Advanced Diploma in Marine Science
Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences - Life Sciences
Purpose and Rationale
Qualification Overview
Purpose: This qualification aims to empower learners with the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values needed to excel in the workplace, particularly in the marine and related industries/sectors. It focuses on equipping learners with theoretical knowledge, practical proficiency, and competencies in marine science and technology to establish successful careers. Additionally, it emphasizes the management of marine and coastal resources, marine technology, data management, operational oceanography, and research methodology.
Rationale: The marine sector in South Africa is rapidly expanding, creating a demand for qualified personnel to manage Marine Protected Areas, implement new legislation, and address environmental conservation. This qualification addresses these needs by providing training in ecological, biological, scientific research, and technological knowledge required for effective marine resource management. It aligns with current industry changes, emphasizing oceanographic data management, climate change, marine ecophysiology, genetics, and research techniques. The qualification bridges the skills gap in marine technical and conservation fields, enhancing employability and productivity.
Research Component: A key emphasis of this qualification is marine science research, essential for evidence-based marine resource management. The research project enhances learners' research skills and serves as preparation for advanced studies. While workplace-based learning is not compulsory, learners have the option to conduct their research project within their workplace for practical application.
Industry Collaboration: This qualification fosters partnerships between academia, businesses, government agencies, and non-profit organizations to enhance the delivery of the qualification and provide practical experience opportunities for learners.
This qualification is pivotal in preparing learners for successful careers in the marine industry, addressing industry demands, and promoting sustainable management of marine and coastal resources.
Outcomes
- Demonstrate competence in the use and interpretation of the tools of the maritime industry, such as charts, satellite photography and oceanographic data.
- Demonstrate competence in the use of instrumentation and techniques, in laboratory, shipboard and field-based contexts, for the acquisition of data from the marine and coastal environment.
- Manage marine and coastal natural resources through the application of knowledge of the composition, structure, biota and dynamic functioning of the marine and coastal environment.
- Apply the relevant principles, policies and legislation to manage human activities in the marine and coastal environment.
- Implement and make use of monitoring and research in the marine and coastal environment.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1
- Interpret and utilise the most significant features on a navigational chart or satellite photograph.
- Access and summarise relevant oceanographic information and present a seminar and/ or write a scientific report (with correct referencing) on a relevant topic.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2
- Plan a suitable field project.
- Know and interpret health and safety regulations relevant to laboratory and field work.
- Demonstrate the ability to use relevant laboratory equipment.
- Demonstrate the ability to use relevant sampling techniques for field work.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3
- Write scientifically rigorous reports, oral presentations and tests.
- Demonstrate knowledge of various management strategies/principles of marine resources and marine ecosystems.
- Make effective and relevant decisions as a manager of a marine protected area or coastal environment.
- Apply knowledge of marine and coastal ecosystem structure and function to manage coastal environments in a sustainable manner.
- Apply internationally accepted methods of coastal monitoring and research in a range of contexts (long-term monitoring to pollution disasters) to solve pollution related problems.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4
- Write a scientifically valid and industry acceptable report that identifies a management issue/problem that is within your area of work.
- Identify the key stakeholders in the decision-making process.
- Write a synthesis document on the issue that can be distributed to all the stakeholders that will be part of the decision making process on how to deal with the problem/issue.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5
- Plan and execute a research project that includes the following:
- Research proposal.
- Written scientific report in a recognised journal format.
- Collection of data.
- Analysis and discussion of data collected.
- Oral presentation of research in scientific conference format.
- Post presentation of research in scientific conference format.
Integrated Assessment
- Continuous assessment will be used in all subjects.
- It comprises regular assessment, both formative and summative, with a final summative assessment.
- Benefits include measuring a learner's achievement, supporting development, and enabling improvements in the learning and teaching process.
- All subjects have formative and summative components.
Assessment Criteria
- Project write-up assessing the learner's ability to apply management principles to case studies.
- Tutorials and practicals indicating the learner's ability to apply conservation and sustainability principles and manage marine and coastal resources to mitigate impacts of climate change.
- Presentation of case studies to assess learner's ability to communicate with stakeholders.
Formative Assessment
- Classroom exercises (tutorials) on case studies of coastal and marine challenges.
- Reviews of current decisions made regarding management of coastal and marine resources.
- Oral presentations on scenarios and case studies.
Summative Assessment
- Tutorials and practicals.
- Presentations.
- Assignments and tests.
Qualification Details
- Type
- Advanced Diploma
- NQF Level
- 07
- Min. Credits
- 120
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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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.