Bachelor of Science Honours in Geography
Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences - Life Sciences
Purpose and Rationale
Purpose: The purpose of this honours qualification in Geography is to equip a student with scientific knowledge and expertise at the forefront of the field, enabling innovative problem-solving from a value-driven perspective, continued personal intellectual development, value-added economic activity, and rewarding contributions to the community. Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of various research methods, methodologies, and skills, select, apply and transfer appropriate procedures, processes, and techniques to solve unfamiliar problems, critically review the information gathering process, synthesize data, and develop creative responses to problems. The programme will also provide practical training essential for functioning as a professional natural scientist and prepare students for further academic study and research by providing the required knowledge, skills, and insight to develop as researchers on a high academic level.
Rationale: There is a shortage of well-trained, critically thinking natural scientists in South Africa capable of independent, high-quality research. This qualification aims to address this shortage by providing graduates in the natural sciences with research skills and tools to undertake advanced research in Geography under expert guidance. These graduates will contribute to broadening the local leadership base for innovative, knowledge-based economic and scholarly activity. Additionally, the qualification aims to provide students with the necessary knowledge, specific skills, applied competence, and professional attitude in Geography to promote personal intellectual growth, gainful economic activity, and impactful contributions to society.
Outcomes
- Demonstrate integrated and advanced knowledge of and engagement in Geography and understand the theories, research methodologies, methods and techniques relevant to this field of study as well as be able to apply this knowledge to research in the forefront of Geography.
- Demonstrate the ability to interrogate multiple sources of knowledge in Geography and as an individual and/or in teams evaluate knowledge and processes of knowledge production and integration.
- Demonstrate the ability to use a range of specialised skills to identify, analyse and address complex or abstract problems drawing systematically on the body of knowledge and methods appropriate to this field of study.
- Critically review information gathering, synthesis of data, evaluation and management processes in specialised contexts in order to develop creative responses to problems and issues.
- Produce and communicate information by effectively presenting and communicating academic and professional or occupational ideas and texts to a range of audiences, offering creative insights, meaningful interpretations and solutions to problems and issues appropriate to geography and environmental science.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the role of natural sciences in society, appreciate the fundamentals of lifelong learning and understand both the professional and ethical basis of scientific enquiry.
Assessment Criteria
The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be assessed in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes:
-
Demonstrate a systematic and integrated knowledge and understanding of, and an ability to analyse, evaluate and apply the fundamental terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories.
-
Apply appropriate discipline-related methods of scientific inquiry and independently validate, evaluate and manage sources of information.
-
Demonstrate critical reflection on, and understanding and application of, appropriate methods or practices to resolve complex discipline-related problems and thereby introduce change within related practice.
-
Demonstrate professional and ethical behaviour within an academic and discipline-related environment with sensitivity towards societal and cultural considerations.
-
Effectively communicate scientific understanding and own opinions/ideas in written or oral arguments, using appropriate discipline-related and academic discourse as well as technology.
-
Demonstrate effective functioning as a member and/or leader of a team or a group in scientific projects or investigations, with self-directed management of learning activities and responsibility for own learning progress.
Integrated Assessment:
- Formative Assessment: Class tests, homework, written assignments, report writing, practicals, class discussions, semester tests.
Formative or continuous assessment serves as a monitoring instrument to enable students to determine their progress in the learning process and to enable lecturers to determine the effectiveness of their teaching. This will also enable lecturers to make timely adjustments to ensure that the teaching and learning process is more effective.
- Summative Assessment: Written exam papers and oral presentations.
Summative assessment serves to determine whether the students have achieved the different module and exit level outcomes.
Qualification Details
- Type
- Honours Degree
- NQF Level
- 08
- Min. Credits
- 120
- SAQA Source
- More Information
Education Cost Calculator
This page includes information from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) . Builtneat Pty Ltd trading as Study Start, has modified all or some of this information. SAQA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.