University Of Johannesburg Zoology

Masters (coursework-based)​​

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Coursework Masters’ Degree (Magister Scientiae) / Short Courses
Programme in Rivers and Wetlands
Presented by the Department of Zoology,
University of Johannesburg (UJ)
Course Aim
To provide training at a professional scientific level that qualifies candidates on a nationally and internationally recognised expertise level in managing riverine and wetland ecosystems.

Objectives

• Enable in-service training of civil servants at various levels (single module certificates to a Masters degree) in managing riverine and wetland ecosystems.
• Raise awareness of the value of all wetlands types and rivers.
• Ensure an understanding of the complexity of the interaction between increasing capacity to manage the diverse aquatic ecosystem types.
• Ensure that managers have an understanding of impacts and the rehabilitation of wetlands and river ecosystems.

Study Options 
UJ offers a flexible suite of advanced study options:

• Accredited (SAQA) individual modules and short courses, which are credit-baring towards the MSc.
• A full-time Master of Science programme completed over one year encompassing coursework modules and a research project.
• A two-year part-time Master of Science programme encompassing coursework modules and a research project.

Entrance Requirements:
Short courses (Note: successful completion of short courses does not automatically lead to entrance to the Masters Programme).

• A Bachelor’s degree or diploma in an appropriate field or appropriate work experience in aquatic ecosystems.
  

Coursework MSc (Note: UJ entrance requirements for admission to the Masters programme).

• A BSc Hons or equivalent 4-year degree in a biological science field, or equivalent qualifications in environmental sciences for cross-disciplinary studies.
• Candidates lacking an adequate ecological foundation may be required to complete additional modules as co-requisites during a preliminary year (2-year programme).

Short Course and Module Content
Study Unit 1: Functional freshwater and wetland ecology
The aim of this course is to provide students with the relevant background information of different wetland and river types found in South Africa and the intricate interactions between the various components of these ecosystems. This will provide them with the necessary skills to engage in research and management in these ecosystems.
Study Unit 2: Wetland and river management
The aim of this course is to give the learner the relevant background information on policy, strategy, and management instruments that will facilitate the management of riverine and wetland resources.
Study Unit 3: Estuaries and the near-shore marine environment
The aim of this course is to provide the student the relevant background information on the function and structure of estuaries and the near-shore marine environment and to demonstrate the intricate interactions between the various components of freshwater and the near shore marine environment with the focus on estuaries.