PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAMME

To develop knowledge, skills and competencies in the field of Geology relevant to various entrepreneurial and employment possibilities in Zimbabwe and other mining economies in the region, Africa and abroad. To prepare students for higher degree studies in Geosciences, and to be environmental stewards required for sustainable exploitation of mineral resources.

2.0 ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

For all entry pathways candidates must have at least five Ordinary Level subjects including English Language, Mathematics and Chemistry or Combined Science at grade C or better.

Normal Entry: National Diploma or Higher National Diploma in Geology plus two years post-diploma working experience.

  3.0 PROGRAMME CHARACTERISTICS

Areas of Study: Mineralogy, Petrology, Structural Geology & Tectonics, Mineral Deposits, Mineral Exploration, Geoscience Mapping, Geoscience Modelling Stratigraphy, Geochemistry.   

Specialist Focus: Geology for understanding the genesis and predictive discovery of mineral deposits for eventual sustainable exploitation for economic development.  

Orientation:   Strong hands-on components, including laboratory and field activities. A special emphasis on efficient computer-aided methodologies.

Distinctive Features: The ‘applied’ tag refers to Geology beyond mere academic curiosity, but geology for the creation of wealth, sustainable economic development and empowerment of society through the practical application of sound theoretical foundations.  

 

4.0 CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AND FURTHER EDUCATION

Employability: Employment and entrepreneurship in mining and mineral exploration at all levels including top management.

Government; Mining companies; Engineering companies; Consulting companies; Research institutions and Universities.

Further Studies: Master’s and doctoral studies in Geology or other Geoscience areas.  

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

RPL   Exempted one year of study in Recognized Prior Learning (RPL) 120      Level 2  

HGEOL220   Exempted Work-Related Learning in Recognized Prior Learningor/and current industrial experience   120       

Level 3, Semester 1 (Level 3.1)

Code Module Description Credits

HEGP 114 Mathematics Foundations 12

HEGP 116 Introduction to Geophysics 12

HGEOL121 Mineralogy and Crystallography 12

HGEOL122 Igneous Petrology 12

HGEOL123 Metamorphic Petrology 12

HGEOL113 Principles of Chemistry 12

 

Level 3, Semester 2

Code Module Description Credits

HGEOL125 Stratigraphy and Sedimentology 12

HGEOL212 Geochemistry 12

HGEOL213 Mineral Deposit Geology 12

HGEOL321 Structural Geology and Tectonics   12

HGEOL225 GIS and Remote Sensing for Geology 12

HGEOL223 Geological Field Mapping 12

HMINE412 Mining Law 12

  

 

Level 4  Semester 1 (Level 4.1)

Code Module Description     Credits

HGEOL221 Mineral Exploration 12

HGEOL 224 Geomodelling and Mineral Resources Estimation 12

HGEOL411 Basin Analysis and Hydrocarbon Geology 12

HGEOL412 Advanced Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology 12

HGEOL414 Geometallurgy and Mineral Beneficiation 12

HMINE421 Mine Design and Planning   12

  

Level 4, Semester 2 (Level 4.2)

Code Module Description    Credits

HGEOL421 Geology of Zimbabwe and Southern Africa 12

HGEOL422 Final Year Research Project 36

     

 14.0 MODULE SYNOPSES

Level 1 Semesters 1 and 2

Exempted one year of study in Recognized Prior Learning.

Applicants with National Diplomas (or equivalents) and/or Higher National Diplomas (or equivalents) are offered exemptions worth a total one year of study, thus recognizing their prior learning.  

HGEOL220 Exempted Work-Related Learning in Recognized Prior Learning/ or and current industrial experience.

Work-Related Learning Work-related Learning (WRL) is considered covered as part of prior learning since (i) a one-year industrial placement is normally part of diploma level training, (ii) the entry requirements to this degree programme demands that applicants have a minimum of two (2) years’ working experience, and are currently employed.

