BSc Extended in Life and Environmental Sciences

LEX3

Purpose and characteristics of the programme

This qualification is primarily designed to provide a well-rounded, broad education that equips graduates with the knowledge base, theory and methodology of life and environmental sciences. The purpose of the BSc Life and Environmental Sciences is to develop qualified scientists who can identify, evaluate and solve problems associated with life, earth and environmental sciences and be able to assume and demonstrate initiative and responsibility in related academic and professional contexts in South Africa as well as in the international world. With the focus of the programme being on the principles and theory of the life and environmental sciences with the possible applications thereof, the students acquire the appropriate competence and research ability that serves as a basis for entry into the labour market and a range of professional training and practice as well as postgraduate studies opportunities.

Exit level outcomes, students should be able to:

• Identify, interpret, analyse and solve routine as well as unfamiliar problems and issues using enquiry and theory-driven arguments.
• Demonstrate effectiveness in working with others in a team by taking responsibility for their own work and showing regard for the work of others.
• Identify, evaluate and address their own task-specific learning needs.
• Develop good information retrieval as well as quantitative and/or qualitative data analysis, synthesis and evaluation skills, including the appropriate use of ICT.
• Demonstrate a well-grounded, systematic and integrated knowledge and theory of the life and environmental sciences.
• Monitor and evaluate their own academic development and progress based on a commonly applied life and environmental sciences related criteria.
• Present and communicate information and ideas and opinions in well-structured arguments, adhering to appropriate academic/ professional discourse.
• Use science and technology reliably in variable and unfamiliar contexts and adhere to recognised professional and/or ethical standards, seeking guidance where appropriate.
• Identify, distinguish, effectively select and apply procedures, processes, methods/ techniques of enquiry and research applicable to the life and environmental sciences related contexts.

All students interested in ANY of the degrees listed below, should check out the requirements of the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions before applying and registering.