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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Science in Geographic Information Systems and Earth Observation 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
118136  Bachelor of Science in Geographic Information Systems and Earth Observation 
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  Information Technology and Computer 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  2021-03-25  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 Bachelor of Science in Geographic Information Systems and Earth Observation (GIS and EO) aims to develop and build up a high level of theoretical and practical skills in spatial data analysis and environmental monitoring using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing technologies. It provides an intensive educational opportunity designed to equip learners for either a career in the Geographical Information industry or to build scientific understanding and practical know-how in preparation for postgraduate studies.

The purpose of the qualification is, therefore, to produce qualifying learners who will be able to integrate theory and application of Geospatial technologies with the knowledge gained. Qualifying learners should be able to engage critically in current debates concerning development initiatives and formulate spatial management strategies as well as applying them in the field.

Rationale:
Many organisations continue to experience rapid growth in the volumes of spatial data and therefore demand for skilled personnel in GIS and earth observation is growing. Coupled with this, Earth observation, Space science and technology have been identified as one of five grand challenges in the Department of Science and Technology (DST) 10 Year Innovation Plan, which is a Cabinet approved instrument supporting the South African National Space Agency Act, 2008. Training of learners is therefore one of the key priority areas for the successful implementation of the Earth observation and Space Science qualification. This qualification is key to achieving this challenge.

Typical learners will be holders of the National Senior Certificate (NSC) with strong Mathematics and Science marks who are interested in Applied Environmental Sciences and Computer Processing. Typical jobs include GIS technician; CAD Drafter; Survey CAD Technician, Cartographer; GIS analyst; Remote sensing specialist; GIS specialist and programmers; and GIS managers.

The qualification advances the African scholarship by imparting spatial skills that are practical and directly relevant in solving socio-economic as well as environmental problems in Africa. Qualifying learners should be able to critically evaluate and analyse geographic phenomena within a spatially explicit context. Learners should be in a position to understand the world as a complex system by integrating different spatial data sources and advise on decision-making support systems. They should be able to advise the government, private sector and other stakeholders on the spatial data (e.g. satellite image resolutions) required for specific applications within an African context, thereby contributing to development. The qualification will increase highly skilled technical qualifying learners for the demanding market. The introduction of this qualification will provide a requisite pool for postgraduate learners in Geo-Information and Earth Observation, (a scarce skill) who will have skills tailor-made for African problems. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The national and Council of Higher Education Policy on Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Assessment in Higher Education (2016) will be considered when admitting learners through RPL. Admissions will be guided by the institution's RPL Policy which states that prospective learners who have attained a level of competence will be admitted into the qualification. The level of competence of prospective learners will be assessed through internal structures before admission. Each learner will be required to submit a portfolio of evidence for consideration and credits may be attained through RPL in line with the RPL policy.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 granting access to Bachelor studies with Mathematics and Science.
    Or
  • Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 with endorsement. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at NQF Level 5, 6 and 7 totalling 384 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 112 Credits.
  • Introduction to Computer Science, 16 Credits.
  • Introduction to Calculus, 16 Credits.
  • Mechanics Optics and Thermal Physics, 16 Credits.
  • Environmental Systems, 16 Credits.
  • Computer Programming, 16 Credits.
  • Introduction to Statistics, 16 Credits.
  • Basic I IsiZulu Language Studies A, 16 Credits.

    Elective Modules, Level 5, 16 Credits (Select one module):
  • Life on Earth, 16 Credits.
  • Human Environments, 16 Credits.
  • IS &T Development Fundamentals, 16 Credits.
  • Calculus and Linear Algebra, 16 Credits.
  • Electromagnetism, Waves and Modern Physics I, 16 Credits.
  • Electromagnetism, Waves and Modern Physics II, 16 Credits.
  • Statistical Methods, 16 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 48 Credits.
  • Biophysical Environments of Southern Africa, 16 Credits.
  • Geographic Information Systems, 16 Credits.
  • Object-Oriented Programming, 16 Credits.

    Elective Modules, Level 6, 32 Credits (Choose two modules):
    Group 1:
  • Agrometeorology and Environmental Biophysics, 16 Credits.
  • Introduction to Physical Hydrology, 16 Credits.
  • Systems Analysis and Design, 16 Credits.
  • Sampling and Nonparametric Methods, 16 Credits.

    Elective Modules, Level 6, 48 Credits (Choose three modules):
    Group 2:
  • Rangeland Plants: Ecology and Management, 16 Credits.
  • Environmental Instruments: Life/Earth Sciences, 16 Credits.
  • Data structures, 16 Credits.
  • Environmental Aspects of Hydrology, 16 Credits.
  • Databases and Programming, 16 Credits.
  • Experimental Design and Analysis, 16 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 80 Credits:
  • GIS and Remote Sensing, 16 Credits.
  • Environmental Management, 16 Credits.
  • Remote Sensing, 16 Credits.
  • Applied Environmental GIS and Remote Sensing, 16 Credits.
  • Research in Earth Observation and Geo-Information, 16 Credits.

