Bachelor of Science in Geography and Environmental Studies Honours Degree
- Overview
- Entry Requirements
- Assessment
- Programme Structure
Overview
INTRODUCTION
1.1 These regulations shall be read in conjunction with the General Regulations and the Faculty Regulations.
1.2 These Regulations shall apply to students who register for the BSc Honours
Degree in Geography and Environmental Studies.
1.3 For definitions refer to terms of Section 1.8 sof the General Regulations.
2. AIM
The broad aims of the Bachelor of Geography and Environmental Studies Honours degree programme are to provide students with:
2.1 An opportunity to study the discipline of geography and to focus on aspects of human and physical geography and related environmental phenomena in more detail as they progress through the programme.
2.2 A balanced curriculum that enables the acquisition of a range of practical, computational, research and problem-solving skills as well as the development of factual and conceptual knowledge of geography and environmental issues.
2.3 An environmental in which they can achieve their full potential in terms of the development of communication and presentation capabilities that are relevant to a wide range of career opportunities. 1018
3. CAREER PROSPECTS
Geographers and Environmentalists have a great deal to contribute towards the society’s ever-present and ever-pressing desire for better living, with particular reference to environmental management and human resources. Given the fact that the world in general is suffering from the effects of resource mismanagement. Geographers and Environmentalists are a major asset in the job market because they are trained to be broad-minded, critical, articulate and versatile, which render them trainable for most careers. Career outlets in which Geographers and Environmentalists can contribute include:
3.1 Business, Commerce and Industry
Career prospects include:
Marketing and market research
In-depth environmental feature writers e.g. in Journalism, NGOs and Tourism, Environmental Research and Consultancy (especially in planning).
3.2 In the Civil Service Geographers and Environmentalists can hope to secure employment as administrative officers, economic planners, land surveyors, soil surveyors, cartographers, estate management officers. Hydrographers, meteorologists and specialists in remote sensing and air photo interpretation.
Entry Requirements
4. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
4.1 Normal Entry
Prospective students must comply with Section 3.1 of the General Regulations. Entry requirements are Advanced Level passes in Geography and other two `A’ Level subjects. Ordinary Level Mathematics and English Language are essential.
4.2 Special and Mature Entry
Refer to Section 3.2 and 3.3 of the General Regulations. 1019
5. GENERAL PROVISIONS
5.1 To be awarded an Honours degree in geography and Environmental Studies, a student shall normally have taken at least 60% of the courses offered in the department of Geography and Environmental Studies.
Assessment
6. CONTINUOUS ASSESSMENT
6.1 Continuous assessment for practical modules contributes 50% to the final mark while coursework for theoretical modules contributes 30%.
6.2 For the assessment of Work Related Learning refer to Section 5.3 and 5.4 of the General Regulations.
7. FAILURE TO SATIFY EXAMINERS
Refer to Section 9 of the General Regulations.
8. WORK RELATED LEARNING GENERAL GUIDELINES
Refer to Section 10 of the Faculty Regulations.
9. PROVISION FOR PROGRESSION
Refer to Section 6 of the Faculty Regulations.
10. GRADING AND DEGREE CLASSIFICATION
Refer to Section 10 of the Faculty Regulations.
11. DEGREE WEIGHTING
Refer to Section 11 of the Faculty Regulations.
12. DOCTORATE AND MASTERS DEGREES AWARDED `HONORIS CAUSA’
12.1 DOCTOR OF SCIENCE (HONORIS CAUSA) DSc The above-mentioned degrees is one offered by the department to individuals who would have distinguished themselves in the field of Geography and Environmental Science.
