PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAMME

To develop knowledge, skills and competences 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/ National Foundation Certificates including English Language, Mathematics and a Science subject at grade C or better.

Normal Entry: At least 5 Ordinary Level passes including English Language and Mathematics plus two Advanced Level passes in any two of the following subjects/ National Foundation Certificates: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Geography OR Relevant National Certificate.

Special Entry: National Diploma or Higher National Diploma in Geology

Mature Entry: At least 25 years of age plus 5 years relevant experience and at least 5 Ordinary subjects inclusive of English Language and Mathematics

3.0 PROGRAMME CHARACTERISTICS

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

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 entrepreneurships 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

 

Level 1 Semester 1

Code Module Description Credits

CS101 Communication Skills 6

HGEOL 111 Introduction to Geology 12

HGEOL 112 Environmental Geoscience 12

HEGP113 Physics Foundations 8

HEGP114 Mathematics Foundations 8

HGEOL113 Principles of Chemistry 8

HGEOL116 Computer for Geoscientists 12

Level 1 Semester 2

Code Module Description Credits

HGEOL 121 Mineralogy and Crystallography 12

HGEOL 122 Igneous Petrology 12

HGEOL 123 Metamorphic Petrology 12

HGEOL 124 Structural Geology 12

HGEOL 125 Stratigraphy and Sedimentology 12

HGEOL 126 Earth Systems, Geomorphology and Paleontology 12

HMINE124 Computer Programming 12

Level 2, Semester 1

Code Module Description Credits

HGEOL 211 Geochemistry 12

HGEOL 212 Research Methods and Technical Writing 12

HGEOL 213 Mineral Deposit Geology 12

HEGP 116 Introduction to Geophysics 12

GS 201 Introduction to Gender Studies 6

ENT131 Entrepreneurship 6

Level 2, Semester 2

Code Module Description Credits

HGEOL 221 Mineral Exploration 12

HGEOL 222 Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology 12

HGEOL 223 Geological Field Mapping 12

HGEOL 224 Geomodelling and Mineral Resources Estimation 12

HGEOL 225 GIS and Remote Sensing for Geology 12

HGEOL 226 Isotope Geology and Geochronology 12

Level 3 Semester 1  

Code Module Description Credits

HGEOL300 Work-Related Learning Placement Report 10

Level 3, Semester 2  

Code Module Description Credits

HGEOL 301 Academic Supervisor’s Report 40

HGEOL 302 Students’ Report 45

HGEOL 303 Employers’ Assessment Report 25

Level 4, Semester 1

Code Module Description Credits

HGEOL 411 Basin Analysis and Hydrocarbon Geology 12

HGEOL 412 Advanced Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology 12

HGEOL 413 Advanced Structural Geology and Tectonics 12

HGEOL 414 Geometallurgy and Mineral Beneficiation 12

HMINE 412 Mining Law 12

 

Level 4, Semester 2

Code  Module Description Credits

HGEOL 421 Geology of Zimbabwe and Southern Africa                                12

HGEOL 421 Mine Design and Planning                                                                              12

HGEOL 422 Final Year Research Project 36

                                                                       

14.0 MODULE SYNOPSES

CS101 Communication Skills

Introduction to communication; Pre-writing skills; Writing skills; Whole essay construction;

Scientific and technical writing; Reflective, critical and evaluative thinking; Teamwork skills.

HGEOL 111 Introduction to Geology

Origin of the earth, the petrology of igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks, and mineralogy; and the interaction of the environment with geological processes.

HGEOL 112 Environmental Geoscience

Ecosphere and environmental geochemistry; matter/ nutrient cycles; Metal and nutrient pollution in the environment; Geological hazards such as volcanoes, earthquakes and tsunamis; Climate change; Greenhouse effect; Air pollution; Geochemistry and health; Environmental and social effects of mining and energy production; Mine rehabilitation; Interaction between local communities and the resources industry.

HEGP113 Physics Foundations

This introductory module to physics is meant to introduce fundamental physics concepts especially meant for those who did not do A Level Physics and others to review physics principles critical for physical sciences. The topics include Dimensional Analysis, Classical Mechanics, Heat and Gases and Waves.

HEGP114 Mathematics Foundations

This introductory module to mathematics is meant to introduce fundamental mathematics concepts especially meant for those who did do A Level Mathematics and others to review mathematics 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.

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 the certain groups in ascribing reactivity and function of organic molecules will be highlighted.

