SAQA

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.

SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Advanced Diploma in Geology

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
113013	Advanced Diploma in Geology
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
Advanced Diploma	Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology		Fabrication and Extraction
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	120	Not Applicable	NQF Level 07	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered		EXCO 0821/24	2019-11-22	2027-06-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30		2031-06-30

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 Advanced Diploma in Geology is to provide learners with further knowledge, skills and competencies in the fields of mining and exploration geology, geophysics, hydrogeology, and engineering geology. Thus, the learner will operate as a geological technologist who will be able to apply qualitative and quantitative geological principles of analysis. They will be able to use sophisticated methods and current technologies to propose and design solutions to earth science problems. Qualifying learners will acquire values and attitudes, enabling them to function independently and as part of a team in various earth sciences environments. The qualification will further equip learners with research skills to be part of exploration, mining, construction and development teams, contributing innovatively towards economic and social transformation. The qualifying learner will be able to:

Apply general geological knowledge in problem-solving.

Evaluate and apply geological techniques in mining and exploration geology, geophysics, hydrogeology, and engineering geology.

Write and present geological reports.

Demonstrate self-discipline and attention to detail.

Demonstrate and apply necessary research skills in the earth sciences research environment.

Manage and execute earth sciences fieldwork qualifications.

Rationale:
South Africa is a land of geological superlatives known to host world-class deposits of minerals such as gold, platinum, iron ore and diamonds. Continued mining over the past century has resulted in the need to develop geological technologists with skills that allow exploration for complex and hidden mineral resources using the most recent technology. The advanced diploma in geology provides learners with cutting edge techniques in mining and exploration geology and geophysical techniques. As geological technologists, the qualified learners will possess sound theoretical knowledge combined with practical application in the field of Geology. Water is a scarce resource in South Africa. There is, therefore, a need to develop the human capacity to explore alternative sources of water. Groundwater provides a viable alternative water source for the mining, agricultural and domestic use. The qualification provides learners with hydrogeological knowledge that allows them to explore and manage groundwater resources. The social and economic development of South Africa is closely associated with the construction of major civil structures such as railway lines, buildings, dams, power stations, and roads. All these developments require highly skilled and versatile engineering geology technologist. The qualification has a strong engineering geology component that prepares graduates for the construction industry.

Upon successful completion of the qualification, the qualified learner will be able to articulate vertically to a Postgraduate Diploma in Geology.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The institution grants Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as stipulated in the institution RPL policy to prevent the repetition of offerings already obtained, which correspond with the current offering pursued at the institution. This qualification may, therefore, be achieved in part through recognition of prior learning, which includes formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience.

The RPL Office will thoroughly brief the learner on the mechanisms and provide guidance. The institution will request specific relevant documentation from the learners, and the applications will be processed on an individual basis by the department, approved by the Faculty and appropriate Committees.

A comparative table of the learner's knowledge and competencies will then be completed and used to assess the suitability of the learner for admission through RPL or exemption from relevant modules. The learner will be granted exemption from relevant modules should they be able to demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes implicit in the qualification.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:

Diploma in Geology, NQF Level 6.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification comprises of compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 7 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, 120 Credits:

Engineering Geology IV, 25 Credits.

Geophysics IV, 25 Credits.

Hydrogeology IV, 25 Credits.

Mining and Exploration Geology IV, 25 Credits.

Research Methodology, 20 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Integrate, apply and evaluate the key concepts, knowledge, principles and theories of geophysics, hydrogeology and economic geology and determine how they relate to other fields of Science and Mining Industry.
2. Establish an understanding of a range of modelling results, mapping and methods of Earth sciences, and their suitability to specific investigations.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of a range of modelling, mapping and methods of Earth Sciences, and their relevance to particular investigations; and an ability to select and apply a suitable method to resolve problems.
4. Display ethical, accountable and professional practice; and an ability to take decisions and responsibility for his or her work.
5. Develop appropriate processes of information gathering in relevant fields of Earth sciences.
6. Work in different geological fields of mining and exploration, engineering geology, hydrogeology and geophysics recognising that problem solving is context-and system-bound and does not occur in isolation.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Identify the different types of rocks and minerals and relate them to their engineering geology properties.

