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.
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.
FACULTY | FACULTY OF SCIENCE AND AGRICULTURE |
DEPARTMENTS: | GEOGRAPHY AND HYDROLOGY |
DEGREE(DESIGNATOR) | BACHELOR OF SCIENCE |
QUALIFIER |
MAJORS | GEOGRAPHY | HYDROLOGY |
ABBREVIATION | BSC |
QUALIFICATION CODE (SAQF) |
UNIZULU CODE | SBSC24 |
EXIT NQF LEVEL | 7 |
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS | A PASS OF AT LEAST 50% (LEVEL 4) IN ENGLISH |
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS | A PASS OF AT LEAST 50% (LEVEL 4) IN GEOGRAPHY |
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS | A PASS OF AT LEASE 60% (LEVEL 5) IN MATHEMATICS (CALCULUS ELECTIVE) OR AT LEAST 50% (LEVEL 4) IN MATHEMATICS (OTHER ELECTIVES) |
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS | A PASS OF AT LEAST 50% (LEVEL 4) IN PHYSICAL SCIENCE |
MINIMUM CREDITS FOR ADMISSION | NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE WITH DEGREE ENDORSEMENT WITH AT LEAST 30 NSC POINTS |
MINIMUM DURATION OF STUDIES | 3 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 NAME | SUBJECT CODE | SUBJECT CREDITS | NQF LEVEL | PREREQUISITE SUBJECT(S) | CO-REQUISITE SUBJECT(S) |
FIRST YEAR SEMESTER 1 |
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INTRO TO PHYSICAL & ENVIRONMENTAL GEOGRAPHY | SGES111 H | M | 15 | 5 |
EITHER ELEMENTARY STATISTICS FOR SCIENCE STUDENTS | SSTT111 E | C | 15 | 5 |
OR PLANT CYTOLOGY, GENETICS & PHYSIOLOGY | SBOT111 E | E | 15 | 5 |
EITHER CLASSICAL MECHANICS & PROPERTIES OF MATTER(BIO) | SPHY121 C | E | 15 | 5 |
OR CLASSICAL MECHANICS & PROPERTIES OF MATTER | SPHY111 A | E | 15 | 5 | SMTH111(SLMH111) |
EITHER CALCULUS I | SMTH111 F | E | 15 | 5 |
OR INTRO TO ZOOLOGY I | SZOL111 A | E | 15 | 5 |
OR COMPUTER APPLICATIONS I | SCPS121 X | E | 15 | 5 |
FIRST YEAR SEMESTER 2 |
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INTRO TO GEOLOGY | SHYD112 D | M | 15 | 6 |
INTRO TO HUMAN GEOGRAPHY | SGES112 H | M | 15 | 6 |
EITHER CALCULUS II | SMTH112 F | E | 15 | 6 | SMTH111(SLMH111) |
OR MATHS & STATS FOR EARTH & LIFE SCIENCES | SMTH122 C | E | 15 | 5 |
EITHER ELECTROMAGNETISM, NUCLEAR & MODERN PHYSICS | SPHY112 A | E | 15 | 6 | SPHY111(SLPH111) SMTH112(SLMH112) |
OR PLANT MORPHOLOGY, TAXONOMY & MYCOLOGY | SBOT112 E | E | 15 | 6 | SBOT111(SLBT111) |
OR INTRO TO ZOOLOGY II | SZOL112 A | E | 15 | 6 | SZOL111(SLZL111) |
OR COMPUTER APPLICATIONS II | SCPS122 X | E | 15 | 5 |
SECOND YEAR SEMESTER 1 |
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INTRO TO SURFACE WATER HYDROLOGY | SHYD211 F | M | 15 | 6 | SGES111 |
GLOBAL LANDFORMS & CARTOGRAPHY | SGES211 B | M | 15 | 6 | SGES111 |
EITHER INTRO TO SOIL SCIENCE | SAAG211 E | E | 15 | 6 |
OR ELEMENTARY STATISTICS FOR SCIENCE STUDENTS | SSTT111 E | C | 15 | 5 |
OR ADVANCED CALCULUS | SMTH221 H | E | 15 | 6 | SMTH111(SLMH111) SMTH112(SLMH112) |
EITHER PLANT GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT | SBOT211 G | E | 15 | 6 | SBOT111(SLBT111) SBOT112(SLBT112) |
OR ANIMAL ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY | SZOL211 C | E | 15 | 6 | SZOL111(SLZL111) SZOL112(SLZL112) |
OR MECHANICS SPECIAL RELATIVITY & PROPERTIES OF MATTER | SPHY211 C | E | 15 | 6 | SPHY111(SLPH111) (SPHY121 60%)(SLPH121 60%) SPHY112(SLPH112) (SPHY122 60%)(SLPH122 60%) SMTH111(SLMH111) SMTH112(SLMH112) |
OR INTRO TO EXTENSION & RURAL DEV | SAAE211 D | E | 15 | 6 |
SECOND YEAR SEMESTER 2 |
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INTRO TO SUBSURFACE HYDROLOGY | SHYD212 F | M | 15 | 6 | SHYD112 |
HYDROMETEOROLOGY | SGES222 B | M | 15 | 6 | SGES111 |
EITHER GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS | SHYD222 X | E | 15 | 6 | SGES211 |
