Bachelor of Science Honours in Environment and Water Science
Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences - Environmental Sciences
Purpose and Rationale
Bachelor of Science Honours in Environmental Science
Purpose:
The Bachelor of Science Honours course aims to provide students with a thorough overview of both the physical and social dimensions of environmental science, equipped with the necessary skills and techniques required for identifying and critically assessing environmental issues. The program emphasizes the significance of the social aspects of environmental problems, which are often overlooked yet increasingly acknowledged as vital for effective solutions, along with understanding the physical processes underlying landscape dynamics.
Rationale:
South Africa stands at a crucial juncture concerning its environmental future. The government has repeatedly highlighted environmental concerns as a top priority that should be integrated into all planning initiatives. Currently, there remains a shortage of trained environmental scientists capable of contributing to this imperative process, resulting in environmental considerations being sidelined in existing development strategies.
Outcomes
- The student must be able to demonstrate a thorough understanding and critical awareness of the theory and the methodologies of the fields studied in this course.
- The student must be able to apply this understanding to independently identify and solve new problems furthermore### the student is expected to be able to work in a team environment and to be able to manage himself and the project in this context. Critical Cross-Field Outcomes: Identify and solve problems in which responses display critical thinking. Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, or organisation. Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively. Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information. Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical, and/or language skills in the modes of written and/or oral presentation.
Assessment Criteria
The Environmental Issues module aims to develop students' specialised scholastic and basic research skills in the field of environmental issues. Throughout the module, students are required to demonstrate a high level of text comprehension, ensuring they can understand and analyse complex environmental problems. They are expected to access a wide range of relevant sources, including academic journals, research articles, and case studies, to deepen their understanding of environmental issues.
Assessments within the module are designed to evaluate students' ability to grasp relevant problems, both theoretical and practical, related to environmental issues. These assessments may include assignments, class tests, and final assessment papers, all of which are aligned with the module outcomes. Students are expected to present appropriate solutions to environmental problems based on their research and understanding of the subject matter.
Moreover, students are encouraged to work in a team environment to enhance their collaborative skills and ability to manage projects effectively. This collaborative approach prepares students for real-world scenarios where teamwork is essential in addressing complex environmental challenges.
The University's Continuous Assessment System ensures that students are assessed through a variety of assessment instruments, such as tests, essays, practical reports, project reports, and oral presentations. This comprehensive assessment approach allows students to demonstrate their knowledge, research skills, problem-solving abilities, and project management capabilities throughout the duration of the module.
By the end of the Environmental Issues module, students are expected to have developed a strong foundation in specialised scholastic and basic research skills, enabling them to critically analyse environmental issues, access relevant sources, propose solutions to environmental problems, and work effectively in a team setting.
Qualification Details
- Type
- Honours Degree
- NQF Level
- 08
- 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.