BSc (Ecology)
University of Pretoria - Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
Key Information
Campus location
Pretoria, South Africa
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
3 years
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
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Application deadline
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Earliest start date
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Introduction
BSc (Engineering and Environmental Geology)
The degree offers further specialisation in engineering geology and hydrogeology. Engineering geology is the study of the behaviour of ground (soil and rock) and how likely it is to affect engineering works. It comprises geotechnical studies and relates to construction (eg founding or excavation) on and with geological materials (eg construction materials), and to the influences of geological, geomorphological and hydrological processes on construction and development. Hydrogeology refers to the occurrence, distribution and movement of water below the Earth’s surface. The study of groundwater is generally both quantitative (eg water supply, safe abstraction and the influences of pumping) and qualitative (eg contamination, remediation and drinking water).
Very few universities offer professional qualifications in engineering geology and hydrogeology. UP offers both, which places it in a strong position on the interface between infrastructure development and subsurface water. The qualification complies with the requirements for professional registration.
The program requires a strong understanding of mathematics and mechanics. Genuine concern for Planet Earth, a desire to work outdoors and an interest in geology or geomorphology will be an advantage. Depending on your personality, you can choose how you would like to divide your time between doing fieldwork and working on a computer.
Engineering geologists work closely with civil engineers, mining engineers, town planners and environmental scientists. Your work will require you to identify geological hazards, source building materials and supply foundation solutions.
As a hydrogeologist you will be involved in the supply of water for urban, agricultural and industrial use. Nowadays many graduates work in contaminant transport and remediation, which involves identifying sources of pollution and finding suitable remediation solutions.
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
Several scholarship options are available. Please visit the university website for more information.
Curriculum
Curriculum: Year 1
Fundamental modules
- Academic information management 111
- Academic information management 121
- Language and study skills 110
- Academic orientation 102
Core modules
- Biometry 120
- Plants and society 161
- General chemistry 117
- General chemistry 127
- Introductory genetics 161
- Introduction to microbiology 161
- Molecular and cell biology 111
- Physics for biology students 131
- Mathematics 134
- Animal diversity 161
Curriculum: Year 2
Core modules
- Biometry 210
- South African flora and vegetation 251
- Plant physiology and biotechnology 261
- Geographic information systems introduction 221
- Introductory soil science 250
- Molecular genetics 251
- Genetic diversity and evolution 261
- Invertebrate biology 251
- African vertebrates 261
Curriculum: Final year
Core modules
- Plant ecophysiology 356
- Plant ecology 358
- Plant diversity 366
- Population ecology 351
- Community ecology 353
- Evolution and phylogeny 362
- Behavioural ecology 363
- Conservation ecology 364
Program Outcome
Total credits: 430