OR LINEAR ALGEBRA & DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS | SMTH222 H | E | 15 | 6 | SMTH111(SLMH111) SMTH112(SLMH112) | SMTH221 |
EITHER DEMOGRAPHICS, HEALTH & SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT | SGES212 D | E | 15 | 6 | SGES112 |
OR MODERN PHYSICS, PHOTONICS & WAVES | SPHY212 C | E | 15 | 6 | SPHY111(SLPH111) (SPHY121 60%)(SLPH121 60%) SPHY112(SLPH112) (SPHY122 60%)(SLPH122 60%) SMTH111(SLMH111) SMTH112(SLMH112) |
THIRD YEAR SEMESTER 1 |
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SURFACE WATER HYDROLOGY | SHYD311 A | M | 15 | 7 | SHYD211 SSTT111(SSTT122) |
GROUNDWATER HYDROLOGY | SHYD321 C | M | 15 | 7 | SHYD212 |
ATMOSPHERIC PROCESSES & POLLUTION | SGES321 E | M | 15 | 7 | SGES222 |
CLIMATE DYNAMICS & WEATHER VARIABILITY AND PREDICTION | SGES341 G | M | 15 | 7 | SGES222 |
THIRD YEAR SEMESTER 2 |
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HYDROLOGICAL MODELLING | SHYD332 A | M | 15 | 7 | SHYD211 SHYD212 S | HYD311 SHYD321 |
WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT | SHYD342 C | M | 15 | 7 |
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT | SGES312 E | M | 15 | 7 | SGES211 SGES222(SGES212) |
ENVIRONMENTAL FIELDWORK AND RESEARCH | SGES322 G | M | 15 | 7 | SGES211 SGES222(SGES212) |
Hydrology
TITLE | SOIL HYDROLOGY |
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CODE | SHYD501 | Department | Hydrology |
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PREREQUISITES | SHYD211 AND SHYD212 OR EQUIVALENTS | Co-requisites | None |
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AIM | To 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. |
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CONTENT | Variation 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 |
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ASSESSMENT | 40% Continuous Assessment comprising assignments and 60% Summative Assessments comprising a three hour examination at the end of the Module |
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DP REQUIREMENT | Completion of assignments, presentations, fieldwork and interim assessments |
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TITLE | GROUNDWATER STUDIES |
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CODE | SHYD502 | Department | Hydrology |
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PREREQUISITES | SHYD321 OR EQUIVALENT | Co-requisites | None |
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AIM | This 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. |
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CONTENT | Occurrence 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 |
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ASSESSMENT | 40% Continuous Assessment comprising assignments and 60% Summative Assessments comprising a three hour examination at the end of the Module |
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DP REQUIREMENT | Completion of all Presentations, Field Trip Reports and Interim assessments |
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TITLE | HYDROLOGICAL MODELLING |
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CODE | SHYD503 | Department | Hydrology |
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PREREQUISITES | SHYD332 OR EQUIVALENT | Co-requisites | SHYD222 |
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AIM | The 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. |
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CONTENT | Integrated 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 |
