Bachelor of Science Honours in Geology

Purpose

The Bachelor of Science Honours in Geology will enable learners to

• Have specialised knowledge within a particular geological field of interest.
• Research the literature and other available resources to gain a better insight in the topics at hand.
• Communicate effectively regarding topics within a field of specialisation.
• Make informed decisions on the types of methods and techniques available to execute, analyse and report on a research topic within the field of specialisation.
• Take responsibility for actions and decisions made.

Thus learners from this qualification will be able to respond to developmental needs and challenges of the international, national and regional community in the field of geology.

After completing this qualification, learners will be able to further their studies to a Master's Level qualification and also proceed to register for professional recognition with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP).

Rationale

South Africa has a vast amount of minerals and natural reserves. It is most important that a cadre of professional, competent and skilled geologists is trained to lead the geology sector within South Africa, Southern African Development Community (SADC) and on an international platform to locate, efficiently mine, process and remediate the sites.

There is also an appreciation of the fact that to be competitive in the global markets, the South African mining sector has to cease importing skilled geologists from abroad to come and perform duties that can be done by the properly trained local people. The kind of training that is required must develop the skills of the professional geologists by providing them with specialised knowledge in the field at a Postgraduate Level.

This qualification aims to provide quality and focused geological education at a Bachelor of Science Honours level with the aim of improving the personal attributes of learners. It also seeks to create an enabling environment for life-long learning, Recognition of Prior Learning, marketability and employability of learners.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

For the purpose of admission into the qualification applying admission criteria other than described above, learners could be assessed as per the RPL Policy and Procedures of the institution.

The RPL admission route requires that learners submit a portfolio of evidence of the knowledge and skills achieved through non-academic means. The information is assessed in accordance with the receiving faculty's rules and regulations. Learners who meet the criteria are allowed to proceed towards registration.

Entry Requirements

Learners are required to have the following in place in order to be considered for admission

• A relevant Bachelors' Degree with Geology as a major subject.

The qualification consists of 5 modules at NQF Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

Modules

• Research Project (Geology), 40 Credits.
• African Geology and Ore deposit Genesis, 20 Credits.
• Advanced Petrology and Petrography, 20 Credits.
• Prospecting and Reserve Evaluation, 20 Credits.
• Ore Mineralogy, Microscopy and Genesis, 20 Credits.

1. Demonstrate specialised knowledge within a particular geological field of interest.
2. Research the literature and other available resources to gain a better insight in the topics at hand.
3. Communicate effectively regarding topics within a field of specialisation.
4. Make informed decisions on the types of methods and techniques available to execute, analyse and report on a research topic within the field of specialisation.
5. Take responsibility for actions and decisions made.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• The correct use of terminology, concepts, principles and theories in written and/or oral communication is reflected.
• The critical appraisal of the relationship among concepts and principles of the geological discipline is demonstrated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Explicit recognition of the diversity, complexity and multi-dimensionality of a context and how that affects the particular work being undertaken is reflected.
• Various kinds of information resources, such as library, internet, and primary and secondary sources of related to geology can be accessed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Own opinions are clearly and coherently expressed.
• A position systematically using properly substantiated arguments is logically presented and justified.
• Capability in using different modes of communication (oral and written), discipline-specific conventions and an awareness of audience is shown.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Standard procedures within the specific discipline such as experimental or computational techniques, or deductive or inductive reasoning are applied.
• Appropriate data is collected and recorded in the appropriate format.
• Valid conclusions are drawn and appropriately presented.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Responsibility for decisions made and actions taken is accepted.
• The ability to accept personal limitations and willingness to refer problematic issues to specialists is demonstrated.

Integrated Assessment

Learning and assessment of the Exit Level Outcomes within the qualification should be integrated to ensure a well-structured cohesive qualification. Assessments are based on formative assessments which are in place to assure continuous learning and feedback to learners and summative assessments will be a final assessment mark given of the Exit Level Outcomes. Such assessments will assess the learner's ability to integrate the larger body of knowledge, competencies and attitudes that are represented by the Exit Level Outcomes, as a whole of the qualification.