Bachelor of Science Honours in Geographical Information Systems

Purpose

This qualification is a combination of modules as well as research work. It will allow learners to enter the occupational area as Geographical Information Systems Professionals and will thus assist them in reaching their full professional potential. Also, this qualification will allow for the recognition of prior learning.

The learning outcomes of the qualification are relevant to national and industry skills development needs. Learners will be able to transfer their credits from one learning institution and employer to another. The development and guidance of learners are conducted by individuals who have achieved the level of qualification that is recognised by the Geographical Information Systems industry for certification and registration as Geographical Information Systems practitioners.

Rationale

There is a high demand for learners who can apply their competence within the parameters of the legislative framework that regulates the Geographical Information Systems profession. Formal recognition at this level is beneficial to learners, the industry and society, respectively in the context of sustainable employment, increased productivity levels, and the health and wellbeing of communities.

This qualification represents a planned combination of learning outcomes with a defined purpose. As such, it consists of the essential theory and applied competence that is required by the Geographical Information Systems profession and learners who seek to be recognised by this profession as Geographical Information Systems Practitioners.

This qualification caters for employed in the Geographical Information Systems industry who want to gain a progressive accumulation of knowledge, skills and competence. Learners may use these skills in any application or field that requires Geographical Information Systems or spatial solutions. The use of Geographical Information Systems generally leads to improved decision-making and subsequently aids sustainable development and socio-economic stability. It is therefore beneficial to all communities within a variety of spatial contexts.

This qualification is accessible to learners employed in the Construction Industry as well as new entrants to the workplace.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Learners without a Bachelor of Science (BSc) qualification may gain entry to the qualification if they have experience in the field of Geographical Information Systems, Computer Science or Surveying and Cartography. Learners must fulfil the requirements for learning already in place for entrance to a BSc Honours qualification.

For learners who have already qualified with a cognate qualification and have done modules in their qualification that are equivalent to modules within this Postgraduate Diploma may apply for the equivalent module/s to be credited. The learner will complete a Request for Module Credits form and must supply the curriculum/ of the module/s within their completed qualification. The Head of Department will then consider this form. The learner will receive the outcome from the institution.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Science in Geography, NQF Level 7.

Or

• Advanced Diploma in Environmental Sciences, NQF Level 7.

This qualification consists of compulsory modules at NQF Level 8 totalling 126 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 102 Credits

• Cartography, 24 Credits.
• Remote Sensing, 24 Credits.
• Geographical Information Systems, 24 Credits.
• Research Project, 30 Credits.

Elective modules, Level 8, 24 Credits (Choose one module)

• Environmental Impact Studies, 24 Credits.
• Any other module in The School of Environmental Sciences, 24 Credits.

1. Collect, organise and critically evaluate information relating to cartography, remote sensing, geographical information systems and spatial and non-spatial data sets, based on the knowledge gained concerning the theory and practice of those and related disciplines.
2. Identify and solve problems using critical and creative thinking based on training in cartography, remote sensing and geographical information systems.
3. Apply appropriate research methods, in particular, to interpret maps, air photographs and other sources of spatial information.
4. Develop skills to investigate phenomena related to Geography and demonstrate an understanding of the changing and contested nature of knowledge in spatial science.
5. Work effectively in various types of groups, collaborating to solve spatial problems and contributing geographical skills to the process.
6. Demonstrate the ability to read Geographical literature and maps to obtain spatial information and present it through useful oral and written modes of communication in English.
7. Use appropriate technology responsibly through supervised practice in the laboratories, in particular, to produce final maps and analyses of spatial data both manually and computer-generated.
8. Demonstrate the use of geographical principles and concepts and the integration of knowledge from other disciplines, across real-world contexts.

Learners of the qualification will be aware of

1. A variety of thinking and learning skills, with emphasis on the application of Geography to real-life situations.
2. Participating in society as responsible geographers.
3. Contextualising spatial issues in a cultural, social and environmental framework.
4. The career opportunities are available in the discipline of Geography and its application in the community.
5. Fundamental entrepreneurial skills and the management of people and resources.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria applies across all the Exit level Outcomes

• Demonstrate specialised skills and competencies in Geographical Information Systems.
• Display critical understanding of the Geographical Information Systems.
• Demonstrate competencies to deal with practice-based problems related to the natural and cultural environment.
• Conduct research in the context of the natural and cultural environment.

Integrated Assessment

The lecturers assess learners for each module through a range of methods, including formal examinations and individual assignments and projects. These methods will enable learners to demonstrate their critical understanding of the subject matter as well as their competence to deal with practice-based problems or issues arising out of that subject matter.

Also, learners registered for the qualification have to formulate a relevant topic for their research project, translate it into a set of detailed research questions, design and execute an appropriate research method, and present their results or conclusions in carefully structured and coherently argued report. This report will provide the opportunity for a capstone-type assessment of their ability to apply skills and knowledge acquired throughout the qualification to a specific issue of theoretical and practical significance.

Integrated Assessment

Assessment Practice: Formative

• Essays.
• Drawing (manually/computer-generated).
• Practical exercises.
• Seminars.
• Oral presentations.
• Treatise.

Assessment Practice: Summative

• Semester tests.
• Examination - written.