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Unizulu Hydrology Department

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Unizulu Hydrology Department, This qualification is aimed at producing graduates who intend to become atmospheric scientists. The qualification leads from a foundation in the mathematical, physical sciences and geographical sciences and is followed by a sound grounding in all aspects of atmospheric science and physics. With this qualification, the students should have the theoretical and practical knowledge to solve problems in atmospheric science and physics.

Employment opportunities
This qualification provides the basis for employment in the technical workplace or will allow students to continue to further study in in atmospheric science or physics at postgraduate level. The graduates can also be employed as environmental officer. They can be employed by various government departments which deal with environmental issues like Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism. Other employers include the South African Weather Service and private companies. The graduates who are interested in teaching geography and physical science can study for a postgraduate teaching diploma after this degree.

Entrepreneurial opportunities
The people with entrepreneurial interest can establish their business which will consultancy service such as conducting environmental impact assessments or air quality studies for government and private sector.

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Vertical articulation for higher degree studies
The graduates who have obtained this degree can pursue BSc Honours in Geography or BSc Honours in Physics. Those who are interested to pursue careers in teaching geography and physical science can register for Postgraduate Diploma in the Faculty of Education.

Horizontal articulation with other qualifications

This degree requires students to do majors in geography and physics. The students can switch their academic programme to BSc Geography and Hydrology at second year level. The switch will require them to add one more year in their studies because they are required to add another major course in Hydrology.

Contact details for inquiries
Programme coordinator
Dr NB Mbatha, BSc (Physics), BSc (Hons) (Physics), MSc (Physics), PhD (Atmospheric Physics)
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 035 9026400.

Head of Department
Mr AT Mthembu, B Paed (Geography), BA (Hons) (Geography), MA (Geography),
Email:[email protected]
Tel: 035 9026329.

