Master of Marine Science

Purpose

The purpose of the Master of Marine Science is to empower learners to acquire knowledge, skills and competencies, attitudes and values required to contribute to research in the various fields of Marine Science.

The qualifying learner will be able to design, perform, and report scholarly research projects in the field of Marine Science and contribute to the development of the discipline and research knowledge at an advanced level. This type of academic contribution is critically needed in the field of marine science in South Africa, which is dynamic in the context of a changing climate, marine biodiversity, evolving concepts of marine conservation and the continuous impact of humans on the marine and coastal environment driven by, among others, urbanisation, population growth, over-exploitation of natural resources, poor environmental management and decreasing global bio-capacity.

New knowledge, new insights, and new technologies are necessary for the development of society, and research in the field of Marine Science is imperative to achieve this, thus contributing to meeting this need. Learners will also learn high-level skills, competencies and techniques suitable for application in various sub-fields of Marine Science.

Rationale

South Africa is uniquely situated between two diverse ocean systems, to the east is the warm Agulhas Current and to the west is the cold Benguela Current. The coastline extends for more than 3000 km and has high oceanic biodiversity along the east coast, high coastal biodiversity along the south coast and high production and biomass of organisms along the west coast. The Southern African marine environment contains a high number of the world's species, habitats and ecosystems within its coastal and open ocean areas. This places a significant responsibility on the country to conserve and sustainably exploit these resources for the continued healthy functioning of our marine and coastal ecosystems as well as for future generations. Many parts of the South African marine and coastal environments are or are becoming, areas of contestation between conservation and various socio-economic activities that induce change. The need to train scientists with the requisite skills to investigate, analyse and creatively propose solutions to the complex problems in this arena of marine science is thus identified.

A clear distinguishing feature of the qualification is that it will be able to provide fairly unique research on the effects of anthropogenic activities on the marine environment.

Additionally, this qualification is a highly scientific Masters (e.g. dealing with the ecotoxicology in the marine ecosystems and analysing ocean data for modelling); and encompasses the management of marine protected areas and coastal environments. Therefore, the qualifying learners will be equipped to investigate the Southern African coastal and marine environment in Southern Africa.

The research fields include marine ecotoxicology, marine biodiversity, ocean science, coastal management and oceans economy. The qualification incorporates a variety of disciplines to solve complex problems and contribute to new knowledge in the dynamic and evolving field of Marine Science in Southern Africa.

Engagement with industry partners, via the Department's Marine Science Advisory Committee, demonstrates strong support to offer the qualification. The advisory panel also comprises members from other institutions in the Province who support this application, as it will promote research in Marine Science in the region and will foster collaboration between universities, other research organisations and government departments.

Qualifying learners will be skilled with competencies to research a range of fields within Marine Sciences, from physical and chemical oceanography to marine biology, marine spatial planning, marine ecotoxicology and many more. Furthermore, the qualification will provide learners with the competencies to produce substantial, independent, in-depth and publishable work which meets international standards. The qualification would be a unique offering within the South African context. It is anticipated that this qualification, will further contribute to the building of intellectual capital and scarce skills in this sector as per the requirements of the National Development Plan 2030 (2012).

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL is a process of identifying the knowledge and skills of a learner against the admission requirements of the qualification and/or for credits against a part thereof. The process involves the identification, mediation, assessment and acknowledgement of knowledge and skills obtained through informal, non-formal and/ or formal learning. The RPL process is multi-dimensional and multi-contextual, aimed at the individual needs of applicants and is handled following an institutional RPL policy by a unit dedicated to this activity. The RPL process includes guidance and counselling, as well as the preparation of a body of evidence to be presented by the RPL candidate to meet institutional requirements. An appeal procedure is also in place to accommodate queries.

Through the RPL process, applicants may obtain

• Access to this qualification;
• Credits and module exemptions, and
• Advanced standing as described in the institutional guidelines.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Postgraduate Diploma in Marine Science, NQF Level 8.