HEGP114 Mathematics Foundations

This introductory module is meant to introduce fundamental mathematics concepts especially for students without A Level Mathematics and to serve as a refresher module in mathematical principles critical for physical sciences. The topics include Functions and 2D coordinates, Complex numbers, Differential Calculus, Power Series, Integral Calculus, Linear Algebra and Ordinary Differential Equations.   

HEGP 116 Introduction to Geophysics

Basics of geophysics and various geophysical field techniques such as electromagnetics, gravity, DC, resistivity, IP, magnetics, and ground penetrating radar surveys.

HGEOL 121 Mineralogy and Crystallography

Formation of minerals, aggregates, rocks, and soils; The atomic structure and bonding of some of the minerals; Chemical formulae and compositions of common rock forming minerals, Diagnostic features of minerals; Simple mineralogical tests used to identify minerals; Essential mineral attributes/and physical properties that can be used to determine their identity; The crystal system to which each mineral belongs, Modes of occurrence of the minerals, Uses of minerals; Solid solution series-triangular diagrams and phases

HGEOL 122 Igneous Petrology

Primary magma generation and emplacement of magmas as intrusions and lavas; Magma differentiation; Plate tectonics and magma generation and the resulting major rock groupings,

e.g.: basaltic rocks from mid-ocean ridges and hot spots, andesites and granites from subduction zones, and under-saturated mafic rocks from continental rifts.  

 

HGEOL 123 Metamorphic Petrology

Chemical thermodynamics and phase equilibria. It includes the identification of metamorphic rocks in hand specimen and microscopically, the use of mineral assemblages to identify the protolith and place the rock in a metamorphic facies framework.

HGEOL 113 Principles of Chemistry

This module is an introduction to the fundamental nature of matter.  A range of chemical processes that underpin a broad array of disciplines will illustrate the importance of and differences between chemical and mathematical representations of reactions and reactivity. The physical phenomena resulting from bond types and their resulting intermolecular forces will explain the properties of natural and man-made processes and materials. Using examples from nature and biology the role of certain groups in ascribing reactivity and function of organic molecules are highlighted.

HGEOL 125 Stratigraphy and Sedimentology

Ancient and modern sedimentary deposits, types of sedimentary deposits, depositional processes and resulting deposits and sedimentary structures, as well as principles of facies analysis and models, basin analysis and geomorphological contributions. The module also includes the following: sediment cycle; Physical properties of sediments; Sediment classification; Sedimentary Processes; Sedimentary petrology; Stratigraphy – principles, nomenclature and procedures; Lithostratigraphy, biostratigraphy and sequence stratigraphy; Sedimentary depositional systems and facies; Sedimentary geochemistry and climate.

HGEOL 212 Geochemistry

Distribution and geochemical classification of elements; Chemistry of the solid Earth, Thermodynamics; Equilibrium; Phase relationships; Kinetics; Major and trace element fractionation and partitioning; Stable and radiogenic isotopes and their applications; Fluid-rock interaction; Organic geochemistry and the carbon cycle; Analytical techniques and geochemical data presentation. The module also introduces isotope geology and geochronology.

HGEOL 213 Mineral Deposit Geology

Definitions of mineral deposits, occurrences and resources; Mineral deposit classification;

Mineral deposit genesis and models; Classification of mineral resources and mineral reserves; Mineral deposit examples from Zimbabwe and the world; Laboratory practicals on reflected light  microscopy and ore textures and associations; Field visits to selected mineral deposits

HGEOL 321 Structural Geology and Tectonics  

Geological structures; Stress and strain in rocks; Brittle and ductile deformation in rocks; Stress analysis with Mohr circles; Stereographic projections in structural geology; Kinematic analysis of shear zones; Fold mechanisms; Superposed deformation and refolded folds; Rheology; Deformation processes; Deformation mechanisms; Microstructure; Deformation histories operating in the earth’s crust through the description, analysis and mapping of deformed rocks; micro and macrotectonics.