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FACULTYFACULTY OF SCIENCE AND AGRICULTURE
DEPARTMENTS:GEOGRAPHY AND HYDROLOGY
DEGREE(DESIGNATOR)BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
QUALIFIER
MAJORSGEOGRAPHYHYDROLOGY
ABBREVIATIONBSC
QUALIFICATION CODE (SAQF)
UNIZULU CODESBSC24
EXIT NQF LEVEL7
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTSA PASS OF AT LEAST 50% (LEVEL 4) IN ENGLISH
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTSA PASS OF AT LEAST 50% (LEVEL 4) IN GEOGRAPHY
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTSA PASS OF AT LEASE 60% (LEVEL 5) IN MATHEMATICS (CALCULUS ELECTIVE) OR AT LEAST 50% (LEVEL 4) IN MATHEMATICS (OTHER ELECTIVES)
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTSA PASS OF AT LEAST 50% (LEVEL 4) IN PHYSICAL SCIENCE
MINIMUM CREDITS FOR ADMISSIONNATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE WITH DEGREE ENDORSEMENT WITH AT LEAST 30 NSC POINTS
MINIMUM DURATION OF STUDIES3 YEARS
PRESENTATION MODE OF SUBJECTS:DAY CLASSES
INTAKE FOR THE QUALIFICATION:JANUARY
REGISTRATION CYCLE FOR THE SUBJECTS:JANUARY
READMISSION:SUBJECT TO PRIOR PERFORMANCE AND CURRENT APPLICABILITY OF PASSED MODULES
TOTAL CREDITS TO GRADUATE:360
SUBJECT NAMESUBJECT CODESUBJECT CREDITSNQF LEVELPREREQUISITE SUBJECT(S)CO-REQUISITE SUBJECT(S)
FIRST YEAR SEMESTER 1
INTRO TO PHYSICAL & ENVIRONMENTAL GEOGRAPHYSGES111 HM155
EITHER ELEMENTARY STATISTICS FOR SCIENCE STUDENTSSSTT111 EC155
OR PLANT CYTOLOGY, GENETICS & PHYSIOLOGYSBOT111 EE155
EITHER CLASSICAL MECHANICS & PROPERTIES OF MATTER(BIO)SPHY121 CE155
OR CLASSICAL MECHANICS & PROPERTIES OF MATTERSPHY111 AE155SMTH111(SLMH111)
EITHER CALCULUS ISMTH111 FE155
OR INTRO TO ZOOLOGY ISZOL111 AE155
OR COMPUTER APPLICATIONS ISCPS121 XE155
FIRST YEAR SEMESTER 2
INTRO TO GEOLOGYSHYD112 DM156
INTRO TO HUMAN GEOGRAPHYSGES112 HM156
EITHER CALCULUS IISMTH112 FE156SMTH111(SLMH111)
OR MATHS & STATS FOR EARTH & LIFE SCIENCESSMTH122 CE155
EITHER ELECTROMAGNETISM, NUCLEAR & MODERN PHYSICSSPHY112 AE156SPHY111(SLPH111) SMTH112(SLMH112)
OR PLANT MORPHOLOGY, TAXONOMY & MYCOLOGYSBOT112 EE156SBOT111(SLBT111)
OR INTRO TO ZOOLOGY IISZOL112 AE156SZOL111(SLZL111)
OR COMPUTER APPLICATIONS IISCPS122 XE155
SECOND YEAR SEMESTER 1
INTRO TO SURFACE WATER HYDROLOGYSHYD211 FM156SGES111
GLOBAL LANDFORMS & CARTOGRAPHYSGES211 BM156SGES111
EITHER INTRO TO SOIL SCIENCESAAG211 EE156
OR ELEMENTARY STATISTICS FOR SCIENCE STUDENTSSSTT111 EC155
OR ADVANCED CALCULUSSMTH221 HE156SMTH111(SLMH111) SMTH112(SLMH112)
EITHER PLANT GROWTH & DEVELOPMENTSBOT211 GE156SBOT111(SLBT111) SBOT112(SLBT112)
OR ANIMAL ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGYSZOL211 CE156SZOL111(SLZL111) SZOL112(SLZL112)
OR MECHANICS SPECIAL RELATIVITY & PROPERTIES OF MATTERSPHY211 CE156SPHY111(SLPH111) (SPHY121 60%)(SLPH121 60%) SPHY112(SLPH112) (SPHY122 60%)(SLPH122 60%) SMTH111(SLMH111) SMTH112(SLMH112)
OR INTRO TO EXTENSION & RURAL DEVSAAE211 DE156
SECOND YEAR SEMESTER 2
INTRO TO SUBSURFACE HYDROLOGYSHYD212 FM156SHYD112
HYDROMETEOROLOGYSGES222 BM156SGES111
EITHER GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION SYSTEMSSHYD222 XE156SGES211
OR LINEAR ALGEBRA & DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONSSMTH222 HE156SMTH111(SLMH111) SMTH112(SLMH112)SMTH221
EITHER DEMOGRAPHICS, HEALTH & SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENTSGES212 DE156SGES112
OR MODERN PHYSICS, PHOTONICS & WAVESSPHY212 CE156SPHY111(SLPH111) (SPHY121 60%)(SLPH121 60%) SPHY112(SLPH112) (SPHY122 60%)(SLPH122 60%) SMTH111(SLMH111) SMTH112(SLMH112)
THIRD YEAR SEMESTER 1
SURFACE WATER HYDROLOGYSHYD311 AM157SHYD211 SSTT111(SSTT122)
GROUNDWATER HYDROLOGYSHYD321 CM157SHYD212
ATMOSPHERIC PROCESSES & POLLUTIONSGES321 EM157SGES222
CLIMATE DYNAMICS & WEATHER VARIABILITY AND PREDICTIONSGES341 GM157SGES222
THIRD YEAR SEMESTER 2
HYDROLOGICAL MODELLINGSHYD332 AM157SHYD211 SHYD212      SHYD311 SHYD321
WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENTSHYD342 CM157
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENTSGES312 EM157SGES211 SGES222(SGES212)
ENVIRONMENTAL FIELDWORK AND RESEARCHSGES322 GM157SGES211 SGES222(SGES212)

