Yearbooks

Programme: BScHons Geology

Kindly take note of the disclaimer regarding qualifications and degree names.
Code Faculty Department
02240142 Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences Department: Geology
Credits Duration NQF level
Minimum duration of study: 1 year Total credits: 135 NQF level:  08

Programme information

Renewal of registration

  1. Subject to exceptions approved by the Dean, on the recommendation of the relevant head of department, a student may not sit for an examination for the honours degree more than twice in the same module.
  2. A student for an honours degree must complete his or her study, in the case of full-time students, within two years and, in the case of after-hours students, within three years of first registering for the degree. Under special circumstances, the Dean, on the recommendation of the relevant head of department, may give approval for a limited extension of this period.

In calculating marks, General Regulation G.12.2 applies.

Apart from the prescribed coursework, a research project is an integral part of the study.

Admission requirements

  1. BSc (Geology) degree (or equivalent) or relevant bachelor’s degree
  2. A weighted average of at least 60% for the geology modules at third-year level

Pass with distinction

The BScHons degree is awarded with distinction to a candidate who obtains a weighted average of at least 75% in all the prescribed modules and a minimum of 65% in any one module.

Minimum credits: 135

Core modules

  • Module content:

    Interpretation and application of advanced petrogenetic tools: the Rb/Sr and Sm/Nd isotopic systems, quantitative interpretation of binary and ternary phase diagrams, Harker type diagrams, assimilation-fractional crystallisation – partial melting. Geothermometers and geobarometers, PT-t loops. Abundance of elements in the crust, crust-forming models. Hydrous geochemistry. Recognition of geochemical anomalies. Analytical methods and the treatment of geochemical data. A one-week field trip to the Bushveld Complex.

    View more

  • Module content:

    Precambrian crustal evolution. Precambrian plate tectonics. Precambrian evolution of the African plate (Eburnean, Kibaran and Pan-African events). Phanerozoic evolution to the African plate; global examples of tectonics as a continental crustal source. Determination of deformational history of crustal rocks; determination of palaeostress conditions in ancient crustal rocks. Practical experience of structural analysis and determination of deformational history. A one-week field trip to a tectonically complex area.

    View more

  • Module content:

    Mapping and analysis of a geologically complex area using different techniques.

    View more

  • Module content:

    Independent acquisition of geological field and/or laboratory data, treatment and interpretation thereof, and writing of an honours essay.

    View more

  • Module content:

    Basic remote sensing methods and their applications to geology; basic geophysical and geochemical exploration techniques; exploration target generation - philosophies and methods; professional geological practice; the SAMREC and similar codes; geologists in the business environment; case studies. Practical component (runs parallel to theory above) encompasses ore-microscopy; ore mineral identification; ore textures; analysis of ore assemblages; instrumental techniques applied to ores. Various short field trips to both opencast and underground mines.

    View more

  • Module content:

    Modern analytical methods, including X-ray Diffraction (XRD), X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), inductively coupled mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), methods of isotopic analysis, and electron beam methods (EPMA, SEM, CT). An introductory statistical course in sampling methods, treatment of data, statistical validity, and basic geostatistics.

    View more

  • Module content:

    The field of Geology is rapidly evolving both in terms of industry requirements and the type of science done. This module includes short courses offered by staff and industry on a variety of topics, as well as a weekly departmental seminar on current research in the department. The content of this module is expected to vary year by year according to availability of internal and external lecturers.

    View more


The information published here is subject to change and may be amended after the publication of this information. The General Regulations (G Regulations) apply to all faculties of the University of Pretoria. It is expected of students to familiarise themselves well with these regulations as well as with the information contained in the General Rules section. Ignorance concerning these regulations and rules will not be accepted as an excuse for any transgression.

Copyright © University of Pretoria 2024. All rights reserved.

COVID-19 Corona Virus South African Resource Portal

To contact the University during the COVID-19 lockdown, please send an email to [email protected]

FAQ's Email Us Virtual Campus Share Cookie Preferences