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ASSESSMENT | 40% Continuous Assessment comprising assignments and 60% Summative Assessments comprising a three hour examination at the end of the Module |
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DP REQUIREMENT | Completion of all Exercises and Interim assessments |
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TITLE | WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT |
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CODE | SHYD504 | Department | Hydrology |
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PREREQUISITES | SHYD342 OR EQUIVALENT | Co-requisites | None |
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AIM | This 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. |
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CONTENT | History 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) |
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ASSESSMENT | 40% Continuous Assessment comprising assignments and 60% Summative Assessments comprising a three hour examination at the end of the Module |
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DP REQUIREMENT | Completion of all assignments |
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TITLE | HYDROINFORMATICS |
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CODE | SHYD505 | Department | Hydrology |
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PREREQUISITES | SHYD311& SHYD321, SHYD332 & SHYD342 OR EQUIVALENTS | Co-requisites | SHYD222 |
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AIM | The 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. |
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CONTENT | Introduction 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. |
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ASSESSMENT | 40% Continuous Assessment comprising assignments and 60% Summative Assessments comprising a three hour examination at the end of the Module |
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DP REQUIREMENT | Completion of all assignments |
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TITLE | DISASTER MANAGEMENT |
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CODE | SHYD506 | Department | Hydrology |
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PREREQUISITES | NONE | Co-requisites |
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AIM | This 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 |
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CONTENT | Theory: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 |
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ASSESSMENT | 40% Continuous Assessment comprising assignments and 60% Summative Assessments comprising a three hour examination at the end of the Module |
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DP REQUIREMENT | Completion of all Presentations, Field Trip Reports and Interim assessments |
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TITLE | RESEARCH PROJECT |
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CODE | SHYD509 | Department | Hydrology |
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PREREQUISITES | SHYD311, SHYD312, SHYD312 & SHYD322 OR EQUIVALENTS | Co-requisites | None |
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AIM | The 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. |
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CONTENT | The 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. |
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ASSESSMENT | Independent research project mini-dissertation (60%), final oral presentation, proposal and interim work and presentations (40%) |
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DP REQUIREMENT | Completion of research project |
