Bachelor of Environmental Sciences
Human and Social Studies - General Social Science
Purpose and Rationale
Bachelor of Environmental Sciences
The Bachelor of Environmental Sciences aims to provide graduates with advanced knowledge, specific skills, and applied competence in the field of Environmental Science. Through this qualification, learners will be equipped to continue their personal intellectual growth, engage in gainful economic activities, and make rewarding contributions to society. Key objectives of the program include:
- Imparting scientific knowledge related to the environment and the importance of its management.
- Equipping learners with skills for evaluating and monitoring the environment and natural resources.
- Developing innovativeness and problem-solving competencies to address real-world environmental challenges.
- Promoting understanding, interpretation, and implementation of national and international environmental policies.
- Fostering a professional culture where scientific experts collaborate with local communities on environmental and resource conservation projects.
Rationale
The rationale behind the Bachelor of Environmental Sciences program is to train graduates who have a deep understanding of environmental science and can effectively manage various environmental aspects such as pollution, water resources, industrial disturbances, and agricultural land practices. Graduates will play a crucial role in ensuring sustainable environmental management practices. This qualification will produce Environmental Scientists in Southern Africa who possess a comprehensive understanding of atmospheric interactions, supported by knowledge in geography, evolution, biology, and ecology.
Furthermore, the program is designed to meet the specific needs of learners pursuing careers in environmental science and technology, as well as the diverse competencies required across different employment sectors. The qualification will contribute significantly to the availability of Environmental Scientists in South Africa, enhancing the country's leadership in innovative economic and scholarly activities. Graduates will enter the workforce well-prepared to engage in research and practical applications of theoretical and experimental environmental science, bolstered by increased self-confidence.
Outcomes
- Show understanding of the place of environmental sciences in human endeavour and have a basic knowledge of the philosophy and ethics of environmental sciences.
- Demonstrate a conceptual understanding of geological prospecting, location, evaluation, exploration and beneficiation of geological resources, fundamental in the mining industry environment, sustainable development, environmental assessment, and integrated environmental management.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the theoretical background in the core aspects of Hydrogeology and Water Resources.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
- Identify common environmental resources and discuss their usage.
- Discuss processes of geologic formation of rock and mineral resources.
- Describe extraction methods and identify different types of mining.
- Describe geologic materials as energy resources and categorize them as renewable or non-renewable.
- Plan and execute large and small mine programs.
- Implement mining and rehabilitation of mined land.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- Demonstrate knowledge of theoretical aspects of geological exploration and deposit location.
- Discuss theoretical aspects of mining and surveying.
- Demonstrate knowledge of theoretical aspects of mining equipment and criteria for correct selection.
- Describe theoretical aspects of environmental assessment and integrated environmental management.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Describe roles, processes, and effects of streams and groundwater.
- Model processes involved in Earth's hydrologic cycle.
- Identify and describe channel types and sedimentary loads in rivers and streams.
- Describe critical components of groundwater and various geologic features associated with it.
Integrated Assessment:
- Thesis presentation internally and externally examined.
- Formative assessment through individual or small group exercises.
- Summative assessment includes short class tests, major tests, and end-of-semester exams.
- Semester mark contributes 60% to the final mark, while the exam mark contributes 40%.
- A pass requires an aggregate of 50%.
- Written field report in the fourth year tests practical application of skills.
Qualification Details
- Type
- National First Degree
- NQF Level
- 07
- Min. Credits
- 360
- 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.