Bachelor of Science Honours in Geology

The purpose of Bachelor of Science Honours in Geology is to consolidate and deepen the learners expertise and competencies to understand and apply advanced methods and techniques in the geological or earth sciences fields in South African and internationally. This qualification is for leaners who want to enter the Geological or Earth Science professions. In addition, the deeper level knowledge in the qualification is essential for learners who intend pursuing higher research Degrees.

Rationale

It is important to continue to develop professionals in the field of Geology and an Honours qualification is the first step in the development of specialists, providing academic articulation from Undergraduate to Master's qualification. This qualification will provide learners an opportunity to deepen their knowledge in Geology.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

All RPL applications will be considered according to the institution's RPL policy.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Geology, National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 7.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 8,120 Credits

• Fieldwork, 10 Credits.
• Igneous petrology, 20 Credits.
• Structural geology, 20 Credits.
• Sedimentary geology, 20 Credits.
• Applied geology, 20 Credits.
• Treatise, 30 Credits.

1. Demonstrate a sound knowledge and understanding of fundamental and advanced aspects of Geology, obtained through formal teaching and through self-learning.
2. Demonstrate an ability to collect geological data and together with theoretical knowledge solve geological problems, particularly in the areas of Structural, Sedimentary, and Igneous Geology.
3. Make critical judgements and in-depth interpretations of geological evaluations.
4. Reasoning skills to demonstrate mastery of theoretical knowledge and to reflect critically on theory.
5. Reasoning, technical and analytical skills to investigate, analyse and synthesise complex information, problems, concepts and theories and to apply established theories to different bodies of knowledge.
6. Communication and technical research skills so that analyses, results and conclusions can be clarified to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
7. Ability to plan, conduct and report on research in the field of Geology.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes

The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be used in an integrated manner.

• Assessing the ability to relate theory to practice and vice versa.
• Assessing the critical understanding of the theory, research methodologies and techniques relevant to Geology.
• The ability to analyse complex problems and synthesise and independently evaluate quantitative data.
• Assess the ability to present and communicate the results of the research to general and expert audience.

Integrated Assessment

The research project is specifically designed to be utilised for Integrated Assessment. In the process of conducting the project, writing up and seminar presentation, knowledge gained from the whole qualification is utilised.

The qualification includes both Formative and Summative Assessments for the theory modules.

Formative Assessments are provided by means of assignments. These are used to give formal feedback on performance to candidates. Assignment marks constitute the class mark. Summative Assessment concludes with formal written examinations that are assessed internally by the course lecturers, and externally moderated by discipline experts at other South African universities. Final mark assessment is based on a 50:50 ratio of the class mark to the examination mark: Assessment of the practical (fieldwork) module.

Formative Assessments are provided by means of assignments designed to test the specific skills that are taught in the field. These are used to give formal feedback on performance to candidates. Summative Assessment concludes with a portfolio of evidence of all the field work assignments and associated field notes. Final mark assessment is based on the Portfolio of evidence (100%). Independent external moderation follows the same assessment format as the internal examination. The project assessment is based on the final report (treatise) and seminar. Final mark assessment is based on a 20:80 ratio of the seminar to treatise mark. In this process, students will develop their communication skills through engaging with the project supervisor, presenting a seminar to the assembled staff and research students upon completion of the project, attending research group meetings. Reading and research skills will be developed through independent self-study. Writing skills will be developed by reviewing assessed drafts of their assignment, practical work, and project reports.