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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Bachelor of Science Honours in Geology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
6449  Bachelor of Science Honours in Geology 
ORIGINATOR
University of Pretoria 
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
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 1141/23  2021-07-01  2024-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2025-06-30   2028-06-30  

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 
This qualification has the purpose of teaching the learner how to apply basic theoretical knowledge and practical skills, inherent in the prerequisite Bachelor of Science (Geology) qualification, to an integrated study of holistic geological science, with a view to preparing the graduate for registration as a professional earth scientist, competent to work as a mining geologist, exploration geologist, or a groundwater geologist. The Honours qualification aims to bridge the gap between basic theoretical knowledge (obtained in the Bachelor of Science qualification) and the practice of geological science in the workplace situation.

The first purpose of the qualification is to provide qualifiers with postgraduate level knowledge, advanced field and laboratory skills, and a mature appreciation of both environmental responsibility and professional, ethical values, in the broad field of general geological sciences; these will provide opportunities for continued personal intellectual growth and entrance to research-based lifelong learning, for gainful employment as a professionally recognised and registered (with the SA Council for Natural Scientific Professions) geologist, and for making valuable contributions to society.

The second purpose of the qualification is to provide South Africa with significant numbers of qualified learner who can practise as professionals in the geological sciences, to maintain and enhance local leadership in discovering and utilising natural commodity resources, with an appropriate environmentally conscious mind-set, to the benefit of all South Africans.

The third purpose of this qualification is to ensure the widening of the internationally respected South African knowledge-base and scholarly expertise in the geological sciences, and specifically to extend this knowledge and expertise to previously disadvantaged communities, in order to provide them with access to lifelong learning opportunities and research-based higher qualifications in the earth sciences.

The fourth purpose of this qualification is to provide South Africa with a cadre of school teachers with a professional-level understanding of the principles, methods and progress of the geological sciences, prior to obtaining specific post qualified learner teaching qualifications. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The institution conducts RPL in terms of the policy and guidelines of the institution to recognise other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience. In cases where learners do not comply with the formal admission requirements, the institution applies its RPL policy.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Cognate Bachelor's Degree, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Cognate Advanced Diploma, NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    Knowledge:
    1. Factual knowledge of the basic fields of geology, mineralogy, igneous a metamorphic petrology, sedimentology, structural geology, groundwater, environmental and engineering geology, economic geology, geostatistics and most particularly how they relate to each other.
    2. Factual knowledge of principles and methods inherent in the following advanced fields of geology: applied petrography and geochemistry, fluid-rock interactions and their importance in economic geology, basin analysis, crustal evolution with an emphasis on Precambrian and African crust exploration techniques, basic mining methods.
    3. Factual knowledge of the basic precepts in business practice and entrepreneurship.

    Skills:
    1. Applying the combined basic knowledge inherent above to solving problems in mining geology, exploration geology and groundwater geology.
    2. Advanced field mapping and exploration skills, using GIS, aerial photographs, satellite imagery and basic geochemical and geophysical techniques.
    3. Computer literacy and familiarity with appropriate geological software ability to use GIS software.

    Values:
    1. Appreciate and apply the environmental ethic in mining and exploration situations.
    2. Professional ethics and public accountability.
    3. Appreciate working as part of a team.
    4. Appreciate and apply the entrepreneurial spirit to mining, exploration and groundwater projects.
    5. Appreciate role of geological science in the national economy. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Integrated Assessment:
  • Simulations.
  • Work-place assessments.
  • Written examinations.
  • Oral examinations.

    Other:
  • Reports.
  • Critical essays.
  • Computer based analytical assessments.
  • Assessment of oral discussions and debates.
  • Project assessment: written report based on data collection, analysis and interpretation. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification compares with the following international qualifications in terms of the range of competencies in the learning content offered. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification offers both possibilities of horizontal and vertical articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Engineering and Environmental Geology, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Mining Geology, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Geology, NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Science in Geology, NQF Level 9. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    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 Pretoria 


    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.