Master of Science: Nature Conservation

Purpose

Students who qualify from the Master of Science: Nature Conservation will be able to use a wide range of specialised skills in identifying, conceptualising, designing and implementing research projects that address complex and challenging problems within the field of conservation. Qualified students will be able to work as researchers in various conservation fields including resource management, ecology and environmental education.

The qualification aims to contribute to the conservation field by developing researchers who can apply specialised research knowledge and skills in order to enhance an understanding of conservation issues and their management applications. It strives to promote sustainable utilisation of natural resources to the benefit of both humans and the natural environment.

Rationale

By global standards, Southern Africa has an impressive network of natural areas, which preserve enormous numbers of plant and animal species in a great diversity of habitats. These habitats consist of complex ecosystems within which a balance exists between the interactions of the living and the non-living components in urban and rural areas. As the human population increased over time, the demand for land for housing and agriculture increased together with the demand for more food and water. Climate change places additional pressure on these natural resources which poses unprecedented challenges for conservation research and management. There is a limit to resources available and it increasingly becomes important that the use of natural resources is optimised without them being destroyed. The continued existence of species (including humans) and resources can only be guaranteed through the correct management and conservation of the habitat. In order to optimise the sustainable use and conservation of natural resources in a continuously changing environment, it is also required that applied ecological research is conducted to ascertain different management and/or development strategies.

This qualification will contribute to addressing these challenges by producing researchers who can use a wide range of specialised skills in identifying, conceptualising, designing and implementing research projects that address complex and challenging problems within the field of conservation. The qualification will develop students' research skills and their specialist knowledge in a particular conservation field.

Qualified students could apply their research skills in various conservation fields including resource management, ecology and environmental education. They could be employed by government, NGO's, specialist companies, the private sector and tertiary education institutions.

The Master of Science in Nature Conservation will benefit individuals as well as support economic development. Further, through its emphasis on environmental awareness and conservation issues, it has the potential to play a role in promoting positive human-nature interaction.

It is assumed that students enrolling are already competent in the various areas of knowledge and skills as required for an NQF Level 8 qualification.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition may be granted for non-formal prior learning. The Recognition of Prior Learning process will be conducted according to UNISA's Recognition of Prior Learning policy and may involve, among other things, the submission of portfolios with evidence of prior learning, challenge examinations, and interviews with assessment panels. Students may be admitted if they, through a Recognition of Prior Learning process, can show that they have the requisite level of knowledge and skills.

Access to the qualification

The Master of Science: Nature Conservation will be accessible to students who have completed the Post-graduate Diploma: Nature Conservation at UNISA a cognate Bachelor of Technology (as offered prior to the implementation of the current HEQF), or a cognate qualification at NQF Level 8.

Students who are judged to have an insufficient grounding in research skills may be required to complete one or more research related modules.

Students may be admitted if they, through a Recognition of Prior Learning process, can show that they have the requisite level of knowledge and skills.

The qualification consists of two compulsory components, namely

• Fundamental: 24 credits (Research Proposal MPCAE91).
• Core: 156 credits (Research thesis).

1. Design a scientific research proposal within an area of specialisation in the field of nature conservation.
2. Conduct a scientific research project in the field of nature conservation.
3. Produce a scientific research dissertation in the field of nature conservation.

Critical Cross-Field Outcomes

The following Critical Cross-Field Outcomes will be promoted by this qualification

- Identify and solve problems and make decisions using critical and creative thinking

> The students will practise critical thinking and solve problems in identifying, conceptualising, designing and implementing research projects that address complex and challenging problems within the field of conservation.

- Work effectively with others as members of a team, group, organisation and community

> Research involved in the qualification will be undertaken in collaboration with the supervisor and relevant stakeholders in the research project.

- Organise and manage themselves and their activities responsibly and effectively

> The qualification will require students to manage research autonomously and professionally to sustain independent learning.

- Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information

> Undertaking a complex research project will require students to carry out comprehensive data collection, analysis and evaluation.

- Communicate effectively using visual, symbolic and and/or language skills in various modes

> The writing of a dissertation will require the use of professional discourse in the area of specialisation in line with the standards of scholarly writing and presentation.

• Use science and technology effectively and critically showing responsibility towards the environment and the health of others:

> The research will support a responsible approach to the environment in accordance with the current ethical policies of UNISA.

• Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation:

> Principles from a variety of disciplines and technologies will be applied in an integrated way when planning and conducting a research project.

- Reflect on and explore a variety of strategies to learn more effectively

> The qualification will encourage the development of autonomous learning and the application of advanced learning strategies in collecting, synthesising, evaluating, interpreting information and formulating conclusions and recommendations.

- Participate as responsible citizens in the life of local, national and global communities

> The research will promote responsible environmental citizenship through recommendations made during the research and the relaying of results to stakeholders concerned.

- Be culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts

> The research will be planned and executed in accordance with the ethical policies and procedures of UNISA. This requires cultural and social sensitivity.

- Explore education and career opportunities

> An awareness is promoted of opportunities for further learning as well as career advancement.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

1.1 A feasible research topic within the field of nature conservation is identified.

1.2 The research problem is appropriately formulated to address an issue that will contribute to the knowledge field of nature conservation.

1.3 The research proposal includes a clear description of the problem situation.

1.4 A comprehensive search of scientific literature that is relevant to the topic is conducted and is used to inform the research proposal.

1.5 The proposal includes an appropriate research design and a practical and feasible research plan.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

2.1 Sufficient data is collected using suitable methodologies and research techniques as approved in the research proposal.

2.2 Data is analysed using appropriate data analyses and is suitably interpreted.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

3.1 The research dissertation is clear and coherent and contains a problem statement, a literature review, a description of the research design, results, discussion and recommendations.

3.2 Conclusions are drawn that follow logically from a reasonable interpretation of the data.

3.3 Recommendations for further action and research are made that are appropriate and based on the research data.

Integrated Assessment

An integrated assessment of the main outcomes of the qualification is conducted in the research project according to the UNISA assessment policy. The activities involved in completing the qualification will integrate knowledge, skills and relevant values in the conservation field.

All assessment will meet the criteria of the relevant UNISA policies and procedures including external assessment.