HGEOL 225 GIS and Remote Sensing for Geology

This module equips students with principles and applications of geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing in geology and mineral exploration. GIS topics include Structure and format of GIS data; Data input and transformation, Database compilation, Spatial analysis and modelling in mineral exploration and target identification. The remote sensing part focuses on the capture and processing of satellite images and the application of data from various satellite platforms in geology and mineral exploration. The module is computer-based, and students will experiment and use various GIS and remote sensing software packages.

 HGEOL 223 Geological Field Mapping

Geological mapping principles. Students will undertake geological mapping in selected areas, with training and support to sharpen their skills in field observation, measurement, recognition of major rock types and structures, and project management and report writing.

HMINE412 Mining Law

This module covers Mining legislation; its impact on the mining industry and its stakeholders; Mine health and safety; Environmental Impacts; Exploration; Extraction; Duty of care; Safety management systems; Risk management; Legislation in developing countries; Industrial law issues. Students are expected to appreciate and critique existing laws. Subsequent to appreciation of existing laws, students must be able to apply those laws in the acquisition and preservation of mining rights as well as the management of mining operations. The course further enables students to participate in mining policy formulation and policy advocacy. Students are also expected to develop skills in mining contract drafting and contract negotiation

HGEOL 221 Mineral Exploration

Mineral exploration planning and sequencing; Orientation surveys; Regional geochemical sampling; Soil sampling; Exploration drilling equipment and methods, Laboratory sample analysis instruments and techniques; Statistical interpretations of results; Methods of exploration geophysics (gravity; magnetics; magnetotellurics; radio detection and ranging; induced polarisation; radiometrics; seismics; borehole methods, etc.); Integration of geological, geochemical and geophysical exploration methods in detection and characterization of anomalies.

HGEOL 224 Geomodelling and Mineral Resources Estimation

Procedures and uncertainties inherent in 2D and 3D geological models, including computational geological modelling, mineral resources estimation, geostatistics, spatial data analysis, variogram models, the theory of kriging, in-situ resource estimation and classification, construction of data sets allowing visualization and analysis of key spatial relationships of geological elements.

HGEOL 411 Basin Analysis and Hydrocarbon Geology  

Principles and applications of geological basin analysis, Petroleum exploration, Hydrocarbon exploration

HGEOL 412 Advanced Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology  

This module builds upon earlier treatment of igneous and metamorphic petrology and explores in detail igneous and metamorphic rock associations, their descriptions, occurrence and origin. It involves detailed petrographic and petrogenetic studies of these important rock types.

HGEOL 414 Geometallurgy and Mineral Beneficiation

Applied/process mineralogy in the recovery and process operations using various techniques such as XRD, XRF, SEM applications etc. Application of various advanced techniques to find solutions to process mineralogy. Mineral processing, comminution, screening, concentration, dewatering, tailings disposal, metallurgical accounting, and simulation of mineral beneficiation.

HMINE421 Mine Design and Planning  

This module covers mining method selection, mine life, principles of mine layout and design, mine scheduling of the exploitation of mineral deposits, mine optimization, capital and operating cost estimation, environment issues, feasibility studies, risk analysis, underground and surface mining methods, material handling and transport etc.

HGEOL 421 Geology of Zimbabwe and Southern Africa  

The aims of the module are to make students: understand the physical conditions that existed during, and immediately after the formation of the earth; to trace how such conditions have changed over time in Africa; to equip the students with basic understanding of the tectonics, geological rock associations and major structures that characterize the Achaean, Proterozoic and Phanerozoic terrains in Africa; to relate the rock associations with those occurring in the rest of the world; to link the geodynamics in both space and time e.g. timing of cratonisation; to understand the economic significance of each terrain

HGEOL 422 Final Year Research Project  

This is the final year project module undertaken in the last two semesters. A student can do a project based on field (mapping) geology, mineral exploration, mine geology, any combination of these, or any other approved topic.