Diploma in Freshwater Technology

Purpose

The purpose of the qualification is to provide technical staff with a practical working knowledge of biological assessment of freshwater resources. The curriculum is designed to address this outcome with the use of different indicators in the freshwater technology assessment.

Freshwater Technology research qualification focuses on developing new technologies for scientific exploration, observation, monitoring, sampling, and forecasting, as well as for conservation, food production, and water treatment. Freshwater technology in relation to the aquaculture systems is used to reduce environmental impacts that may affect the quality of freshwater technology assessment. The School of Freshwater Sciences (SFS) developed the freshwater technology which is integral to exploring the unknown and finding solutions to the world's freshwater problems. Freshwater technology research draws upon engineering, computer science, and other related disciplines.

The qualification will enable a learner to apply bio monitoring, with the use of use of indicators such as invertebrates (SASS and MIRAI), fish (FAII and FRAI), plants (VEGRAI), the geomorphology (Geomorphology index), diatoms (DAI) and algae (NEMP), in order to assess the quality of freshwater.

Upon qualifying learners will be able to

• Design effective monitoring programmes for freshwater technologist to use that meet the industry conditions.
• Understand the technical skills that are necessary for a freshwater biologist when executing information.
• Understand the various aspects of science that are applicable to freshwater biology.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the water industry and its related industries in order for technicians to function productively.
• Understand the requirements needed by a freshwater technician in order to function efficiently at an industry level, including work ethics and personal values that associated with a working environment.

Rationale

A review of the current situation in South Africa clearly points out that water, and pertinently water resource management, is increasing in importance. The provision of potable water is of outmost importance to government to enable them to fulfil their mandate. To reach this mandate, water resources have to be managed at the catchment level. Learners have shown that integrated catchment management, at the scale at which government intends only becomes affordable if water quality assessment is done with the use of biological methods.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

This Qualification can be achieved wholly or in part through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and the Qualification may be granted to learners who have acquired the skills and knowledge without attending formal education, providing they can demonstrate knowledge and skills that meet the assessment criteria as stipulated in the qualification and its exit level outcomes.

An RPL process can also be used to credit learners with modules of the qualification wherein learners can show that they have developed the necessary competence as a result of workplace or experiential learning. RPL may be relevant for applicants who are not in possession of an National Senior Certificate or equivalent qualification, to gain access to the qualification. Learners submitting themselves for RPL should be thoroughly briefed prior to the assessment process, and will be required to submit a Portfolio of Evidence in the prescribed format to be assessed for formal recognition. While this is primarily an occupationally based qualification, evidence from other areas may be considered if pertinent to the exit level outcomes of the qualification.

Entry Requirements

The admission requirements for this qualification are as follows

• Senior Certificate (SC) with endorsement.

Or

• National Senior Certificate (NSC) passed with diploma studies.

Or

• National Certificate Vocational (NCV) at NQF Level 4.

The qualification consists of compulsory modules at NQF Levels 5, 6 and 7, totalling 360 Credits.

Modules at NQF Level 5, 112 Credits

• Diversity of Life, 16 Credits.
• Cell Biology, 16 Credits.
• Ecology, Adaptation and Evolution, 16 Credits.
• The physico-chemical aspects of water, 16 Credits.
• Hydrology, 8 Credits.
• An introduction into research methodology and project planning, 20 Credits.
• Introductory biometry, 16 Credits.
• Computer literacy, 4 Credits.

Modules at NQF Level 6, 120 Credits

• Basic Limnology, 20 Credits.
• Freshwater Biology, 20 Credits.
• Collection and identification I, 30 Credits.
• Collection and identification II, 30 Credits.
• Identification of freshwater organisms, 20 Credits.

Modules at NQF Level 7, 128 Credits

• Sampling technology, 20 Credits.
• Introduction to water resource management, 20 Credits.
• Biomonitoring technology, 20 Credits.
• Water sampling, 34 Credits.
• Biomonitoring, 34 Credits.

1. Design effective monitoring programmes for freshwater technologist to use that meet the industry conditions.
2. Understand the technical skills that are necessary for a freshwater biologist when executing information.
3. Understand the various aspects of science that are applicable to freshwater biology.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of the water industry and its related industries in order for technicians to function productively.
5. Understand the requirements needed by a freshwater technician in order to function efficiently at an industry level, including work ethics and personal values that are associated with a working environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Sampling process is used according to the design process.
• The employer's brief is used and the problem definition is interpreted and prepared.
• Research is effectively done on freshwater technology designs.
• Competence in the conceptualising and development of a research hypothesis within the context of the employers' needs (problem definition) is demonstrated.
• The scientific approach in solving freshwater problems is identified and defined.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Relevant software is used efficiently to produce full reports.
• A thorough knowledge of sampling approaches and assumptions of methods in order to prepare a report is possessed and used.
• Conceptualisation and effective practical application of theoretical knowledge to solve problems and produce effective visual communication is applied.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Statistics is used effectively when calculating probability and the results are effectively used when evaluating the findings.
• Scientific information regarding knowledge and understanding of freshwater biology is communicated.
• Knowledge of trends, philosophy and the critical issues pertaining to social and cultural impacts on freshwater aquatic ecosystems is explained.
• Reports, results and projects are competently evaluated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• A thorough knowledge of how the water and its related industries are structured is explained.
• Knowledge of ecosystem management is integrated in the conservation of freshwater.
• Health and safety considerations as well as environmental implications are incorporated into their sampling protocols designs.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Time-management, self-management and collaboration in teams are demonstrated.
• A project is managed from concept to successful completion including site supervision.
• Technicians and personnel relevant to the industry on all levels are confidently collaborated in an ethical manner.

Integrated Assessment

Two forms of assessment will be conducted during the offering of this qualification, namely; formative and summative. Formative assessment will be conducted using tutorials, assignments, seminars, tests, practical performance. The summative assessment will entail written and practical examinations, long essays, and portfolio of works as detailed in the various modules.