Master of Science: Environment and Water Science

Purpose

The purpose is to provide students with a thorough overview of both the physical and social dimensions of environmental science, as well the necessary skills and techniques required for the identification and critical assessment of environmental issues. Students will identify a specialised area in which they complete a research project followed by presentation of a written report.

Rationale

To provide South Africa with significant numbers of post-graduates in the field of Environment and Waters Studies in order to ensure that the local leadership base of innovative and knowledge-based economic and scholarly activity is widened.

Research methodology and an understanding of the interrelationships between Environmental Impact, GIS Catchment processes and Environmental law.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Access to the programme can also be provided in terms of the university's Recognition of Prior Learning policy and its admission criteria stipulated by Senate. In the Recognition of Prior Learning process students have to undergo a Portfolio Development Course to support the student's admission.

Access to the Qualification

The Bachelor of Science Honours or equivalent in Geography or Environment Studies or related subject areas.

Master of Science: Environment and Water Science, NQF Level 8, 120 credits.

Thesis, 120 credits.

By the end of the programme, qualifying learners will

1. Display advanced research skills in Environment and Water Science and perform a full range of advanced procedures in complex, variable and highly specialised contexts.
2. Possess specialised knowledge of Environment and Water Science; be capable of information processing at the level of analysis, transformation, evaluation and synthesis of abstract data and concepts, and capable of formulation of appropriate responses to resolve contextually abstract science problems.
3. Communicate effectively, in both oral and written modes, with peers and the broader community using the appropriate structure, style and graphic support.
4. Assume responsibility for planning, resourcing and managing processes within broad parameters and functions and assume complete accountability for determining, achieving and evaluating personal and group output.

Critical Cross-Field Outcomes

• Identify and solve problems in which responses display critical thinking.
• Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, or organisation.
• Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively.
• Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.
• Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical, and/or language skills in the modes of written and/or oral presentation.

Display specialised scholastic and basic research skills in Environment and Water Science as outlined in the prescribed module descriptor. Lecturers set assignments, class tests and the final assessment papers in terms of module outcomes viz. Adequate level of relevant text comprehension to be demonstrated, adequate range of relevant sources to have been accessed and relevant problems to have been grasped, and appropriate theoretical and practical assignments and case studies as well as solutions to problems to have been presented.

Integrated Assessment

The University adopted a Continuous Assessment System. Assessment consist of a number assessment events throughout the year and a variety of assessment instruments are used for example, project reports and oral presentations.