Doctor of Philosophy in Biodiversity and Conservation Biology

Purpose

The purpose of the Doctor of Philosophy in Biodiversity and Conservation Biology is to offer specialised training in theories, concepts and research methods appropriate to the emerging field of enquiry. This will contribute to the further development and strengthening of engaged scholarship on issues of great relevance to societies and particularly in Africa. Thus the qualification will serve to build capacity for effective societal responses to social change.

At the end of this programme, the learner should be able to

• Critically engage with the key scholarly debates, key theories in the relevant field.
• Have an understanding of research methodologies in qualitative and quantitative research design, and the ability to select those appropriate for their own work.
• The ability to identify, analyse, synthesise and undertake independent evaluation of topics relevant to the field.
• The ability to present a well-structured and developed piece of research, which is of publishable standards.
• Critically demonstrate the ability to conduct independent research.
• Demonstrate the ability to coherently and logically structure and organise his/her study.
• Critically demonstrate the ability to analytically and conceptually apply research tools to the topic under investigation.
• Demonstrate the ability for critical review and analysis of literature in the field under investigation.

Rationale

The rationale of the qualification is to provide qualifying learners with higher, expert post-graduate level knowledge, specific skills and applied competence in a number of fields of Biodiversity and Conservation Biology that provide for continued personal intellectual growth, gainful economic activity and rewarding contributions to society. Such learners can feed into the country's needs for high-level scientists and managers in the spheres of fisheries, nature conservation, museum collections, environmental management, pest control, ethnobiology, biodiversity utilization, taxonomy, game farming and eco-tourism as well as specialists and experts in sub-fields therein.

The qualification seeks to provide South Africa with significant number of postgraduates in the field of Biodiversity and Conservation Biology in order to ensure that the local leadership base of innovative and knowledge-based economic and scholarly activity is widened. The qualification also seeks to increase national and regional capacity for research and decision-making in the field of Biodiversity and Conservation Biology.

This qualification will provide the skills and intellectual capacity needed to ensure that South Africa has the capacity to implement the International Convention on Biodiversity, to which it is a signatory.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL offers an alternative access route into a qualification, to those who do not meet the specified qualification entry requirements. Qualifications, part-qualifications and professional designations registered on the NQF may be awarded in whole or in part through RPL.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an important consideration for this qualification. The institution's Recognition of Prior Learning Policy and rules and procedures will be considered when learners apply for RPL.

Access to the qualification can also be provided in terms of the university's RPL policy and its admission criteria stipulated by Senate. In addition in the RPL process students have to undergo a Portfolio Development Course to support the learner's admission. The PDC will focus on written submission explaining the reasons for the learners' interest in in the discipline as an adjunct to their existing professional competencies and indicating the nature of a possible research project. In addition an application can be made in terms of rule A.2 via Senate.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Master's Degree in Biodiversity and Conservation Biology or any equivalent discipline, NQF Level 9.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory module at National Qualifications Framework Level 8 totalling 360 Credits.

Compulsory Module, Level 10

• Full Thesis, 360 Credits.

1. Make an original contribution in a specific area of specialisation in the field of Biodiversity and Conservation Biology.
2. Independently initiate and conduct research in the chosen area of specialisation in Biodiversity and Conservation Biology.
3. Gain specialist knowledge in the field of Biodiversity and Conservation Biology.
4. Produce a dissertation, which meets international standards of scholarly and professional writing.
5. Display specialised scholastic and supervised research skills in the field of Biodiversity and Conservation Biology and perform a full range of standard and non-standard procedures, often in non-standard combinations across the sub-disciplines in Biodiversity and Conservation Biology.
6. Process information at the level of analysis, transformation and evaluation of abstract data and concepts.
7. Formulate hypotheses and design research projects and programmes to test and evaluate hypotheses.
8. Communicate effectively, in both oral and written modes, with peers, using the appropriate structure, style and graphic support; be able to independently publish research in peer-reviewed journals and present research at international conferences.
9. Communicate effectively with the broader community of stakeholders, including the press and the public via popular articles.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria applies across all the Exit Level Outcomes

• Assume responsibility for planning, resourcing and managing research and other projects in the field of Biodiversity and Conservation Biology.
• Take complete accountability for determining, achieving and evaluating personal and group output.
• Carry out advanced research under supervision.
• Prepare a proposal to research a topic related to a specific area in Biodiversity and Conservation Biology within its sub-areas of specialisation for evaluation.
• Identify, analyse, and formulate a particular problem creatively, ethically, autonomously and responsibly.
• Demonstrate skills of critical thinking, problem solving, collection and analysis of data, and effective written communication, which all contribute substantially to knowledge.
• Conduct advanced literature searches and critique current literature in the form of a review.
• Submit a thesis that represent a significant contribution to new knowledge, presented in a scholarly manner.

Integrated Assessment

The learners' knowledge in the area of research will be assessed by the supervisor and faculty members. A learner must submit a formal proposal for PhD research by the end of their first year. This will be assessed by a committee of at least three external professors. Learners will complete a research project to be presented as a thesis. Assessment of the thesis will be carried out where possible by international external examiners.