    Elective modules, Level 7, 48 Credits (Choose three modules):
  • Biogeography and Climatic Change, 16 Credits.
  • Soil Erosion and land degradation, 16 Credits.
  • Global Environmental Change, 16 Credits.
  • Geospatial Data Infrastructures, 16 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Master the fundamental theoretical and practical aspects in all disciplines that contribute to GIS and EO and the relevance of this mastery to understanding physical and natural systems, thereby demonstrating integrated knowledge of the respective fields.
    2. Acquire information from various sources, depending on the context, as well as manage and evaluate this information.
    3. Demonstrate an understanding of the various methods of enquiry in various fields and use these methods to solve problems in the field of GIS and EO.
    4. Apply assimilated knowledge and skills in problem-solving underpinned by GIS and EO theoretical principles.
    5. Develop skills with a strong personality and work ethic, and a desire to contribute towards and effect change in the community and wider work environment.
    6. Demonstrate the consolidation of acquired skills and knowledge in accomplishing a task involving data.
    7. Produce and communicate information orally and in writing.
    8. Manage own learning in a variety of contexts as well as demonstrate accountability. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Describe, explain and discuss fundamental theoretical and practical aspects relevant to GIS and EO.
  • Apply knowledge of theory and practice to understand physical and natural systems relevant to GIS and EO.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Access information from various sources with the aid of Statistics and Spatial data infrastructure.
  • Evaluate different sources of information, their validity and accuracy using spatial statistics and Remote Sensing methodologies.
  • Present an argument to justify choices made concerning such information based on Environmental application concepts.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Identify and describe appropriate methods of inquiry across specific disciplines to solve problems.
  • Select and apply appropriate methods of inquiry in the field to solve problems pertinent to GIS and EO.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Conceptualise a research problem, data collection and analysis and report writing.
  • Apply knowledge and skills from different fields of study to solve problems in their core areas of study.
  • Apply specific GIS and EO theoretical principles to solving problems.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Apply ethics in professional practice.
  • Identify different value systems in different contexts.
  • Use Geo-information and EO theory and practical application which is directly relevant to mitigating existing societal challenges.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Identify a researchable topic in GIS and EO based on various environmental application fields and outline the problem statement.
  • Formulate a research proposal outlining research questions and hypotheses.
  • Conduct a literature search.
  • Collect and analyse data based on sampling skills, synthesise findings, and draw conclusions.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Present research findings orally.
  • Present research findings in appropriate written form.
  • Communicate in language appropriate for the work environment.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Work independently or in groups.
  • Take responsibility for their learning.

    Integrated Assessment:
    In this qualification, all modules include a variety of assessments such as tests, assignments, practical reports, practical tests, quizzes, essays, projects and seminar presentations. Some of these assessments are formative, while others are summative. Practical work is an important component of all core modules and most elective modules in this qualification and therefore practical reports and practical tests contribute significantly to the assessment of this qualification. Weekly practical reports offered in a large number of modules have an important formative function as they assess incremental and progressive development of the necessary practical and problem-solving skills encapsulated in the exit level outcomes.

    Tests, essays and assignments are designed to determine if outcomes related to theory and conceptual understanding are achieved.

    In the group project report, understanding of theoretical and practical underpinnings of GIS and EO and its applications is assessed. Learners are expected to demonstrate their basic research skills through literature searches, information synthesis, field data collection and assembly and report writing, as well as the ability to work as a team in executing tasks.

    All modules, except the group project module, which is a continuous assessment module, have a final summative examination that carries weightings between 50% and 70% of the final mark. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The qualification is comparable to similar international qualifications offered in the United Kingdom and the United States of America, including Kenya in Africa.

    United Kingdom:
    The qualification is comparable to the Bachelor of Science in Geography and Geo-Informatics offered by Swansea University. At the first-year level, the qualification emphasises an understanding of basic earth and environmental systems and global sustainability. Second and third-year levels, courses include an introduction to GIS and Earth Observation from space, satellite data analysis, fieldwork skills and environmental research methods. Exit level modules include Environmental Modelling using GIS and Remote Sensing data and research report writing.

    United States
    The University of Kent - Ohio offers a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Geographic Information Systems. The qualification requires a learner to do a basic Mathematics course. At level two and three, emphasis in Computing, Spatial Programming, Physical Geography and GIS and Remote Sensing Applications.

    Kenya
    Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology is offering a Bachelor of Science in Geospatial Information Science which is similar to the institution's qualification in terms of the modules. The qualification involves modules in Computing, Mapping, Cartography, Environmental science and Analysis and Modelling of Spatial Information. Specifically, the qualification emphasises Digital mapping, Remote Sensing and Global Positioning System (GPS).

    Conclusion:
    The qualifications were chosen because the universities offering the qualifications are very different. One is located in a developed country, with many resources, while the other is located in a developing country. Nevertheless, the three qualifications compare well concerning the exit level outcomes and content offered. All three qualifications have similar core modules and offer a range of electives.

    All three qualifications include research in the form of a short dissertation or project.

    Only the Bachelor of Science in Geography and Geographical Information Science offered by the University of Swansea is professionally accredited. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both horizontal and vertical articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science, NQF Level 7.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Environmental Sciences, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Geographic Information Systems, 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.
     
    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.