Master of Nature Conservation

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to develop the knowledge and skills in strategic management and relevant research of Nature Conservators.

Learners will be able to

• Understand the importance of planning, policy and legislation in the conservation of natural resources.
• Apply knowledge of ecology in natural resource management.
• Understand climate change and the approaches being used to address climate change and its impacts.
• Identify, plan, conduct interpret and present an applied research project.

Rationale

The Professional Masters in Nature Conservation will equip learners with the academic ability to apply scientific methods in supervised research and/or problem solving and the communication and/or effective implementation of investigative research findings. It focuses on strategic level management, advanced research methods and significant relevant research. The qualification is aimed at generating new knowledge within the industry and developing a career path for graduates.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL will be used for access into this qualification. The qualification will not be awarded in whole via the RPL route. The assessment of an applicant's previous non-formal, informal learning and experience will be assessed to determine the extent to which this meets the required exit level outcomes, competency outcomes, or standards for entry or access into a master's level study will be applied. The relevance, depth and extent of an applicant's prior learning will be evaluated by a panel of peers and educators, as per the institution's RPL Policy.

Learners will need to provide a portfolio of evidence that demonstrates the competencies they have acquired.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entrance requirements are

• Postgraduate Diploma in Nature Conservation at NQF Level 8.

Or

• Bachelor of Science Honours in Nature Conservation at NQF Level 8..

Or

• Bachelor of Science at NQF Level 8 with 480 Credit.

This qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules at NQF Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, 140 Credits

• Research Dissertation, 60 Credits.
• Geographic Information Systems Applications for Natural Resources, 20 Credits.
• Nature Conservation Planning, Policy and Law, 20 Credits.
• Ecology and Management of Natural Resources, 20 Credits.
• Strategic Management for Environmental Conservation, 20 Credits.

Elective Modules, 40 Credits (Select two)

• Environmental and Resource Economics, 20 Credits.
• Ecological Sampling Techniques, 20 Credits.
• Biodiversity Analysis and Management, 20 Credits.
• Climate Change Policy and Planning, 20 Credits.

1. Understand the importance of planning, policy and legislation in the conservation of natural resources.
2. Apply knowledge of ecology in natural resource management.
3. Understand the importance of economics in natural resource management.
4. Understand climate change and the approaches being used to address climate change and its impacts.
5. Identify, plan, conduct interpret and present an applied research project.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Knowledge of the legislative framework of management of biodiversity in South Africa is acquired.
• The concept of systemic conservation planning is understood and applied.
• The core components of protected area management are incorporated into management plans and policies.
• An understanding of the role played by International Conventions and the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan in planning the conservation of natural resources is demonstrated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• An advanced knowledge of the Science of Ecology is displayed applied.
• The importance of the integration of ecological principles with natural resource management is explained.
• An advanced knowledge of the management of natural resources is displayed and applied.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Economic concepts behind natural resource management and policy are discussed.
• Basic techniques of non-market valuation are critically analysed and applied in a variety of resource management contexts.
• The concept of economics of ecosystem goods and services and its growing importance in resource management decisions is analysed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• The complexity of climate change and its impacts from a policy and planning perspective is discussed.
• Approaches taken by individual governments and inter-governmental institutions in the field of climate change are critically analysed.
• The diverse drivers of climate change policy at the national level are appreciated.
• The design, potential and limitations of policies in the spheres of climate change mitigation and adaptation are analysed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Information relevant to a field of enquiry in natural resource management is gathered.
• Mastery of the skills needed to critically assess scientific literature is displayed.
• An ability to identify, assess and manage the ethical implications of a research project within the regulatory framework of the field of natural resource management is reflected.
• Scientific results are organised and presented orally and in writing in a professional manner.

Integrated Assessment

Assessment is continuous and done on the following basis

Formative assessment

• Assignments.
• Written tests.
• Practical tests.
• Mini projects.
• Research project.
• Reports.
• Oral evaluation.
• Presentations.

Summative assessment

• Written examinations.
• Practical examinations.
• A portfolio of work is compiled and assessed.
• Portfolio records are kept as per requirements.

Portfolio assessment

Seminars, based on current research, will be completed and presented on at least three different production areas.

Formative assessment for the research component will be in the form of progress reports to the study leader and the panel.

Summative assessment will be in the form of a mini-dissertation.