Programme Structure
13. PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
Level 1 Semester 1
Candidates are advised to select a minimum of 4 modules per semester
| Code | Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GES101 | Quantitative and Qualitative Techniques | 4 |
| GES102 | Aspects of Physical Geography | 4 |
| GES103 | Aspects of Human Geography | 4 |
| GES104 | Environmental Issues: Social and Physical Processes | 4 |
| GES105 | Essentials of Geography and Environmental Studies | 4 |
| HCS 115 | Introduction to Information Technology | 4 |
| CS 101 | Communication Skills | 4 |
Level 1 Semester 2
| Code | Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GES106 | Ecosystems and Hydrological Processes | 4 |
| GES107 | Meteorology and Climatology | 4 |
| GES108 | Natural Resources and Sustainable Development | 4 |
| GES109 | Elements of Computing | 4 |
| GES110 | Contemporary Issues in Human Geography | 4 |
Level 2 Semester 1
Candidates are advised to select a minimum of 4 modules from GES201 to GES205
| Code | Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GES201 | Environmental Assessment and Management | 4 |
| GES202 | Aspects of Urban Geography | 4 |
| GES203 | Fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems And Remote Sensing. | 4 |
| GES204 | Tourism and Recreation Geography | 4 |
| GES205 | Physical Geography: An Applied Approach | 4 |
| GES 211 | Safety, Health and the Environment | 4 |
| GS 201 | Introduction to Gender Studies | 4 |
Level 2 Semester 2
| Code | Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GES206 | Research Methods | 4 |
| GES207 | Urban Development, Planning and Management | 4 |
| GES208 | Application of Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing | 4 |
| GES209 | Population Studies | 4 |
| GES210 | Environmental Assessment and Management | 4 |
| GES227 | Environmental Planning and Project Appraisal | 4 |
Level 3 Semesters 1and 2: Work Related Learning
| Code | Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GES301 | Work Related Learning Report | 15 |
| GES302 | Academic Supervisor’s Report | 15 |
| GES303 | Employer’s Assessment Report | 10 |
Level 4 Semester 1
| Code | Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GES402 | Regional Geography of Sub Saharan Africa | 4 |
| GES403 | Transport Advanced Geographic | 4 |
| GES404 | Advanced Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing | 4 |
| GES405 | Food Security and The Environment | 4 |
| GES406 | Natural Hazards and Human Response | 4 |
| GES407 | Regional Development | 4 |
| GES408 | Urban Climatology | 4 |
Level 4 Semester 2
Candidates take module GES401 and any 3 of the other modules
| Code | Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GES401 | Dissertation | 8 |
| GES409 | Biogeography and Ecosystems | 4 |
| GES410 | Hydrology and Water Resources Management | 4 |
| GES418 | Climatic Change, Environmental Impact and Mitigation Strategies | 4 |
| GES419 | Development and Trends in Geography and Environmental Studies | 4 |
| GES420 | Environmental Pollution and Control | 4 |
| GES428 | Applied Geomorphology | 4 |
| GES429 | Political Geography and Development | 4 |
14. MODULE SYNOPSES
GES 101 QUANTANTIVE AND QUANTITATIVE TECHNIQUES
The module seeks to develop students’ practical skills in geography and environmental studies. It aims to introduce qualitative and quantitative techniques in geography, 1023 elements of cartography, map interpretation; technique in fieldwork; basic lab investigation techniques.
GES102 ASPECTS OF PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY
The module introduces the broad spectrum of physical geography. Students are introduced to elements of climatology; biogeography; pedology, hydrology and geomorphology.
GES 103 A SPECTS OF HUMAN GEOGRAPHY
The module covers the broad spectrum of human geography. Students are introduced to the elements of urban and rural settlements; aspects of social, cultural economic and population geography; introduction to tourist, transport and communication geography.
GES104 ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES: SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL PROCESSES
This module seeks to explore the broad area of Environmental issue through introducing concepts of environmental education and related biophysical economic, socio-political problems; modernism and environmental crisis, environmental management concepts-environmental awareness; global and regional environmental convention, strategies, procedures and tools in environmental management; environmental information systems.
GES 105 ESSENTIALS OF GEOGRAPHY AND ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
The module seeks to provide the candidate with an overview of basic concepts, techniques and skills training in Geography and Environmental Studies, by introducing atmosphere, weather and climate, germorphological processes, issues and methods in environmental studies, resource and population, methods in geography and Environmental investigation.
GES 106 ECOSYSTEMS AND HYDROLOGICAL PROCESSES
This module aims to introduce students to various aspects of ecosystems and hydrological processes. If focuses on ecosystems processes, succession diversity, ecosystem homeostasis, mineral cycles; human impact on ecosystem processes;1024
Hydrological cycle, hydrological processes and their impact on water pathways, drainage basin hydrology, urban hydrology.
GES 107 METEOROLOGICAL AND CLIMATOLOGY
The module examines climatic phenomena; earth atmospheric processes radiation and heat balance, global circulation and air mass movement; weather patterns and forecasts; global climatic processes, ocean circulating systems, climatic change and environmental processes.
