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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Science in Environmental Earth Science 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
110882  Bachelor of Science in Environmental Earth Science 
ORIGINATOR
University of KwaZulu-Natal 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National First Degree  Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences  Earth and Space Sciences 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Not Applicable  NQF Level 07  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0427/24  2024-10-03  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2033-06-30  

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:
This qualification is designed to produce practitioners in the Earth Sciences field, who would support the mineral and geological exploration industry. In addition, the purpose of the qualification is to produce learners who will be able to eventually operate as Natural Science Professionals, and who are competent in performing in the broad Environmental Earth Science field across the Geomorphology, surface Geology, Hydrology and Soil Science arenas. These g learners should be able to engage critically in current debates concerning development initiatives, and relevant resource utilisation, including environmental rehabilitation strategies. The qualification also enables learners to demonstrate initiative and responsibility in an academic or professional context.

Rationale:
This qualification fills the gap in the Environmental Earth Science related fields. There is current dearth in research in the field of Environmental Earth Sciences due to human resource shortage. There is, therefore, a need to produce graduates in the Environmental Earth Sciences field who are able to engage critically in broad current debates concerning development initiatives, and relevant resource utilisation, including specific environmental rehabilitation strategies. This qualification articulates into an Honour's Degree s to a Master' degree s and eventually to a Doctorate. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Recognition of Prior Learning is accommodated through the University's GR7 Rule. Prior learning will be recognised where possible by awarding exemption for specific modules in keeping with evidence-based recognition of existing knowledge on the part of the learner.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • National Senior Certificate, Level 4 granting access to Bachelor's Degree study with the requisite subject.
  • Senior Certificate with matriculation exemption. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 7 totalling 368 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, 240 Credits:
  • Mathematics for Natural Sciences, 16 Credits.
  • General Principles of Chemistry, 16 Credits.
  • Introduction to Statistics, 16 Credits.
  • Computing for Natural Scientists, 16 Credits.
  • Environmental Systems, 16 Credits.
  • Introduction to Physics for Life Sciences and Agriculture, 16 Credits.
  • Agro meteorology and Environmental Biophysics, 16 Credits.
  • Experimental Design and Analysis, 16 Credits.
  • Geographic Information Systems, 16 Credits.
  • Biophysical Environments of Southern Africa, 16 Credits.
  • Introduction to Soils and the Environment, 16 Credits.
  • Introduction to Physical Hydrology, 16 Credits.
  • Geographic Information System (GIS) and Remote Sensing, 16 Credits.
  • Soil Erosion and Land Degradation, 16 Credits.
  • Environmental Management, 16 Credits.

    Elective Modules, 128 Credits (Choose eight):
  • Common Rocks and Minerals, 16 Credits.
  • The Smaller Side of Life, 16 Credits.
  • Earth Surface Process, 16 Credits.
  • Basic isiZulu Language Studies A, 16 Credits.
  • Earth and its Materials, 16 Credits.
  • Pedology, 16 Credits.
  • Environmental Instruments: Life/Earth Sciences, 16 Credits.
  • Modelling for Hydrological Design, 16 Credits.
  • Biogeography and Climatic Change, 16 Credits.
  • Biology/Ecology Research Project, 16 Credits.
  • Irrigation Design and Management, 16 Credits.
  • Environmental Soil Chemistry, 16 Credits.
  • Agricultural and Environmental Soil Physics, 16 Credits.
  • Applied Hydrology, 16 Credits.
  • Research in the Environmental Sciences, 16 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate extensive and systematic knowledge of the broad environmental challenges facing the South African community with reference to the development and resource utilisation strategies from the perspective of an Earth Scientist and deal with related questions.
    2. Undertake literature searches to obtain relevant information in order to identify complex, practice orientated solutions in the Earth Sciences; analyse and interpret these and reach conclusions through practical recommendations; and be able to communicate these in writing by means of Information Technology and verbally to both laymen and professional audiences.
    3. Demonstrate knowledge and critical understanding of the principles and theories relevant to the Earth Sciences in an environmental context for individuals and communities, and to evaluate and document suggested interventions from a responsible and ethical framework.
    4. Work independently as demonstrated by the depth and complexity of the case-specific research project undertaken.
    5. Communicate knowledge and findings to peers and lay audiences in a competent, ethical and professional manner. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Integrated Assessment:
    The qualification has been designed to allow for a range of assessment types (both formative and summative), to allow the potential learner to demonstrate an integrated knowledge of the environmental earth science field, and to demonstrate their understanding of the key concepts involved by applying them in the context of the capstone research module. 

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The School has numerous contacts with international bodies in both Europe and America and, through staff exchanges and collaboration ensures that the qualifications it offers are internationally comparable. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Science in Geological Sciences, Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences, Level 7.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Environmental Earth Sciences, Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Earth Sciences, Level 8. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS 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.
     
    NONE 


    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.