SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE:

Master of Science: Geo-Informatics

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
16216	Master of Science: Geo-Informatics
ORIGINATOR
Rand Afrikaans University
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Master's 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	240	Level 8 and above	NQF Level 09	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered"		SAQA 2663/05	2006-07-01	2009-06-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2010-06-30		2013-06-30

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

The primary purpose of this qualification is to provide qualifying learners with the ability to:

Develop the intellectual and practical skills of a highly trained Geo-informatics Scientist.

Acquire, analyse, interpret and prepare Information on Environmental/Spatial aspects for utilisation by Planners and Managers.

It also equips the learner for further advanced study towards a higher degree in Geography.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Learners accessing this qualification should demonstrate their competency with current Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS) computer software.

150 credits on level 7 in Geography.

Recognition of prior learning:

A learner who claims to have achieved entry requirements through experiential learning will be assessed. If the student is found to be competent the student may gain access, advanced placement, or recognition of degree status will be granted on condition of continuing education.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

The learner should be able to:

1. Identify spatial data and sources, characteristics thereof, and critically evaluate trends in and devise implementations and solution to spatial representation issues.

2. Take lead of a multidisciplinary team of Geo-informatics scientists.

3. Make specific recommendations on proper GIS and RS procedures and solutions.

4. Take initiative and independently gather, analyse and organise spatially related and remotely sensed data, as well as critically evaluating results in the study of the Geo-informatics. Present it in the format of a completed research dissertation.

5. Have the ability to communicate research by oral and written presentation, and scientifically present results.

6. Apply and develop analytical tools used in Geo-informatics.

7. Explain the degree of variation in the variables from the human and physical realms in the field of Geo-informatics.

8. Extract specific ideas and techniques and integrate with own research results. Formulation and defence of an independent point of view.

9. The ability to use and manage GIS and RS as a responsible citizen and to invoke the same responsibility amongst the general community.

10. To prove and convince stakeholders, and to contribute a researched example of the importance of using and manipulating GIS and RS information for effective and proper planning, and the role it plays to create an acceptable living environment within a constantly changing world, within the framework of acceptable computer applications.

11. The ability to identify and apply for career opportunities in the focused field of Geo-informatics.

12. The ability to apply new and individual knowledge and technologies and to consult these applications in Geo-informatics.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

1. Can the learner identify spatial data and sources, characteristics thereof, and critically evaluate trends in and devise implementations and solutions to spatial representation issues.

2. Can the learner take lead of a multidisciplinary team of Geo-informatics scientists.

3. Can the learner make specific recommendations on proper GIS and RS procedures and solutions.

4. Can the learner take initiative and independently gather, analyse and organise spatially related and remotely sensed data, as well as critically evaluate results in the study of the Geo-informatics. Present it in the format of a completed research dissertation.

5. Can the learner communicate research by oral and written presentation, and scientifically present results.

6. Can the learner apply and develop analytical tools used in Geo-informatics.

7. Can the learner explain the degree of variation in the variables from the human and physical realms in the field of Geo-informatics.

8. Can the learner extract specific ideas and techniques and integrate with own research results. Formulate and defend an independent point of view.

9. Can the learner use and manage GIS and RS as a responsible citizen and invoke the same responsibility amongst the general community.

10. Can the learner prove and convince stakeholders, and contribute a researched example of the importance of using and manipulating GIS and RS information for effective and proper planning, and the role it plays to create an acceptable living environment within a constantly changing world, within the framework of acceptable computer applications.

11. Can the learner identify and apply for career opportunities in the focused field of Geo-informatics.

12. Can the learner apply new and individual knowledge and technologies and consult these applications in Geo-informatics.

Formative assessment practices that will be implemented:

Learners are continuously assessed via informal class tests and formal semester tests (in written or oral mode), practical tests and practical exercises. They may also be assigned to do independent seminars on specific scientific topics or problems which have to be presented to co-learners.

Each course work module will include:
At least 1 written assignment on the theory in essay format
At least 1 presentation of an aspect of the theory - poster format
At least 1 informal class test on work to be prepared for lecture periods
At least 1 semester test on theory

Summative assessment practices that will be implemented:

Integrated assessment, focusing on the achievement of the exit-level outcomes, will be done by means of a research dissertation on the selected topic within the field of Geo-informatics or Geography. The dissertation should clearly demonstrate knowledge of, and insight into the field of study and the ability to independently conduct scientific research.
Every master's learner must also submit a scientific article, based on the research conducted for the dissertation that is ready for publication. This does not place a publication obligation on either the learner or the study leader. The article may be a summary of the study or part thereof.

Learners are exposed to one written examination per course work module (except the research module) towards the end of each semester.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

Access to qualifications on a lower level:

Enabling learners to gain access to this qualification will be handled according to the current regulations of the University.

Access to qualifications on the same level:

A panel will decide on articulation with other qualifications on the same level as this qualification, thereby enabling learners to exit this qualification at some stage and then continuing their studies in another 'similar' qualification.

Access to qualifications on a higher level:

A panel will decide on articulation with other qualifications on a higher level than this qualification, thereby enabling learners to gain access to those qualifications, when they have completed this one.

MODERATION OPTIONS

External moderators will be appointed by the department.

At least one external examiner will be appointed per module from peer departments in other universities, or suitably qualified persons from private industry.

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

Formal assessment will be done by assessors with a Level 8 in a relevant field in Geography or Geo-informatics

REREGISTRATION HISTORY

As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2006.

NOTES

This is a new submission. The course content focuses on Geo-Informatics, not on 'Geography and Environmental Management' as previously submitted.

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.

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