Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science
Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences - Environmental Sciences
Purpose and Rationale
Qualification Overview
Purpose:
The purpose of the qualification is to provide learners with a firm grounding in the environmental sciences from which they can start to specialize in:
- Environmental science with environmental biology and ecology
- Geography with Geography Information System (GIS)
- Water management
Agriculture, the environment, and conservation are important focus areas for the economy, yet they are under threat from pollution, mining demands, climate change, and land reformation. Graduates from this qualification will be equipped to work in these fields and contribute to sustainability efforts.
The qualification offers a broad foundation in environmental sciences, including environmental science, environmental biology, environmental law, and earth science in the first year. This is supported by numeracy, computer literacy, and academic literacy. In the second and third years, learners can choose one of the three streams mentioned above.
By making environmental science the required major subject, learners will gain a strong understanding of the role of people in the environment. They will possess relevant skills and knowledge, understand the nature of science and knowledge creation, be independent learners, capable of answering research questions, and have advanced communication skills. The curriculum exposes learners to inter and transdisciplinary thinking.
Rationale:
The demand for environmental science professionals is increasing due to population growth, industrialization, agriculture intensification, and climate change. The qualification ensures that learners spend three years studying environmental science, focusing on transdisciplinary thinking and research to address socio-ecological system complexities.
Learners can choose a co-major from three streams:
- Environmental science with environmental biology and ecology
- Environmental science with geography
- Environmental science with water management
The environmental biology stream emphasizes ecology and the shaping of ecosystems by biotic and abiotic factors. Learners in this stream will be prepared to work at the intersection of conservation and environmental science.
The geography stream focuses on developing GIS and remote sensing skills applicable to environmental science, aiding in environmental and development planning.
The water management stream equips learners with specialized knowledge in water science and management, preparing them for roles in environmental water management.
Graduates will be ready for various fields, with many opting to pursue further research-based qualifications.
Outcomes
- 1.
- Integrate knowledge and skills from the major study fields (major subjects) and use the additional knowledge and skills provided by the support subjects. 1.
- Demonstrate a deep understanding of the theories and principles that underpin the two major subjects and of environmental sciences in general. 1.
- Appreciate the interrelated nature of knowledge fields.
- 2.
- Understand the contested nature of knowledge within the social and environmental sciences, and that knowledge advances through research. 2.
- Test and challenge dogma and be familiar with the academic literacies and discourses of the social-ecological studies.
- Method and procedure and problem-solving. 3.
- Undertake small projects in first and second year and two substantial original research projects in the third year. 3.
- Identify problems, select tan appropriate research method from a range of methods, collect and analyse data, and in scientific communication.
- Incorporate ethics component in which learners will be required to consider any ethical implications of the research and respond accordingly. 5: Access, process, and manage information in the environmental sciences.
- 6.
- Emphasise the connectedness of social and ecological systems. 6.
- Apply knowledge under varying contexts by working in familiar and unfamiliar contexts and experiences.
- Become independent learners and take responsibility for their learning and development.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes:
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Incorporation of Major Subject Knowledge: Ensure that all assignments reflect in-depth knowledge of the major subject. Demonstrate a high level of understanding in two independent research projects and all assignments by integrating knowledge from major and support subjects.
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Familiarity with Academic Discourse: Demonstrate increasing familiarity with academic discourse in social-ecological and environmental sciences through written work.
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Research Skills: Formulate research questions, choose appropriate methodologies, gather, analyze, and synthesize data, and present findings in both written and verbal formats.
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Ethical Considerations: Address ethical considerations fully in research projects and assignments.
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Information Management and Communication: Collect and organize information from various sources, manage it effectively, and communicate the results clearly in both spoken and written forms. Utilize qualitative and quantitative tools for data analysis as needed.
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Understanding of Context: Demonstrate an understanding of how contexts differ and develop, moving confidently from the familiar to the unfamiliar.
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Accountability: Take full responsibility for contributions and be accountable for individual work.
Integrated Assessment:
- Purpose of Assessment: Assess learners' progress and achievement of stated outcomes.
- Formative and Summative Tools: Use a balanced mix of formative and summative assessment tools.
- Testing in First Year: Regular testing to monitor progress and identify areas of improvement. Encourage learners to use tests as a tool to assess their progress.
- Assessment Methods: Include tests, essays, assignments, oral seminar presentations, and final written reports for research projects.
Qualification Details
- Type
- National First Degree
- NQF Level
- 07
- Min. Credits
- 360
- 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.