Bachelor of Science in Geographic Information Systems and Earth Observation

Purpose

The Bachelor of Science in Geographic Information Systems and Earth Observation (GIS and EO) aims to develop and build up a high level of theoretical and practical skills in spatial data analysis and environmental monitoring using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing technologies. It provides an intensive educational opportunity designed to equip learners for either a career in the Geographical Information industry or to build scientific understanding and practical know-how in preparation for postgraduate studies.

The purpose of the qualification is, therefore, to produce qualifying learners who will be able to integrate theory and application of Geospatial technologies with the knowledge gained. Qualifying learners should be able to engage critically in current debates concerning development initiatives and formulate spatial management strategies as well as applying them in the field.

Rationale

Many organisations continue to experience rapid growth in the volumes of spatial data and therefore demand for skilled personnel in GIS and earth observation is growing. Coupled with this, Earth observation, Space science and technology have been identified as one of five grand challenges in the Department of Science and Technology (DST) 10 Year Innovation Plan, which is a Cabinet approved instrument supporting the South African National Space Agency Act, 2008. Training of learners is therefore one of the key priority areas for the successful implementation of the Earth observation and Space Science qualification. This qualification is key to achieving this challenge.

Typical learners will be holders of the National Senior Certificate (NSC) with strong Mathematics and Science marks who are interested in Applied Environmental Sciences and Computer Processing. Typical jobs include GIS technician; CAD Drafter; Survey CAD Technician, Cartographer; GIS analyst; Remote sensing specialist; GIS specialist and programmers; and GIS managers.

The qualification advances the African scholarship by imparting spatial skills that are practical and directly relevant in solving socio-economic as well as environmental problems in Africa. Qualifying learners should be able to critically evaluate and analyse geographic phenomena within a spatially explicit context. Learners should be in a position to understand the world as a complex system by integrating different spatial data sources and advise on decision-making support systems. They should be able to advise the government, private sector and other stakeholders on the spatial data (e.g. satellite image resolutions) required for specific applications within an African context, thereby contributing to development. The qualification will increase highly skilled technical qualifying learners for the demanding market. The introduction of this qualification will provide a requisite pool for postgraduate learners in Geo-Information and Earth Observation, (a scarce skill) who will have skills tailor-made for African problems.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The national and Council of Higher Education Policy on Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Assessment in Higher Education (2016) will be considered when admitting learners through RPL. Admissions will be guided by the institution's RPL Policy which states that prospective learners who have attained a level of competence will be admitted into the qualification. The level of competence of prospective learners will be assessed through internal structures before admission. Each learner will be required to submit a portfolio of evidence for consideration and credits may be attained through RPL in line with the RPL policy.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 granting access to Bachelor studies with Mathematics and Science.

Or

• Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 with endorsement.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at NQF Level 5, 6 and 7 totalling 384 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 112 Credits.

• Introduction to Computer Science, 16 Credits.
• Introduction to Calculus, 16 Credits.
• Mechanics Optics and Thermal Physics, 16 Credits.
• Environmental Systems, 16 Credits.
• Computer Programming, 16 Credits.
• Introduction to Statistics, 16 Credits.
• Basic I IsiZulu Language Studies A, 16 Credits.

Elective Modules, Level 5, 16 Credits (Select one module)

• Life on Earth, 16 Credits.
• Human Environments, 16 Credits.
• IS &T Development Fundamentals, 16 Credits.
• Calculus and Linear Algebra, 16 Credits.
• Electromagnetism, Waves and Modern Physics I, 16 Credits.
• Electromagnetism, Waves and Modern Physics II, 16 Credits.
• Statistical Methods, 16 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 48 Credits.

• Biophysical Environments of Southern Africa, 16 Credits.
• Geographic Information Systems, 16 Credits.
• Object-Oriented Programming, 16 Credits.

Elective Modules, Level 6, 32 Credits (Choose two modules)

Group 1

• Agrometeorology and Environmental Biophysics, 16 Credits.
• Introduction to Physical Hydrology, 16 Credits.
• Systems Analysis and Design, 16 Credits.
• Sampling and Nonparametric Methods, 16 Credits.

