Durban University of Technology

Bachelor of the Built Environment in Geomatics

Physical Planning and Construction - Physical Planning Design and Management

Purpose and Rationale

Qualification:

Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Geomatics

Purpose:

  • The primary focus of this qualification is on industry-oriented knowledge areas in the discipline of geomatics.
  • It equips students with a strong knowledge base and skills applicable to various professional contexts in geomatics.
  • The aim is to facilitate further learning towards becoming a competent practicing engineering surveyor (technologist).
  • The qualification includes knowledge areas such as Mathematics, Physics, Surveying, Information Technology, Geo-spatial Information Science, and more.
  • It prepares students for specialized learning and development in traditional or emerging fields.

Rationale:

  • This qualification is designed to develop Engineering Surveyors (Technologists) with the necessary knowledge and attributes to work in industries like construction, land development, mining, and more.
  • Graduates are prepared to apply geomatics technologies to solve problems, provide leadership, and work independently with sound judgement.
  • They possess a deep understanding of the underlying sciences, along with financial, legal, and environmental knowledge.
  • This qualification enables registration as an engineering surveyor (technologist) with the relevant professional council, and serves as a foundation for further academic pursuits at higher levels.
  • The goal is to contribute to the economy, national development, and the advancement of the geomatics field.

Further Advancement:

  • Graduates can progress to Level 8 programs like Honours, Postgraduate Diplomas, Bachelor of Science (BSc) programs, Masters, and Doctoral programs for further academic growth and specialization.

Outcomes

  1. Apply knowledge of research theory and techniques to address the problems arising in surveying in urban or rural areas in contemporary South African society.
  2. Apply Geomatics theories and knowledge of surveying histories to the design, management and implementation of surveying methods to bring about positive change and societal benefits within human settlements.
  3. Apply, engage and reflect on complex issues and legislative contexts in order to inform processes to initiate, manage and control geomatics practices in the natural and built environment.
  4. Apply communication skills in retrieving and disseminating information. 5.Identify and respond to geomatics issues within the ethical boundaries of the geomatics profession, which encompasses an orientation to social justice, an appreciation of diversity and complexity of cultures and views, and the promotion of efficient resource use and sustainable development.
  5. Analyse the given context, apply policy and legislation requirements and integrated geomatics principles in complex environments, as these pertain to strategic planning, management and project management across governance scales.
  6. Apply scoping and surveying techniques and appropriate technologies to analyse sites and solve problems.
  7. Assist in optimising the sustainable use of resources within the built and natural environment.
  8. Apply professional conduct and ethical principles in undertaking any geomatics work.

Assessment Criteria

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

  • Apply research methods, planning principles, techniques, technology, and methodologies to diagnose and solve broadly defined planning problems and propose interventions.
  • Understand ethics related to the research process.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

  • Apply and interpret geomatics-related policy and regulations to geomatics context inclusive of informality.
  • Monitor land use and development by reviewing and interpreting geomatics legislation, methodologies, geomatics policies, and the trends within these.
  • Conceptualize and design geomatics plans at a range of scales in response to context and analysis.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

  • Understand spatial trends related to land use.
  • Apply geomatics legislation and policies appropriately.
  • Apply geomatics procedures and monitor the implications in the public interest.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

  • Apply written communication skills in report writing, correspondence, and geomatics.
  • Apply oral communication skills in dealing with inquiries from clients, public, and colleagues.
  • Apply graphic presentation skills to assist and inform clients, public, and colleagues in geomatics-related matters.
  • Apply communicative skills in engaging with stakeholders and in retrieving and disseminating information.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

  • Manage community participation through identifying community dynamics and applying community participation techniques and facilitating a process around capacity building.
  • Apply knowledge of integrated development principles in all geomatics-related work.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

  • Understand the horizontal and vertical relationships between policies, legislation, geomatics processes, plans, projects, and implementation.
  • Prepare a project scope using sound management principles and techniques.
  • Understand the basic principles of strategic planning and be able to apply this knowledge in an integrated geomatics process.
  • Understand and be able to apply performance criteria and assessment frameworks.
  • Collaborate as part of a team.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

  • Use geographically referenced data to analyze sites and solve geo-spatial related problems using appropriate Computer-aided design (CAD) and Geographic Information System (GIS) and statistical software packages.
  • Apply various observational techniques to data analysis.
  • Prepare and conduct field surveys, literature and data surveys, and socio-economic surveys.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems.
  • Apply sustainable principles to geomatics-related interventions.
  • Understand the limits to resources and implications to geomatics.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:

  • Exercise a leadership role in practice.
  • Act professionally when undertaking any geomatics work.
  • Respect the interaction between engineering surveying technicians, professional land surveyors, and other professionals.
  • Uphold the ethics and value of professionals in the geomatics field.

Integrated Assessment:

  • Assessment practices must be open, transparent, fair, valid, and reliable.
  • Learning, teaching, and assessment are interwoven.
  • Assessment of fundamental aspects will be integrated with other aspects.
  • A variety of methods will be used in assessment, appropriate to the context.
  • Simulations, case studies, role-plays, and other techniques will be used where workplace assessment is not possible.
  • Theoretical and practical components will be assessed together.
  • Continuous assessment will be provided through various methods such as portfolios, simulations, written assignments, case studies, etc.
  • Assessors will give credit for evidence of learning acquired through formal, informal, and non-formal learning and work experience.

Qualification Details

Type
National First Degree
NQF Level
07
Min. Credits
420
SAQA Source
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Durban University of Technology
Description
Durban University of Technology (DUT) is a public university located in Durban, South Africa. It was established in 2002 through the merger of Technikon Natal and ML Sultan Technikon. DUT offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines including engineering, business, health sciences, arts and design, and applied sciences. The university is known for its focus on practical and career-oriented education, providing students with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in their chosen fields. DUT also has strong industry partnerships and collaborations, ensuring that its graduates are well-prepared for the job market.

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.