Bachelor of Science in Water and Sanitation Sciences

Purpose

The purpose of the qualification is to produce innovative and solution oriented scientists, who are able to practice in the water and sanitation sector. The graduates will contribute meaningfully through research and development to the body of knowledge of the entire water sector. Water and Sanitation Science Practitioners are in high demand in water and sanitation departments, science councils, municipalities, catchment management agencies, water boards and consulting companies. The institution will produce graduates who are able to address emergent challenges, which will require new paradigms and directions.

Rationale

In the context of global change, water and sanitation issues are increasingly becoming problematic due to increased pressure exerted on water resources. Therefore, there is a need for sustainable and innovative ways to address water and sanitation related challenges, which translates to the need of having skilful scientists. Water quality science serves a pivotal role in the success of any water and sanitation industry and graduates from this qualification will be sought after by national and provincial government departments, municipalities and water boards, especially for quarantine services at water laboratories and water treatment plants.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Based on the national transformation goals to redress past inequities in training and education, Recognition of Prior Learning will be considered for access to those applicants without the required formal recognised qualification; in this way, it will be ensured that access to higher education is promoted. This will be applied as per the institution's policy on the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and will be subject to a comprehensive assessment process, using relevant RPL assessors.

Entry Requirements

• Senior Certificate (SC) with endorsement.
• National Senior Certificate (NSC) access granting access to Bachelor's Degree studies.
• National Certificate Vocational (NCV) access granting access to Bachelor's Degree studies.

The qualification comprises of compulsory modules at Levels 5, 6, 7 and 8 totalling 494 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at Level 5 with 12 Credits each, 72 Credits

• General Chemistry 1A.
• Differential and Integral Calculus.
• Introduction to Biological Studies.
• Health Education and Life Competencies 1.
• General Physics 1A.
• Health Education and Life Competencies II.

Compulsory Modules at Level 6, 174 Credits

• General Chemistry 1B, 12 Credits.
• Elementary, Linear and Introductory Abstract Algebra, 12 Credits.
• General Physics 1B, 12 Credits.
• Hydrology, 12 Credits.
• Organic Chemistry 2, 10 Credits.
• Inorganic Chemistry 2, 10 Credits.
• Fundamental Microbiology, 20 Credits.
• Analytical Chemistry 2, 10 Credits.
• Environmental and Fungal Microbiology, 20 Credits.
• Hydraulics, 12 Credits.
• Water Quality Modelling, 12 Credits.
• Water Resources Management, 8 Credits.
• Sanitation Systems, 12 Credits.
• Water treatment processes and Technology, 12 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at Level 7, 120 Credits

• Water Microbiology, 16 Credits.
• Water Quality, 20 Credits.
• Water Quality II, 20 Credits.
• Water Chemistry, 16 Credits.

Electives Modules at Level 7, 24 Credits each (choose two modules)

• Water Treatment Processes and Technology.
• Sanitation.
• Integrated Water Resource Planning.
• Water Treatment Processes and Technology.
• Sanitation.
• Integrated Water Resource Planning.

Compulsory Modules at Level 8, 128 Credits

• Advanced Water Quality I, 20 Credits.
• Water Policy, 8 Credits.
• Advanced Water Quality II, 20 Credits.
• Research Methodology and Project, 40 Credits.

Electives Modules at Level 8, 20 Credits each (choose two modules)

• Advanced Water Treatment Processes and Technology.
• Advanced Sanitation.
• Advanced Integrated Water Resource Planning.
• Advanced Water Treatment Processes and Technology.
• Advanced Sanitation.
• Advanced Integrated Water Resource Planning.

1. Apply a holistic approach to water and sanitation challenges using applied and innovative scientific principles.
2. Identify and use appropriate technologies in solving complex water and sanitation problems.
3. Conduct basic research in the field of water and sanitation.
4. Appreciate compliance issues associated with water and sanitation practices and use an ethical approach to solving related problems.
5. Communicate appropriately in the oral and written forms to various stakeholders.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Explain core scientific principles associated with water and sanitation disciplines.
• Demonstrate an integrated application of water and sanitation principles in the context of various water user sectors.
• Solve water and sanitation challenges by applying core scientific principles.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Describe the theories behind various techniques and technologies for water and sanitation problems.
• Distinguish between various techniques and associated technologies for solving complex water and sanitation challenges.
• Select and use appropriate methodologies to solve water and sanitation problems.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Understand scientific research processes.
• Conceptualise the research problem, by conducting a literature survey using logical argument.
• Access appropriate literature from reliable academic resources.
• Carry out research under supervision.
• Analyse and Interpret results using appropriate methods.
• Reach an informed conclusion and make appropriate recommendations based on research findings.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Know and apply the legislative framework that governs the water and sanitation sector.
• Evaluate the legal implications of techniques and technology used in the entire value chain of water and sanitation sector of society and the environment.
• Demonstrate the ability to carry out laboratory processes following correct methods and procedures as stipulated by, amongst others, Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS), South African Bureau of Standards (SABS), International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) and South African National Standard (SANS).
• Carry out all research with high regard for the ethical consideration of the work.
• Undertake all work with the utmost respect for individuals that will be affected, the environment and the law.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Write and present comprehensive reports in the scientifically acceptable format.
• Communicate using appropriate terminology to a different audience.
• Discuss the entire value chain of both water and sanitation sector with scientists, policymakers, environmentalist, engineers and experts in the field.

Integrated Assessment

In order to ensure that the purpose of the qualification and the learning outcomes are met, the assessment is integrated into the submission of a mini-dissertation. Knowledge learnt in the taught component must be utilised in the research, which is submitted and assessed through an externally assessed mini-dissertation which comprises 50% of the total marks.