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Programme: BScHons Geology

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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

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

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.

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  • 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.

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  • Module content:

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

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  • Module content:

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

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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