Duration:                                                 18 months

Actual Credit Load:                                 288

Minimum Credit Load:                            270

Maximum Credit Load:                           330

Minimum MBKs Credits:                        234

ZNQF Level;                                           9

1.0   PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAMME

1.1 The programme aims to enhance knowledge, skills and competencies in the broad areas of Physical, Human and Economic Geography and associated practical activities relevant to various employment capabilities and careers in the world of work. These will be achieved through:

1.1.1  Provision of comprehensive and systematic knowledge in physical geography, human and economic geography and their related tools of environmental and spatial analysis.

1.1.2  Instilling awareness in students of the need for management of geographical change to anticipate and adopt policy in light of related new technology.

1.1.3  Enhancing the students’ ability to identify, analyse and propose responses to complex issues and problems drawing systematically and creatively on the principles, theories and methodologies of Physical, Human and Economic Geography and related sciences.

1.1.4  Developing an understanding of advanced Physical, Human and Economic Geography in students and to reflect their professional competence.

1.1.5  Developing powers of critical appraisal and analytical thinking to develop appropriate strategies to meet developmental efforts, especially for Zimbabwe, the SADC and the world at large.

2.0   ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

2.1 Normal Entry:   Bachelor of Science Honours in Geography or Geography and Environmental Studies/Science with 2.2 pass or better.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AND FURTHER EDUCATION

4.1 Employability:   Careers in Environmental Management, Hydrological Scientists, Climatological Experts, Ecologists, Water Resources Managers, Development Project Managers, Sustainable Development Experts, Tourism Managers, Researchers at Research Institutions, Academia, Geographical Research Scientists, Environmental Consultancy; Disaster Risk Reduction Managers.

4.2 Further Studies: Doctoral studies in Geography and Environmental Science.

5.0   PROGRAMME DELIVERY

5.1 Teaching and Learning Methods: Lectures, laboratory activities, seminars, group work, field-based activities, research projects, and individual independent study.

5.2 Assessment Methods: Written and oral examinations, tests, written and practical assignments, field reports and seminar presentations.

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

LEVEL 1 SEMESTER 1                                                                                            CREDITS

MGEO 701: Recent Trends in Geography                                                                    18

MGEO 702: Applied Geographical Information Systems                                             18

MGEO 703: Advanced Remote Sensing                                                                       18

MGEO 704: Research Methods and Statistics in Geography                                        18

MGEO 705: Programming in Geography                                                                      18

Electives (Choose either MGES 706 or MGES 707 and MGEO 708 is optional)

MGEO 706: Advanced Techniques in Physical Geography                                          18

MGEO 707: Advanced Techniques in Human Geography                                           18

MGEO 708: Project Planning and Development in Geography                                    18

At level 1.2, the students will branch into 2 pathways of geographical specialisation, that is, either Physical Geography or Human Geography.

LEVEL 1 SEMESTER 2: PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY

MGEO 709: Geomorphic Systems and Land Degradation                                            18

MGEO 710: Applied Meteorology and Climatology                                                    18

MGEO 711: Surface and Groundwater Water Modelling                                             18

MGEO 712: Spatial Ecology                                                                                         18

Electives (Choose at least one elective)

MGEO 713: Water Quality Assessment and Monitoring                                              18

MGEO 714: Climate Change and Development                                                           18

LEVEL 1 SEMESTER 2: HUMAN GEOGRAPHY

MGEO 715: Population and Development                                                                    18

MGEO 716: Settlement Geography                                                                              18

MGEO 717: Agriculture and Sustainable Development                                               18

MGEO 718: Industrial Geography                                                                                18

Electives (Choose at least one elective)

MGEO 719: Social and Cultural Geography                                                                 18

MGEO 720: Regional Development and Planning                                                        18

MGEO 721: Dynamics of Urban Geography                                                                18

MGEO 722: Dynamics of Rural Geography                                                                 18

MGEO 723: Global Health Geographies                                                                       18

MGEO 724: Disaster Risk Management                                                                       18

MGEO 725: Geography of Gender                                                                               18

LEVEL 2 SEMESTER 1

MGEO 801: Research Project                                                                                       90

 14.0   MODULE SYNOPSES

MGEO 701 Recent Trends in Geography

The module examines the fundamental approaches to Geography; Geographic methodology and explanation.  Holistic and reductionist approaches to geographic study are examined together with the idiographic and nomothetic approaches to the discipline. Paradigms in Geography such as the strategic shift from Structuralism to Post-Structuralism; Positivism and Anti-Positivism; Behavioural Geography; Geography of Gender; and Social and Environmental Justice will be discussed.