Hydrology

TITLESOIL HYDROLOGY
CODESHYD501DepartmentHydrology
PREREQUISITESSHYD211   AND   SHYD212 OR EQUIVALENTSCo-requisitesNone
AIMTo provide the student with sufficient knowledge on the role of soil water in hydrology as affected by the variation of soils and their physical properties, and how this influences the process of soil water modeling, irrigation and erosion.
CONTENTVariation of soil physical characteristics within the soil profile.Soil formation and classification requirements in hydrology; The characteristics of clay minerals and clay and how they affect water storage and movement; The free energy state of water and soil water potential; The flow of water in saturated and unsaturated  soils;  Entry  of  water  into  the  soil  (infiltration)  and  its  movement through the soil; Redistribution of water following infiltration; Direct and indirect measurement of soil water; Water balance and energy balance in the field Evaporation  from  bare  surface  soils,  interaction  of  soil  wetness,  suction,  and transpiration rate, including the hazard of salinization due to shallow water tables Soil water applications in hydrological modeling and irrigationFactors affecting soil erosion and application of the USLE erosion model and its derivates
ASSESSMENT40%  Continuous    Assessment  comprising  assignments  and  60%  Summative Assessments comprising a three hour examination at the end of the Module
DP REQUIREMENTCompletion of assignments, presentations, fieldwork and interim assessments
TITLEGROUNDWATER STUDIES
CODESHYD502DepartmentHydrology
PREREQUISITESSHYD321 OR  EQUIVALENTCo-requisitesNone
AIMThis module covers the occurrence, development, and protection of ground water in order for South Africa to receive maximum benefit from its ground-water resource. The module furthermore gives the students the groundwater expertise to work with and advise, well drillers, and others engaged in the study and development of ground-water supplies. It consists out of 3 sections. Section 1 gives the theoretical basis for groundwater occurrence, regime and dynamics. Section 2 focuses on the basic elements of ground-water hydrology, arranged in order from the most basic aspects of the subject through to the methods used to determine the yield of aquifers to occurrences in different rock types as well as common problems encountered in the operation of ground-water supplies. Section 3 provides the practical experience in groundwater exploration and exploitation.
CONTENTOccurrence of groundwater, regime and dynamicsGroundwater quality; Groundwater networks and observation methods; Processing and presentation of data ; Remote sensing techniques for groundwater  prospecting .Geophysical techniques in groundwater investigations ; Well drilling and design methodsDetermining hydrodynamic and contaminant transfer parameters of groundwaterNuclear techniques in groundwater investigations ; Hydrogeological mapping Assessment of groundwater resources and groundwater regime forecasting Groundwater management ; Changes in hydrogeological conditions on the environment and Groundwater quality protectionHydrogeology of carbonate rocks, hard rocks  and volcanic rocks Surface Water: Groundwater Interaction in a SA Context Practical Input: Field Trips Groundwater Investigation Project
ASSESSMENT40%  Continuous    Assessment  comprising  assignments  and  60%  Summative Assessments comprising a three hour examination at the end of the Module
DP REQUIREMENTCompletion of all Presentations, Field Trip Reports and Interim assessments
TITLEHYDROLOGICAL MODELLING
CODESHYD503DepartmentHydrology
PREREQUISITESSHYD332 OR EQUIVALENTCo-requisitesSHYD222
AIMThe aim of this module is to provide a comprehensive tool for simulating all aspects of integrated hydrology. This module will familiarize students with hydrological modeling concepts, model usage, and modeling limitations. They will further apply modeling to reconnaissance studies that precede field investigations, interpretative studies following the field program, and for predictive studies in estimating future field behaviour. An integrative approach between surface water hydrology and groundwater hydrology will be followed using Mike SHE and Mike 11 software packages.
CONTENTIntegrated HydrologyOverview  of   Models  and  Modeling  (Conceptual,   Physical,  Statistical  and numerical models)Conceptual and Numerical ModelingModeling Applications (surface water models, groundwater models, integrated models)Introduction To Mike SHE as an integrated model Overview Of SZ, UZ And Evapo-transpiration (ET)Mike SHE Saturated (SZ) And Unsaturated Zone (UZ) Exercises Overview Of MIKE 11 And Surface WaterMIKE 11 Exercises Principles of CalibrationCase Studies And Future Directions Mike SHE Project
ASSESSMENT40%  Continuous    Assessment  comprising  assignments  and  60%  Summative Assessments comprising a three hour examination at the end of the Module
DP REQUIREMENTCompletion of all Exercises and Interim assessments
TITLEWATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT
