Duration:                                                  4 years

Actual Credit load:                                  480

Minimum Credit Load:                            480

Maximum Credit Load:                           540

MBKS Credit Load:                                384

ZNQF Level:                                           8

1.0  PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAMME

1.1 The programme is tailor-made to meet the disaster risk management and resilience-building needs of Zimbabwe and the world at large. It intends to equip students with both theoretical and practical skills that are relevant to disaster risk management and resilience building in various industries, institutions, organizations and communities. This will be achieved through:

1.1.1   Imparting knowledge that links geography, disaster risk management and resilience-building theories and practice.

1.1.2   Development of knowledge and skills to manage existing and new projects through the participation of target stakeholders and institutions.

1.1.3   Development of skills that enable students to realize and apply new technologies to the changing demands coming from the increasing threats of disasters threatening expanding productive and consumption sectors of the globalised world economies.

1.1.4   The formulation and conducting of research that promotes safe, environmentally friendly and people-centred development at community, institutional, national, regional and international levels.

1.1.5   The provision of opportunities to study aspects of geography, disaster risk management and resilience building in various sectors of society.

2.0   ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

2.1 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.

2.1.1 Normal Entry:  A pass in Advanced Level Geography and any other Advanced Level subject AND 5 Ordinary Level passes/ National Foundation Certificates including Mathematics and English Language OR National Certificate.

2.1.2 Special Entry: National Diploma and Higher National Diploma in Environmental Science.

3.0   PROGRAMME CHARACTERISTICS

3.1 Areas of Study: Geography, Environmental Science; Disaster Risk Management; Resilience Building; Geo-Information Sciences.

3.2 Specialist Focus: Disaster risk management and resilience building

3.3 Orientation: Research and innovation-oriented. Teaching and learning are professionally oriented and focused on practical aspects.

3.4 Distinctive Features:       The programme builds the research-technology-innovation-management continuum and focuses on knowledge development using a student-centred approach.

4.0   CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AND FURTHER EDUCATION

4.1 Employability:   Careers in disaster risk management and resilience building, environmental management; research institutions; positions in academia; application of geo-information science; environmental planning, and NGOs.

4.2 Further Studies: Master and Doctoral studies in Geography and Environmental Sciences.

5.0   PROGRAMME DELIVERY

5.1 Teaching and Learning Methods: Lectures, tutorials, laboratory activities, seminars, group work, field-based activities, industrial attachment/work-related learning, research project, individual independent study.

5.2 Assessment Methods: Written and oral examinations, tests, written and practical assignments, laboratory reports, field reports, seminar presentations, work-related learning reports, research projects, and continuous assessments.

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

Level 1 Semester 1                                                                                                  Credits

GDR 131 Natural and Anthropogenic Hazards

GDR 132 Disaster Risk Management and Resilience Building                               12

GDR 133 Policy and Legislation in Disaster Management                                      12

CS        131 Basic Communication Skills                                                                 12

HCS 135 Introduction to Information Technology                                                  12

Level 1 Semester 2

GDR 134 Physical Geography of Southern Africa                                                  12

GDR 135 Fundamentals of Emergency and Crisis Planning and Management       12

GDR 136 Critical Infrastructure Resilience                                                             12

GDR 137 Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation                       12

GDR 138 Resilience and Pest Infestation                                                              12

Level 2 Semester 1

GDR 231 Human Geography of Southern Africa                                                    12

GDR 232 Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing I

GDR 233 Resilience and Humanitarian Action                                                       12

GSSS 231 Gender Studies for Social Sciences                                                        12

ENT 235 Entrepreneurship                                                                                       12

Level 2 Semester 2

GDR 234 Risk Assessment Techniques                                                                   12

GDR 235 Disaster-based Land Use Planning                                                           12

GDR 236 Resilience and Indigenous Knowledge Systems                                      12

GDR 237 Research Methods                                                                                    12

GDR 238 Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing II                       12

Level 3 Semester 1

GDR 330 Work Related Learning Placement Report                                               40

Level 3 Semester 2

GDR 331 Industrial Attachment/ Work Related Learning Report                           30

GDR 332 Academic Supervisor Report                                                                   20

GDR 333 Work Supervisor Report                                                                          30

Level 4 Semester 1

GDR 431 Capacity Development and Community Resilience Training                  12

GDR 432 Risk Perception, Communication and Human Behaviour                        12

GDR 433 Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing III                      12

