Master of Science in Water Supply, Sanitation and Management

Purpose

The purpose of the Master of Science in Water Supply, Sanitation and Management is to provide learners with interdisciplinary knowledge, practical skills, and high quality research mini-dissertation that will enable them to meet the current and future challenges in the water sector. Overall, this qualification will allow successful learners to fill the skill shortage with municipal, water boards, industrial stakeholders or innovate and pursue their own entrepreneurial goals via starting their own Small and Medium Enterprises (SME's).

The qualification will develop learners who can contribute to the development of knowledge in Water Supply, Sanitation and Management, either at one of South Africa's universities, municipalities, or at an industry. Qualifying learners should be able to systematically analyse complex issues, make recommendations using data and information at their disposal and communicate their conclusions clearly.

Qualifying learners will be given sufficient business and management skills to enable them to be entrepreneurial in operating their own small businesses or work in industry. Qualifying learners who wish to continue their formal education will be able to proceed to a Doctorate in a related area.

The qualifying learner will be able to conduct independent research under minimal guidance in the field of Water Supply, Sanitation and Management and will be able to contribute to knowledge production in this field.

Rationale

The rationale for this qualification is to alleviate the need in water research in South Africa as a water scarce country. This means that the limited water resources available for consumer, commercial or industrial use must be managed carefully. To address this need, the 'old way' of doing things cannot be maintained. New innovative and practical solutions that take into account the water cycle must be developed, and the human resources with the key and necessary skill sets must be trained to address these challenges.

Water supply, sanitation, and management is a comprehensive qualification that looks at the complete water cycle as it pertains to the built and natural environment. Problems in the industry include emerging organic pollutants, persistent organic pollutants, inorganic pollutants, microbial pollutants, ageing infrastructure, dams with unacceptable high rate of water loss, threatened or disappearing water sheds, poor or inadequate waste water treatment plants, and old drinking water treatment plants. Some of these problems could be addressed if there were people trained to understand how all these problems are linked, and how they may change with time. Municipalities, water boards, and industrial stakeholders are aware of the need to address all of these current and growing problems. However, a key stumbling block is the lack of graduates with a holistic training and understanding of the water cycle problem. One of the key objectives behind the qualification is to combine the coursework and a mini-dissertation, which will allow for the effective transfer of new skills and knowledge, but at the same time include the strength of a Research and Development component. Thus this qualification seeks to address this gap.

The qualification is structured in a multidisciplinary manner, allowing for collaboration on research projects across multiple disciplines, and enabling learners to gain experience on instrumentation and techniques available across disciplines. This unique mode of offering is being driven by the Department of Water and Sanitation Affairs (DWSA) and Municipalities, to service the needs of South Africa through national water strategy (policy).

Qualifying learners will be able to systematically analyse complex issues, make recommendations using data and information at their disposal and communicate their conclusions clearly. Qualifying learners will be given business and management skills to enable them to be entrepreneurial in operating their own small businesses or work in industry and municipalities across the country.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution accepts Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) as an integral part of education and academic practice. It is acknowledged that all learning has value and the institution accepts the challenge to assess prior learning and status will be given for credits that are aligned to the learning outcomes of the programme and to promote lifelong learning.

The Institutional RPL policy will be applied. Through RPL, a learner may gain access, or advanced placement, or recognition of status.

Entry Requirements

The minimum admission requirement is

- A Bachelor of Science Honours Degree, NQF Level 8 with a specialisation in one or more of the following

> Chemistry.

> Physics.

> Engineering.

> Geography.

> Biological Sciences.

> Health Sciences.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 9, 180 Credits

• Water and Wastewater Treatment Technology, 14 Credits.
• Water Quality Monitoring, 12 Credits.
• Microbiology of Water, 12 Credits.
• Health, Sanitation and Wastewater Management, 12 Credits.
• Surface and Groundwater Hydrology, 8 Credits.
• Water Source Engineering, 8 Credits.
• Emergency Water Supply and Environmental Sanitation, 8 Credits.
• Water and Community Development, 8 Credits.
• Managing and Financing of Water, 8 Credits.
• Mini-dissertation, 90 Credits.

1. Apply the relevant procedures and technologies in order to assess, treat and manage water and wastewater treatment and appropriate techniques suggested.
2. Apply the principles, proven techniques and specialised skills required for the promotion of water and wastewater treatment.
3. Apply pertinent knowledge of water and wastewater treatment and the microbiological aspects in terms of health and sanitation management.
4. Demonstrate appropriate communication skills for personal and professional development within an environmental and health context and apply the principles of ethics within a multi-cultural and international context.
5. Acquire knowledge of the entrepreneurial design, construction and maintenance sciences and professional practices relevant to water supply, sanitation and management.
6. Critically use and interrogate multiple sources of literature in order to develop and contribute towards research output in the field of Water supply, sanitation and management and to continue with lifelong learning and become a reflective practitioner.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Demonstrate understanding of the principles and applications of water and wastewater treatment in theory and practical solutions.
• Implement relevant procedures and technologies in order to assess, treat and manage water and wastewater treatment and appropriate techniques suggested.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Implement principles, proven techniques and specialised skills required for the promotion of water and wastewater treatment in authentic conditions.
• Discuss the principles, proven techniques and specialised skills in water and wastewater treatment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Demonstrate pertinent knowledge of water and wastewater treatment and the microbiological aspects in terms of health and sanitation management can be demonstrated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Apply effective communication skills for personal and professional development in an environmental and health context.
• Implement the principles of ethics within a multi-cultural and international context.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Apply entrepreneurial design, construction and maintenance sciences and professional practices in relevant to water supply, sanitation and management.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Apply multiple sources of literature to develop and contribute towards research output in the field of Water supply, sanitation and management and to continue with.
• Analyse variety of sources of literature related to the water supply, sanitation and management.

Integrated Assessment

Assessment of the qualification's learning outcomes forms an integral part of the teaching and learning process of the Master's' qualification. The assessment of all modules is in line with the university's teaching and learning policy, including assessment guidelines.

The coursework aspect of this qualification will include a number of Formative and Summative Assessment opportunities, including assignments, tutorials, tests, presentations, and other assessment opportunities that include a number of online evaluations.

A final summative evaluation for each module will be conducted at the end of the semester.