Bachelor of Science Honours in Meteorology

Purpose

The overall purpose of the qualification is to train and supply qualified Meteorologists to South Africa and the international community (especially for sub-Sahara African countries). To attain a world class standard the course content has been composed with the aid of qualified national (South African Weather Bureau) and international scientist. This qualification is unique in the sense that it is the only qualification in South Africa equipping a qualifier with the status of a professional Meteorologist. Learners from different academic backgrounds are allowed to enter the course. The qualification is required for commencing with the M Sc (Meteorology) qualification.

Objective 1

The first objective is to allow learners with various academic qualifications (B Sc (Meteorology) and T4 (Meteorology); B Sc, T4, B Tech in science or an equivalent qualification) to enrol for the B Sc (Hons) (Meteorology) qualification. A number of core modules have been introduced to compensate for the occasional lack in meteorological background knowledge. It is, however, compulsory for all learners to pass the core modules.

Objective 2

The second objective of the qualification is to equiped the qualifier with specialised and skilful knowledge in three career focused fields namely weather forecasting, climate change and variability and meteorological research. Specific core modules are prescribed for each field. The qualification will enable the qualifier to become a professional Meteorologist.

Objective 3

The third, and probably the most important objective, is to train and supply qualified Meteorologists to South Africa and the international community (especially for the sub-Sahara African (SADC) countries). To attain a world class standard the course content has been composed with the aid of qualified national (South African Weather Bureau) and international scientist. This qualification is unique in the sense that it is the only qualification in South Africa equipping a qualifier with the status of a professional Meteorologist.

Rationale

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

• Bachelor of Science in Meteorology, NQF Level 7.

1. A thorough knowledge of meteorological instrumentation, observation methods, dynamics and the physical processes in the atmosphere.
2. An understanding of mesoscale weather systems and their propagation in the tropics and extra tropics.
3. Theoretical knowledge of marine, aviation and specialized weather forecasting.
4. A thorough knowledge of meteorological instrumentation, observation methods and the physical processes in the atmosphere
5. An overall knowledge of the prognosis of climate variability and the elements affecting in the climatic system..
6. A good knowledge of fundamental statistics.
7. Climate modelling, numerical atmospheric modelling, cloud processes, fundamental weather forecasting.
8. A thorough knowledge of meteorological instrumentation, observation methods and the dynamics of the atmosphere.
9. Climate modelling, numerical atmospheric modelling, cloud processes, fundamental weather forecasting, climatology.
10. Research and communication skills: Applied research and the preparation of research reports/papers. Oral presentations.
11. Advanced weather forecasting skills: chart analyses, interpretation of weather codes and satellite images, cloud identification, data, classification of weather types.
12. Data manipulation and fundamental statistical skills necessary for climate analyses.
13. Appreciate ethics in the environmental and atmospheric sciences.
14. Teamwork and collaboration when addressing meteorological aspect affecting community life.

Integrated Assessment

Summative

• Written tests and exams addressing the theoretical knowledge
• Oral tests and exams addressing the theoretical knowledge
• Written assignments addressing various meteorological topics which includes the requisition of information from the South African Weather Bureau and interpretation/presentation of meteorological information in written reports

Formative

• Evaluation of the ability to perform innovative research. Research reports and evaluation on the oral presentation of research results.
• Estimation of the ability to participate in a team and encourage teamwork when discussing controversial meteorological aspects.
• Problem solving by means of computer programming.

Integrated assessment

Simulations.

Work-place assessments.

Written examinations.

Oral examinations.

Other

Report writing (assignments and research presentation).

Practical weather map interpretation.

Computer-based analytical assessments.