Bachelor of Science Honours in Environmental Sciences

Purpose

The purpose of the Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences is to provide a well-rounded, broad education that equips learners with the knowledge base, theory and methodology of disciplines in the field of Environmental Sciences, and to enable them to demonstrate initiative and responsibility in an academic or professional context.

The qualification develops generic and subject-specific skills such as observation, problem-solving, effective communication, analysis and critical thinking.

Rationale

The rationale of this qualification is to provide South Africa with learners that are ready to enter the research world of Environmental Sciences. There is a strong need for environmental scientists with a broad range of skills, innovative and multi-disciplinary approaches. Employers of environmental scientists and technologists emphasise the importance of generally applied competencies within the environmental scientific context.

Through this qualification, learners will be provided with graduate-level knowledge, specific skills and applied competence in several fields of the environmental sciences that provide opportunities for continued personal intellectual growth, gainful economic activity in the private, public and academic spheres and rewarding contributions to society.

Thus, this qualification has specific exit level outcomes which can be both directly related to the aspirations of learners seeking careers in environmental science and technology and to the range of competencies required in different employment sectors (industry and business, research and development, local and national government, development and planning, management, and education). This qualification will also provide South Africa with significant numbers of learners in several environmental science fields to ensure the broadening of local leadership base of innovative and knowledge-based economic and scholarly activities. These cadres of scientists will be prepared to commence careers in research and practice theoretical and experimental environment science with a greatly improved level of self-confidence.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Where learners do not meet the minimum admission requirements, RPL may be used to grant access to the qualifications. RPL will be applied according to the national Recognition of Prior Learning, Credit Accumulation and Transfer, Assessment (CHE 2016) and the institution RPL policies. The process will be managed by the Faculty.

The Faculty will ensure that quality assurance processes that address the specificities of the RPL process (including applications, assessment, and reporting and management systems) are implemented; and that administrative and support systems, both prior and after RPL assessment, are in place. Learners will be assessed against NQF Level 4 competencies.

Entry Requirements

• National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 granting access to Bachelor's studies.

Or

• Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 with endorsement endorsement/exemption.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at NQF Levels 5, 6 and 7 totalling 378 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 112 Credits

• Introductory inorganic and Physical Chemistry, 12 Credits.
• Introductory Organic Chemistry, 12 Credits.
• Introductory Physiology, 12 Credits.
• Introduction to Physical/Human Geography, 12 Credits.
• Biodiversity and Environmental Botany, 16 Credits.
• Molecular Biology, 12 Credits.
• Plant Genomics, 16 Credits.
• Basic Physics, 8 Credits.
• Introduction to Academic Literacy, 12 Credits.

Elective Modules, Level 5, 24 Credits (Select any two modules)

• Invertebrates, 12 Credits.
• Chordates, 12 Credits.
• Molecular and Cell Biology, 12 Credits.
• Algebra and Analysis, 12 Credits.
• Mathematical Techniques, 12 Credits.
• Applied Calculus, 12 Credits.
• Membrane and Muscle Physiology, 12 Credits.
• Geology and the Environment, 12 Credits.
• South African Geology, 12 Credits.
• Plant Structure and function, 12 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 80 Credits

• Introduction to Microbiology, 12 Credits.
• Linear Algebra, 16 Credits.
• Discrete mathematics, 12 Credits.
• Endocrine System and Digestion, 8 Credits.
• Physiological Defence mechanisms, 12 Credits.
• Understanding the natural world, 8 Credits.
• Optics and Waves, 12 Credits.

Elective Modules, Level 6, 48 Credits (Select any four modules)

• Analytical Chemistry II, 12 Credits.
• Physical Chemistry II, 12 Credits.
• Inorganic Chemistry II, 12 Credits.
• Organic Chemistry II, 12 Credits.
• Comparative Animal Physiology, 12 Credits.
• Introductory Chemistry, 12 Credits.
• Metabolism, 12 Credits.
• Advanced Calculus, 12 Credits.
• Modern Physics, 12 Credits.
• Physical and Human Geography, 12 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 78 Credits

• Ecology, 14 Credits.
• Environmental Microbiology and Public Health, 16 Credits.
• Analytical Biochemistry, 16 Credits.
• Research Project, 16 Credits.
• Diversity and Ecology of Microorganisms, 16 Credits.

Elective Modules, Level 7, 36 Credits (Select any three modules)

• Ethology, 16 Credits.
• Enzymology, 16 Credits.
• GIS and Remote Sensing, 16 Credits.
• Applied geography, 16 Credits.
• Environmental Microbiology and Public Health, 16 Credits.
• Microbial Physiology, 16 Credits.
• Microbial Ecology, 16 Credits.

1. Show understanding of the place of environmental sciences in human endeavour and have a basic knowledge of the philosophy and ethics of environmental sciences;
2. Demonstrate competence in specialised field outcomes, such as identifying and solving problems using critical and creative thinking, working effectively on projects as an individual or as part of a team;
3. Find relevant information and apply it in a problem solving context in the environmental sciences, communicating science and technology in both writing and verbally in a precise and coherent way;
4. Demonstrate knowledge of the theoretical background in the core aspects of the chosen qualification of environmental sciences, that is obtained through self-learning and formal teaching;
5. Demonstrate practical skills in the chosen qualification of the environmental sciences;
6. Demonstrate knowledge of scientific equipment, techniques and experimental approaches;
7. Use knowledge of the solid scientific background to practice as a fully independent scientist in the chosen field of the environmental sciences;
8. Demonstrate an understanding of the environment and ecological problems and be able to apply theoretical knowledge independently in understanding, investigating and solving environmental problems;
9. Use relevant statistical and computer-based methods for the analysis of environmental data; be aware of the ethical, legal and social responsibility of environmental investigations;
10. Work in a number of relevant fields as a beginning-level research scientist.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be applied in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes.

• Use integrated knowledge and understanding in the field of Environmental Sciences to correctly respond to questions in class and their personal needs and those of their communities, in writing individually or as part of a team during a test, exam or presentation.
• Utilise relevant and current knowledge and literature in the field of Environmental to write reports or assignments or projects.
• Conduct physical evaluations, interpret results and suggest interventions following correct procedures and processes in the field of Environmental Sciences.
• Act ethically during simulations or demonstrations taking the role of professionals in related careers in the field of Environmental Sciences.
• Develop ethically sound business practices within the profession towards tasks, management and professional conduct.
• Explain what a species is and an overview of the different species concepts is given.
• Report on skills in respect of the use of microscopes, dichotomous keys and the accessing of sources with respect for conventions around intellectual property, copyright and plagiarism.
• Solve environmental science problems through the application of analytical techniques in practice.
• Interpret data on the qualitative and quantitative level and the ability to critically evaluate the results.
• Apply the concept of good laboratory practice in the experimental process, in data generation and communication of results with good supporting arguments.
• Use additional sources of knowledge and information like scientific publications, books and the internet to evaluate results critically.

Integrated Assessment

Opportunities for both continuous formative and summative assessments are embedded in the learning design of the qualification throughout the three years of study, in the form of written and practical assignments, portfolios and practical assessments and written and practical examinations. Learners are assessed on the application of learned skills to assure that theory evolves into effective practice. A number of outcomes of related specialisations across the different year levels are assessed in an integrated manner by means of a project in the third year of the qualification, wherein not only the learner's evidence of the mastering of discipline-specific knowledge and skills are assessed, but also writing and communication skills, computer literacy and the learners ability to critically analyse and effectively evaluate a work-place related problem. Report-writing is an important aspect of such an assessment.