GES 108 NATURAL RESOURCES AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
This module introduces the concepts of natural resources development and conservation with the aim of building up the notion of sustainability and to provide an understanding of current issues in environmental policy and the development of resource management systems. The objective is for the student to gain a broad perspective and think critically about the use of natural resources. The need to manage resources for a sustainable future; theoretical framework of resource management policy and planning; legislation in resource usage and management; development of an appreciation for and skill of the important tools of contemporary resource management.
GES 109 ELEMENTS OF COMPUTING
Introduction to computer technology and its applications: Development of computer technology, hardware, software, information systems, networks, keyboards skills, basics of programming, databases, word-processing, spreadsheet, presentation graphics, internet use, SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) GIS, CAD, GPS, applications of computers and related technologies to geography and environmental studies.
GS 201 INTRODUCTION TO GENDER STUDIES
Refer to the Department of Gender Studies1025
GES 201 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT
The module seeks to develop student’s skills in environmental appraisal and management; assessment, planning, management and response strategies; environmental policies and practices, environmental economics and risk assessment, impact assessment, audits, environmental information systems; state of the environment reports.
GES 202 ASPECTS OF URBAN GEOGRAPHY
The module seeks to introduce students to aspects of urban geography, concept of urbanization, history of urbanization, origins of urbanization in Africa; capitalism and the industrial city, urban theories, functional differentiation within the city.
GES 203 FUNDAMENTALS OF GEOGRAPHY AND INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND REMOTE SENSING
Introduction to Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing: GIS components, GIS and CAD, data capture, spatial data models and structures, raster vector debate, spatial databases, spatial analysis and modeling functions; Remote Sensing Systems, image processing, image interpretation, geo-referencing, GIS and Remote Sensing Integration, demonstration of use and functionality of software packages: Arc Info, Arc view, MapInfo, Idrisi, ERDAS.
GES 204 TOURISM AND RECREATION GEOGRAPHY
The module seeks to introduce students to the scope of tourism geography; theory of Tourism development; aspects of tourism and recreation industry; global trends in the nature of tourism; characterization of source and destination areas, cycle of destination centres; impact of tourism on sending and receiving regions; Zimbabwean Tourism Industry, character and role of institutions involved.
GES 205 PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY: AN APPLIED APPROACH
This module enables the candidate to focus on global climatic change, Biography; ecosystems dynamics and methods of vegetation mapping: soil science, microclimates and environmental pollution. 1026
GES 206 RESEARCH METHODS
Essential elements of the scientific research process:
Background to research in Geography and Environmental Studies; research chain, research design, quantitative and qualitative research, data collection, analysis and interpretation of research data, results communication, ethical issues.
GES 207 URBAN DEVELOPMENT, PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT
The module concerns the evolution of urban landscapes, urban morphology and functional zonation in relation to city master-plans; urban policy and planning; inner city problems; urban services and facilities provision, urban, urban management and governance, the cultural ecology of the city, water and waste management, and urban environmental management and conservation.
GES 208 APPLICATION OF GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION AND REMOTE SENSING
Applied dimensions of Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing GIS application development cycle, application in environmental management, natural resources management, utility management, hazard management, land use planning, business and commerce.
GES 209 POPULATION STUDIES
The module exposes students to the area of population studies; population group dynamics in relation to resources, the concepts of over under-optimum population; demographic elements, population migration patterns at national, regional and global scales.
GES 210 RESOURCES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT
This module is aimed at encouraging candidates to broaden their horizon and tackle environmental issues covering topics such as land and water resource development and conservation, natural environmental hazards and mitigation strategies,1027 environmental effects of agricultural development, global environmental politics-debates and agreements.
GES 211 SAFETY, HEALTH AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Module provides an outline on the Principles of Environmental Health and Safety Management. It covers the following aspects: History of Occupational Health and Safety, Occupational Health Hazards, Occupational Exposure Limits, Job Stress, Shift Work and Extended Work Shifts, Evaluation of Chemical Hazards, Emergency Response, Principles of Toxicology and Epidemiology, Risk perception and Reality and Risk Control, Material Handling and Storage, Crane and Hoist Safety.
