Doctor of Philosophy in Hydrology and Water Resources

Purpose

The purpose of the qualification is to solve problems related to water scarcity; impacts of climate change and extreme hydrological events (floods and drought) on water resources and communities, effects of land-use changes on water quantity and quality; water quality analysis and remediation; water resources analysis, planning and allocation; and hydrological/hydrogeological modelling, etc. The qualification is intended to produce graduates who can contribute significantly to finding solutions to water resources problems through advanced level research that will provide information that influences optimal planning, allocation and management of water resources and hence contribute to sustainable water supply and management of floods and droughts, which are of national and career development and growth importance.

On achievement of the qualification the students should be competent with the scientific methods and have broad and up-to-date knowledge of the Earth Science field and an in- depth knowledge of their specific area of specialisation. They should be able to write proposals, perform research independently and report on it, both verbally and in writing.

Rationale

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Hydrology and Water Resources follows on our Master of Earth Science or related Degrees. It offers students an opportunity to further develop their research skills and knowledge to a level where they can independently contribute significantly to the knowledge field that caters for advanced research and development needs in the field of study and the country. In addition, it enhances the creative, noble intellectual and analytical abilities of the students and enables them to evaluate challenges of the water industry and community-related problems, and adequately equips them to offer scientific and pragmatic solutions.

The qualification provides knowledge and research skills in water, sanitation and environmental sectors. These will adequately prepare the graduates for scientific investigation and leadership roles and enable them to make positive contribution to the economy and national development. Such skills and knowledge are needed in water resource consultancies, government departments such as Department of Water and Sanitation and Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, research institutes like Council for Scientific and Industrial Research and Council for Geosciences, private sector companies that deal with bulk water treatment and supply (e.g. Rand Water) and for academic purposes in Higher Education institutions.

Typical students in this qualification have passed a Masters of Earth Science or related fields and have a genuine interest in research in the knowledge fields of Earth Sciences. Research encompasses a multitude of competencies such as information gathering, structuring, logical thinking, data analysis, modelling and simulation, budgeting, project management, reporting, scientific writing, evaluating evidence, interpretation and contextualisation of results, synthesis as well as drawing valid conclusions. Added to this are practical skills such as word processing, data acquisition and processing and representation using for example, spreadsheets, statistical methods, Geographic Information System (GIS) and remote sensing, use of many different software packages. Students also learn to set their goals and to work independently and consult experts in the discipline. Hydrology and Water Resources graduates can work in many fields, especially in Hydrology and Water Resources including Water Resources Planning and Management, Environmental Science, Water and Environmental Consultancy Firms or Governmental Institutions. Career opportunities abound in areas such as Operations and Project Management; Water Resources Consultants; Water Resources Planning and Management; Water Supply and Sanitation; Environmental Engineering; Administration and Regulation with government. Other occupations for graduates would be Senior Lecturer at a Higher Education Institution, Researcher, Planner or Policy Developer, or Entrepreneur.

Matric/National Senior Certificate, Bachelor of Earth Science in Hydrology and Water Resources, Master of Earth Science specialising in Hydrology and Water Resources, PhD in Hydrology and Water Resources.

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 effective water resource planning and management, management of the environment, sustainable development 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 meet 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 Hydrology and Water Resources (HWR) 7990 Research and Thesis.

The module is organised as follows

• Research idea conceptualisation.
• Data acquisition (laboratory, field work).
• Data analysis and/or modelling, 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

• Relevance of the proposed research concept.
• 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, hypothesis 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, and/or modelling.
• 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 promoter, the co-promoter and two external examiners. Furthermore, they are assessed on their ability to defend the thesis.