University of Pretoria

Bachelor of Science Honours in Applied Science

Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences - Earth and Space Sciences

Purpose and Rationale

The purpose of the qualification is to allow students who are currently registered for the B Sc Hons Applied Science degree to complete their studies in terms of the SAQA framework. The intention is to phase this qualification out and (with the necessary prescribed prerequisite modules) accommodate students with different backgrounds (e.g. B Tech -degree) in the B Sc (Hons) (Engineering and environmental Geology) degree. Presently, this qualification provides students with B Sc or B Tech degrees in Geology with additional knowledge in the fields of Geotechnical Engineering and Environmental Science to enable them to effectively communicate with engineers, planners, and other scientists and to facilitate the investigation and research of problems related to the interaction between development/construction projects and the geological environment.

The student is empowered with basic applied competence in the fields of Soil Mechanics, Rock Mechanics, Hydrogeology, Environmental studies, Report writing, Project management, and Business practices, further aimed at lifelong learning through upgrading of knowledge and skills.

Outcomes

Assessment Criteria

  • Simulated exercise in problem solving (formative and summative): Students engage in a simulated exercise to solve a specific problem, which helps them apply their knowledge and skills in a practical scenario. This activity can be used for both formative assessment to provide feedback on their progress and summative assessment to evaluate their overall performance.

  • Written tests (summative): Students take written tests to demonstrate their understanding of the course material. These tests are used for summative assessment to evaluate their knowledge and skills at a particular point in time.

  • Written examinations (summative): Similar to written tests, written examinations assess students' knowledge and understanding of the course content. These assessments are used for summative evaluation of students' performance at the end of a course or semester.

  • Oral examinations (summative): Students participate in oral examinations where they verbally demonstrate their understanding of the subject matter. This form of assessment is used for summative evaluation of students' communication skills, critical thinking, and knowledge application.

  • Individual preparation of project proposals (formative and summative): Students individually prepare project proposals, which are assessed formatively to provide feedback on their research ideas and plans. These proposals are also evaluated summatively to assess students' ability to design and outline a research project.

  • Individual report preparation (formative and summative): Students independently prepare reports based on their research findings or project outcomes. These reports are assessed formatively for feedback on their writing and analytical skills, as well as summatively to evaluate the quality of their work.

  • Oral presentations of project results (summative): Students present their project results orally, showcasing their findings and analysis. These presentations are used for summative assessment to evaluate students' presentation skills, knowledge dissemination, and ability to communicate their research effectively.

  • Integrated assessment: This involves a combination of written examinations, oral examinations, and other assessment methods to provide a comprehensive evaluation of students' learning outcomes.

  • Other: Project reports: In addition to written tests and examinations, students are required to submit project reports detailing their research process, findings, and conclusions. These reports are assessed to evaluate students' research skills, critical thinking, and ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios.

Qualification Details

Type
Honours Degree
NQF Level
08
Min. Credits
120
SAQA Source
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University of Pretoria
Description
The University of Pretoria is a leading research-intensive university located in Pretoria, South Africa. Established in 1908, it is one of the largest universities in the country and offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines. The university is known for its commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and social impact. It has a diverse student body and a vibrant campus life, with numerous clubs, societies, and sports facilities. The University of Pretoria is also recognized for its research contributions and collaborations with national and international partners.

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.