Bachelor of Science Honours in Geology

This qualification has the purpose of teaching the learner how to apply basic theoretical knowledge and practical skills, inherent in the prerequisite Bachelor of Science (Geology) qualification, to an integrated study of holistic geological science, with a view to preparing the graduate for registration as a professional earth scientist, competent to work as a mining geologist, exploration geologist, or a groundwater geologist. The Honours qualification aims to bridge the gap between basic theoretical knowledge (obtained in the Bachelor of Science qualification) and the practice of geological science in the workplace situation.

The first purpose of the qualification is to provide qualifiers with postgraduate level knowledge, advanced field and laboratory skills, and a mature appreciation of both environmental responsibility and professional, ethical values, in the broad field of general geological sciences; these will provide opportunities for continued personal intellectual growth and entrance to research-based lifelong learning, for gainful employment as a professionally recognised and registered (with the SA Council for Natural Scientific Professions) geologist, and for making valuable contributions to society.

The second purpose of the qualification is to provide South Africa with significant numbers of qualified learner who can practise as professionals in the geological sciences, to maintain and enhance local leadership in discovering and utilising natural commodity resources, with an appropriate environmentally conscious mind-set, to the benefit of all South Africans.

The third purpose of this qualification is to ensure the widening of the internationally respected South African knowledge-base and scholarly expertise in the geological sciences, and specifically to extend this knowledge and expertise to previously disadvantaged communities, in order to provide them with access to lifelong learning opportunities and research-based higher qualifications in the earth sciences.

The fourth purpose of this qualification is to provide South Africa with a cadre of school teachers with a professional-level understanding of the principles, methods and progress of the geological sciences, prior to obtaining specific post qualified learner teaching qualifications.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution conducts RPL in terms of the policy and guidelines of the institution to recognise other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience. In cases where learners do not comply with the formal admission requirements, the institution applies its RPL policy.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Cognate Bachelor's Degree, NQF Level 7.

Or

• Cognate Advanced Diploma, NQF Level 7.

Knowledge

1. Factual knowledge of the basic fields of geology, mineralogy, igneous a metamorphic petrology, sedimentology, structural geology, groundwater, environmental and engineering geology, economic geology, geostatistics and most particularly how they relate to each other.
2. Factual knowledge of principles and methods inherent in the following advanced fields of geology: applied petrography and geochemistry, fluid-rock interactions and their importance in economic geology, basin analysis, crustal evolution with an emphasis on Precambrian and African crust exploration techniques, basic mining methods.
3. Factual knowledge of the basic precepts in business practice and entrepreneurship.

Skills

1. Applying the combined basic knowledge inherent above to solving problems in mining geology, exploration geology and groundwater geology.
2. Advanced field mapping and exploration skills, using GIS, aerial photographs, satellite imagery and basic geochemical and geophysical techniques.
3. Computer literacy and familiarity with appropriate geological software ability to use GIS software.

Values

1. Appreciate and apply the environmental ethic in mining and exploration situations.
2. Professional ethics and public accountability.
3. Appreciate working as part of a team.
4. Appreciate and apply the entrepreneurial spirit to mining, exploration and groundwater projects.
5. Appreciate role of geological science in the national economy.

Integrated Assessment

• Simulations.
• Work-place assessments.
• Written examinations.
• Oral examinations.

Other

• Reports.
• Critical essays.
• Computer based analytical assessments.
• Assessment of oral discussions and debates.
• Project assessment: written report based on data collection, analysis and interpretation.