| Code | Faculty |
|---|---|
| 02240415 | Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences |
| Credits | Duration |
|---|---|
| Minimum duration of study: 1 year | Total credits: 135 |
Renewal of registration
In calculating marks, General Regulation G.12.2 applies.
Apart from the prescribed coursework, a research project is an integral part of the study.
An appropriate bachelor's degree, with an overall average of 60% for 300- and 400-level modules. Prospective students may be required to do additional modules to enable them to reach the desired level of study. Selection takes place before admission.
Minimum credits: 135
Minimum credits: 135
Fundamental credit: 25
Core credits: 35
Elective credits: 75
Other programme-specific information:
Please note that the curriculum may change each year at the discretion of the head of department or the honours coordinator in the Department of Geography, Geoinformatics and Meteorology.
Appropriate modules, other than approved by the honours coordinator or head of department, may be taken. However, a minimum of 45 elective module credits should come from the Department of Geography, Geoinformatics and Meteorology.
Module content:
The module provides a critical review of the structures and paradigms in which the geographical and environmental sciences are practised. Particular reference is made to the development and impact of paradigms and the interdependence of systems within space and time.
Module content:
An approved individual research project, carried out under the guidance of a lecturer. The project culminates in a research report in the format of a research paper and presentation. The student is expected to obtain the respective skills (theoretical and practical research techniques, data analysis, communication and computer skills) necessary for the research topic.
Module content:
The principles of experimental design as required for the selection of an appropriate research design. Identification of the design limitations and the impact thereof on the research hypotheses and the statistical methods. Identification and application of the appropriate statistical methods needed. Interpreting of statistical results and translating these results to the biological context.
Module content:
Definitions of woodlands and forests and vegetation and forest resources in southern Africa; Classification of forest and woodland in southern Africa; Woodland dynamics including disturbance, recruitment, growth and mortality, recovery after disturbance; Ecosystem services (microclimate and nutrient cycling, carbon sequestration etc); Sustainable forest resource management (resource assessment, socio-economic assessment e.g. wood and non-forest products, participatory resource management processes); Forest health; Monitoring of resource-use impacts and adaptive management; Development of a framework for sustainable conservation and use of non-timber forest products; Climate change and resilience. Forest disease and pathology.
Module content:
The aim of this module is to understand the principles and processes behind environmental assessments. The module will give an overview of the history of assessments, compare assessment processes internationally, evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches, provide an overview of the South African regulatory context and the environmental authorisation process.
Module content:
A self-study module on an aspect or aspects of geographical or environmental science selected in consultation with the head of the department from: (a) themes not covered in existing options; or (b) educational subjects.
Module content:
This module focuses on processes and applications of geomorphology. Topics that may be studied include: soil erosion and conservation, weathering, geomorphic response to environmental change, slope processes and geomorphological hazards. The module includes practical fieldwork and field assessments.
Module content:
The main themes of the module include: overview of global urbanisation theories and processes; urban morphology and change; the administrative structure and functions of African cities and; the quality of urban life in the developing world.
Module content:
Study themes include past environmental change, causes and consequences of human-induced environmental change and South Africa and climate change.
Module content:
The module aims to provide students with an understanding and knowledge of contemporary land reform issues against the background of international land reform experiences. The module also touches on other rural development strategies and ultimately aims to enhance the student's ability to conceptualise and analyse policy in the context of broader environmental issues.
Module content:
The aim of the module is to provide knowledge and understanding of image analysis and information extraction methods in remote sensing. The emphasis is on equipping students with knowledge and skills necessary to process imagery to extract diverse biophysical and geospatial information. The course gives insight into the possibilities and limitations of the application of modern remote sensing/image acquisition systems for Earth and atmosphere research purposes at different levels of detail.
Module content:
Principles of integrated environmental management; environmental impact assessment; environmental management systems (ISO 14000 series); water resource management; environmental legislation; site investigation guidelines; natural hazard risk assessment; seismicity; project management and professional business practice.Geological models and software.
Module content:
This module focuses on managing ecotourism (including the natural and cultural resource base) following eco-principles and guidelines in order to provide a framework for sustainable/responsible tourism development in response to community needs within the Southern African context. The concepts of ecotourism, alternative tourism, responsible tourism and geotourism are debated.The management of ecotourism is studied from a theoretical perspective addressing issues such as the planning, design and sustainable development of eco-facilities and spaces; co-creation and the experienced tourist; the greening of the environment; and managing sustainable events; against the backdrop of climate change using local, national and international case studies. The aim is to provide students with a holistic perspective of ecotourism and to hone their entrepreneurial view to issues within this arena in order to apply sustainable eco-principles to various situations, ranging from green architectural structures and spaces to sustainable community and pro-poor tourism projects.
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