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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Science in Geology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
94808  Bachelor of Science in Geology 
ORIGINATOR
University of Limpopo 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National First Degree  Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology  Fabrication and Extraction 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  368  Not Applicable  NQF Level 07  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   2033-06-30  

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 
Purpose:
This qualification aims to provide quality and focused geological education at a Bachelor of Science level with the aim of improving the personal attributes of learners. It also seeks to create an enabling environment for life-long learning, recognition of prior learning, marketability and employability of learners. Learners from this qualification will be able to respond to developmental needs and challenges of the international, national and regional community in the field of geology.

The qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of concepts and principles of geological science to practices within the field.
  • Access and evaluate scientific information in a geological field, and be able to synthesise a critical review of information within a particular area of geology.
  • Demonstrate scientific reasoning skills to be able do to research and offer solutions to problems within a geological context.
  • Communicate scientific understanding in writing, orally and in using visual, symbolic and/or other forms of representation to professionals as well as the public.
  • Solve basic geological problems theoretically and practically.
  • Understand group dynamics and work effectively as a member of a team or group.
  • Apply scientific knowledge and critically reflect on societal and community issues, taking in to account ethical and cultural considerations.
  • Take accountability for decisions made and actions taken within their professional environment.

    After completing this qualification, learners will be able to further their studies to Honours level and also proceed to register for professional recognition with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP).

    Rationale:
    South Africa has vast resources of minerals and natural reserves. It is most important that a cadre of professional, competent and skilled geologists are trained to lead the geology sector within South Africa, Southern African Development Community (SADC) and on an international platform to locate, efficiently mine, process and remediate the sites.

    There is also an appreciation of the fact that to be competitive in the global markets, the South African mining sector has to cease importing skilled geologists from abroad to come and perform duties that can be done by the properly trained local people. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    For the purpose of admission into the qualification applying admission criteria other than described above, learners could be assessed as per the institution's RPL Policy and Procedures.

    The Institution supports and adheres to the nation RPL and all other related policies that promote the NQF objectives of lifelong learning.

    Entry Requirements:
    Learners are required to have the following in place in order to be considered for admission:
  • National Senior Certificate (NSC) granting entry in to Bachelor studies.
    Or
  • Senior Certificate with endorsement. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of 18 modules including 4 electives at NQF Levels 5, 6 and 7 totalling 368 credits.

    Compulsory Modules at NQF Level 5:
  • Introduction to Geology, 12 Credits.
  • General Chemistry 1A, 12 Credits.
  • General Physics 1A, 12 Credits.
  • Differential and Integral Calculus, 12 Credits.
  • Higher Education and Life Competencies I, 12 Credits.
  • Earth Surface Processes, 12 Credits.
  • General Chemistry 1B, 12 Credits.
  • General Physics 1B, 12 Credits.
  • Elementary Set Theory, Linear and Introductory Abstract Algebra, 12 Credits.
  • Higher Education and Life Competencies II, 12 Credits.
    Total number of credits 120.

    Compulsory Modules at NQF Level 6:
  • Sedimentology and Structural Geology, 20 Credits.
  • Mineralogy and Mineral Optics, 20 Credits.
  • Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology, 20 Credits.
  • Economic Geology I, 20 Credits.
    Total number of credits 80.


    Elective Modules at NQF Level 6 (Choose 1 combination from the following):
  • Organic Chemistry 2, 10 Credits.
  • Inorganic Chemistry 2, 10 Credits.
    Or
  • Classical Mechanics, 10 Credits.
  • Modern Physics, 10 Credits.

    And Choose 1 combination from the following:
  • Analytical Chemistry 2, 10 Credits.
  • Physical Chemistry 2, 10 Credits.
    Or
  • Electrodynamics and Electronics, 10 Credits.
  • Waves and Physical Optics, 10 Credits.
    Total number of credits at NQF Level 6 is 40.

