Bachelor of Science Honours in Environmental Science

To provide graduates with a specialized knowledge in Environmental Science through study in depth; to equip them with practical and applied knowledge of research methodology and to produce in them the ability to solve problems, both independently and in teams. To ensure that students graduate with the ability to compare and evaluate information from disparate sources and sub-disciplines in order to make sound decisions and judgements. These graduates should be good competent in oral presentation, and communicate well in spoken and written English, to both expert and non-expert audiences.

The programme is intended to provide the country with graduates who have a specialized knowledge in the Environmental Sciences and can therefore serve the community in a variety of important ways, in both the public and private sectors.

Access to this programme is available to candidates who have previously satisfied the requirements for a BSc in this University or have been admitted to the status thereof and had sufficiently good exit-level (SAQA level 6) results in appropriate courses.

Recognition of prior learning for access to this programme

In cases where relevant experience or other prior learning is deemed to compensate for lack of formal qualifications, a candidate may be admitted by permission of Senate.

• Have in-depth specialized knowledge of Environmental Science;
• Understand and be able to apply advanced concepts in Environmental Science;
• Understand the complex and holistic nature of the earth's environmental systems;
• Be aware of the importance of social issues in the analysis and solution of environmental problems;
• Be able to identify and solve problems and make responsible and ethically sound decisions on environmental matters;
• Be able to consider a range of problems, options and solutions, and implement decisions based on sound academic foundations;
• Develop and exercise responsibly in the practical, field and laboratory skills applicable to environmental careers;
• Be able to work in and manage multidisciplinary groups and teams;
• Working individually, taking decisions and accepting responsibility for them, to explore and develop educational and professional opportunities;
• Be able to communicate effectively, both in written and oral presentations;
• Have had the opportunity to enhance personal development through self-directed and self-motivated study and professional attitudes.

Learners will be required to

• Pass the required number of modules of in-depth academic study in Environmental Science. The assessment Criteria are varied. For examinations, accuracy, lucidity, and to reason and draw conclusions are paramount; in assignments, gathering and interpreting information and/or data, punctuality, and efficiency in presentation are most important.
• Submit an Honours research project that is assessed as satisfactory by internal and external examiners. The criteria will be:

o understanding of theoretical principles and the ability to relate them to the research problem;

o selections and executive of an appropriate methodology;

o accuracy of factual material;

o sound reasoning leading towards sensible conclusions;

o appropriate reference to other relevant studies;

o the ability to assess the strengths;

o weaknesses and value of the work in the context of the discipline;

o written and oral presentation of a suitable standard.

To demonstrate outcomes 1-7 and 10 a student must be able to write logical and coherent essays, assignments and reports, contribute to class discussions, make satisfactory oral presentations to a peer group, answer exam questions satisfactorily, and undertake an and independent research project under the supervision of a staff member. Competence in outcomes 8 accrues when a student works successfully as a member of a group assigned to collaborative assignments and tasks. Objectives criteria for the achievement of outcomes, but general demeanour, etiquette and professional behaviours in all activities including demonstrating and tutoring undergraduate classes, are good indicators. Students will be expected to show a commitment to their studies and respect and awareness of others with whom they interact. Two compulsory modules, research Project and Research Methods integrate all the specific outcomes, which contribute to the achievement of exit level outcomes of the programme.

Integrated assessment appropriately incorporated to ensure that the purpose of the qualification is achieved

The University of Natal is currently reforming its assessment strategies to include the assessment of applied competence for each qualification. In the meantime, a combination of continuous assessment and traditional written examinations serve to assess the integration of all/most of the learning outcomes for each module in a qualification.

In the present case, an Honours Project is designed to act as "capstone", capturing a learner's competence in integrating theory, technique and methodology from a variety of sources to solve particular problems or develop theory (of the purpose and outcomes statements)