Bachelor of Social Science in Environmental Studies

An urgent need exist for expertise in environmental studies, particularly in Kwazulu-Natal. Durban is one of the fastest expanding metropolitan areas in the country with concomitant growth planning and development problems. Policies, legislation and procedures need to be developed and applied in a wide range of contexts in order to ensure sustainable development. Rapid population growth in the province has led to problems that are linked to a range of resource issues. The need to foster sustainable development through the management of environmental resources and the elimination of poverty is a major regional challenge.

The qualification in Environmental Studies is a structured set of modules as learning experiences designed to develop graduates in the interdisciplinary field of environmental studies who can approach problems with an understanding of both the social and natural world. The broad programme required both specialist and generalist knowledge and is structured to provide links across other programmes in the Human science, Community and Development and Science Faculties. The qualification address the need for learners with expertise and skills to understand, control, prevent and manage environmental problems. The programme, therefore, has a strong theoretical content related to sustainable development where issues arise at the interface of the environment and development. There is also a need however, for a range of management and assessment skills and techniques in order to implement changes and intervene in order to ensure environmental quality. These form part of the programme along with the strong ethos of environmental and civic responsibility.

The programme is structured around a set of core courses at each level, some of which at the first level are foundation courses. At each level, there is an opportunity for students to select a range of appropriate electives. As the programme is a broadly interdisciplinary programme it has been designed to maximize flexibility and access.

Although the Environmental Studies Programme is aimed at the under-graduate level there an Honours and a coursework Masters Programme has also been submitted to provide for vertical mobility.

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

• Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 with endorsement.

Or

• National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 granting access to Bachelor's studies.

Or

• National Certificate Vocational, NQF Level 4 granting access to Bachelor's studies.

1. Relate the theoretical concepts and information derived in the course to empirical problems in case studies and real-life situations.
2. Demonstrate the ability to evaluate the applicability of a range of conceptual frameworks for explaining contemporary environmental problems and solutions.
3. Demonstrate the ability to consider a range of options for the solution and management of environmental problems, select solutions and management systems and techniques and apply them in practice.
4. Demonstrate the awareness that environmental problems occur in specific social and cultural contexts necessitating an awareness of the local understanding of such problems.
5. Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.
6. Demonstrate the ability to integrate and apply the knowledge, skills and attitudes learnt in the programme (integrated assessment - research project).
7. Communicate coherently in both the oral, written mode and visual/graphic mode.
8. Retrieve information from the internet, books and scientific journals as well as deriving primary information from observation in the field.
9. Read, evaluate and interpret information in various ways (i.e. reports, essays, assignments).
10. Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community.
11. Organise and manage themselves and their activities responsibly and effectively-develop a professional work ethic.

The following associated assessment criteria apply across all Exit Level Outcomes

• Relate the theoretical concepts and information derived in the course to empirical problems in case studies and real-life situations.
• Demonstrate the ability to evaluate the applicability of a range of conceptual frameworks for explaining contemporary environmental problems and solutions.
• Demonstrate the ability to consider a range of options for the solution and management of environmental problems, select solutions and management systems and techniques and apply them in practice.
• Demonstrate the awareness that environmental problems occur in specific social and cultural contexts necessitating an awareness of the local understanding of such problems.
• Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.
• Demonstrate the ability to integrate and apply the knowledge, skills and attitudes learnt in the programme (integrated assessment - research project).
• Communicate coherently in both the oral, written mode and visual/graphic mode.
• Retrieve information from the internet, books and scientific journals as well as deriving primary information from observation in the field.
• Read, evaluate and interpret information in various ways (i.e. reports, essays, assignments).
• Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community.
• Organise and manage themselves and their activities responsibly and effectively - develop a professional work ethic.
• Complete assignments to a deadline.

Integrated Assessment

Integrated assessment appropriately incorporated to ensure that the purpose of the qualification is achieved: The institution is currently reforming its assessment strategies to include the assessment of applied competence for each qualification. In the meantime, a combination of continuous assessment and traditional written examinations serve to assess the integration of all/most of the learning outcomes for each module in a qualification.