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Purpose and Rationale

The primary purpose of this qualification is to provide qualifying learners with the ability to:

Recognise advanced literature, theories, and concepts in Geography.
Operate advanced computer analytical software competently.
Reflect upon the application of concepts in the field of Geography and the environment.

Outcomes

Identify high level environmental changes, critical evaluations of trends and problem solving of negative trends, such as Karoo spreading, alien plant infiltration, poisonous plants, population migration, urbanization, etc. depending on the chosen specialisation field. Suggest solutions to above.

Contribute as a member of a multidisciplinary team to environmental issues.

Make recommendations on the improvement of incorrect utilization, over-utilization, and unplanned development thereof.

Take initiative in gathering, analysing, and organizing data, as well as critically evaluating results in the study of the environment, e.g. gathering soil samples, establishing plant or animal populations, collecting water samples, conducting surveys on human aspects, correlation of data sets, and present it in the format of a completed research report.

Have the ability to communicate research by oral and written presentation.

Apply field and analytical tools (maps, GIS, air photo`s, soil augers, etc.) used in the investigation of responsible utilisation of the environment by mankind.

Explain the Degree of variation in the link of variables from the human and physical environments.

Extract important ideas in order to be able to summarize, to logically order ideas, to summarize results or deductions. To be able to do literature research, evaluate it, and correctly refer. Formulation of an independent point of view.

The ability to use and manage the biosphere as a responsible citizen and to invoke the same responsibility amongst the general community.

To prove and convince stakeholders of the importance of the environment for man`s existence on earth and the role it plays to create an acceptable living environment within a constantly changing world (city environment, agricultural environment, mining environment, etc) and other less changing environments (nature reserves, deserts, etc.)

The ability to identify and apply for career opportunities in the environmental field.

The ability to identify new and individual knowledge and technologies and to consult these applications in the environment.

Assessment Criteria

Environmental Science Learning Outcomes and Assessment

Identifying High-Level Environmental Changes and Problem Solving
- Learning Outcome: The learner can identify high-level environmental changes, critical evaluations of trends, and problem-solving of negative trends.
- Solutions: Suggest solutions such as implementing controlled burns to manage Karoo spreading, conducting regular alien plant clearing, educating communities about poisonous plants, implementing sustainable urban planning practices, etc.
Contributing to Multidisciplinary Teams
- Learning Outcome: The learner can contribute as a member of a multidisciplinary team to address environmental issues.
Making Recommendations for Improvement
- Learning Outcome: The learner can make recommendations on improving incorrect utilization, over-utilization, and unplanned development in the environment.
Gathering and Analyzing Data
- Learning Outcome: The learner can take the initiative in gathering, analyzing, and organizing data and present it in a research report format.
Communicating Research Findings
- Learning Outcome: The learner can communicate research findings through oral and written presentations.
Applying Field and Analytical Tools
- Learning Outcome: The learner can apply field and analytical tools in the investigation of responsible environmental utilization.
Explaining Variation in Environmental Linkages
- Learning Outcome: The learner can explain the degree of variation in the link of variables from human and physical environments.
Extracting Important Ideas and Literature Research
- Learning Outcome: The learner can extract important ideas, summarize results, evaluate literature, and formulate an independent point of view.
Managing the Biosphere Responsibly
- Learning Outcome: The learner can use and manage the biosphere responsibly and promote responsibility in the general community.
Convincing Stakeholders of Environmental Importance
- Learning Outcome: The learner can prove and convince stakeholders of the importance of the environment for man's existence and its role in creating acceptable living environments.
Identifying Career Opportunities
- Learning Outcome: The learner can identify career opportunities in the environmental field.
Applying New Knowledge and Technologies
- Learning Outcome: The learner can identify new knowledge and technologies and apply them in the environmental context.

Formative Assessment Practices

Informal class tests and semester tests
Practical laboratory experiments and field exercises
Independent seminars on scientific topics
Written assignments, presentations, and field visits

Summative Assessment Practices

Integrated assessment through written examinations at the end of each semester module.

Qualification Details

Type

Honours Degree

NQF Level

Min. Credits

120

SAQA Source

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Bachelor of Arts Honours in Geography