Bachelor of Science Honours in Geography
Human and Social Studies - General Social Science
Purpose and Rationale
Qualification Purpose: Advanced Diploma in Geography
The primary purpose of this qualification is to provide qualifying learners with the ability to:
- Recognise advanced literature, theories, and concepts in Geography.
- Competently operate advanced computer analytical software.
- Reflect upon the application of concepts in the field of Geography and the environment.
By achieving this qualification, learners will gain a deeper understanding of geographical principles and be equipped with the skills to analyze, interpret, and apply advanced geographic data using sophisticated analytical tools. This qualification aims to prepare learners for roles that require a high level of expertise in geographic information systems, spatial analysis, and environmental management.
Overall, the Advanced Diploma in Geography serves to develop learners who can contribute meaningfully to the field of Geography through skilled application of advanced knowledge and technology for effective decision-making and problem-solving.
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, urbanisation, etc. depending on the chosen specialisation field and suggest solutions to above.
- Contribute as a member of a multidisciplinary team to environmental issues.
- Make recommendations on the improvement of correct utilisation, over-utilisation, and unplanned development thereof.
- Take initiative in gathering, analysing, and organising 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 n 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 summarise, to logically order ideas, to summarise 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
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Identifying and Addressing Environmental Changes
- Learning Outcome: Identify high-level environmental changes and suggest solutions.
- Formative Assessment: Critical evaluation of trends like Karoo spreading, alien plant infiltration, etc. and proposing solutions in written assignments and class discussions.
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Contribution to Multidisciplinary Teams
- Learning Outcome: Contribute effectively to environmental issues as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Formative Assessment: Collaborative projects and group presentations on environmental challenges.
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Recommendations for Sustainable Development
- Learning Outcome: Make recommendations for improving incorrect utilisation and over-utilisation.
- Formative Assessment: Proposing solutions to unplanned development through case studies and practical assignments.
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Data Gathering and Analysis
- Learning Outcome: Take initiative in data collection, analysis, and presenting research findings.
- Formative Assessment: Conducting fieldwork, collecting samples, and presenting research reports on environmental studies.
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Communication Skills
- Learning Outcome: Communicate research findings effectively through oral and written presentations.
- Formative Assessment: Delivering presentations on research topics and writing reports.
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Application of Field and Analytical Tools
- Learning Outcome: Apply field and analytical tools in investigating responsible utilisation of the environment.
- Formative Assessment: Demonstrating the use of maps, GIS, and other tools in environmental studies.
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Understanding Environmental Variables
- Learning Outcome: Explain the degree of variation in the link between human and physical environments.
- Formative Assessment: Analyzing the relationship between variables in environmental studies.
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Critical Thinking and Literature Research
- Learning Outcome: Extract important ideas, summarize results, and evaluate literature.
- Formative Assessment: Conducting literature reviews, forming independent viewpoints, and citing sources correctly.
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Responsibility in Managing the Biosphere
- Learning Outcome: Use and manage the biosphere responsibly and promote community responsibility.
- Formative Assessment: Participating in community environmental projects and campaigns.
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Advocacy for Environmental Importance
- Learning Outcome: Convince stakeholders of the importance of the environment for human existence.
- Formative Assessment: Presentations on the role of the environment in creating a sustainable living environment.
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Career Opportunities in Environmental Field
- Learning Outcome: Identify and apply for career opportunities in the environmental sector.
- Formative Assessment: Researching environmental career paths and preparing job applications.
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Integration of New Knowledge and Technologies
- Learning Outcome: Identify and apply new knowledge and technologies in environmental studies.
- Formative Assessment: Incorporating innovative technologies in environmental research projects.
Assessment Practices
- Formative Assessment: Continuous assessment through tests, experiments, field exercises, and seminars.
- Summative Assessment: Integrated assessment through written examinations focusing on exit-level outcomes per semester.
Qualification Details
- Type
- Honours Degree
- NQF Level
- 08
- Min. Credits
- 150
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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