Elective Modules, Level 6, 48 Credits (Choose three modules)

Group 2

• Rangeland Plants: Ecology and Management, 16 Credits.
• Environmental Instruments: Life/Earth Sciences, 16 Credits.
• Data structures, 16 Credits.
• Environmental Aspects of Hydrology, 16 Credits.
• Databases and Programming, 16 Credits.
• Experimental Design and Analysis, 16 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 80 Credits

• GIS and Remote Sensing, 16 Credits.
• Environmental Management, 16 Credits.
• Remote Sensing, 16 Credits.
• Applied Environmental GIS and Remote Sensing, 16 Credits.
• Research in Earth Observation and Geo-Information, 16 Credits.

Elective modules, Level 7, 48 Credits (Choose three modules)

• Biogeography and Climatic Change, 16 Credits.
• Soil Erosion and land degradation, 16 Credits.
• Global Environmental Change, 16 Credits.
• Geospatial Data Infrastructures, 16 Credits.

1. Master the fundamental theoretical and practical aspects in all disciplines that contribute to GIS and EO and the relevance of this mastery to understanding physical and natural systems, thereby demonstrating integrated knowledge of the respective fields.
2. Acquire information from various sources, depending on the context, as well as manage and evaluate this information.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the various methods of enquiry in various fields and use these methods to solve problems in the field of GIS and EO.
4. Apply assimilated knowledge and skills in problem-solving underpinned by GIS and EO theoretical principles.
5. Develop skills with a strong personality and work ethic, and a desire to contribute towards and effect change in the community and wider work environment.
6. Demonstrate the consolidation of acquired skills and knowledge in accomplishing a task involving data.
7. Produce and communicate information orally and in writing.
8. Manage own learning in a variety of contexts as well as demonstrate accountability.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Describe, explain and discuss fundamental theoretical and practical aspects relevant to GIS and EO.
• Apply knowledge of theory and practice to understand physical and natural systems relevant to GIS and EO.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Access information from various sources with the aid of Statistics and Spatial data infrastructure.
• Evaluate different sources of information, their validity and accuracy using spatial statistics and Remote Sensing methodologies.
• Present an argument to justify choices made concerning such information based on Environmental application concepts.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Identify and describe appropriate methods of inquiry across specific disciplines to solve problems.
• Select and apply appropriate methods of inquiry in the field to solve problems pertinent to GIS and EO.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Conceptualise a research problem, data collection and analysis and report writing.
• Apply knowledge and skills from different fields of study to solve problems in their core areas of study.
• Apply specific GIS and EO theoretical principles to solving problems.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Apply ethics in professional practice.
• Identify different value systems in different contexts.
• Use Geo-information and EO theory and practical application which is directly relevant to mitigating existing societal challenges.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Identify a researchable topic in GIS and EO based on various environmental application fields and outline the problem statement.
• Formulate a research proposal outlining research questions and hypotheses.
• Conduct a literature search.
• Collect and analyse data based on sampling skills, synthesise findings, and draw conclusions.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Present research findings orally.
• Present research findings in appropriate written form.
• Communicate in language appropriate for the work environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8

• Work independently or in groups.
• Take responsibility for their learning.

Integrated Assessment

In this qualification, all modules include a variety of assessments such as tests, assignments, practical reports, practical tests, quizzes, essays, projects and seminar presentations. Some of these assessments are formative, while others are summative. Practical work is an important component of all core modules and most elective modules in this qualification and therefore practical reports and practical tests contribute significantly to the assessment of this qualification. Weekly practical reports offered in a large number of modules have an important formative function as they assess incremental and progressive development of the necessary practical and problem-solving skills encapsulated in the exit level outcomes.

Tests, essays and assignments are designed to determine if outcomes related to theory and conceptual understanding are achieved.

In the group project report, understanding of theoretical and practical underpinnings of GIS and EO and its applications is assessed. Learners are expected to demonstrate their basic research skills through literature searches, information synthesis, field data collection and assembly and report writing, as well as the ability to work as a team in executing tasks.

All modules, except the group project module, which is a continuous assessment module, have a final summative examination that carries weightings between 50% and 70% of the final mark.