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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
112126  Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science 
ORIGINATOR
University of Mpumalanga 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National First Degree  Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences  Environmental 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
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2019-09-18  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2033-06-30  

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.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of the qualification is to provide learners with a firm grounding in the environmental sciences from which they can start to specialise in environmental science with environmental biology and ecology, or geography with Geography Information System (GIS) or water management. Agriculture, the environment and conservation are important focus areas for the economy of the institution, yet these are under threat from pollution, the competing demands of mining, climate change, and land reformation. Learners from this qualification will be trained and educated to work in these and other fields and contribute to sustainability. The qualification will provide a broad grounding in environmental sciences with environmental science, environmental biology, environmental law, and earth science in first year, supported by numeracy, computer literacy, and academic literacy.

In second and third year learners will be able to join one of three streams being environmental science with environmental biology and ecology, environmental science with geography, and environmental science with water management. By having environmental science as the required major subject, we ensure that all learners develop a very strong understanding of and appreciation for the role of people in the environment. Learners will have a relevant set of skills and knowledge and a good understanding of the nature of science and how knowledge is created. They will be independent learners with some experience in answering research questions and will have well-developed communication skills. The choice of subjects will allow learners to be exposed to inter and transdisciplinary thinking and research.

Rationale:
The need for learners in environmental sciences is greater now than ever as the effects of population growth, on-going industrialisation, intensified agricultural production and climate change combine to place the environment and its socio-ecological systems under increasing stress. In this qualification, all learners will complete three years of environmental science in which they will be exposed to transdisciplinary thinking and research that addresses the complexities of socio-ecological systems. In these modules, there will be a very strong focus on people and the environment and the development of an understanding of the concept of resilience. Learners will be able to select a co-major from three streams, which will combine environmental science with environmental biology and ecology, or geography, or water management. In the environmental biology stream, there will be a strong emphasis on ecology, and learners will come to understand how biotic and abiotic factors combine to shape ecosystems. Learners following this stream will develop knowledge and skills that will allow them to work at the interface of conservation and environmental science. In the geography stream, there will be a strong emphasis and development of skills in Geography Information System (GIS) and remote sensing as they can be applied to environmental science. Learners will develop knowledge and skills in support of environmental and development planning. In the water management stream, learners will develop specialist knowledge and skills relating to all aspects of water science and management, and they will be able to work fields such as environmental water management. Learners who complete this qualification will immediately be able to work in several different fields, but many will go on to complete further research-based qualifications. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The institution accepts Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) as an integral part of education and academic practice. It is acknowledged that all learning has value and the institution accepts the challenge to assess prior learning that is aligned to the qualifications and award credit (through CAT) to promote lifelong learning. The purpose of the institution's RPL and CAT policy is to recognise prior learning to provide for admission to qualifications, grant advanced placement in programmes and grant credits for modules using the principles and processes that serve as basis for RPL practices.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum requirement is:
  • National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 granting access to bachelor studies.
    Or
  • Learners who have completed a 360 Credit Diploma in an appropriate field such as conservation will be considered for this qualification. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises of compulsory and elective modules at NQF Level 5, 6, and 7 totalling 360 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 5, 120 Credits:
  • Environmental Science, 30 Credits.
  • Biology, 30 Credits.
  • Earth Science, 15 Credits.
  • Environmental Law, 15 Credits.
  • End-User Computing, 15 Credits.
  • Numerical and Academic Literacy, 15 Credits.

    Compulsory Module, NQF Level 6, 40 Credits:
  • Environmental Science, 40 Credits.

    Elective Modules, NQF Level 6, 80 Credits (Choose TWO):
  • Environmental Biology and Ecology, 40 Credits.
  • Geography with GIS, 40 Credits.
  • Water Management Studies, 40 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 7, 60 Credits:
  • Environmental Science, 60 Credits.

    Elective Modules, NQF Level 7, 60 Credits (Choose ONE):
  • Environmental Biology and Ecology, 60 Credits.
  • Geography with GIS, 60 Credits.
  • Water Management Studies, 60 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1.
    1.1. Integrate knowledge and skills from the major study fields (major subjects) and use the additional knowledge and skills provided by the support subjects.
    1.2. Demonstrate a deep understanding of the theories and principles that underpin the two major subjects and of environmental sciences in general.
    1.3. Appreciate the interrelated nature of knowledge fields.

    2.
    2.1. Understand the contested nature of knowledge within the social and environmental sciences, and that knowledge advances through research.
    2.2. Test and challenge dogma and be familiar with the academic literacies and discourses of the social-ecological studies.

    3. Method and procedure and problem-solving.
    3.1. Undertake small projects in first and second year and two substantial original research projects in the third year.
    3.2. Identify problems, select tan appropriate research method from a range of methods, collect and analyse data, and in scientific communication.

    4. Incorporate ethics component in which learners will be required to consider any ethical implications of the research and respond accordingly.
    5: Access, process, and manage information in the environmental sciences.

    6.
    6.1. Emphasise the connectedness of social and ecological systems.
    6.2. Apply knowledge under varying contexts by working in familiar and unfamiliar contexts and experiences.