Or

• Bachelor of Technology in Oceanography (as offered prior to the implementation of the HEQSF)

Or

• A cognate qualification at NQF Level 8.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory module at NQF Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

Compulsory Module, Level 9, 180 Credits

• Research dissertation, 180 Credits.

1. Select and research an appropriate topic based on a theoretical or practical problem that is relevant to marine science and that will result in some form of theoretical or practical contribution to knowledge in a marine-related field.
2. Critically review and analyse literature to identify trends and issues relevant to the chosen marine science research study.
3. Select and use research methods, technologies and procedures that are available to the discipline of marine science correctly according to a design that is appropriate for research in marine science.
4. Collect, analyse, interpret and present empirical data using instruments appropriate to marine science and where applicable apply theories relevant to research in marine science.
5. Present the research project to the marine science research community according to appropriate academic writing conventions.
6. Conduct the chosen marine science research independently and ethically.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Plan and manage the research project with a high level of personal autonomy and accountability.
• Demonstrate the ability to apply, integrate and contextualise advanced knowledge and skills in executing the research project.
• Consult with supervisor(s) and act on feedback received.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Conduct a literature review using relevant sources drawing on the work of leading scholars in the field of study and/or discipline.
• Produce a comprehensive literature review on different perspectives in the field of study and/or discipline.
• Use written communication and technical skills relevant to the discourse of the discipline and choose an appropriate genre to communicate effectively with specialist and non-specialist audiences.
• Use the prescribed referencing technique for in-text references correctly and accurately.
• Use the prescribed referencing technique to compile a bibliography or list of references correctly and accurately.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Apply research methods for data collection, analysis and interpretation of data.
• Demonstrate a systematic understanding of a range of research methods and techniques, critically evaluate these and apply them appropriately to investigate the research problem.
• Exercise informed judgement concerning ethical, cultural, research and professional issues relevant to the chosen research problem.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Assimilate data where different data collection methods were used, (e.g. qualitative, quantitative, experimental and simulation methods) to present a coherent representation of data analysis.
• Analyse, interpret and synthesise data using an appropriate computer software programme(s), (if relevant to the chosen research problem).

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Draw conclusions and present research results.
• Compile a coherent and sustained argument that is supported by research results and conclusions in the research report.
• Present in verbal, written and/or visual form, the research results and conclusions of the study to specialist audiences emphasising the contribution to knowledge production in the field of study, discipline and/or profession.
• Present in verbal, written and/or visual form, the research results and conclusions of the research project to non-specialist audiences emphasising the contribution the study makes to society/community in general.
• Consider issues of confidentiality (if applicable) and adhere to institutional requirements in this regard.
• Identify a range of channels relevant to the field of study that can be used in disseminating the research results and conclusions (e.g. conference poster, conference paper, journal article, etc.).
• Prepare an article for publication in an accredited journal in consultation with the supervisor(s).

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

- Ethics and professional practice

• Make autonomous ethical decisions related to the research project which affect knowledge production, and/or complex organisational and professional issues.
• Critically contribute to the development of ethical standards in a specific context.
• Use of a wide range of specialised skills in identifying, conceptualising, designing and implementing methods of enquiry to address complex and challenging problems within the field of study and relevant to the research project and show an understanding of the consequences of any solutions or insights generated within a specialised context.

Integrated Assessment

All assessment is incorporated into the submission of a relevant and comprehensive thesis.

The learners will know the principles and practices of the various fields of Marine Science. The learner will also be able to do independent research and thereby extend the boundaries of Marine Science.

Formative assessment is continuous and includes the development and design of a scientific research proposal that aims to address important objectives in the fields of marine science (and scientific papers writing) to complete the dissertation.

Summative assessment takes place where the research thesis or research article(s) is examined by three external examiners. The qualifying learner will be able to conduct scientific data collection and analysis in line with the objectives outlined in the proposal.