Master of Science in Conservation Ecology

Purpose of Programme

• To give students an advanced understanding of the basic discipline of conservation ecology and its inter-relationships with ecology, agriculture, policy, management and economics so that they are able to undertake advanced studies with sufficient knowledge and skills in this discipline or to undertake integrated post-graduate studies in this discipline.
• To equip students with knowledge of conservation ecology so that they will be prepared in a unique way for employment at an advanced level in sustainable environmental management in private and public sectors.
• To equip students with specific knowledge and skills such that they are fully cognisant of the range of issues that impact upon conservation ecology.

Purpose

• To equip students with a sophisticated knowledge and understanding of phenomena pertinent to their chosen field of nature, biodiversity and natural resource conservation science, policy and management in Africa.
• To ensure mastery of the chosen field via high level analysis of new information, the ability to deal with complexity and to find workable solutions to problems and challenges.
• To enable students to carry out advanced and independent research through rigorous training in research methods and to introduce them to the world of scholarly communication, amongst others by assisting them to start publishing on their own.
• To prepare students who aspire to progress to the highest level of academic work for doctoral study and to promote an approach based on academic integrity and professional ethics and attitude in a specific field of biodiversity and natural resource conservation sciences to utilise the opportunities for continued personal intellectual growth, gainful economic activity and rewarding contributions to society.
• To stimulate and prepare learners for further advanced study through provision of the required knowledge, skills and insight to develop as researchers in biodiversity and natural resource conservation and policy on the highest academic levels by providing subsequent opportunities for further post-graduate studies.
• To provide South Africa with conservation scientists who will have a clear and continuously growing understanding of the application of conservation theory to ensuring that future generations inherit natural diversity and aesthetically pleasing and healthy environments, and will contribute to ensuring that that the nation's natural assets are used sustainably to the benefit of all South Africans.

Admission Criteria

Four-year BSc degree or three-year BSc degree plus BSc Honours degree with appropriate majors or qualification approved by Senate for this purpose; supplementary studies may be required. Candidates with a three-year BSc degree may be admitted if the qualification is approved by Senate for this purpose; supplementary studies will be required.

Candidates must obtain an average of 60% in the final year of a four-year degree or in the Honours year.

Credit allocation

Credits for Fundamental content

• 60 credits at NQF Level 8.

Credits for Core content

• 120 credits at NQF Level 8.

Generic Outcomes

The MSc Cons Ecol graduate will be able to

• Perform independent analysis of new data and problems using a wide range of appropriate methods and techniques.
• Critically evaluate relevant literature.
• Extrapolate implications beyond given data.
• Use integrative principles to relate data to new, broader issues.
• Use abstract data and concepts for a given purpose.
• Review evidence supporting conclusions critically.
• Identify and define complex problems.
• Apply appropriate knowledge and skills for their solution.
• Manipulate abstract systems models.
• Use well-developed research skills confidently.
• Challenge orthodox theory and suggest new approaches.
• Handle contradictions and make value judgements.
• Interact and engage in debate with a learning or professional group.
• Produce detailed and coherent reports.
• Take initiative, negotiate effectively and manage conflict.

The MSc Cons Ecol graduate will demonstrate

• Mastery of theoretical subject matter within a comprehensive knowledge of a field of study.
• Mastery of advanced theory and methodology and its application to a specialised field.
• Capacity for independent study via the completion of a research project and thesis.

Specific Outcomes

The MSc Cons Ecol graduate will have the theoretical, practical and intellectual skills needed to understand and make decisions about priorities for conservation, sustainability of resource utilisation, rehabilitation of damaged environments and likely outcomes of policy revision on natural resources. They should be able to integrate and apply their knowledge in the prevailing socio-economic framework.

Associated Assessment Criteria for General Outcome

• The assessment used for this qualification ensures that the purpose of the qualification is achieved.
• A range of formative and summative assessment methods, such as field and laboratory assignments, written and oral examinations is used.
• The required range of modalities is used integratively to assess whether the specified outcomes have been achieved.
• Inductive and deductive reasoning takes place in a logical way to ensure reliability.
• The criterion used to assess outcomes is largely whether the information and conceptual content of work the student submits for evaluation or assessment is accurate and valid to demonstrate the indicated performances adequately.
• The candidate must demonstrate integration of learning by successfully completing an advanced research report, suitable for critical review and scientific publication, in the form of a thesis.
• The assessment used meets the standard and level of achievement for NQF Level 8a. The student's written and oral presentations must be of an acceptable standard in terms of use of Afrikaans or English language and the structural organisation of presentations.

Integrated Assessment

Evaluation will take place by means of continuous evaluation of assignments, tests and practical research reports, which can be in a written or oral format.

Coursework component

• 60 Credits at NQF Level 8.

The largest and qualifying component of the total evaluation will be a complete Master's thesis.

Research component

• 120 Credits at NQF Level 8.

Mode of instruction

Residential (contact)

Lectures, practicals, field courses, assignments, seminar presentations, contact assistance with thesis preparation.