GES 227 ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING AND PROJECT APPRAISAL
This module builds on GES 201 and provides enrichment and applications with emphasis on the state of the environment reports: environmental planning: project planning, monitoring and evaluation. In addition it equips candidates with skills of making decisions and choices about alternative ways of using available resources with the aim of achieving particular future goals.
GES 402 REGIONAL GEOGRAPHY OF SUB SAHARA AFRICA
In this module students study the geography of Sub-Saharan Africa with emphasis on both the physical and human domains.
GES 403 TRANSPORT
This module focuses on the nature of transport and communication; development of transport networks design and route location; transport models; transport and influence on development.
GES 404 ADVANCED GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND REMOTE SENSING
This module examines institutional and technical issues; accuracy, data standards, technical specification, GIS and the decision making process, organizational placement, implementation strategies, technology change management, GIS project 1028 design, project management, report preparation and presentation development in GIS and Remote Sensing.
GES 405 FOOD SECURITY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
This module examines the agricultural sector and food production, agricultural theories; food production and marketing strategies in selected countries; food security; climatic factors and agricultural strategies and tactics in management; climatic diseases and pest control advanced technologies in food production.
GES 406 NATURAL HAZARDS AND HUMAN RESPONSE
This module aims to explain the concept underlying hazard theory and seeks to investigate and explain the hazardous qualities of different natural processes.
GES 407 REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT
This module examines the development concepts; development theories, regional dynamics of selected areas; spatial analysis concepts; the nature of spatial diffusion concepts; mitigation measures and problems of regional inequalities.
GES408 URBAN CLIMATOLOGY
The module focuses on effects of urban structures and industrial operations on local climates, special climate data requirements for urban and industrial activities, relationships between climate and the global distribution of plants animals, fieldwork and observation resulting n extended reports.
GES409 BIOGEOGRAPHY AND ECOSYSTEMS
The module examiners the various issues in biogeography; methods of mapping biological distribution, geography of endemism, species richness of tropical rainforests; continental drift and biogeography, island biogeography; biological invasions; spread of crops and plants; temperate forest history; tropical communities and their history; geography elements in the Southern African Flora and Fauna. 1029
GES410 HYDROLOGY AND WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT
This course aims to provide the skills to undertake an analysis of the water resources of a region/catchment. It covers three broad areas; the concepts of rights, ownership types of usage and planning mechanisms with respect to the water resources; the assessment measurement, and qualification of ground and surface water resource together with the methods and requirements of data acquisition, the interaction among the various hydrologic processes; the effects, both physical and social, of manipulating the water resources of an area and the mechanisms available for the resolving conflicting usage requirements.
GES418 CLIMATIC CHANGE, ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION STRATEGIES
This module explores the various issues related to climatic changes and related impacts introducing climatic change theories and impacts. Quaternary environmental glacial stages and inter glacial stages; ice sheets growth and decline. Sea level; global warning phenomenon and related impacts; evidence for ECC; ecological, social economic aspects related to climatic change, modeling, projections, and impacts of future climatic.
GES419 DEVELOPMENT AND TRENDS IN GEOGRAPHY AND ENVIRONMENT
The module seeks to draw students attention to the development trends in the field of Geography and Environmental Studies, qualitative and quantitative approaches; geographic, though and concept, use of computer related technologies; environment modeling, statistical investigation.
GES420 ENVIRONMENT POLLUTION AND CONTROL
The module aims to broaden the students understanding of environmental problems and the employment of the best practice methods in management, environmental pollution water, air, soils, contamination; pollution impacts; monitoring strategies legislation on pollution and enforcement, institution in selected countries, use pollution information systems and related technologies, Zimbabwe pollution control framework. 1030
GES428 APPLIED GEOMORPHOLOGY
This course aims to enhance analytical and applied skills to undertake analyses of geomorphic processes; the theoretical basis of the discipline, concepts and techniques for analysis of both form and process. Understanding of a range of geomorphic process such as slope stability floodplain development, water routing, and physical processes, Karstic landscape development, glacial and peri-glacial geomorphology.
GES429 POLITICAL GEOGRAPHY AND DEVELOPMENT
This module examines elements of political geography: the spatial dimension of politically organized units from the local state and international scales; colonial policies and their impact on the development of emergent African political boundaries; policies for the administration, development and defence of state. Problems of national integration; regional and international organizations as instruments of political liberation and stability.
GES401 DISSERTATION