UNISA Environmental Sciences Course Module 2024 – 2024

Purpose: To highlight the importance and value of biodiversity as well as review the basic concepts of ecology. The student will be introduced to the field of macro-ecology and the linkages between ecology and conservation. International treaties and conventions relating to conservation ecology will be discussed together with the threats to species and communities. Conservation principles and strategies, the classification of conservation areas, indicator, rare and endangered species, ecological monitoring, impact assessment and the human dimension of conservation ecology will also be investigated. A number of interesting and informative case studies will be included as part of this module.

Purpose: To enable students to understand the objectives of integrated environmental management (IEM), namely, to achieve integrated environmental governance and a holistic and integrative consideration of all the relevant parameters that influence environmental management. As a result, the basic principles, guidelines, and tools commonly used in IEM will be investigated as well as key international environmental conventions and agreements. Students will also gain practical experience through an assignment relating to the environmental management process.

Purpose: To familiarise students with the compilation of Environmental Management Programme Reports (EMPR) for new developments, upgrading or expansion of already existing developments or facilities. They will learn to compile Environmental Management Programme Reports (EMPR) for mining activities. Students will also learn how to and in which circumstances to apply mitigation in order to minimise effects on the environment as well as how these mitigation measures will be managed in order to conserve the environment after closure of the development. Students will integrate this knowledge to make recommendations where development takes place in order to rehabilitate the environment after closure and decommissioning. Case studies will be presented to provide the student with practical examples of mitigation measures, rehabilitation, closure and decommissioning.

Purpose: To enable students to understand 21st century thinking in terms of environmental management systems (EMS); what these are, what led to their development and what ISO 9001, 14001 and 18001 certification means. The students will be guided through the complete process of planning and implementing an ISO 14001 management system, as well as evaluating and improving it by means of reviews, corrective action and continual improvement. The students will also be introduced to the aspect of regulatory compliance auditing.

Purpose: Implement and carry out research activities under the guidance of the assigned supervisor/mentor. Students are prepared for a research component as part of their Honours degrees. This is indented to prepare and equip students for careers in academia and industry. Students will be required to submit a mini-research report on a specific topic. This process will enable learners to understand and acquire basic knowledge and skill of how research is conducted and the application to real-world problems.

Purpose: The purpose of this module is to equip students with the knowledge, skills and tools to make responsible environmental decisions in their daily living. Those who achieve this module can: explain the interrelationships between humans and their environment; apply the principles of bio­ resource conservation and management; develop a responsible approach to the utilisation of consumer products; and manage waste to promote waste minimisation and responsible disposal.

Purpose: Students who achieve this module can undertake the basic steps of the research process with the final outcome being the completion of a research proposal and research project.They will be mentored in the art of conducting research under the guidance of a supervisor/study leader. Qualifying students can select a topic, conduct a literature review and use appropriate basic methodological approaches to research. The student will be required to submit mini-research report on the chosen topic. It will give the learner the opportunity to intergrate creatively all the knowledge and skills he/she acquired during the entire study period and to apply these to a real-world problem. Students are prepared for the research component as part of their honours degree. Students are prepared for careers in academia and the world of work and also to prepare for further postgraduate studies.

Purpose: The course is aimed to provide the engineer an overview of the integrated Environmental Impact Assessment process including relevant legislation, the EIA process and baseline knowledge, environmental auditing and reporting.

Purpose: The purpose of the learning is to introduce students to basic knowledge of earth system science. The complex integration and mechanisms linking the atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere and geosphere and the sustainable utilization of the natural resources will be studied. The protection of biodiversity as well as addressing environmental issues to ensure a sustainable living environment will be dealt with in an integrated, holistic manner.

Recommendation: First year Chemistry/Biochemistry