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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Diploma in Environmental Sciences 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
100981  Diploma in Environmental Sciences 
ORIGINATOR
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Diploma (Min 360)  Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation  Nature Conservation 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Not Applicable  NQF Level 06  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2027-06-30   2029-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The qualification aims at training environmental scientists. Such learners should be able to demonstrate knowledge, skills and applied competencies in the field of environmental science which is the study of the interaction of the biotic, abiotic and human environment in the field of environmental science. The learner will be able to work as part of an interdisciplinary team of environmental specialists, under the supervision of an environmental assessment practitioner or environmental manager. The learner will focus on the application of environmental management interventions ensuring the proper management of natural resources, avoidance and mitigation of pollution, leading to the upliftment of communities and ensuring sustainable socio-economic development. In other words, the learner will contribute to the environment, community and economy through the protection of the environment. The learner will continuously learn and develop him- or herself in the field through work experience, and self-guided research for specific projects. The learner will display an eagerness to learn and be able to assist in the compilation of environmental impact assessments and Environmental Management Programs (EMPs), the establishment of Environmental Management Systems(EMS) in the performance of waste management, the mitigation of environmental impacts, determination of pollution levels, and the identification and management of risks to the environment.

Rationale:
There is a national and global need for environmental scientists to ensure that the human population growth is both sustainable and environmentally conscious. Our country needs to improve on job creation and economic comfort for all its people but this growth and evelopment must not be to the detriment of the environment. An environmental scientist is trained to recognise these opportunities and to implement management plans and present sustainable options. The qualification is specifically designed to meet the current needs of industry that either appoints an environmental scientist within their organisation or requires an assessment to be undertaken by an environmental scientist. Government legislation now requires Environmental Management Plans(EMP) and Environmental Impact Assessment(EIA) studies to be undertaken prior to any form of development where the natural environment may or will be disturbed. Students will be employed within the government or municipal sector where they will function as an environmental scientist. The qualification is designed for students with analytical thinking and problem solving skills where they will have to investigate environmental issues or concerns, provide reports and offer mitigating solutions. The learner should be familiar with both the abiotic and biotic environment and have a passion for outdoors and our natural biodiversity. This National Diploma will lead to an Advanced Diploma in Environmental Science. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
As per institutional policy, Credits towards this qualification may be obtained by means of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • National Senior Certificate National Qualifications Framework(NQF) Level 4. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 5 and 6 totalling 360 Credits.
    Compulsory Modules at Level 5 120 Credits:
  • Environmental Management I, 6 Credits.
  • Applied Environmental Practice I, 6 Credits.
  • Communication for Academic Purposes, 10 Credits.
  • Environmental Earth Studies I, 6 Credits.
  • Information Literacy I, 2 Credits.
  • Environmental Biology I, 6 Credits.
  • General Mathematics I, 24 Credits.
  • General Physics I, 24 Credits.
  • Life Skills I, 2 Credits.
  • General Chemistry I, 24 Credits.
  • Computer Literacy, 10 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules 2, Level 6 240 Credits:
  • Environmental Legal Practice II, 20 Credits.
  • Environmental Biology II, 20 Credits.
  • Applied Environmental Practice II, 20 Credits.
  • Environmental Management II, 20 Credits.
  • Environmental Pollution Science II, 20 Credits.
  • Environmental Earth Studies II 20 Credits.
  • Environmental Biology III, 15 Credits.
  • Environmental Management III, 15 Credits.
  • Applied Environmental Practice III, 15 Credits.
  • Work Integrated Learning(WIL) in Environmental Sciences I, 60 Credits.
  • Environmental Pollution Science III, 15 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate detailed knowledge of the interaction of biotic, abiotic and human environment in the field of environmental science, including an understanding of terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories of environmental science, and knowledge of waste management, environmental pollution management, environmental impact assessment, and natural resource management.
    2. Evaluate, select and apply environmental methods, incorporate appropriate field sampling techniques and mathematical models, integrated environmental management tools in the environmental management field, accurately using managerial and observational skills with precision, honesty and integrity.
    3. Demonstrate an ability to professionally and ethically identify, gather evidence, analyse and solve problems within ecosystems, environmental legal practice and environmental management using research methodology, computer and integration skills.
    4. Demonstrate an understanding of the complex ethical implications of decisions and actions within the work environment, guided by law and environmental management principles.
    5 Evaluate different sources of information in Environmental Earth Studies, select information appropriate to the task, and to apply well-developed processes of analysis, synthesis and evaluation to that information.
    6. Demonstrate an eagerness to learn while demonstrating mapping, computer, communication and observational skills accurately and with precision.
    7. Professionally present and communicate complex information reliably and coherently using academic and professional or occupational conventions, formats and technologies for Earth Studies, Environmental Biology, Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry, Environmental Management and Environmental Legal Practice.
    8. Demonstrate an understanding of sustainable development by identifying inter-dependence between ecosystems, economic systems and social systems and make integration decisions with honesty and integrity, and to encourage sustainable development thinking during projects involving specialists in related fields.
    9. Demonstrate an ability to self-evaluate his performance and work effectively as an individual, eager to identify and address his or her task specific learning needs, and an ability to work professionally and effectively in a team by applying appropriate analytical and decision making skills in the environmental field. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
  • Demonstrate relevant scientific and environmental principles in specific environmental problems.
  • Demonstrate knowledge regarding the main aspects of chemical and physical components which impact on the safety and health of people and the environment.
  • Demonstrate the knowledge and understanding of all relevant environmental legislation.
  • Demonstrate the knowledge of effluent treatment, air pollution and solid waste streams with regard to industrial processes.
  • Demonstrate knowledge regarding environmental economics, cleaner production principles and pollution prevention technology.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of natural resources and the sustainability thereof.
  • Identify and describe optimal use of natural resources.
  • Identify and describe alternative resources.
    Demonstrate knowledge regarding environmental indicators.
  • Determine environmental aspects and impacts for given situations.
  • Design and record an environmental management system systematically.
    Demonstrate the knowledge and competence to implement and monitor an environmental system for a given scenario.
    Reports are written systematically in the required format.
  • Evaluation of an oral presentation with effective multimedia support.
  • Identify and describe the origin, distribution and origin of natural resources.
  • Identify and describe all Eco-systems.
  • Describe different pollution and waste streams correctly.
  • Describe and apply different environmental principles and concepts.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Learning and assessment are integrated. Continual formative assessment is done so that students are given feedback on their progress in the achievement of learning outcomes. The scheme of work includes assignments based on the learning material and students are given feedback. The process is continuous and focuses on smaller sections of the work and limited numbers of outcomes.

    Summative assessment is concerned with the judgement of the learning in relation to the Exit Level Outcomes of the qualification. Such judgement includes Integrated Assessments which test the students' ability to integrate the larger body of knowledge, skills and attitudes that are represented by the Exit Level Outcomes. Students are requested to submit a research related task, undertake tutorial mini assessments in class as well as present the results of a practical task undertaken on a field excursion. Summative assessment in the form of an examination will also test the student's ability to manage and integrate a large body of knowledge to achieve the stated outcomes of a module. Experiential students are assessed on a continuous basis for six months by an industrial moderator and reviewed by an academic staff member. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    International comparability was with tested similar qualifications offered in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and Canada as these countries comparability currently lead the world in Environmental Science Education. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Diploma in Horticulture, Level 6.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Advanced Diploma in Environmental Sciences, Level 7. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced qualification.
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.