Postgraduate Diploma in Geology

The Postgraduate Diploma in Geology is a professional qualification on Level 8. The purpose of this qualification is to provide learners with further knowledge, skills and advanced competencies in the fields of Mining and Exploration Geology, Geophysics, Hydrogeology and Engineering Geology. The learner, as a geologist, will be able to apply qualitative and quantitative geological principles of analysis using sophisticated methods and current technologies to propose and design solutions to earth science problems. Qualifying learners will also be furnished with such values and attitudes which enable them to function independently and as part of a team in various earth sciences environments. The qualification will further equip learners with research skills to allow them to solve geological problems in a scientific manner. This will allow the learners to contribute innovatively towards economic and social transformation. Upon successful completion of the qualification, the learner will be able to articulate vertically to a Master of Science in Geology, Level 9.

The qualifying learner will be able to

• Understand, apply and evaluate the key terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories of Applied Engineering Geology, Mineral Exploration, Mining Geology, and Hydrogeology Contexts.
• Analyse, interpret, and communicate technical information within and outside one's specific discipline or occupation.
• Investigate the impact of groundwater influences on mining activities and the construction of civil structures.
• Design and carry out geochemical sampling for an ore body.
• Design the appropriate geophysical technique to investigate any given ore body.
• Design and carry out sampling for civil engineering geology projects.
• Design and manage sampling and exploration programmes.
• Carry out groundwater flow and mass transport modelling.
• Carry out ore reserve modelling.
• Take a geological problem and formulate a research proposal and carry out scientific research to solve the problem.

Rationale

South Africa is a land of geological superlatives known to have world-class deposits of minerals such as gold, platinum, iron ore and diamonds. Continued mining over the past century has resulted in the need to develop geological technologists with skills that allow exploration for complex and hidden mineral resources using the most recent technology. The qualification provides learners with cutting edge techniques in groundwater modelling, geophysical techniques, mining geology and exploration geology. As geologists, the learners, will possess sound theoretical knowledge combined with practical application in the field of Geology.

Water is a scarce resource in South Africa. There is therefore a need to develop human capacity to explore alternative sources of water. Groundwater provides a viable alternative water source for mining, agricultural and domestic use. The qualification provides learners with hydrogeological knowledge that allows them to explore and manage groundwater resources.

The social and economic development of South Africa is closely associated with the construction of major civil structures such as railway lines, buildings, dams, power stations and roads. All these developments require highly skilled and versatile engineering geologists. The qualification has a strong engineering geology component that prepares learners for the construction industry.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

The institutional policy on Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is followed. Learners need to apply for RPL and each application will be handled on an individual basis.

Learners with at least 5 years work experience in a related geological environment may be considered provided they possess at least National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 5 Mathematics and Physics and an equivalent of NQF 7 in Geology.

Learners with at least 5 years' work experience in a related geological environment may be considered for admission to the qualification provided they possess at least Mathematics at NQF Level 5 and Physics and Geology at NQF 7.

Entry Requirements.

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Advanced Diploma in Geology, Level 7.

Or

• Bachelor of Science in Geology, Level 7.

This qualification consists of compulsory modules at NQF Level 8 totalling 120 Credit.

Compulsory Modules

• Engineering Geology V, 20 Credits.
• Geophysics V, 20 Credits.
• Hydrogeology V, 20 Credits.
• Mining and Exploration Geology V, 20 Credits.
• Research Project, 40 Credits.

1. Demonstrate knowledge of Geology, Geophysics, Hydrogeology, Mining and Exploration, Mining and Exploration Geology, Engineering Geology, aquifer characterisation, and geophysics.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of a range of methods of advanced Geophysics, Hydrogeology and Mining and Exploration Geology and their suitability to specific and complex investigations.
3. Solve problems in geology.
4. Identify and address ethical issues based on critical reflection on the suitability of different ethical value systems in geology such as South African Mineral Resource Committee (SAMREC) and Joint Ore Reserves Committee (JORC).
5. Access, process, generate, critically review and manage information, and interrogate multiple sources of knowledge in specialised fields of Geology, Geophysics, engineering geology, hydrogeology mining and exploration geology in order to develop appropriate modelling and research responses to problems and issues.
6. Produce and communicate information.
7. Operate within, lead and manage a team in geological exploration programmes, mining environments and construction sites.
8. Apply, in a self-critical manner, learning strategies, which effectively address own professional and on-going learning needs.
9. Take full responsibility for own work, decision-making and use of resources based on conclusions from sound geological modelling and research.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Apply and evaluate the knowledge and methodology of thee disciplines and techniques.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the theories.
• Formulate research objectives and design the methodology to solve the problem.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Select, develop and apply suitable sampling, drilling and modelling methods to resolve problems.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Demonstrate an ability to use a range of specialised modelling and research skills to identify, analyse and address complex and abstract problems in Geology.
• Draw systematically on the body of knowledge and methods appropriate to fields such as geophysics, engineering geology, hydrogeology, mining geology and exploration geology to address problems.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Ethical issues in geology are identified and addressed.
• Ethical value systems in geology such as South African Mineral Resource Committee (SAMREC) and Joint Ore Reserves Committee (JORC) are analysed in terms of current and local ethical issues.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Use the results of modelling and research to lead teams in carrying out exploration programmes, improve mining activities and construction work.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Present and communicate academic and occupational ideas related to various geological fields, effectively to a range of audiences.
• Offer creative insights, rigorous interpretations and solutions to problems appropriate to the context.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Team leadership attributes are understood and applied.
• Operate as a member of a team.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8

• Identify own learning needs.
• Identify the professional and on-going learning needs of others under his leadership.

Associated Assessment for Exit Level Outcome 9

• Take full accountability for the decisions and actions of others under own leadership.

Integrated Assessment

Formative Assessment will be used to inform learners about their progress on a continuous basis throughout the course of study. Self and peer assessment (with the aid of relevant analytical assessment tools) will contribute to formative assessment. Marks collected from this evidence may be recorded for promotional purposes or may be used for the sole purpose of learner and lecturer reflection, growth and development. Formative Assessment will be used to support the learner developmentally and to provide feedback to all involved in the learning process about how teaching and learning can be improved. Throughout the qualification, formative assessment strategies will be used to ensure that exit Level and critical cross-field outcomes are achieved.

Summative Assessment refers to assessment that takes place at the end of a learning experience. Information is gathered about a student's level of competence upon completion of a unit, module or programme. Results are expressed in marks in terms of the Level of competence achieved, with regard to level descriptors, specific outcomes and assessment standards. Summative Assessment can be conducted on a continuous basis throughout a learning experience in order to make judgements about student achievement.