CODESHYD504DepartmentHydrology
PREREQUISITESSHYD342                    OR EQUIVALENTCo-requisitesNone
AIMThis module will cover various aspects of water resources management that are important to South Africa at the present time. The various aspects will be covered in varying detail and will focus on problems and difficulties that the country is experiencing in balancing water availability and water demand. The country is very much in a state of transition and considerable effort is needed to ensure that water is managed in an equitable and sustainable manner.
CONTENTHistory of water law and water policy in South Africa (up to 1994); Development of the new Water Act (white papers, policy documents); Water Act of 1998; Implications of the new Water Act (The Reserve, Resource Directed Measures, Source Directed Controls Water Allocation Reform); National water resources strategy (Restructuring of water management in South Africa); Water Conservation and Water Demand Management; Integrated water resources management; Dams and Development (social and economic constraints to water resources management)
ASSESSMENT40% Continuous  Assessment comprising assignments and 60% Summative Assessments comprising a three hour examination at the end of the Module
DP REQUIREMENTCompletion of all assignments
TITLEHYDROINFORMATICS
CODESHYD505DepartmentHydrology
PREREQUISITESSHYD311& SHYD321, SHYD332 & SHYD342 OR EQUIVALENTS Co-requisites SHYD222
AIMThe module aims to give a broad overview of the integration of current and future based computer methods and tools in hydrology and water resources management.
CONTENTIntroduction to basic concepts (data vs information)Data types (notional, rational, spatial, temporal, remote, raster, vector, etc.), Data management data modelling (databases, data warehouses, etc),The role of data in hydrology and water resources management. Methods and tools to convert data into information (models, modelling).Advances and limitations in computing systems driving information generation(High   speed   computers,   large   memory,   large   storage   capacity,   parallel computing, cloud computing).Advances in Information dissemination (mapping, graphing, 3D graphics, videos, etc.).The  integration  of  computing  methods  such  as  Geographical  information Systems and Mike SHE, Remote sensing, and computer mapping in hydrology.
ASSESSMENT40% Continuous    Assessment comprising assignments  and 60% Summative Assessments comprising a three hour examination at the end of the Module
DP REQUIREMENTCompletion of all assignments
TITLEDISASTER MANAGEMENT
CODESHYD506DepartmentHydrology
PREREQUISITESNONECo-requisites
AIMThis module is designed to introduce the subject of disaster management (DM) to Hydrological students who in future will form part of disaster management teams, government, NGOs, and donors. The module is designed to increase the student’s awareness of the nature and management of disasters. This should lead to better performance in disaster preparedness and shape them to begin to see mitigation of disasters as a component of development, and disasters as opportunities to further development goals.The overall objectives of this training module aims to§    create interest in disaster management§    stimulate motivation§    relate the learning to their values and attitudes about disaster management
CONTENTTheory:Introduction to DM; Concepts and terms in DM; Natural Disaster Assistance and Refugee Operations; Tools and Methods of DM; Technologies of DM Presentations:Drought and famine; Disaster Preparedness; Disaster Assessment; Disaster Mitigation; Vulnerability and Risk Assessment; Rehabilitation and Reconstruction; Building capacities for Risk Reduction; Disasters and Development;Exercises: Slope Processes; Earthquakes; Volcanoes and earthquakes
ASSESSMENT40% Continuous    Assessment comprising assignments  and 60%  Summative Assessments comprising a three hour examination at the end of the Module
DP REQUIREMENTCompletion of all Presentations, Field Trip Reports and Interim assessments
TITLERESEARCH PROJECT
CODESHYD509DepartmentHydrology
PREREQUISITESSHYD311, SHYD312, SHYD312  &  SHYD322 OR EQUIVALENTS Co-requisitesNone
AIMThe module is aimed at preparing students with skills for independent scientific research. Under guidance from academic staff, students undertake pure or applied research of on a topic of their choice relating to the field of Hydrology.
CONTENTThe content will largely depend on the topic chosen, but students are expected to undertake an extensive literature survey; conduct fieldwork as part of data collection; analyse data and interpret results; and present a written report of the research that is well presented, logically structured and accurately referenced. Students will also make oral presentations of their work at various stages of the research project.
ASSESSMENTIndependent research project mini-dissertation (60%), final oral presentation, proposal and interim work and presentations (40%)
DP REQUIREMENTCompletion of research project

