Bachelor of Science in Environmental Earth Science

Purpose

This qualification is designed to produce practitioners in the Earth Sciences field, who would support the mineral and geological exploration industry. In addition, the purpose of the qualification is to produce learners who will be able to eventually operate as Natural Science Professionals, and who are competent in performing in the broad Environmental Earth Science field across the Geomorphology, surface Geology, Hydrology and Soil Science arenas. These g learners should be able to engage critically in current debates concerning development initiatives, and relevant resource utilisation, including environmental rehabilitation strategies. The qualification also enables learners to demonstrate initiative and responsibility in an academic or professional context.

Rationale

This qualification fills the gap in the Environmental Earth Science related fields. There is current dearth in research in the field of Environmental Earth Sciences due to human resource shortage. There is, therefore, a need to produce graduates in the Environmental Earth Sciences field who are able to engage critically in broad current debates concerning development initiatives, and relevant resource utilisation, including specific environmental rehabilitation strategies. This qualification articulates into an Honour's Degree s to a Master' degree s and eventually to a Doctorate.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Recognition of Prior Learning is accommodated through the University's GR7 Rule. Prior learning will be recognised where possible by awarding exemption for specific modules in keeping with evidence-based recognition of existing knowledge on the part of the learner.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• National Senior Certificate, Level 4 granting access to Bachelor's Degree study with the requisite subject.
• Senior Certificate with matriculation exemption.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 7 totalling 368 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, 240 Credits

• Mathematics for Natural Sciences, 16 Credits.
• General Principles of Chemistry, 16 Credits.
• Introduction to Statistics, 16 Credits.
• Computing for Natural Scientists, 16 Credits.
• Environmental Systems, 16 Credits.
• Introduction to Physics for Life Sciences and Agriculture, 16 Credits.
• Agro meteorology and Environmental Biophysics, 16 Credits.
• Experimental Design and Analysis, 16 Credits.
• Geographic Information Systems, 16 Credits.
• Biophysical Environments of Southern Africa, 16 Credits.
• Introduction to Soils and the Environment, 16 Credits.
• Introduction to Physical Hydrology, 16 Credits.
• Geographic Information System (GIS) and Remote Sensing, 16 Credits.
• Soil Erosion and Land Degradation, 16 Credits.
• Environmental Management, 16 Credits.

Elective Modules, 128 Credits (Choose eight)

• Common Rocks and Minerals, 16 Credits.
• The Smaller Side of Life, 16 Credits.
• Earth Surface Process, 16 Credits.
• Basic isiZulu Language Studies A, 16 Credits.
• Earth and its Materials, 16 Credits.
• Pedology, 16 Credits.
• Environmental Instruments: Life/Earth Sciences, 16 Credits.
• Modelling for Hydrological Design, 16 Credits.
• Biogeography and Climatic Change, 16 Credits.
• Biology/Ecology Research Project, 16 Credits.
• Irrigation Design and Management, 16 Credits.
• Environmental Soil Chemistry, 16 Credits.
• Agricultural and Environmental Soil Physics, 16 Credits.
• Applied Hydrology, 16 Credits.
• Research in the Environmental Sciences, 16 Credits.

1. Demonstrate extensive and systematic knowledge of the broad environmental challenges facing the South African community with reference to the development and resource utilisation strategies from the perspective of an Earth Scientist and deal with related questions.
2. Undertake literature searches to obtain relevant information in order to identify complex, practice orientated solutions in the Earth Sciences; analyse and interpret these and reach conclusions through practical recommendations; and be able to communicate these in writing by means of Information Technology and verbally to both laymen and professional audiences.
3. Demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of the principles and theories relevant to the Earth Sciences in an environmental context for individuals and communities, and to evaluate and document suggested interventions from a responsible and ethical framework.
4. Work independently as demonstrated by the depth and complexity of the case-specific research project undertaken.
5. Communicate knowledge and findings to peers and lay audiences in a competent, ethical and professional manner.

Integrated Assessment

The qualification has been designed to allow for a range of assessment types (both formative and summative), to allow the potential learner to demonstrate an integrated knowledge of the environmental earth science field, and to demonstrate their understanding of the key concepts involved by applying them in the context of the capstone research module.