Duration:                                          4 years

Actual Credit load:                           492

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 aims to develop knowledge, skills and competencies in the broad areas of geography and environmental sustainability relevant to various employment capabilities and careers in the world of work and societal development. These will be achieved through:

1.1.1 The provision of opportunities to study both aspects of human and physical geography and related environmental phenomena.

1.1.2 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 sustainability issues.

1.1.3 The provision of related and relevant communication and presentation capabilities that enhance the students’ effectiveness in a wide range of career opportunities.

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 OR National Foundation Certificates including Mathematics and English Language.

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

3.0   PROGRAMME CHARACTERISTICS

3.1 Areas of Study:  Physical Geography; Human Geography; Environmental Sustainability; Geo-Information Sciences.

3.2 Specialist Focus: Geography and environmental sustainability with special emphasis on the application of geo-statistics and geo-information science, sustainability principles, auditing and reporting techniques and standards.

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 industry, environmental management, environmental auditing and reporting; research institutions; positions in academia; environmental consultancy; application of geo-information science; safety and health; environmental management; non-profit organizations; and public agencies.

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

5.0   PROGRAMME DELIVERY

5.1 Teaching and Learning Methods: Lectures, tutorials, laboratory activities, seminars, group work, field-based activities, work-related learning, dissertation, and individual independent study.

5.2 Assessment Methods: Written and oral examinations, tests, written and practical assignments, laboratory reports, field reports, seminar presentations, industrial attachment/work-related learning reports, dissertation, continuous assessment.

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

Module                                                                                                                    Credits

Level 1 Semester 1

GSE 131 Geographical Field and Laboratory Skills I                                                  12

GSE 132 Fundamentals of Physical Geography                                                          12

GSE 133 Fundamentals of Human Geography                                                            12

GSE 134 Principles of Geographical and Environmental Sustainability                        12

CS 131 Basic Communication Skills                                                                       12

HCS 135 Introduction to Information and Communication Technology                       12   

Level 1 Semester 2

GSE 135 Meteorology and Climatology                                                                     12

GSE 136 Biodiversity and Ecosystem Conservation                                                   12

GSE 137 Hydrology                                                                                                 12

GSE 138 Sustainable Natural Resource Management                                                  12

GSE 139 Principles of Geomorphology                                                                      12

Level 2 Semester 1

GSE 231 Social and Environmental Impact Assessment                                              12

GSE 232 Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing I                                12

GSE 233 Environmental Policy and Legislation                                                          12

GSE 234 Research Methods                                                                                      12

GSSS   231 Gender Studies for Social Sciences                                                          12               

Level 2 Semester 2

GSE 236 Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing II                              12

GSE 237 Environmental Safety, Health and Quality Management in Industry               12

GSE 238 Geographical Field and Laboratory Skills II                                                 12

GSE 239 Project Planning and Sustainability                                                             12

ENT 131 Entrepreneurship                                                                                        12

Level 3 Semester 1

GSE 330 Work-Related Learning Placement Report                                                   40

Level 3 Semester 2

GSE 331 Industrial Attachment/ Work-Related Learning Report                                 30               

GSE 332 Academic Supervisor Report                                                                   20   

GSE 333 Work Supervisor Report                                                                             30

Level 4 Semester 1

GSE 431 Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing III                             12

GSE 432 Climate Change, Environmental Impact and Management                            12

GSE 433 Natural Hazards and Human Response                                                                    12

GSE 434 Urban Climatology                                                                                     12

GSE 435 Population Dynamics and Environmental Sustainability                                12

Level 4 Semester 2

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

GSE 436 Research Project                                                                                        36

GSE 437 Food Security and Environmental Sustainability                                          12

GSE 438 Urban Development, Planning and Management                                          12

GSE 439 Water Resources Planning and Management                                                12

GSE 440 Environmental Pollution and Control                                                           12

GSE 441 Network Analysis and Transport Geography                                                12

GSE 442 Applied Geomorphology                                                                            12

GSE 443 Sustainable Tourism and Recreation Geography                                           12

GSE 444 Environmental Sustainability Auditing and Reporting                                   12

GSE 445 Environmental Justice and Social Change                                                    12

14.0           MODULE SYNOPSES

GSE 131 Geographical Field and Laboratory Skills I                                

The module covers qualitative and quantitative techniques in geography, elements of cartography, map interpretation, techniques in fieldwork and basic laboratory investigation techniques.

GSE 132 Fundamentals of Physical Geography

The module covers a broad spectrum of physical geography. Students are introduced to the principles of climatology; biogeography; pedology, hydrology and geomorphology.

GSE 133 Fundamentals of Human Geography

The module covers a broad spectrum of human geography. Students are introduced to the elements of urban and rural settlements; and aspects of socio-cultural, economic and population geography.

GSE 134 Principles of Geographical and Environmental Sustainability

Concepts of environment, resources and sustainability; the roles of physical and human geography in understanding the interaction of humans and the environment; introduction to the management of environment-resource systems, conventions and appropriate environmental sustainability tools, strategies and procedures.

CS 131 Basic Communication Skills

Refer to the Department of Communication Skills.

GSE 135 Meteorology and Climatology

The module introduces students to the climatic phenomena; earth’s 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.

GSE 136 Biodiversity and Ecosystem Conservation

The module covers the concepts of biodiversity and ecosystems, ecosystem disturbance and resilience. Sampling methods for vegetation analysis, diversity measurement in the context of climate change and sustainability, ecosystem services, social-ecological systems; current and future state of biodiversity and ecosystems, biodiversity and ecosystem sustainable conservation approaches and strategies.