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HYDROLOGY AND PHYSICS
FACULTY | FACULTY OF SCIENCE AND AGRICULTURE |
DEPARTMENTS: | HYDROLOGY AND PHYSICS & ENGINEERING |
DEGREE(DESIGNATOR) | BACHELOR OF SCIENCE |
QUALIFIER |
MAJORS | HYDROLOGY | PHYSICS |
ABBREVIATION | BSC |
QUALIFICATION CODE (SAQF) |
UNIZULU CODE | SBSC31 |
EXIT NQF LEVEL | 7 |
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS | A PASS OF AT LEAST 50% (LEVEL 4) IN ENGLISH |
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS | A PASS OF AT LEAST 60% (LEVEL 5) IN MATHEMATICS |
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS | A PASS OF AT LEAST 50% (LEVEL 4) IN PHYSICAL SCIENCE |
MINIMUM CREDITS FOR ADMISSION | NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE WITH DEGREE ENDORSEMENT WITH AT LEAST 30 NSC POINTS |
MINIMUM DURATION OF STUDIES | 3 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 NAME | SUBJECT CODE | SUBJECT CREDITS | NQF LEVEL | PREREQUISITE SUBJECT(S) | CO-REQUISITE SUBJECT(S) |
FIRST YEAR SEMESTER 1 |
---|
INTRO TO PHYSICAL & ENVIRONMENTAL GEOGRAPHY | SGES111 H | C | 15 | 5 |
CALCULUS I | SMTH111 F | C | 15 | 5 |
CLASSICAL MECHANICS & PROPERTIES OF MATTER | SPHY111 A | M | 15 | 5 | SMTH111(SLMH111) |
ELEMENTARY STATISTICS FOR SCIENCE STUDENTS | SSTT111 E | C | 15 | 5 | SMTH111(SLMH111) |
FIRST YEAR SEMESTER 2 |
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INTRO TO GEOLOGY | SHYD112 D | M | 15 | 6 |
CALCULUS II | SMTH112 F | C | 15 | 6 | SMTH111(SLMH111) |
ELECTROMAGNETISM, NUCLEAR & MODERN PHYSICS | SPHY112 A | M | 15 | 6 | SPHY111(SLPH111) SMTH112(SLMH112) |
STATISTICS FOR SCIENCE STUDENTS | SSTT112 E | C | 15 | 6 | SMTH111(SLMH111) SMTH112(SLMH112) SSTT111 |
SECOND YEAR SEMESTER 1 |
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INTRO TO SURFACE WATER HYDROLOGY | SHYD211 F | M | 15 | 6 | SGES111 |
MECHANICS SPECIAL RELATIVITY & PROPERTIES OF MATTER | SPHY211 C | M | 15 | 6 | SPHY111(SLPH111) (SPHY121 60%)(SLPH121 60%) SPHY112(SLPH112) (SPHY122 60%)(SLPH122 60%) SMTH111(SLMH111) SMTH112(SLMH112) |
ADVANCED CALCULUS | SMTH221 H | C | 15 | 6 | SMTH111(SLMH111) SMTH112(SLMH112) |
GLOBAL LANDFORMS & CARTOGRAPHY | SGES211 B | C | 15 | 6 | SGES111 |
SECOND YEAR SEMESTER 2 |
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INTRO TO SUBSURFACE HYDROLOGY | SHYD212 F | M | 15 | 6 | SHYD112 |
LINEAR ALGEBRA & DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS | SMTH222 H | C | 15 | 6 | SMTH111(SLMH111) SMTH112(SLMH112) | SMTH221 |
MODERN PHYSICS, PHOTONICS & WAVES | SPHY212 C | M | 15 | 6 | SPHY111(SLPH111) (SPHY121 60%)(SLPH121 60%) SPHY112(SLPH112) (SPHY122 60%)(SLPH122 60%) SMTH111(SLMH111) SMTH112(SLMH112) |
ELECTROMAGNETISM | SPHY222 A | M | 15 | 6 | SPHY111(SLPH111) (SPHY121 60%)(SLPH121 60%) SPHY112(SLPH112) (SPHY122 60%)(SLPH122 60%) SMTH111(SLMH111) SMTH112(SLMH112) |
THIRD YEAR SEMESTER 1 |
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SURFACE WATER HYDROLOGY | SHYD311 A | M | 15 | 7 | SHYD211 SSTT111(SSTT122) |
GROUNDWATER HYDROLOGY | SHYD321 C | M | 15 | 7 | SHYD212 |
QUANTUM AND STATISTICAL PHYSICS | SPHY311 H | M | 15 | 7 | SPHY212 |
ELECTRONIC CIRCUITS AND DEVICES | SPHY321 F | M | 15 | 7 | SPHY211 SPHY212 SPHY222 |
THIRD YEAR SEMESTER 2 |
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HYDROLOGICAL MODELLING | SHYD332 A | M | 15 | 7 | SHYD211 SHYD212 | SHYD311 SHYD321 |
WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT | SHYD342 C | M | 15 | 7 |
NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND APPLICATIONS | SPHY312 H | M | 15 | 7 | SPHY211 SPHY212 |
SOLID STATE PHYSICS & MATERIAL SCIENCE | SPHY322 F | M | 15 | 7 | SPHY211 SPHY212 |