GDR 434 Rural and Urban Livelihoods and Disaster Risk Reduction                     12

GDR 435 Project Development and Management                                                   12

Level 4 Semester 2

NB: Students should take Research Project and any two electives from the modules listed below:

GDR 436 Research Project       

GDR 437 Population, Development and Disasters                                                  12

GDR 438 Food Security and Environmental Sustainability                                     12

GDR 439 Water resources Planning and management                                             12

GDR 440 Environmental Pollution and Control                                                      12

GDR 441 Environmental Justice and Social Change                                               12

 14.0           MODULE SYNOPSES

GDR 131 Natural and Anthropogenic Hazards                                                               

The module explains the relationship between natural hazards, extreme events and disasters. A description of factors that make some places more vulnerable to specific types of natural and human hazards is explored. The module also discusses the connections between natural hazards and global environmental changes which communities would need to adapt to.

GDR 132 Disaster Risk Management and Resilience Building

An introductory module which familiarizes students with contemporary concepts and practices in disaster risk management and resilience building. The module facilitates a paradigm shift from reactive to proactive approaches in disaster management. It also explores the occurrences of disasters and how they can be sustainably contained through resilience building.

GDR133 Policy and Legislation In Disaster Management                                 

The module exposes the student to the general objectives of the Disaster Management Policy which are to: avoid loss of human life and destruction of property by natural disasters or by humans; incorporate disaster prevention into the overall national development process, and; promote domestic and international cooperation in disaster preparedness and management.

CS131 Basic Communication Skills

Refer to the Department of Communication Skills.                                                                          

HCS 135 Introduction To Information Technology

Refer to the Department of Information Systems.

GDR 134 Physical Geography of Southern Africa

The module introduces the broad spectrum of the physical geography of Southern Africa. Emphasis is put on elements such as geomorphology, geology, hydrology, climatology, biogeography and pedology in relation to disaster occurrence.

GDR 135 Fundamentals of Emergency and Crisis Planning and Management           

The module introduces the student to definitions, principles, scenarios, structure of a plan as well as standards in emergency planning, efficiency of civil protection and sustainability of emergency preparedness; industrial emergency planning (including hazardous materials transportation).

GDR 136 Critical Infrastructure Resilience                                                       

The module introduces the students to critical infrastructure resilience. A disruption to critical infrastructure could have serious implications for business, governments and the community. Critical infrastructure provides services that are essential for everyday life such as energy, food, water, transport, communications, health and banking and finance. Secure and resilient infrastructure supports productivity and helps to drive the business activity that underpins economic growth.

GDR 137 Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change

The module allows students to understand the interlinkages between climate change adaptation and disasters. It also explores strategies that can be employed in building resilience to disasters associated with climate change in vulnerable environments.

GDR 138 Resilience and Pest Infestation

The module examines types of natural insects and pests at spatial and temporal scales. It critically analyses various human response strategies and proffers possible natural and technological solutions. Principles as well as the theory of pest control are explored in the context of resilience building by communities.

GDR 231 Human Geography of Southern Africa

The module covers a broad spectrum of human geography in Southern Africa. Students are introduced to urban and rural settlements, and economic and social activities. The module covers aspects of economic development initiatives such as agriculture, mining, tourism, commerce and how they are affected by disasters. Strategies for resilience building are also explored.

GDR 232 Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing I

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 modelling functions; Remote Sensing Systems, image processing, image interpretation, geo-referencing, GIS and Remote Sensing Integration, demonstration of use and functionality of software packages.

GDR 233 Resilience and Humanitarian Action

The module explores resilience, covering all stages of a disaster, from prevention to adaptation, and includes a positive transformation that strengthens the ability of current and future generations to meet their needs and withstand crises. The principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence are highlighted as fundamental to humanitarian action. The objectives of humanitarian action namely: to save lives, alleviate suffering and maintain human dignity during and in the aftermath of man-made crises and natural disasters are also explored.

GSSS  231 Gender Studies for Social Sciences

Refer to Faculty Regulations.

ENT 235 Entrepreneurship

Refer to the Department of Entrepreneurship.

GDR 234 Risk Assessment Techniques                                                                            

The module equips students with disaster risk assessment techniques which help them to determine the nature and extent of such risk, by analysing hazards and evaluating existing conditions of vulnerability that together could potentially harm exposed people, property, services, livelihoods and the environment on which they depend.