GSE 137 Hydrology

The module introduces students to the interaction of hydrological processes of attenuation, evaporation, infiltration and other losses. Skills such as hydrologic data acquisition, manipulation and analyses are also developed in students.

GSE 138 Sustainable Natural Resources Management

The module seeks to introduce students to natural resource types, values and consumption patterns. It also develops students’ knowledge and skills in sustainable natural resources utilization, management and conservation. The objective is for the student to gain a broad perspective and think critically about the use of natural resources.

GES 139 Principles of Geomorphology

The module intends to introduce students to the principles, processes and theories of geomorphology. It will further examine the spatial and temporal dimensions of the geomorphic system with more emphasis on tropical regions. Additionally, the interlinkages of geomorphology and other sub-disciplines of physical geography.

HCS 135 Introduction To Information and Communication Technology

Refer to the Department of Information Systems.

GSE 231 Social and Environmental Impact Assessment

The module covers social and environmental assessment and management techniques; environmental policies and practices, impact assessment, audits and environmental reporting.

GSE 232 Geography and 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.

GSE 233 Environmental Policy and Legislation

Students are introduced to concepts of formulation, implementation and review of policies and laws that aim to promote sustainable management of the environment and natural resources at various scales.

GSE 234 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.

GSSS 231 Gender Studies for Social Sciences

Refer to the Faculty Regulations.

GSE 236 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.

GSE 237 Environmental Safety, Health and Quality Management in Industry

Principles of environmental health, safety and quality management are covered in this module. Development of occupational health and safety, hazards, exposure limits, job stress, emergency response, principles of toxicology and epidemiology, risks and their control, material handling and storage, crane and hoist safety. Quality standards, inspections, customer relations, audits and management are explored.

GSE 238 Geographical Field and Laboratory Skills II

The module intends to inculcate knowledge and practical field and laboratory skills associated with geographical and environmental data collection, analysis and presentation. Field procedures and practices in the collection and handling of data on soils, biodiversity, water resources etc and subsequent laboratory processes constitute the main focus of the module.

GSE 239 Project Planning and Sustainability

The module focuses on project planning models and approaches. It also explores the application of planning principles, relevance and utilization of environmental data and planning tools such as logical framework, problem tree analysis and cost-benefit analysis. The module also looks at project identification, planning, implementation, management, evaluation and sustainability.

ENT 235 Entrepreneurship 1

Refer to the Department of Entrepreneurship.

GSE330 Work-Related Learning Placement Report

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

GSE331 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 and it will be marked and awarded a mark that will be ratified by the departmental examinations board.

GSE332 Work-Related Academic Supervisor’s Report

As part of the examination, the students will be assessed and awarded a mark by the academic supervisor and 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.

 GSE 431 Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing III

Institutional and technical issues; accuracy, data standards, technical specification, GIS and the decision-making process, organizational 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.

GSE 432 Climatic Change, Environmental Impacts and Management

Issues related to climatic change such as causes/theories, trends (projections and modelling), impacts, and adaptation and mitigation strategies at various scales.

GSE 433 Natural Hazards and Human Response

The module examines types of natural hazards such as geological, biological and climatic at spatial and temporal scales. It further critically analyses various human response strategies and proffers possible policy, legislative, institutional and technological solutions.

GSE 434 Urban Climatology

Effects of urban structures and industrial operations on local climates as well as analysing special climate data requirements for urban and industrial activities. Strategies to deal with possible current and future climatic problems emanating from rapid urbanization in developing countries, including Zimbabwe.

GSE 435 Population Dynamics and Environmental Sustainability

Spatial and temporal dimensions of population dynamics in relation to resource consumption and conservation are covered. The relationships between people and environmental sustainability, key themes include the impact of population growth on the environment, and the conflicts between population growth/land use/conservation programmes. It also focuses on components of population change such as fertility, mortality and migration at national, regional and global scales.

GSE 436 Research Project

Students are to prepare and present a research project 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.

GSE 437 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 utilization as well as assessing food security risks with the aim of ensuring sustainable food security in different geographical and environmental contexts.

 GSE 438 Urban Development, Planning and Management

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 management and governance, the cultural ecology of the city, water and waste management and urban environmental management and conservation are the concepts covered in this module.

 GSE 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 with respect to water allocation and development. The module further explores international, regional and national water management principles, practices and policies.

  GSE 440 Environment 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.

GSE 441 Network Analysis and Transport Geography

The module focuses on networks and the nature of transport and communication; development of transport networks – design and route location; transport models; transport and sustainable development. 

GSE 442 Applied Geomorphology

The module aims to enhance analytical and applied skills to undertake analyses of geomorphic processes such as aggradation and degradation; human-landscape interactions; linkage between geomorphology and other physical phenomena.

GSE 443 Sustainable Tourism and Recreation Geography

The module focuses on the scope of tourism geography; theories of tourism development; aspects of the tourism and recreation industry; global trends in the nature of tourism; characterization of source and destination areas, cycle of destination centres; socio-economic and environmental impacts of tourism on sending and receiving regions and sustainable tourism development.

GSE 444 Environmental Sustainability Auditing and Reporting

The module is intended to provide a broad understanding of environmental auditing and reporting. It focuses on an introduction to auditing, its purpose, environmental, corporate and product auditing, and the application of assessment tools such as lifecycle assessment and ecological and carbon footprinting. EMS standards, corporate social responsibility (CSR) and environmental and social reporting by organisations in developed and developing countries.

GSE 445 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 be in conflict.