SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Bachelor of Science Honours in Geology

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
19240	Bachelor of Science Honours in Geology
ORIGINATOR
University of Fort Hare
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Honours 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	120	Level 7	NQF Level 08	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction		EXCO 0324/24	2024-07-01	2027-06-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30		2031-06-30

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

The minimum requirement for registration as a professional geologist in South Africa is an Honours degree in Geology. The first purpose of the Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Geology) is, therefore, to enable the qualifiers to register as Professional Geologists.

Its second purpose is to provide the nations with graduates who can apply their geological knowledge in solving problems related to mining of existing ore deposits, and the exploration for new ones. Their skills can also be used in the engineering and environmental fields.

The third purpose is to provide teachers with a sound knowledge of earth sciences which can be used in teaching geography and related environmental studies.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning:

Prior accredited learning is in the form of a Bachelor of Science degree with geology as one of the majors. Additional relevant prior learning, e.g. a Technikon diploma + field experience, may be recognised.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

Exit Level Outcomes:

The B. Sc Hons) (Geology) graduate:

1. Will demonstrate an in depth understanding of the principles of Geology.

2. Will demonstrate the ability to apply geological knowledge in solving problems of related fields.

3. Will show the ability to search, retrieve, analyse, synthesise and communicate geological information.

4. Will demonstrate the understanding of geological field and laboratory techniques

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Assessment Criteria:

The B. Sc Hons) (Geology) graduate:

1. Will select and use a few concepts and principles in the analysis and interpretation of Geological problems.

2. Will select a site with environmental or engineering geology problems and use geology principles to solve or suggest a solution for such a problem.

3. Will present oral and written geological reports based on literature research.

4. Will present reports based on field and laboratory work.

Integrated Assessment procedures to ensure that the purpose of the qualification is achieved:

Formative Assessment:

background knowledge assessment

continuous evaluation throughout the module

laboratory and field work

review of drafts

Summative Assessment:

seminars

field work reports

examinations

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

Recognition of prior learning towards either core and/or fundamental credits where appropriate and /or towards elective credits.

Learners will be able to proceed towards a Masters degree in Geology, Exploration Geology, Economic Geology as well as environmentally-oriented Masters degrees at Fort Hare and other tertiary institutions.

MODERATION OPTIONS

Internal examinations with moderation by external examiners from other universities or research institutes.

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

Minimum criteria: Masters degree in Geology

REREGISTRATION HISTORY

As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2006; 2009; 2012; 2015.

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.	University of Fort Hare