Master of Earth Science

This qualification includes various specialisations; refer to the 'Notes' section.

Purpose

This qualification includes various specialisations, refer to the 'Notes' section.

For learners specialising in Mining and Environmental Geology, 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.

For learners specialising in Hydrology and Water Resources, the purpose of the qualification is to solve problems related to increasing water scarcity; impacts of climate change and extreme hydrological events (floods and drought) on water resources, 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 qualifications are intended to produce graduates who can contribute significantly to finding solutions to such problems through research.

On achievement of the qualification the learners should be competent with the scientific method 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 Master of Earth Science Degree follows on our Bachelor of Earth Science in Mining and Environmental Geology or Bachelor of Earth Science in Hydrology and Water Resources both of which are four year Degrees. It offers learners an opportunity to further develop their research skills to a level where they can 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, intellectual and analytical abilities of the learners and enables them to evaluate challenges of the mining or water industry and community-related problems, and adequately equips them to offer pragmatic solutions.

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

Typical learners in this qualification have passed a Bachelor of Earth Science in Mining and Environmental Geology or Bachelor of Earth Science in Hydrology and Water Resources four year Degrees, or related fields and have a genuine interest in research in the knowledge fields of earth sciences. 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. Learners also learn to be goal oriented and to work independently. Earth Sciences graduates can work in many areas, especially Geology, Environmental Science, Hydrology, 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; Health and Safety in Mining and Construction industries; Mining, Geotechnical and Environmental Engineering; technology development with Consultants and Equipment Manufacturers; Exploration Geology; Financial Evaluation and Feasibility Studies with financial and banking institutions; Policy Formulation, Administration and Regulation with government. Some of the most popular career options include Engineering Geologist, Water Scientist; Geoscientist, and Minerals Surveyor.

Matric/National Senior Certificate, Bachelor of Earth Science in Mining and Environmental Geology or Bachelor of Earth Science in Hydrology and Water Resources, Master of Earth Science specialising in Mining and Environmental Geology or Hydrology and Water Resources.

The qualification will equip learners 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 exploitation of mineral resources, 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 meets the minimum requirements of the qualification.

Entry Requirements

A four-year Degree in Mining and Environmental Geology or Hydrology and Water Resources or relevant Honours Degree with an average mark of 60% or more.

The qualification consists of one single module, which is EAS 6990 Research and Dissertation.

The module is organised as follows

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

1. Produce a research proposal.
2. Conduct a research.
3. Compile a written report or document research.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Relevance of the proposed research is outlined in terms of the requirements.
• Cited literature relevant, up-to-date and correctly is interpreted. All key publications are cited.
• Coherence between the elements of the proposal; problem statement, aim, objectives and methodology is ensured.
• Feasibility of the project is indicated.
• Realistic work plan and budget is drawn.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit level Outcome 2

• Research project is planned and executed.
• Research Project is managed.
• Data is gathered and analysed.
• Contingencies are dealt with.
• Results are presented and interpreted.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Scientific writing ability is demonstrated.
• Interpretation of results is done in the context of existing knowledge.
• Clarity of reasoning is provided.
• Conclusions are validated.

Integrated Assessment

Master's learners are assessed on their final product, which is their dissertation. The dissertation is examined by the supervisor, co-supervisor and two external examiners.