HGEOL116 Computer for Geoscientists

This course will introduce students to concepts of computer technology and the practical use of

computers. The students will learn at least one programming language and associated critical components of computing science that  is computing hardware and software, communication, computer systems organization, number systems, legal and ethical considerations and security. The use of the Internet to develop research skills will also be covered.

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

Processes by which igneous rocks are formed, classified and analyzed in hand specimen and thin sections, description, classification and interpretation; 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 specimens and microscopically, the use of mineral assemblages to identify the protolith and place the rock in a metamorphic facies framework.

HGEOL 124 Structural Geology

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.

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 126 Earth Systems, Geomorphology and Paleontology

Physical and biological agents and processes that have shaped the Earth’s surface through geological time; Evolutionary paths and mechanisms in paleontology; Distribution of fossils in space and time; Laboratory and field characterization of fossils.

HMINE124 Computer Programming

Programming in BASIC, PASCAL, C, C++ and Visual Basic; Conditional and repetitive

statements; Input and output; Simple functions; Program structure and organization; Introduction to classes and objects.

HGEOL 211 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 212 Research Methods and Technical Writing

This module aims to equip students with scientific research and report writing skills to prepare them for dissertation writing, work-based report writing and writing for publications such as books, journals and magazines. The scientific research method and ethical aspects of writing and correct citation of published works are emphasized.

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; Filed visits to selected mineral deposits

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.

GS201 Introduction to Gender Studies

This module covers Gender sensitivity; Gender inequalities; Historical development of gender issues; Gender analysis; Gender issues in Zimbabwe; Redressing gender imbalances; Empowerment and strategies for gender-responsive environment.

ENT201 Entrepreneurship

This module covers Business development; Marketing; Human resources management pricing; Government policies; Taxation of business; Case studies based on site visits; Preparation of a business plan; Technological entrepreneurship; innovations competitions.

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 222  Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology

Engineering geology, classification and properties of rock masses, regolith and soil, geological maps, site investigations, geohazards etc. The role of groundwater in exploration and management, hydrological cycle, recharge and discharge phenomena, aquifer types, geophysical exploration for water, groundwater quality and contamination, and hydrogeology and the environment.

HGEOL 223  Geological Field Mapping

Geological mapping principles. Observation, measurement, recognition of major rock types and structures, and project management and report writing.

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 krigging, in-situ resource estimation and classification, construction of data sets allowing visualization and analysis of key spatial relationships of geological elements.

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.

HGEOL226 Isotope Geology and Geochronology  

This module covers isotope geology and geochronology; Stable isotope geology and isotopic

fractionation of Li, Ca, Cr, Fe, Cu, Zn, Se and Mo in geologic; Radiogenic isotope geology and geochronology; U-Th-Pb geochronology and SHRIMP, Evolution and the isotopic composition of, Sr, Nd, Hf, Os and Pb; Geothermochronology; Ar-Ar metamorphic P-T-t paths; Isotopic cosmochemistry and evolution of the Solar System.

Level 3, Semester 1

HGEOL 300 Work-Related Learning Placement Report

The module covers The report of the student’s understanding of an organisation’s purpose, functions and relations, operations and relationship between the organisation and other organisations.

Level 3 Semester 2 

HGEOL301  Academic Supervisor’s Report

This module provides an assessment done by the academic supervisor during the period of work-related learning. The report comprises the tasks performed and the assessment or marks allocated. This will also be an overall view of the performance of the student during the whole period of attachment. This gives an overview from the academic supervisor regarding the performance and conduct of the student.

HGEOL302  Students’ Report

This module provides students an opportunity to carry out a project during the work-related learning period. Students will record and maintain a logbook of daily activities done for at least eight months. They are required to submit a comprehensive industrial attachment report. A work-related learning research project supported by appropriate engineering drawings, and design charts or process charts is required. Students will be visited at their workplace at least twice by their lecturers.

HGEOL303  Employers’ Assessment Report

This module provides an assessment done by the industrial supervisor during the period of work-related learning. The report comprises the tasks performed and the assessment or marks allocated. This will also be an overall view of the performance of the student during the whole period of attachment. This gives an overview from the industrial supervisor regarding the performance and conduct of the student.

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

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 413 Advanced Structural Geology and Tectonics

Structural geology especially: micro and macrotectonics ,stress and strain in rocks ,kinematic analysis of fault and joint systems, rock deformation mechanisms and histories, superposed deformation, etc.

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 of process mineralogy. Mineral processing, comminution, screening, concentration, dewatering, tailings disposal, metallurgical accounting, and simulation of mineral beneficiation.

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 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; and to trace how such conditions have changed over time in Africa; to equip the students with a 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

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 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.