The BSc (Hons) degree is a postgraduate specialisation qualification, characterised by the fact that it prepares students for further, research-based study at postgraduate level. The qualification follows on a bachelor’s degree and is aimed at consolidating and deepening a student’s expertise in geology, and to develop research capacity in the methodology and techniques of the discipline. The qualification demands a high level of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence. The degree, in conjunction with practical, post-qualification experience, also serves as the minimum entry requirement for registration as a professional natural scientist with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP).
More specifically, the intention of this degree is to help students to:
- Develop the ability to identify problems in the geosciences that are amenable to scientific inquiry and to formulate suitable research questions and research avenues/methodologies.
- Become familiar with contemporary, primary literature and classic literature in the discipline and the resources available to them to do so.
- Develop the ability to generate data and to interpret data.
- Develop their critical reading skills.
- Develop their scientific writing skills.
- Presenting data acquired through experiments, mapping, analyses, observations etcetera in a scientific way.
Students can pursue an honours qualification in one of the following specialisations:
- Geology
- Environmental Geology
- Geochemistry
The following honours modules are offered by the Department:
- GLGY6808: Research Report
- GLGY6816: Plate Tectonics
- GLGY6823: Advanced Sedimentology
- GLGY6863: Advanced Economic and Exploration Geology
- GLGY6836: Advanced and Applied Mineralogy
- GLGY6843: Advanced Geochemistry
- GLGY6853: Advanced Igneous Petrology
- GLGY6873: Advanced Environmental Geochemistry
- GLGY6883: Capita Selecta (Geology)
- GLGY6801: Skills Development and Ethics for Geoscience Professionals