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 THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Bachelor of Science Honours: Exploration Geophysics 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
6453  Bachelor of Science Honours: Exploration Geophysics 
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  160  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 091/21  2021-07-01  2023-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

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 first purpose of the qualification is to equip the graduate with the basic theoretical knowledge and practical skills in Exploration Geophysics that will enable the successful candidate to:
  • Gain entrance to the M Sc programme in Exploration Geophysics
  • Teach science up to grade 12 level.
  • Work within the professional fields of exploration geophysics covering groundwater exploration, mineral exploration, oil exploration as well as environmental impact fields.

    The second purpose of the qualification is to provide South Africa with significant numbers of graduates with a complete knowledge of all the techniques in Exploration Geophysics, to ensure active participation and leadership in discovering and evaluating the natural resources of Africa within an environmentally responsible mindset. It has the potential of making a major contribution to the African Renascence.

    The third purpose of the qualification is to provide South Africa with a cadre of school teachers with a clear and growing understanding of the principles, methods and progress of the geological sciences prior to obtaining specific postgraduate teaching qualifications. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Matriculation certificate
    First degree: B Sc
    Other:
    Before application for admission to the B Sc (Hons) (Exploration Geophysics) candidates must be in possession of a B Sc with training in Geology, Mathematics and Physics. 

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    N 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    B Sc (Hons)

    Learning outcomes:
    Knowledge:
    1. Factual knowledge of the Physics being used in Exploration Geophysics which includes electromagnetics, potential field theory and acoustic physics
    2. Factual knowledge of the mathematical techniques involved, including Fourier analysis, filter design, and inversion techniques
    3. Expansion of the factual knowledge of the physical properties of rocks, the physical laws containing these properties and the basic exploration techniques involved in mapping these properties, acquired in B Sc.

    Skills:
    1. The ability to do field surveys using a large variety of geophysical equipments
    2. Computer literacy and use of relevant geophysical software programmes
    3. The ability to write computer software to solve advanced problems.
    4. The ability to write reports acceptable to the industry.

    Values:
    1. Appreciate the environmental ethic
    2. Professional ethics and public accountability
    3. Appreciate the value of a team environment

    Critical cross-field outcomes:
  • identify and solve problems using acquired knowledge, critical thinking and innovation.
  • collect, organise, analyse and critically evaluate scientific data.
  • work effectively as a member of a team, and in consultation with a community.
  • manage oneself, one's time and one's activities responsibly and effectively.
  • effective written, electronic and oral communication using numerical and language skills.
  • exploring education and career opportunities.
  • demonstrating an understanding of the earth as a dynamic interactive entity, which exists in association with humankind.
  • demonstrating effective and responsible decision making.
  • remaining open to new ideas and developments. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Simulated exercises in problem solving
    Written tests (summative)
    Written examinations (summative and cognitive)
    Generating critical essays
    Generating summative reports based on personal collection of field data

    Integrated assessment:
    Simulations
    Work-place assessments
    Written examinations
    Oral examinations
    Other:
    Reports
    Oral presentations
    Computer based analytical assessments 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Related qualifications:
    M Sc Exploration Geophysics

    M Sc Exploration Geophysics serves as an entry point to the related qualification 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    External assessment of written examinations
    Use of memoranda
    Internal second examiner
    External participation in oral exams 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    Qualifications required:
    Ph D

    Career experience required:
    Demonstrated experience within the profession of exploration geophysics

    Other criteria:
    Familiarity with norms of graduate training
    Proficiency in education assessment and guidance 

    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.