    Compulsory Modules at NQF Level 7:
  • Geology of Southern Africa, 32 Credits.
  • Geophysics and Geochemistry, 32 Credits.
  • Economic Geology II, 32 Credits.
  • Environmental Geology and Geohydrology, 32 Credits.
    Total number of credits at NQF Level 7 is 128. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of concepts and principles of geological science to practices within the field.
    2. Access and evaluate scientific information in a geological field, and be able to synthesise a critical review of information within a particular area of geology.
    3. Demonstrate scientific reasoning skills to be able do to research and offer solutions to problems within a geological context.
    4. Communicate scientific understanding in writing, orally and in using visual, symbolic and/or other forms of representation to professionals as well as the public.
    5. Solve basic geological problems theoretically and practically.
    6. Understand group dynamics and work effectively as a member of a team or group.
    7. Apply scientific knowledge and critically reflect on societal and community issues, taking in to account ethical and cultural considerations.
    8. Take accountability for decisions made and actions taken within their professional environment. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • The concepts and principles of geology are explained and discussed.
  • Geological theories, concepts and principles are applied to various problems.
  • Geological theories are analysed and discussed.
  • Examples of change in knowledge and understanding in geology are conceptualised, analysed and argued.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • The library, internet and other data storage and retrieval facilities are used to access information.
  • Scientific reasoning to evaluate the quality of information is used.
  • Information from a variety of sources, which may be contradictory or divergent is synthesised.
  • A comprehensive, unbiased, logical and well reference literature survey on a particular geological question is compiled.
  • The necessity of lifelong learning within their career as a geologist is emphasised and applied in their professional career.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Logical thinking is demonstrated and nave and flawed scientific reasoning are identified.
  • The self-conscious capacity to judge when understanding has been achieved or a problem has been adequately solved is demonstrated.
  • Thinking and reasoning processes are reflected upon.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Scientific language to produce clear and coherent written documents, which follow appropriate scientific conventions, is correctly used.
  • Scientific information offering appropriate insights, interpretations and arguments is presented verbally in front of others.
  • Non-verbal forms of representation are used correctly and appropriately.
  • Appropriate study skills to broaden knowledge within the geological discipline are demonstrated and used.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Concrete and abstract problems in familiar and unfamiliar contexts, are formulated, analysed and solved.
  • Integrated knowledge from various geological disciplines to offer solutions to practical problems is used.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Evidence of successful and effective contributions in group work is provided.
  • The outcomes of scientific group work with respect for the contributions of each group member are communicated effectively.
  • Organisational skills in managing group work are applied.

    Associate Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Ethically and culturally sensitive decisions on the effects of the scientifically based activities on society are made.
  • Scientific knowledge for the direct benefit of others, e.g. to junior learners in schools or in the community is applied.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Individual opinions using factual information and argument are expressed.
  • Reasonable justification for all actions and decisions made is offered.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Learning and assessment across Exit Level Outcomes within the qualification should be integrated to ensure a well-structured cohesive qualification. Assessments are based on formative assessments which are in place to assure continuous learning and feedback to candidates and summative assessments which ensure a judgement of learning at Exit Level Outcomes. Such assessments should assess the learner's ability to integrate the larger body of knowledge, competencies and attitudes that are represented by the Exit Level Outcomes, either as a whole or as components of the qualification. Summative assessments are carried out at the end of each module of the qualification. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Some advanced industrial economies such as Australia and New Zealand rely on mining as the main source of income and a key driver of economic growth. These countries also boost some of the best universities in the world which offer Geology as an academic discipline. Comparability studies were carried out on qualifications from these universities including one from Canada.

    In Canada the University of Manitoba offers a Bachelor of Science in Geological Sciences Degree. The qualification equips learners with advanced skills and knowledge on mineral exploration techniques and the relevant mineral resources policies.

    The University of Otago in New Zealand offers a Bachelor of Science Degree majoring in Geology. The qualification introduces and later equips learners with knowledge of the concepts and principles underpinning Geology as a scientific discipline.

    In Australia the University of Melbourne offers a Bachelor of Science in Geology which equips learners with skills to undertake fundamental research into geological processes and on how the planet functions.

    Conclusion:
    This qualification compares well with the cited qualifications as they all seek to equip learners with both the practical and theoretical knowledge underpinning geology as a scientific discipline. The comparability study conducted confirms the quality of this qualification as it compares well with similar international qualifications and therefore conforms to international best practices. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification articulates horizontally with the following NQF Level 7 registered qualifications:
  • Bachelor of Science in Geology.
  • Bachelor of Science in Mining Geology.

    This qualification will articulate vertically with the following NQF Level 8 registered qualifications:
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Geology.
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Mining Geology.
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Mineral Processing and Ore Beneficiation. 
    		•

    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 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 Limpopo 


    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.