 GDR 235 Disaster-Based Land Use Planning

The world is threatened by various natural and anthropogenic-induced hazards. This module exposes students to strategic land resource utilisation. Students are expected to develop the art of land use planning that is sustainable in the face of global disasters. 

GDR 236 Community Resilience and Indigenous Knowledge Systems

This module seeks to expose students to indigenous, traditional and local knowledge that is vital in resilience building and adaptation. The module also looks at the inclusion of indigenous knowledge in disaster preparedness through forecasting and combining it with scientific knowledge systems to enhance community resilience.

GDR 237 Research Methods                                                                    

The module introduces students to the essential elements of the scientific research process, research designs, quantitative and qualitative approaches, data collection, analysis and interpretation, results dissemination and ethical issues in research.

GDR 238 Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing II

The module explores the 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.

GDE330 Work- Related Learning Placement Report

The students will submit a comprehensive work placement report which shows their understanding of the organisation placed.

 GDE331 Work- Related Learning Report

As part of the examination, the students will be required to submit a comprehensive academic report of their work-related learning experience to the department. It will be marked and awarded a mark that will be ratified by the departmental examinations board.

 GDE332 Work-Related Academic Supervisor’s Report

As part of the examination, the students will be assessed and awarded a mark by the academic supervisor.This will be presented to the departmental examinations board for processing of final marks.

 GSE333 Work- Related Learning Supervisor’s Report

The employer will assess the student and award a mark which will be presented to the departmental examinations board for processing of final marks.

GDR 431 Capacity Development and Community Resilience Training           

The module introduces the student to a project of work on community capacity building, fostering economic and social resilience,  methodology, objectives and outputs to enhance local and national governments’ capacity to design and implement strategies to build, rebuild and sustain community capacity.

GDR 432 Risk Perception, Communication and Human Behaviour

Students deliberate on what influences risk perception, how communication about risks is usually done and what this means to an individual as well as at societal level. Examples of questions that are discussed during the course are: How do we prioritise what risks to manage from a societal perspective? What risks can we expect to be protected from and why? What underlying reasons are there to explain why one risk is perceived differently by different groups?

GDR 433 Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing III

Institutional and technical issues; accuracy, data standards, technical specification, GIS and the decision-making process, organisational placement, implementation strategies, technology change management, GIS project design, project management, report preparation and presentation developments in GIS and Remote Sensing are the key aspects covered in this module.

GDR 434 Rural and Urban Livelihoods and Disaster Risk Reduction

The nature of livelihoods has evolved due to factors such as urbanisation, globalisation, industrialisation and technological innovations, among others. The module analyses how rural and urban communities can sustainably utilise resources within their environments without compromising their safety in the face of local and global disasters. The nexus between livelihoods and disasters is discussed in this module.

GDR 435 Project Development and Management

The module introduces students to the process of project development from proposal writing to monitoring and evaluation. Students are expected to be able to develop environmentally sustainable projects and manage projects professionally and ethically.

GDR 436 Research Project    

Students are to prepare and present a dissertation based on the concepts learnt theoretically and in the field. The guidelines for the dissertation are based on the basic skills of research and report writing which include the development of a research problem, formulation of research objectives, research methodology, data analysis, results and discussion, conclusion and recommendations.

GDR 437 Population, Development and Disasters

Spatial and temporal dimensions of population dynamics concerning development and disasters are covered.  The relationships between people, development and disaster include key themes such as the impact of population growth on development, the conflicts between population growth/ structure and migration.

GDR 438 Food Security and Environmental Sustainability

The module explores in detail the interface between the food security concept and contemporary environmental issues at various spatial and temporal scales. It critically examines aspects such as food availability, access and utilisation as well as assessing food security risks to ensure sustainable food security in different geographical and environmental contexts.

GDR 439 Water Resources Planning and Management

This module 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 and planning mechanisms concerning water allocation and development. The module further explores international, regional and national water management principles, practices and policies.

GDR 440 Environmental Pollution and Control

The module aims to broaden and deepen the students’ understanding of environmental pollution measurement, monitoring and mitigation. It analyses pollution impacts on the environment (water, air, soil), abatement practices and strategies, the legislative framework and the application of appropriate tools and technologies in pollution control and management.

GDR 441 Environmental Justice and Social Change

The module exposes students to social justice which aims to give individuals and groups fair treatment and an impartial share of social, environmental and economic benefits. ‘Environmental justice’ would include aspects of social justice even where social and environmental goals may conflict.