TUT Baccalaureus Technologiae BTech in Nature Conservation

BACCALAUREUS TECHNOLOGIAE: NATURE CONSERVATION

Qualification code: BTNA00 – NQF Level 7

Important notification to new applicants:

Students who intend to enrol for this qualification should take note that no new applications will be accepted as from 2020. Potential students are advised to consult the University’s website for possible new qualifications which are aligned with the newly-implemented Higher Education Qualification Sub-Framework.

REMARKS

a.Admission requirement(s):

A National Diploma: Nature Conservation or an appropriate NQF Level 6 qualification in a related Wildlife and/or Ecological field.

Holders of any other equivalent South African or international qualifications may also be considered, but will have to apply about six months in advance for the recognition of such qualifications. Candidates will be required to submit an evaluation of their qualifications by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) with their application forms for admission. The Faculty reserves the right to assess these qualifications and the applicant’s suitability/ competence for admission to the programme. Proof of English proficiency may be required. Depending on the nature of such an equivalent qualification, the completion of certain additional subjects may be required.

b.Selection criteria:

Selection is based on an assessment by a departmental selection panel.

c.Minimum duration:

One year.

d.Presentation:

Block-mode classes offered over a period of one or two years. These blocks comprise four compulsory week-long blocks per annum (excluding examinations) – usually one in January, one in April, one in July and one in October. The University may reserve the right only to present the programme when a minimum of ten students enrol for it in one- or two-year modes.

e.Intake for the qualification:January only.

f.Exclusion and readmission:

See Chapter 2 of Students’ Rules and Regulations.

g.Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), equivalence and status:

See Chapter 30 of Students’ Rules and Regulations.

h.Subject credits:

Subject credits are shown in brackets after each subject.

Key to asterisks:

*Information does not correspond to information in Report 151. (Deviations approved by the Senate in May 2012.)

CURRICULUM

SUBJECT/MODULE INFORMATION (OVERVIEW OF SYLLABUS)

The syllabus content is subject to change to accommodate industry changes. Please note that a more detailed syllabus is available at the Department or in the study guide that is applicable to a particular subject/module.

On 01 August 2017, the syllabus content was defined as follows:

C

This subject is broadly based on the emerging discipline of conservation biology. The goal of conservation biology is to gain an understanding of natural ecological systems in order to maintain ecological diversity in the face of increasing human population pressure. The subject attempts to apply theoretical ecological and genetic models to real-life situations and to address the loss of biodiversity through a fusion of theory, basic and applied research and public education. It investigates human impact and develops practical approaches to prevent the extinction of species. (Total tuition time: ± 40 hours)

E

This is a study of the philosophy of environmental education, community development and human behaviour as a pathway to sustainability. The nature, objectives, goals and subgoals of environmental education will be discussed and implemented, practically. Environmental issues will be conceptualised and presented in terms of the nature, causes, effects, and how they can be linked to the school curriculum. Methods will be discussed as to the supporting and implementation of the subject, Environmental Education, in the school curriculum. Evaluation/assessment of the National Curriculum Statement, learning areas (subject curriculum) and learning

outcomes pertaining to Environmental Education Awareness programme (EEAP). Students will be required to evaluate the schools’ learners’ understanding and skills in relation to environmental subject matter. The student will be required to develop environmental education resource material and to assess it according to accepted standards (OBE). Students will be required to assess an environmental education awareness programme and present it to a target group. Here various techniques, knowledge, and skills must be used to assess environmental behaviour. (Total tuition time: ± 75 hours)

F

The objective is to provide the student with the necessary knowledge and techniques to make effective financial decisions. The subject covers aspects of micro- and macro-economics, financial reports and statements, the analysis and interpretation of financial results, production economic principles and cost terms, budgets and risk and uncertainty. (Total tuition time: ± 40 hours)

This subject is primarily concerned with the management of inland (freshwater) water resources and habitats for conservation, and their sustainable utilisation. A broad theoretical background is given on the ecology, nature, occurrence, conservation status and associated problems of freshwater ecosystems in Southern Af- rica. This is followed by measures to effectively manage such ecosystems (monitoring, breeding, freshwater organisms, legislation, etc.). The emphasis throughout is on insight and the practical application of knowledge. (Total tuition time: ± 40 hours)

P

An in-depth study of vegetation or plant science, its principles, aims and applications. This includes the nature of quantitative plant ecology and vegetation science, the description of plant communities, the nature and char- acteristics of plant data, basic vegetation-related statistics, analysis of data, ordination methods, phytosociology and numerical classification. The emphasis is placed on the application of vegetation research and monitoring to ensure better management of plant resources. (Total tuition time: ± 40 hours)

This subject deals with advanced theory and application regarding the management of veld and vegetation in nature reserves (for game). An advanced theoretical base is given on aspects such as veld management ap- proaches, veld monitoring, veld evaluation, carrying capacity, fire management, bush control, restoration ecology, and management of alien invasive plants. The emphasis is on practical applications and insight. (Total tuition time: ± 40 hours)

PRINCIPLES OF MANAGEMENT I (PMR101T)1 X 3-HOUR PAPER

(Subject custodian: Department of Management and Entrepreneurship)

Managers and management, planning, organisation, leading, control, decision-making, motivation, leadership and supervision, communication, coordination, human resource management, financial management, entrepre- neurship, marketing management, legal aspects of contracts, business plan. (Total tuition time: not available)

R

This subject provides background knowledge of research methodology regarding the planning, execution and interpretation of results and scientific reporting. It incorporates the following aspects: philosophies, skills, criteria, types of research and processes, as well as the writing of reports and presentation of seminars, construction of questionnaires, etc. Introductory statistical analysis forms an integral part of this presentation. (Total tuition time: ± 40 hours)

Drawing up a detailed research protocol (research proposal) and completing a pilot study for an identified research project under the guidance of a mentor. The results of the pilot study will be presented during the last contact week of the study year. A written report, as well as an oral presentation is required. (Total tuition time: ± 40 hours)

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT IVA (RMG40PT)1 X 3-HOUR PAPER

(Subject custodian: Department of Nature Conservation)

This subject deals with advanced aspects of game and wildlife management. Different approaches and objectives in wildlife management are covered. The following aspects are covered at an advanced level: Anatomy and physiology of the digestive system, water needs and utilisation, activity patterns, home range and space use, foraging and selectivity, management of nutrition and supplementary feeding, methods of game species selec- tion, record keeping of game populations, predator management and ecology of game diseases. The emphasis is on the application of these aspects in practical conservation management. (Total tuition time: ± 40 hours)

This subject addresses advanced aspects and applications of game and wildlife management. An advanced theoretical basis is given for aspects such as management approaches, genetics in conservation, counting wildlife and the statistics of monitoring, modelling and GIS, with the emphasis on recent developments in these fields. An introduction is also given to aspects such as ecotourism. (Total tuition time: ± 40 hours)