Show an understanding of geophysical properties of rocks such as resistivity, magnetics, gravity, seismic and induced polarisation useful for hydrological exploration and mineral exploration.

Describe a Geophysical survey and its implications in terms of the use of methods.

Discuss the ability of different rocks to contain groundwater.

Calculate and use porosity to determine the groundwater in an area.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Discuss rock mass classification system and their use in engineering geology.

Carry out geotechnical logging.

Show an understanding of soil formation and soil classification systems.

Determine the geochemical anomaly, background and threshold values using geochemical survey data of element values.

Discuss the use of stream sediment and soil geochemical surveys for the successful discovery of mineral deposits.

Discuss Orebody delineation, strike, pitch, dip and plunge.

Discuss Ore body shapes, concordant and discordant ore bodies, mineral deposit models and techniques used to delineate ore bodies; sampling and drilling.

Identify the field instruments using Gravity method.

Identify and discuss the types of noises that can be encountered during a Gravity survey.

Identify and discuss the different types of Magnetometers.

Calculate storativity and transmissivity using the Theis graphical method that can be encountered during a Gravity survey.

Measure and determine the hydraulic head of groundwater using a deep meter.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Calculate the Rock Quality Designation (RQD).

Discuss the Rock Mass Rating systems focusing on Beniawski and Laubscher Rock Mass Rating systems for engineering geology purposes.

Discuss the use of stream sediment and soil geochemical surveys for the successful discovery of mineral deposits.

Calculate the Beniawski Rock Mass rating percentage indicator and its applications in determining the mining methods to be used.

Discuss surface mining methods, including heap leaching and solution mining.

Discuss the different aquifers and relate them to specific yield and specific storage.

Discuss storativity and transmissivity in confined and unconfined aquifers and its use in determining groundwater storage.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Describe the role of a geotechnician in integrated mineral exploration programs and relate it to the SAMREC Code.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Discuss the ore body morphology, rock mechanics and engineering properties that are used to determine the choice of mining method.

Discuss the mining methods of open-pit mining and quarry mining.

Describe the underground mining infrastructure inclusive of the shaft, sump, drives, cross cuts, haulages, raises, bypasses, ore boxes, grizzly and stope of underground mining set up.

Discuss data acquisition using Electromagnetic method.

Discuss where to explore for groundwater resources, determine its suitability for different applications and determine the rate at which the groundwater is moving.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

Apply groundwater modelling results to mining and engineering geology projects.

Discuss slope stability focusing on planar, wedge and toppling failure in open-pit mines.

Discuss the underground mining methods of the glory hole, open stoping, underhand open stoping, overhand stoping, sublevel stoping, breast stoping and back and fill mining methods and relate how these can be influenced by groundwater and engineering properties of the rocks.

Integrated Assessment:
Assessment will include formative (informal and formal) as well as summative assessment strategies.

Continuous assessment:
The continuous assessment consists of formative and summative assessments.

Formative assessment:
Formative assessment will be used to inform learners about their progress continually. Self and peer assessment (with the aid of relevant analytical assessment tools) will contribute to formative assessment. Marks collected from this evidence will be recorded for promotional purposes or used for the learner and lecturer reflection, growth and development. Formative assessment will be used to support the learner developmentally and to provide feedback to all involved in the learning process about how teaching and learning can be improved. Throughout the qualification, formative assessment strategies will ensure the Exit Level Outcomes are achievable.

Summative assessment:
Summative assessment refers to assessment that takes place at the end of a learning experience. Summative assessment can be conducted continually throughout a learning experience to make judgments about learner achievement.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

Country: United States of America.

Institution: University of Oklahoma.

Qualification Title: Bachelor of Science.

Admission requirements: High School Curricular Core Requirements (four units of English, three units of college mathematics, three units of laboratory science, three units of history and citizenship and two additional units).

Country: United States of America.

Institution: University of Utah.

Qualification Title: Bachelor of Science.

Admission requirements: Physical/Life Science Physical/Life Science or Applied Science or Social/Behavioural Science Social/Behavioural Science.

The cited international qualifications are similar to this Advanced Diploma in Geology.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

Horizontal Articulation:

Bachelor of Science in Geology, NQF Level 7.

Vertical Articulation:

Postgraduate Diploma in Geology, NQF 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.

1.	Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)