Doctor of Philosophy in Geology

Purpose

The qualification is offered in a context of increasing challenges confronting the Mining industry in locating, developing and exploiting mineral resources; methods to protect the environment; and the protection of communities from geological hazards and environmental events. It is intended to produce graduates who can contribute significantly to finding solutions to such problems through research.

On achievement of the qualification the students should be experts in their field with the ability to identify the critical knowledge gaps and come up with innovative methods to address those. They should be able to write proposals, perform research independently, write a thesis and publish it in peer-reviewed journals and books.

Rationale

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Geology follows on our Master of Earth Science or related Degrees. It offers students an opportunity to further develop their research skills to a level where they can independently generate new knowledge through innovative research.

The qualification provides high level knowledge and research skills in the Mining, Geology, Water and Environmental sectors. Such skills are needed in Department of Mineral Resources and Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, mining and construction companies, the energy sector, research institutes like Council for Scientific and Industrial Research and Higher Education institutions.

Typical students in this qualification have passed a Master of Earth Science or related fields Degree and have a proven capacity for research in the knowledge field of Earth Science. Research encompasses a multitude of skills such as information gathering, structuring, summarising, logical thinking, data analysis, budgeting, project management, reporting, scientific writing, evaluating evidence, interpretation and contextualisation of results as well as drawing valid conclusions. Added to this are practical skills such as word processing, data manipulation and representation, use of many different software packages. Students also learn to be goal oriented and to work independently. Geology and Earth Science graduates can work in many areas, especially Geology, Mining, Environmental Consultancy Firms or Governmental Institutions or Non-Governmental Organisations. Career opportunities are available in areas such as Exploration Geology; Mining, Geotechnical and Environmental Engineering; Financial Evaluation and Feasibility Studies with Financial and Banking Institutions; Policy Formulation, Administration and Regulation with government Matric/National Senior Certificate, Bachelor of Mining and Environmental Geology, Master of Earth Science, PhD in Geology

The qualification will equip students with skills, knowledge and competencies which will make them employable in Higher Education institutions, research institutes, government and the private sector. The competencies acquired will contribute to efficient exploration and exploitation of mineral and hydrocarbon resources and enhance the wellbeing of the society and economic growth.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The university policy on Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is applied. The RPL policy takes into account the relevant knowledge and skills gained in practice that meets the minimum requirements of the programme.

Entry Requirements

A relevant Master's Degree or equivalent with a mark of 60% or more for the research component.

The qualification consists of one single module, which is Mining and Environmental Geology (MEG) 7990 Research and Thesis.

The module is organised as follows

• Proposal development.
• Data acquisition (laboratory, field work).
• Data analysis, synthesis and interpretation of results.
• Thesis write-up.

Total credit allocation: 360.

1. Ability to write a research proposal.
2. Ability to conduct research.
3. Ability to report or document research.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Topic of the research project defined concisely.
• Research problem clearly defined and significant or important enough to warrant the research.
• Relevance of the proposed research.
• Cited literature relevant, up-to-date and correctly interpreted. All key publications have been cited.
• Coherence between the elements of the proposal, problem statement, aim, objectives and methodology.
• Feasibility of the project.
• Realistic work plan and budget.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Planning and execution of a research project.
• Research project management.
• Data gathering and analysis.
• Evidence of measures to ensure scientific accountability such as objectivity, validity and reliability.
• Dealing with contingencies.
• Representation and interpretation of results.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Scientific writing ability.
• Interpretation of results in the context of existing knowledge.
• Clarity of reasoning.
• Validity of conclusions.
• Articles accepted for publication by scientific journals.

Integrated Assessment

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) students are assessed on their final product, which is their thesis. The thesis is examined by the supervisor, the co-supervisor and two external examiners. Furthermore, they are assessed on their ability to defend the thesis.