Advanced Diploma in Geology
Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology - Fabrication and Extraction
Purpose and Rationale
Purpose:
The purpose of the Advanced Diploma in Geology is to provide learners with further knowledge, skills, and competencies in the fields of mining and exploration geology, geophysics, hydrogeology, and engineering geology. The aim is for learners to become geological technologists capable of applying qualitative and quantitative geological principles of analysis, utilizing sophisticated methods and current technologies to propose and design solutions to earth science problems. Additionally, qualified learners will develop values and attitudes that enable them to work independently and as part of a team in various earth sciences environments. The qualification will also equip learners with research skills to participate in exploration, mining, construction, and development teams, contributing innovatively towards economic and social transformation. Upon completion, learners should be able to:
- Apply general geological knowledge in problem-solving
- Evaluate and apply geological techniques in mining and exploration geology, geophysics, hydrogeology, and engineering geology
- Write and present geological reports
- Demonstrate self-discipline and attention to detail
- Demonstrate and apply necessary research skills in the earth sciences research environment
- Manage and execute earth sciences fieldwork qualifications
Rationale:
South Africa is known for hosting world-class mineral deposits such as gold, platinum, iron ore, and diamonds. Continued mining activities have emphasized the necessity of developing geological technologists equipped with skills to explore complex and hidden mineral resources using cutting-edge technology. The Advanced Diploma in Geology offers learners advanced techniques in mining and exploration geology and geophysical methods. Qualified learners will have the theoretical knowledge and practical experience required to excel in the field of Geology. Water scarcity is a significant issue in South Africa, highlighting the importance of developing the capacity to explore alternative water sources. Groundwater, in particular, serves as a viable alternative for various sectors including mining, agriculture, and domestic use. This qualification imparts hydrogeological knowledge to learners, enabling them to explore and manage groundwater effectively. The social and economic progress of South Africa is closely linked with the construction of vital civil structures like railway lines, buildings, dams, power stations, and roads. These projects demand highly skilled engineering geology technologists. The Advanced Diploma includes a robust engineering geology component to prepare graduates for careers in the construction industry. Successful completion of this diploma allows learners to articulate vertically to a Postgraduate Diploma in Geology.
Outcomes
- Integrate, apply and evaluate the key concepts, knowledge, principles and theories of geophysics, hydrogeology and economic geology and determine how they relate to other fields of Science and Mining Industry.
- Establish an understanding of a range of modelling results, mapping and methods of Earth sciences, and their suitability to specific investigations.
- Demonstrate an understanding of a range of modelling, mapping and methods of Earth Sciences, and their relevance to particular investigations### and an ability to select and apply a suitable method to resolve problems.
- Display ethical, accountable and professional practice### and an ability to take decisions and responsibility for his or her work.
- Develop appropriate processes of information gathering in relevant fields of Earth sciences.
- Work in different geological fields of mining and exploration, engineering geology, hydrogeology and geophysics recognising that problem solving is context-and system-bound and does not occur in isolation.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
- Identify different types of rocks and minerals and their engineering geology properties.
- Understand geophysical properties of rocks like resistivity, magnetics, gravity, seismic, and induced polarisation for hydrological and mineral exploration.
- Describe Geophysical survey and its implications.
- Discuss rocks' ability to contain groundwater.
- Calculate and use porosity to determine groundwater in an area.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- Discuss rock mass classification systems and their use in engineering geology.
- Conduct geotechnical logging.
- Understand soil formation and classification systems.
- Determine geochemical anomaly, background, and threshold values using survey data.
- Discuss stream sediment and soil geochemical surveys for mineral deposit discovery.
- Discuss Orebody delineation, shapes, models, and techniques.
- Identify field instruments for Gravity method and Magnetometers.
- Calculate storativity and transmissivity using Theis graphical method.
- Measure hydraulic head of groundwater using a deep meter.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Calculate Rock Quality Designation (RQD).
- Discuss Rock Mass Rating systems like Beniawski and Laubscher.
- Calculate Beniawski Rock Mass rating percentage indicator.
- Discuss surface mining methods and aquifers with specific yield and storage.
- Understand storativity and transmissivity in confined and unconfined aquifers.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- Describe the role of a geotechnician in integrated mineral exploration programs according to the SAMREC Code.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
- Discuss ore body morphology, rock mechanics, and engineering properties for mining method selection.
- Describe open-pit mining, quarry mining, and underground mining infrastructure.
- Discuss data acquisition using Electromagnetic method.
- Explore groundwater resources and determine its suitability and movement rate.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
- Apply groundwater modelling to mining and engineering geology projects.
- Discuss slope stability and underground mining methods.
- Relate mining methods to groundwater and rock properties.
Integrated Assessment:
- Continuous assessment with formative and summative strategies.
- Formative assessment for ongoing progress feedback.
- Summative assessment for final judgments on learner achievement.
Throughout the qualification, various assessment methods will ensure learners can achieve the Exit Level Outcomes effectively.
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.