MGEO 702 Applied Geographical Information Systems

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a computer-based tool that uses spatial (geographic) data to analyze and solve real-world problems. This module is designed to equip learners with the skills in the application of GIS techniques in both physical and human geography. The module covers selected, advanced GIS analysis methods applicable to geography. Learners will also be exposed to the modelling of geographical phenomena using collected geographic data.

MGEO 703 Advanced Remote Sensing

Learners will be equipped with advanced remote sensing techniques that can be applied in physical and human geography. It highlights remote sensing as an important tool for solving geographical problems. The module examines the theory and methodology of applied optical remote sensing technologies. Learners are also equipped with modelling skills. Applications of thermal and active microwave remote sensing and image interpretation will be discussed.

MGEO 704 Research Methods and Statistics in Geography

Research methods appropriate for both qualitative and quantitative methods including the philosophical underpinnings of research methodology, proposal design, searching and literature review, data collection methods, ethical issues in research and qualitative analysis will be examined. Descriptive and inferential statistics as well as their application in the discipline of geography will be discussed. Students will be exposed to statistical software such as SPSS and R.

MGEO 705 Programming in Geography

Learners are equipped with basic programming skills which are relevant in Geography. Basic programming concepts such as variables, conditionals (if statements), loops and functions will be covered in the module. Object-oriented programming and concepts such as data types, data structures will be covered in the module. Programming languages such as Python and Matlab are introduced and applied in relevant areas.

MGEO 706 Advanced Techniques in Physical Geography

The purpose of this module is to expand and deepen the learners’ knowledge of field-based quantitative and qualitative research methods in physical geography. The learners are exposed to the various methods used for conducting research projects in physical geography, and to enable them to have hands-on experience with field and/or laboratory-based research. As part of the module, the students will collect various data sets in the field and subsequently analyse the samples in the laboratory.

 MGEO 707 Advanced Techniques in Human Geography

The purpose of this module is to expand and deepen the learners’ knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methods in human geography. The module equips the students with advanced field methods in human geography. Emphasis will be given to the practical use of quantitative and qualitative techniques in human geography.

 MGEO 708 Project Planning and Development in Geography

Learners will be equipped with advanced knowledge and skills in the planning of development projects and programmes that are likely to be used in the development context. It is meant to deepen critical understanding of the strategies, processes, techniques and issues involved in turning development ideas into practical realities and identifiable outcomes and benefits. It also covers the entire project cycle from project identification, appraisal, implementation, management and evaluation.

 MGEO 709 Geomorphic Systems and Land Degradation

Learners will be trained in applied geomorphological skills directly relevant to work in the earth sciences domain. Particular attention is devoted to investigating the reaction of geomorphologic systems to environmental and global changes by analysing paleo-climatic and paleo-environmental events. The module further exposes students to different forms and patterns of land degradation and the strategies used to manage soil erosion caused by different land uses.

MGEO 710 Applied Meteorology and Climatology

The module focuses on theoretical meteorology and the application of weather and climate information on society and the environment. The module aims to equip students with knowledge and skills in the analysis of meteorology and climatic data for operational purposes. This will be achieved by studying the climate system, world climates and the sensitivity of environments to climate change to reduce climate-sensitive risks. This serves as a useful toolkit to solve societal and environmental challenges of an atmospheric origin.

 MGEO 711 Surface and Groundwater Water Modelling

Learners should have an understanding of the processes and mathematical tools for surface water and groundwater modelling. The learners should be able to apply different types of models in hydrology, use hydrological models for water resources assessment, flood monitoring and forecasting; assess the impact of climate change and land use change on hydrology, as well as evaluate hydrological models to their applications on gauged and ungauged basins.

MGEO 712 Spatial Ecology

This module prepares learners to work with the management of ecosystems, ecological communities and populations, based on a thorough knowledge of ecological concepts and theories. The module has a strong focus on the practical application of ecological knowledge in society for development. Other topics to be covered include population ecology, community ecology and ecology systems theories, including their relationship to current environmental problems.

MGEO 713 Water Quality Assessment and Monitoring

Learners should understand water quality indicators, methods or tools for assessing water quality from different sources, for example, static and flowing (rivers, lakes, reservoirs and groundwater). The learners should also be able to characterise water bodies; describe and explain anthropogenic impacts on water quality; pollutant sources and pathways; strategies for water quality assessment and selection of water quality variables.

MGEO 714 Climate Change and Development

The module provides a multi-disciplinary understanding of climate change processes and their direct and indirect interactions with development. It describes the main climate change processes, scenarios and vulnerabilities and international and national policy responses. Different sectors’ contributions and sensitivities to climate change and mitigation and adaptation responses are identified and their implications for policies and outcomes for different economies and peoples’ livelihoods are examined.

MGEO 715 Population and Development

This module examines population issues, concepts, theories and methods by encompassing the entire field of demography, including principles and practice. It also examines the relations between population and development and their potential consequences from a geographical perspective. Other topics include global variation in population size and growth, various demographic perspectives and their modern implications, environmental impacts and population policy.

