Bachelor Of Science Degree At University Of Mpumalanga UM

The Bachelor of Science Degree (BSc) at the University of Mpumalanga has a strong biological and geographical focus and has been carefully designed
to provide very clear career paths for students.

Completion of the BSc will provide an essential opportunity for progression for those students who
wish to continue with their studies at the University of Mpumalanga.

It also provides a route into further postgraduate studies (Honours, Masters and Doctoral studies). The underlying objective of the BSc programmed is to enhance and facilitate creativity and promote critical thinking in the natural and geographical sciences.

DURATION:
The BSc programme is a three-year, 360 credit, exit level 7 qualification.

CURRICULUM:
The focus of this BSc qualification will be in the biological, earth and environmental sciences. In first year, all students will take a fixed curriculum in which they do a full year of biology and earth and geographical sciences, and a semester of integrative environmental science. These modules will be supported by a semester of chemistry, a semester of end-user computing and a semester of mathematics.

In second year, there will be separate, year-long, modules in ecology (animal and plant), environmental science, geography (including GIS), entomology and integrated water studies. Students will select three of these.

In third year, the same elective modules will be offered but at qualification level 7. Students will select two of the three modules taken in second year, which will be their major subjects. All combinations will be possible and will prepare students for further studies, or employment in a wide range of fields.

Teaching will be by contact and will include lectures, tutorials, practical’s, field trips, group work and online learning. Throughout the three years, there will be an emphasis on independent research, and third year will include 30 credits (15 per major subject) for research.

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS Of Bachelor Of Science Degree At University Of Mpumalanga UM
Applicants with the National Senior Certificate (NSC):
The minimum requirements for admission to a Bachelor’s Degree must be met. In addition, students will have the
following:
Admission Point Score (APS) of 32
• English (Home or First Additional Language): Level 4
• Mathematics: Level 4
• Mathematical Literacy: Level 6

Applicants with the National Certificate Vocational
(NCV) level 4:
NCV level 4 with at least English 50-59% (Home Language or
First Additional).
• Mathematics on minimum NSC level 4 or Mathematics literacy on minimum NSC level 6
• A minimum of NSC level 4 for two of Life Science, Physical Science or Geography

South African students who have written under another Examination Board and International students must have similar scores for the same or similar subjects to be considered.

Students who have completed a 360 credit Diploma in an appropriate field such as conservation will be considered for this
degree. Students will be considered on a monthly basis and students who meet or exceed the minimum entrance requirements will be offered places

ECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING (RPL) AND CREDIT ACCUMULATION AND TRANSFER (CAT)
Applicants wishing to be considered for admission in terms of RPL or to have credits transferred to this programmed must indicate this on their application. The University policy on Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), Credit Accumulation and Transfer (CAT) will be applied.

PROGRESSION:
Students who complete this Degree successfully will be able to articulate horizontally and diagonally between this general BSc, and our existing BSc (Agriculture). Graduates from the BSc will be able to continue into Honors programmed in any of the subjects in which they will have majored at UMP or another higher education institution.

ENQUIRIES
Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Sciences
Prof Dan Parker (Head of School)
Tel: +27 13 002 0223
Fax: +27 13 755 1110
E-mail: daniel.parker@ump.ac.za