Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Sciences

Purpose

The purpose of the Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Sciences, Level 10 is to empower learners with the necessary skills that will enable them to identify, conceptualise, design and implement research projects that address complex and challenging problems within Environmental Sciences. Moreover, the qualification will enable learners to either develop or propose solutions through models or theoretical amendments to current Environmental Sciences-related problems so as to improve economic, environmental and social well-being.

Therefore, the purpose of the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Environmental Sciences, Level 10 is to develop learners who will be able to demonstrate:

• Expertise and critical knowledge in an area related to the Environmental Sciences discipline.
• An ability to contribute to scholarly debates around theories of knowledge within specialisations of Environmental Sciences.
• An ability to develop new methods, techniques, processes, system or technologies that address a particular research area in the Environmental Sciences.
• An ability to apply specialist knowledge and theory in critically reflective, creative and novel ways to address complex practical and theoretical problems.
• An ability to identify, address and manage emerging ethical issues and to advance processes of ethical decision-making, including monitoring and evaluation of the consequences of these decisions where appropriate.
• The ability to make independent judgments about management of information or data in an iterative process of analysis and synthesis for the development of significant original insights into new complex and abstract ideas or issues within the Environmental Sciences.
• An ability to produce substantial, independent, in-depth and publishable work which meets international standards.
• An understanding of theoretical underpinnings in the management of complex systems.
• Intellectual independence, research leadership and management of research and research development in the Environmental Sciences discipline.
• An ability to operate independently and take full responsibility for his or her work and, where appropriate, to lead, oversee and be held ultimately accountable for the overall governance of processes and systems.

This qualification, which consists of a research proposal and a research project, aims to contribute to Environmental Sciences by developing researchers who can apply specialised research knowledge and skills to enhance an understanding of important features of the scientific environment to contribute towards environmental sustainability.

Rationale

Specialised training within subject areas such as Environmental Sciences contributes towards the improvement of the health and the environment of humans, plants and animals in both rural and urban areas. This is particularly important in South Africa where the environmental systems are unsustainable due to various forms of environmental pollution, degradation and fragmentation which all impacts on sustainability of natural ecosystems and their services to the sustainability of natural environments.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Admission may be granted through RPL to learners who do not meet the minimum entry requirements.

All admissions through RPL must be in accordance with the principles laid down in the University of South Africa RPL Policy.

This qualification can be achieved wholly or in part through Recognition of Prior Learning.

The University of South Africa RPL office can supply full details of processes relating to the assessment and accreditation of learning from prior experiences. Evidence can be presented in a variety of forms, including international or previous local qualifications, reports, testimonials mentioning functions performed, work records, portfolios, videos of practice and performance records.

All such evidence should be judged according to the general principle of assessment described in the notes to assessors.

Entry Requirements

The minimum requirement for admission to the Doctoral Degree in Environmental Sciences is a Master of Science in Environmental Sciences, Level 9 or related fields; or an appropriate Research Master's Degree, Level 9 in a relevant field.

In addition, learners must have attained a minimum pass rate of 60% in the Research Master's Degree of the area of specialisation.

The Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Sciences consists of two compulsory modules at NQF Level 10 totalling 360 Credits.

Modules

• Research Proposal, 0 Credits.
• Research Project and Thesis, 360 Credits.

1. Prepare a thesis in line with the chapter outline as set out in the approved Research Proposal.
2. Demonstrate comprehensive, expert and systematic knowledge of the specialist knowledge in the chosen area (field) of research.
3. Demonstrate comprehensive and thorough understanding of the most advanced research methodologies, techniques and technologies (including information retrieval and data processing skills) applicable in the broad field of the chosen research, and more particularly in relation to the research focus.
4. Apply knowledge, theory and research methods creatively to complex practical, theoretical and/or epistemological problems and engage in substantial, independent research and advanced scholarship resulting in the (re)interpretation and expansion of knowledge via scientific research.
5. Participate in scholarly debates at the cutting edge of research in the field of specialization and communicate research undertaken to specialist and non-specialist audiences.

Assessment criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Develop each publication or chapter in line with acceptable scientific norms applicable to the Department of Environmental Sciences, in terms of logic, rationale, academic writing style, referencing techniques and the presentation of Tables and Figures.

Assessment criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Critical evaluation of different theoretical frameworks underpinning field of research and justify selection of preferred framework is done
• Critical evaluation of literature in the broad field of his/her research, and more particularly in relation to his/her research focus is performed.

Assessment criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Critical evaluation of the different and most advanced research methodologies, techniques and technologies relevant in the broad field of research, and detailed and logical motivation and justification for the chosen research location is carried out.

Assessment criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Chapters of relevant work that form a thesis encompassing current theoretical and methodological practices, and solid empirical scholarship in keeping with international norms and standards are presented.

Assessment criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Independent preparation of manuscripts/papers for presentation at workshops, and submission of manuscripts to scholarly journals for purposes of publication is carried out.

Reviewers' critique on manuscripts and published research in scholarly journals are defended/ contested/debated.

Integrated Assessment

All assessments are conducted in line with the principles of assessment as defined in the UNISA Assessment Policy.

Submitted proposals are assessed and approved by the supervisor and Departmental Research and Higher Degrees Committee to be ratified by the College Research and Higher Degrees Committee.

After consultation with the co-supervisor (where applicable), the supervisor gives the student permission to submit his/her thesis.

Assessment will include input from three external examiners of which at least one should be from a county other than South Africa. External examiners must be recognised experts in their fields and must not be attached to or affiliated with University of South Africa. All examiners are recommended by the Department Chairperson and/or Departmental Research and Higher Degrees Committee and their names are forwarded for appointment by the College Management Committee.

The completed report of the panel of examiners is regarded as the examiners' final recommendation. The result of the doctoral thesis is based on a judicious appraisal of the examiners' reports.

After the result of the student's thesis has been approved the non-examining chairperson makes the examiners' report available to the Chairperson of the Department, the supervisor, the co-supervisor, the candidate and the other examiners if requested.

In addition, candidates must demonstrate the ability to engage in the field of Environmental Sciences in as integrative way, dealing with environmental challenges strategically and effectively. It is recommended for this ability to be demonstrated by the publication of at least one article based on the research, in a scientific peer reviewed journal.