MGEO 716 Settlement Geography

Learners acquire a fundamental and systematic knowledge of human settlement systems with all their relevant characteristics (natural-geographic, socio-geographical and regional). The module encompasses relevant geographic characteristics of the rural and urban settings, the geographical basis of deployment positioning of settlements as well as associated contemporary socio-economic processes in the world. It also critically examines the sustainability of contemporary and future settlements.

MGEO 717 Agriculture and Sustainable Development

The main goals of sustainable agriculture and a range of sustainable farming practices and case studies will be examined. As such, the module develops an understanding of how sustainable farming can both enhance food production and ensure that natural resources are managed in the best way possible for long-term sustainability.

MGEO 718 Industrial Geography

The spatial distribution of industry and its impacts on the natural and human environment will be discussed. The module also trains learners to use the knowledge in the field of industrial geography, and perceive all the aspects and consequences of the distribution of certain industries. Learners are expected to acquire knowledge on the development of industrial sectors which are not in conflict with the efforts for environmental protection.

MGEO 719 Social and Cultural Geography

The module examines the theories of social formation and transformation. It also examines the following aspects in depth: the social system (structure and processes); the concept of cultural landscape; the role of technology in the evolution of culture; cultural diffusion; cultural innovation and regeneration; cultural hearth and cultural realms. The module also analyses folk culture within the context of cultural globalisation and segregation, that is, space and power.

MGEO 720 Regional Development and Planning

The regional concept in Geography, merits and limitations for application to regional planning and development as well as the changing concept of the region from an interdisciplinary viewpoint will examined. The module also focuses on the concept of space, area and locational attributes; approaches to delineation of different types of regions and their utility in the planning process – sectoral, temporal and spatial dimensions. Regional development in Zimbabwe – problems and prospects are discussed.

MGEO 721 Dynamics of Urban Geography

Approaches to urban geography which include environmentalism, positivism, structuralism, post-colonialism and postmodernism will be analysed. It also includes an examination of urban evolution and growth theories/concepts such as Social Area Analysis and Factorial Ecology; Urban Land Economy, Urban Economy: Formal and Informal; Urban Environment and Problems; Sustainable Urban Development and the future of the Cities.

MGEO 721 Dynamics of Rural Geography

Rural settlement morphologies, and socio-economic and environmental characteristics will be studied. Theories of rural geographical transformation and their applicability will be examined concerning both developed and developing countries. The module further examines the drivers of rural geography dynamics in developing and developed countries, contemporary structures, economic context and future trajectories of rural settlement change.

MGEO 721 Global Health Geographies

Global health is explored through a geographic perspective. The module is structured around topics that reflect key issues, including both the implicit (place-based) and explicit (space-based) geographies of global health. The links between the social determinants of health and the spatial distribution of the global disease burden for selected disease categories will be explored. The broader contexts of globalization, governance and geopolitics are also explored to illustrate how global health issues are prioritized, and the impact of these macro-processes on the local health of populations.

MGEO 722 Disaster Risk Management

Key concepts in disaster management theory, research, policy and practice, including vulnerability, governance, disaster risk reduction, and enhancing resilience to disasters through prevention, preparedness, response and recovery efforts will be analysed. Key issues and debates related to the theory and practices of disaster risk reduction will be discussed. Students will show familiarity with different theoretical approaches, and practical problems and an appreciation of the diversity of polices at various scales.

MGEO 723 Geography of Gender

The module explores how geography can open up an understanding of gender, sexuality, and other modes of social difference. While feminist and queer geographies are diverse and contested fields, the course takes its cues in particular from so-called third-wave and post-structuralist engagements with gender. The module further critically engages three key concepts – intersectionality, performativity, and reparability – in leading intellectual debates about gender, difference and space.

MGEO 801 Research Project

The module is meant to enable learners to plan, design and carry out their dissertation. It provides guidelines on how to choose a suitable topic, undertake a literature review, apply appropriate research methods, collect and analyse data and manage the write-up process. It also provides individual feedback to students on their proposals which they can incorporate in their final dissertation of 15 000 to 18 000 words in length.

MPHIL PROGRAMMES

•         MPhil in Geography and Environmental Sustainability (MPhil GSE)
•         MPhil in Environmental Safety, Health and Quality Management (MPhil ESHQM)
•         MPhil in Disaster Risk Management and Resilience Building (MPhil DRMRB)

DPHIL PROGRAMMES

•         DPhil in Geography and Environmental Sustainability (DPhil GSE)
•         DPhil in Environmental Safety, Health and Quality Management (DPhil ESHQM)
•         DPhil in Disaster Risk Management and Resilience Building (DPhil DRMRB)