HYDROLOGY AND PHYSICS

FACULTYFACULTY OF SCIENCE AND AGRICULTURE
DEPARTMENTS:HYDROLOGY AND PHYSICS & ENGINEERING
DEGREE(DESIGNATOR)BACHELOR OF SCIENCE
QUALIFIER
MAJORSHYDROLOGYPHYSICS
ABBREVIATIONBSC
QUALIFICATION CODE (SAQF)
UNIZULU CODESBSC31
EXIT NQF LEVEL7
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTSA PASS OF AT LEAST 50% (LEVEL 4) IN ENGLISH
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTSA PASS OF AT LEAST 60% (LEVEL 5) IN MATHEMATICS
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTSA PASS OF AT LEAST 50% (LEVEL 4) IN PHYSICAL SCIENCE
MINIMUM CREDITS FOR ADMISSIONNATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE WITH DEGREE ENDORSEMENT WITH AT LEAST 30 NSC POINTS
MINIMUM DURATION OF STUDIES3 YEARS
PRESENTATION MODE OF SUBJECTS:DAY CLASSES
INTAKE FOR THE QUALIFICATION:JANUARY
REGISTRATION CYCLE FOR THE SUBJECTS:JANUARY
READMISSION:SUBJECT TO PRIOR PERFORMANCE AND CURRENT APPLICABILITY OF PASSED MODULES
TOTAL CREDITS TO GRADUATE:360
SUBJECT NAMESUBJECT CODESUBJECT CREDITSNQF LEVELPREREQUISITE SUBJECT(S)CO-REQUISITE SUBJECT(S)
FIRST YEAR SEMESTER 1
INTRO TO PHYSICAL & ENVIRONMENTAL GEOGRAPHYSGES111 HC155
CALCULUS ISMTH111 FC155
CLASSICAL MECHANICS & PROPERTIES OF MATTERSPHY111 AM155SMTH111(SLMH111)
ELEMENTARY STATISTICS FOR SCIENCE STUDENTSSSTT111 EC155SMTH111(SLMH111)
FIRST YEAR SEMESTER 2
INTRO TO GEOLOGYSHYD112 DM156
CALCULUS IISMTH112 FC156SMTH111(SLMH111)
ELECTROMAGNETISM, NUCLEAR & MODERN PHYSICSSPHY112 AM156SPHY111(SLPH111) SMTH112(SLMH112)
 STATISTICS FOR SCIENCE STUDENTS SSTT112 E C 15 6SMTH111(SLMH111) SMTH112(SLMH112) SSTT111
SECOND YEAR SEMESTER 1
INTRO TO SURFACE WATER HYDROLOGYSHYD211 FM156SGES111
   MECHANICS SPECIAL RELATIVITY & PROPERTIES OF MATTER   SPHY211 C   M   15   6SPHY111(SLPH111) (SPHY121 60%)(SLPH121 60%) SPHY112(SLPH112) (SPHY122 60%)(SLPH122 60%) SMTH111(SLMH111) SMTH112(SLMH112)
ADVANCED CALCULUSSMTH221 HC156SMTH111(SLMH111) SMTH112(SLMH112)
GLOBAL LANDFORMS & CARTOGRAPHYSGES211 BC156SGES111
SECOND YEAR SEMESTER 2
INTRO TO SUBSURFACE HYDROLOGYSHYD212 FM156SHYD112
LINEAR ALGEBRA & DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONSSMTH222 HC156SMTH111(SLMH111) SMTH112(SLMH112)SMTH221
   MODERN PHYSICS, PHOTONICS & WAVES   SPHY212 C   M   15   6SPHY111(SLPH111) (SPHY121 60%)(SLPH121 60%) SPHY112(SLPH112) (SPHY122 60%)(SLPH122 60%) SMTH111(SLMH111) SMTH112(SLMH112)
ELECTROMAGNETISMSPHY222 AM156SPHY111(SLPH111) (SPHY121 60%)(SLPH121 60%) SPHY112(SLPH112) (SPHY122 60%)(SLPH122 60%) SMTH111(SLMH111) SMTH112(SLMH112)
THIRD YEAR SEMESTER 1
SURFACE WATER HYDROLOGYSHYD311 AM157SHYD211 SSTT111(SSTT122)
GROUNDWATER HYDROLOGYSHYD321 CM157SHYD212
QUANTUM AND STATISTICAL PHYSICSSPHY311 HM157SPHY212
ELECTRONIC CIRCUITS AND DEVICESSPHY321 FM157SPHY211 SPHY212 SPHY222
THIRD YEAR SEMESTER 2
HYDROLOGICAL MODELLINGSHYD332 AM157SHYD211 SHYD212SHYD311 SHYD321
WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENTSHYD342 CM157
NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND APPLICATIONSSPHY312 HM157SPHY211 SPHY212
SOLID STATE PHYSICS & MATERIAL SCIENCESPHY322 FM157SPHY211 SPHY212