their studies in terms of the SAQA framework. The intention is to phase this qualification out and (with the necessary prescribe prerequisite modules accommodate students with different backgrounds (e.g. B Tech -degree) in the B Sc (Hons) (Engineering and environmental Geology) degree.

Presently, this qualification provides students with B Sc or B Tech degrees in Geology with additional knowledge in the fields of Geotechnical Engineering and Environmental Science to enable them to effectively communicate with engineers, planners and other scientists and to facilitate the investigation and research of problems related to the interaction between development/construction projects and the geological environment. The student is empower with basic applied competence in the fields of Soil Mechanics, Rock Mechanics, Hydrogeology, Environmental studies, Report writing, Project management and Business practices, further aimed at lifelong learning through upgrading of knowledge and skills.

Matriculation degree

First degree: B Sc or B Tech in Geology

Students should have passed level 5 modules in Hydrogeology, Engineering Geology, Environmental Geology, Soil Mechanics and Rock Mechanics

B Sc (Hons) (Applied Sciences)

Learning outcomes

Graduates should have a thorough knowledge of the following subjects

• Mineralogy, petrology, physical geology, sedimentology and structural geology.
• Hydrogeology
• Geophysics
• Soil mechanics
• Rock mechanics
• Geotechnical site investigation methods
• Rock engineering
• Foundation engineering
• Engineering structures
• Geotechnical processes
• Environmental science
• Environmental legislation

Graduates should have the following skills

• Computer literate
• Data retrieval
• Remote sensing and air photo interpretation
• Field mapping, soil and rock description
• Soil, rock and water sampling
• Soil, rock and water testing
• Planning and design of site investigation programs
• Three-dimensional data interpretation and extrapolation
• Environmental assessments
• Report writing
• Business and marketing
• Communication

Graduates should have the following values/qualities

• High ethical standards
• Reliable and persistent
• Enthusiastic and co-operative
• Innovative and practical

Critical cross-field outcomes

• Tasks given to students require that they must be able to identify problems, seek for solutions by literature studies, consultation with others and creative thinking and make decisions that are responsible in terms of practicality, cost and public opinion
• Students are encouraged to work in groups to solve specific problems and to consult with practitioners in the field
• Student tasks and projects must be carried out according to strict time tables and penalties for late submission is imposed. Development of life long awareness of the importance of time scheduling is intended
• Student tasks and projects require collection of data (e.g. from literature, laboratory or field work), analysing and organising it (e.g. by means of sections, maps and GIS presentations) and drawing conclusions with respect to the interaction between the geological environment and human development projects
• Communication skills of students are developed by means of regular oral and written presentations in which use is made of diagrams, mathematical formulae and text
• Scientific methods and technological skills during the execution of projects have to be selected on the basis of their effectiveness and with due regard to their impact on the environment
• By taking modules form other disciplines (e.g. soil mechanics, rock mechanics, soil science etc) students are made aware of other ways of thinking and analyses to enable them to utilise a wider field of knowledge and technology
• Students are encouraged to join professional societies, to subscribe to technical journals and to attend technical meetings, lectures, workshops, courses and conferences in order to develop communication and life-long learning
• Students are exposed to real life problems and must compete with others in proposing solutions, thereby encouraging original thinking and innovation in a competitive environment
• Students are encouraged to always look out for new applications of engineering and environmental geology in an attempt to develop their entrepreneurial skills.

Simulated exercise in problem solving (formative and summative)

Written tests (summative)

Written examinations (summative)

Oral examinations (summative)

Individual preparation of project proposals (formative and summative)

Individual report preparation (formative and summative)

Oral presentations of project results (summative)

Integrated assessment

Written examinations

Oral examinations

Other

Project reports