Bachelor of Science in Geology

Purpose

This qualification aims to provide quality and focused geological education at a Bachelor of Science 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. 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.

The qualifying learners will be able to

• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of concepts and principles of geological science to practices within the field.
• Access and evaluate scientific information in a geological field, and be able to synthesise a critical review of information within a particular area of geology.
• Demonstrate scientific reasoning skills to be able do to research and offer solutions to problems within a geological context.
• Communicate scientific understanding in writing, orally and in using visual, symbolic and/or other forms of representation to professionals as well as the public.
• Solve basic geological problems theoretically and practically.
• Understand group dynamics and work effectively as a member of a team or group.
• Apply scientific knowledge and critically reflect on societal and community issues, taking in to account ethical and cultural considerations.
• Take accountability for decisions made and actions taken within their professional environment.

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

Rationale

South Africa has vast resources of minerals and natural reserves. It is most important that a cadre of professional, competent and skilled geologists are 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.

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 institution's RPL Policy and Procedures.

The Institution supports and adheres to the nation RPL and all other related policies that promote the NQF objectives of lifelong learning.

Entry Requirements

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

• National Senior Certificate (NSC) granting entry in to Bachelor studies.

Or

• Senior Certificate with endorsement.

This qualification consists of 18 modules including 4 electives at NQF Levels 5, 6 and 7 totalling 368 credits.

Compulsory Modules at NQF Level 5

• Introduction to Geology, 12 Credits.
• General Chemistry 1A, 12 Credits.
• General Physics 1A, 12 Credits.
• Differential and Integral Calculus, 12 Credits.
• Higher Education and Life Competencies I, 12 Credits.
• Earth Surface Processes, 12 Credits.
• General Chemistry 1B, 12 Credits.
• General Physics 1B, 12 Credits.
• Elementary Set Theory, Linear and Introductory Abstract Algebra, 12 Credits.
• Higher Education and Life Competencies II, 12 Credits.

Total number of credits 120.

Compulsory Modules at NQF Level 6

• Sedimentology and Structural Geology, 20 Credits.
• Mineralogy and Mineral Optics, 20 Credits.
• Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology, 20 Credits.
• Economic Geology I, 20 Credits.

Total number of credits 80.

Elective Modules at NQF Level 6 (Choose 1 combination from the following)

• Organic Chemistry 2, 10 Credits.
• Inorganic Chemistry 2, 10 Credits.

Or

• Classical Mechanics, 10 Credits.
• Modern Physics, 10 Credits.

And Choose 1 combination from the following

• Analytical Chemistry 2, 10 Credits.
• Physical Chemistry 2, 10 Credits.

Or

• Electrodynamics and Electronics, 10 Credits.
• Waves and Physical Optics, 10 Credits.

Total number of credits at NQF Level 6 is 40.

Compulsory Modules at NQF Level 7

• Geology of Southern Africa, 32 Credits.
• Geophysics and Geochemistry, 32 Credits.
• Economic Geology II, 32 Credits.
• Environmental Geology and Geohydrology, 32 Credits.

Total number of credits at NQF Level 7 is 128.

1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of concepts and principles of geological science to practices within the field.
2. Access and evaluate scientific information in a geological field, and be able to synthesise a critical review of information within a particular area of geology.
3. Demonstrate scientific reasoning skills to be able do to research and offer solutions to problems within a geological context.
4. Communicate scientific understanding in writing, orally and in using visual, symbolic and/or other forms of representation to professionals as well as the public.
5. Solve basic geological problems theoretically and practically.
6. Understand group dynamics and work effectively as a member of a team or group.
7. Apply scientific knowledge and critically reflect on societal and community issues, taking in to account ethical and cultural considerations.
8. Take accountability for decisions made and actions taken within their professional environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• The concepts and principles of geology are explained and discussed.
• Geological theories, concepts and principles are applied to various problems.
• Geological theories are analysed and discussed.
• Examples of change in knowledge and understanding in geology are conceptualised, analysed and argued.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• The library, internet and other data storage and retrieval facilities are used to access information.
• Scientific reasoning to evaluate the quality of information is used.
• Information from a variety of sources, which may be contradictory or divergent is synthesised.
• A comprehensive, unbiased, logical and well reference literature survey on a particular geological question is compiled.
• The necessity of lifelong learning within their career as a geologist is emphasised and applied in their professional career.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Logical thinking is demonstrated and na�ve and flawed scientific reasoning are identified.
• The self-conscious capacity to judge when understanding has been achieved or a problem has been adequately solved is demonstrated.
• Thinking and reasoning processes are reflected upon.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Scientific language to produce clear and coherent written documents, which follow appropriate scientific conventions, is correctly used.
• Scientific information offering appropriate insights, interpretations and arguments is presented verbally in front of others.
• Non-verbal forms of representation are used correctly and appropriately.
• Appropriate study skills to broaden knowledge within the geological discipline are demonstrated and used.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Concrete and abstract problems in familiar and unfamiliar contexts, are formulated, analysed and solved.
• Integrated knowledge from various geological disciplines to offer solutions to practical problems is used.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Evidence of successful and effective contributions in group work is provided.
• The outcomes of scientific group work with respect for the contributions of each group member are communicated effectively.
• Organisational skills in managing group work are applied.

Associate Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Ethically and culturally sensitive decisions on the effects of the scientifically based activities on society are made.
• Scientific knowledge for the direct benefit of others, e.g. to junior learners in schools or in the community is applied.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8

• Individual opinions using factual information and argument are expressed.
• Reasonable justification for all actions and decisions made is offered.

Integrated Assessment

Learning and assessment across 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 candidates and summative assessments which ensure a judgement of learning at Exit Level Outcomes. Such assessments should assess the learner's ability to integrate the larger body of knowledge, competencies and attitudes that are represented by the Exit Level Outcomes, either as a whole or as components of the qualification. Summative assessments are carried out at the end of each module of the qualification.