    7. Become independent learners and take responsibility for their learning and development. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 1:
  • Incorporate in-depth knowledge of the major subject is incorporated into all assignments.
  • Demonstrate a very high level of knowledge and understanding in the major subjects is in two independent research projects and all assignments, as is the ability to integrate knowledge from the majors and support subjects.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 2:
  • Demonstrate an increasing familiarity with academic discourse in social-ecological and environmental sciences through all written work.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 3:
  • Formulate research questions, select appropriate methodologies, collect, analyse and synthesise data, and present data in written and verbal form.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 4:
  • Deal with ethical considerations fully.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 5:
  • Collect and collate information from a range of sources, the management of that information, and the communication of the results in spoken and written forms.
  • Compare and use available qualitative and quantitative tools for data analysis to address the question appropriately.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Demonstrate a growing understanding of how contexts differ and how they have developed.
  • Move from the familiar to the unfamiliar with confidence.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Take full responsibility for and be accountable for their contribution.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Assessment serves multiple purposes of monitoring learners' progress and determining the extent of their achievement about the stated outcomes. Assessment will include a balance of formative and summative tools. In the first year, testing will be regular and learners encouraged to understand that this is a tool by which they should judge their progress. Tests will be written to identify learners' risk as well as the essays and assignments. Research projects will be assessed through an oral seminar presentation and final written report. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Comparisons were made with the institution's first qualifications in environmental science and environmental studies.

    University of Nevada:
    The Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science prepares learners to solve a wide variety of environmental problems using a sound scientific approach. Learners will acquire a strong background in the basic sciences (i.e., chemistry, biology, geology). Learners have the opportunity to take electives in topics of special interest such as ecological toxicology, environmental pollution, risk assessment, risk management and local, regional, and global environmental issues. This highly interdisciplinary major encourages learners to focus on areas such as environmental pollution, policy, ecological restoration and conservation, and soil science and biogeochemistry. This qualification has a stronger focus on pollution than the institution's qualification.

    University of California Santa Barbara:
    In the BSc, in the first two years, learners take Introduction to Environmental Studies, Introduction to Economics, Earth System Sciences, some mathematics and Introduction to Statistics, Chemistry, Biology, Introduction to Physics, and an Introductory course in Culture and Society.

    In third and fourth years, learners will complete a range of Environmental Studies Electives with a co-major from molecular, cellular, and developmental biology; ecology, evolution, and marine biology; chemistry and biochemistry; geography; earth sciences; mathematics; physics; biopsychology; or probability and statistics. This qualification has a stronger emphasis on physical sciences than does the institution's qualification but is similar in many other ways.

    Allegheny College:
    Two majors are offered: Environmental Science and Environmental Studies. Core courses in the Environmental Science major include biology, chemistry, geology, and mathematics. Upper-level courses synthesize and integrate basic sciences and apply that knowledge to analysis and solutions of current environmental problems. Upper-level courses are rich in lab and field experiences.
    The objective of the Environmental Studies major is to study the concept of sustainability in an integrated way, including environmental, economic, and social aspects, exploring both desirable future conditions and the transitions needed to reach them. The basic tenet of the Environmental Studies major is that progress toward a sustainable future depends on the creative application of interdisciplinary thinking, spanning disciplines across the traditional college divisions while striving for both depth and breadth. The institution's qualification shares features with both Degrees.

    Australian National University (ANU):
    The ANU's Bachelor of Environmental Studies is designed to provide the multidisciplinary perspectives, skills, and knowledge needed to engage meaningfully with the complex problems facing societies and the environment. The qualification offers a broad range of study options from natural ecological and earth system processes to environmental management, resource use, and policy, to cultural ecology and the history of environmental change, perception, and philosophy. Learners select subjects from the following: Biological Anthropology Development Studies, Environmental Policy Geography, Human Ecology Sustainable Development. This qualification has a strong social-ecological systems approach and is closer to the proposed institution's programme.

    University of California (UC) Santa Cruz:
    At the UC Santa Cruz, learners can take environmental science as part of three streams: The Biology stream includes the basic tools of biological science and sufficient understanding of resource conservation, conservation biology, and concerns about environmental sustainability. This stream prepares learners for graduate school or a career in the areas of conservation biology, restoration ecology, and other allied interdisciplinary life science fields.
    The Economics Stream is intended to provide learners with the basic tools of economic analysis and an understanding of the principles of resource production, conservation, and use in both ecological and economic terms.
    The earth Sciences Stream is intended to provide learners with the basic tools of Earth sciences and environmental studies needed to address environmental problems. Suggested plans of study include water policy/hydrology, restoration ecology, agroecology/soil physical processes, and environmental policy/climate change, among others. The combination of environmental science with economics is not possible at the institution, but as it develops a full three year major in economics, this combination will be considered.

    Victoria University of Wellington:
    At Victoria University, environmental science and environmental studies are available. Environmental Science is a science major which may be taken only in conjunction with another approved science major from Biological, Earth, Mathematical, or Physical Sciences.
    Environmental studies: In environmental studies, learners take environmental science and geography across three years as compulsory subjects and combine this with a second major from a wide range of subjects including Biology, Design, Development Studies, Economics, Geography, Geology, Physical Geography, Political Science, Public Policy, and Psychology. The BSc (Environmental Science) at the institution shares some features with both these qualifications, although the range of electives at the institution is less than those at Victoria University. As mentioned previously, as we increase the number of subjects taught at the institution, it will likely increase the range of electives to include subjects such as economics and political science. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification articulates both horizontally and vertically:
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Science, Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, Level 7.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Environmental Science, 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.