Bachelor of Science Honours in Ecology
Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences - Environmental Sciences
Purpose and Rationale
Bachelor of Science Honours in Ecology
Purpose:
The main purpose of the Bachelor of Science Honours in Ecology is to prepare learners for research-based postgraduate studies in Ecology. The qualification aims to provide learners with a sound understanding of the research process, foundational philosophical knowledge, and the ability to contribute to the field of Ecology through research. Graduates will be equipped to apply advanced ecological theories and methodologies to address environmental issues of various natures, including social, economic, and physical challenges.
Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:
- Demonstrate an advanced understanding of general principles, theories, and methodologies in Ecology.
- Analyze spatial and temporal changes within the natural environment and understand complex relationships among its elements.
- Reflect on diverse knowledge generation approaches, including Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) and social sciences.
- Select and apply appropriate research methods for ecological data collection in various scenarios.
- Master data collection and analysis techniques, critically evaluating their strengths and weaknesses.
- Conduct independent and original research in Ecology from problem identification to research report preparation.
Rationale:
The Bachelor of Science Honours in Ecology addresses pressing ecological and social challenges such as urbanization, sustainable resource use, climate change, and environmental management. Graduates can contribute to various fields like government agencies, environmental consulting, protected areas management, biodiversity conservation, and academia. The program aims to produce graduates who can meet the nation's needs for ecological scientists in areas such as environmental management, biodiversity conservation, and ecosystems management.
Future Pathways:
The qualification serves as a pathway to further postgraduate studies, with many graduates expected to pursue Master's and Doctoral research-based studies. By fostering research-based solutions to environmental challenges, graduates can make valuable contributions to society, particularly within the local context. The ideal learning pathway includes progressing from Bachelor's degree to Honours, Masters, and Doctoral studies.
Outcomes
- Demonstrate an advanced and current understanding of the general principles, theories and methodological approaches underpinning the scientific study of ecology.
- Demonstrate critical insight into the nature and causes of spatial and temporal change within the natural environment and the complexity of the reciprocal relationships among the individual elements of the natural environment.
- Critically reflect on the diversity of approaches to the generation of knowledge and understanding deriving from the experience of the epistemologies of the natural and social sciences and humanities, including Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS).
- Critically consider and reflect on the diversity of techniques and approaches involved in collecting ecological information (including instrumentation, laboratory work, field surveying, observation, and the use of textual and archival approaches) and in a range of familiar and unfamiliar scenarios, select appropriate research methods
- Demonstrate mastery of techniques and approaches involved in collecting and analysing ecological information, including field and laboratory techniques, qualitative and quantitative techniques with a critical assessment of their strengths and weaknesses.
- Undertake independent and original research in Ecology starting from identifying a research problem, collecting data, analysing the data, through to completion of the research and preparation of the research report.
- Demonstrate an advanced understanding of professional ethics in ecology and identify and apply ethical rules and conduct in practice within a South African context. Take decisions and act ethically with integrity and accountability for their work, decisions, and actions.
- Access information from a diverse range of sources to address a range of familiar and unfamiliar complex ecological problems and issues, evaluate the sources and the information, and prepare a logical response or a solution for the problem.
- Communicate and share their conclusions and views, and the ecological knowledge and rationale underpinning these, to specialist and non-specialist audiences clearly and unambiguously using appropriate discourse, suitable audio-visual tools, and technology, as well as appropriate referencing conventions.
- Apply their knowledge and understanding of ecological principles, practices and methodologies, and problem-solving abilities in complex natural environmental systems and can handle complexity, integrate different knowledge perspectives and interests, accommodate multiple views of reality, and manage creative tension.
- Undertake highly autonomous and well-organised learning and time management to achieve consistent proficiency and sustained achievement, work in a group as a member or leader, take full responsibility for own work, and, where appropriate, that of fellow learners.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
- Critically review and apply relevant ecological theories, principles, procedures, and practices in assignments, research reports, and examinations.
- Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of ecological theories, principles, procedures, and practices in terrestrial and aquatic ecology in various assessments.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- Discuss the nature and causes of change in the natural environment with reference to current literature.
- Analyze the significance of climate change for ecosystems and conservation using appropriate examples.
- Demonstrate an understanding of temporal-spatial variation and change in written and oral submissions.
- Analyze the importance of spatial and temporal scale when studying ecosystems.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Demonstrate a critical awareness of relevant philosophies and research paradigms.
- Analyze perspectives from different disciplines and Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS).
- Select and justify appropriate research paradigms for familiar and unfamiliar research topics.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- Identify and justify appropriate research methods for familiar and unfamiliar research topics.
- Accurately critique research design and methods in reviews of published papers.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
- Analyze and apply routine and specialised ecological methods in the field and laboratory.
- Evaluate and justify appropriate methods for data analysis.
- Correctly use software for statistical tests and interpret results accurately in writing.
- Report statistical results clearly in tables and figures.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
- Undertake independent ecological research demonstrating comprehensive literature review and critical evaluation.
- Develop project plans with timeframes, budget, goals, methods, and ethical considerations.
- Collect, collate, and analyze data, interpreting and discussing findings in the context of the literature review.
- Formulate and justify recommendations, presenting the research report appropriately and plagiarism-free.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
- Identify and address ethical issues in ecology in assignments, research papers, and all activities.
- Obtain ethical approval for research and accommodate multiple stakeholder views.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
- Critically evaluate information from various sources and include in assignments.
- Review and analyze existing knowledge in the field, considering alternative viewpoints.
- Acknowledge references and critically assess the validity of sources.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
- Communicate research results to both professional and lay audiences effectively.
- Deliver clear and engaging presentations within given time constraints.
- Use appropriate language and referencing style in all assignments.
- Present written arguments convincingly, including statistical results without plagiarism.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:
- Address complex ecological problems using advanced knowledge and skills.
- Apply a systems-thinking approach and manage conflicting viewpoints in written and oral work.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 11:
- Submit all assignments on time and reflect on the learning process.
- Incorporate feedback successfully into iterative drafts.
- Collaborate effectively in group work, planning and executing responsibilities for group assignments and research.
Qualification Details
- Type
- Honours Degree
- NQF Level
- 08
- Min. Credits
- 120
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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University of Mpumalanga
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