Bachelor of Earth Sciences in Mining and Environmental Geology
Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology - Engineering and Related Design
Purpose and Rationale
Bachelor of Earth Sciences in Mining and Environmental Geology
Purpose
The Bachelor of Earth Sciences in Mining and Environmental Geology aims to provide professionals with the following competencies:
- Gain an integrated perspective of the Earth system and its evolution.
- Ability to design, execute, or collaborate in projects related to the prospection, evaluation, exploration, and exploitation of geological resources.
- Ability to plan and execute small mine programs.
- Collaborate on geotechnical engineering work.
- Participate in geo-environmental projects and work effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
- Acquire comprehensive knowledge to redirect their career path without significant skill loss.
- Obtain an integrated understanding of the environment, mineral resources, and maintain an ethical stance that respects health and safety principles at work.
Rationale
The program is designed to address the increasing need for skilled professionals in Mining, Geology, Environmental Sciences, Mine Surveying, and Rock Mechanics in the South African mining industry. These skills are crucial for identifying and exploiting mineral deposits safely, profitably, and sustainably while adhering to national and international safety standards.
The qualification aims to develop competencies in mining, geology, rock mechanics, surveying, and environmental sciences to ensure safe and efficient mining practices. It also aims to extend the lifespan of mines, increase mining industry employment opportunities, and enhance operational efficiencies.
Holders of this qualification will be competent professionals in various mining operations, including underground or surface mining, geological mapping, mineral processing, rock engineering, and geotechnical engineering. The program offers both theoretical knowledge and practical skills relevant to mining-related environments.
Benefits
- Justified recognition of skills and competencies in mining, geology, rock mechanics, surveying, and environmental sciences.
- Motivation for learners to further their skills and pursue careers in these fields.
- Recognition of prior learning for current degree holders in relevant fields.
- Contribution to the sustainability and competitiveness of the South African mining sector.
- Alignment with national Sustainable Development Strategy and health and safety standards in mining practices.
The Bachelor of Earth Sciences in Mining and Environmental Geology serves as an essential qualification to meet the demands of the mining industry and contribute to sustainable mining practices in South Africa.
Outcomes
- Demonstrate a comprehensive and systematic grasp of the discipline's body of knowledge, with specialist knowledge in the areas of geology, mining, surveying and related aspects of environmental sciences'.
- Communicate effectively with peers, in a variety of modes, in the subject of Chemical Science.
- Identify, assess, formulate and solve complex problems in geology, mining and closely related aspects in environmental sciences creatively, from the imparted their knowledge of the different domains of geology and mining.
- Demonstrate applied competence in the knowledge and skills, at geological, mining and environmental sciences knowledge and skills acquired can be applied to solve real problems of a chemical nature, either individually or as part of a team.
- Use of safe working practice in geological and mining fields.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
- Understand common processes of geologic formation of rock and mineral resources.
- Describe extraction methods and identify different types of mining.
- Categorize geologic materials as current or potential energy resources, renewable or non-renewable.
- Plan and execute large and small mine programmes.
- Implement mining and rehabilitation of mined land.
- Understand the economic contribution of mineral resources to the national economy.
- Understand the law of supply and demand.
- Demonstrate knowledge of geological exploration, location of deposits, mining, and surveying.
- Understand techniques used in groundwater resources exploration and management.
- Demonstrate knowledge of mining equipment and selection criteria.
- Understand environmental assessment and integrated environmental management.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- Prepare illustrative and interpretive scientific reports.
- Write and present mini-seminars.
- Participate effectively in oral presentations.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Contribute to personal development and societal development.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- Recognize problem-solving contexts as part of related systems.
- Solve problems individually and as part of a project team.
- Analyze, synthesize, present, and critically evaluate data and information using various analytical methods.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
- Use process skills to explore and extract mineral resources sustainably with minimal environmental impact.
- Support responsible decision-making in geological, mining, and environmental contexts.
- Understand ethical issues related to geological sciences.
Integrated Assessment:
- Assessment is essential for establishing competencies, critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and presentation skills.
- Formative assessment through individual or group exercises and short assignments.
- Summative assessment includes short class tests, major theory tests, and end-of-semester exams.
- Written field report in the fourth year tests practical application of skills in real-life situations.
- Thesis presentation internally and externally examined for qualification completion.
Qualification Details
- Type
- National First Degree(Min 480)
- NQF Level
- 08
- Min. Credits
- 480
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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