Diploma in Nature Conservation
Dr Terence Suinyuy
Programme Description
The Diploma in Nature Conservation is designed to build on the strategic and geographic advantage that the Mpumalanga Province has in the field of Nature Conservation. Nature conservation helps ensure the sustainability of protected areas, nature reserves, game parks and natural tourist attractions. Economic growth and the growth of the conservation industry increase employment opportunities and this requires effective management. The Diploma in Nature Conservation includes a combination of theory and practical skills in conservation ecology and the management of natural resources. There is also a strong focus on the inclusion of people in conservation management. During the third year of study, students gain work experience and work in teams with industry experts as part of their work integrated learning (WIL). Completion of the Diploma in Nature Conservation will provide an important opportunity for progression for those students who wish to continue with their studies at the University of Mpumalanga. It will also provide a route into further postgraduate studies (Advanced Diploma, Post-Graduate Diploma, Masters and Doctoral studies).
The focus of the Diploma in Nature Conservation is to produce graduates with strong theoretical and applied skills in Nature Conservation. During the first two years, students attend classes and undertake practical work on the Mbombela campus and with several strategic partners. In the third, and final year, students are placed at an appropriate employer in the conservation sector to complete a year of work integrated learning (WIL). The Diploma in Nature Conservation curriculum has been designed to take into consideration what the UMP considers to be key graduate attributes and to enhance graduate knowledge and employability:
Theoretical
- Understanding and engaging with conflicting conservation paradigms;
- Knowledge of key biotic and abiotic drivers of ecosystems;
- Knowledge of the process of adaptive management;
- A basic understanding of the legislation relevant to the sector and
- A basic understanding of infrastructure management, human resource management and simple book-keeping.
Practical
- The ability to collect, manage and manipulate biological and sociological data;
- The ability to drive a motor vehicle (minimum code 08);
- The ability to make careful observations of their natural surroundings (natural history);
- The ability to carry out basic first aid;
- The ability to communicate effectively as a manager, scientist and citizen;
- The ability to handle a high-calibre firearm and
- The ability to carry out basic law enforcement operations.
Personal
- Adequately developed inter-personal/managerial skills;
- Appropriate time management skills and the ability to meet deadlines;
- Motivated to succeed and
- Respect for other individuals.
The Diploma in Nature Conservation consists of 10 modules in year one, nine modules in year two, and two modules in the third year. A student is required to pass all programme modules to graduate.
Teaching will be by contact and will include lectures, tutorials, practicals, field trips, group work and online learning.
Admission Requirements
The minimum requirements for admission are:
NSC:
- Admission Points Score of 28 or more.
- Minimum NSC requirements for diploma entry must be met.
- English (home language or first additional language) on at least level 4 (50%).
- NSC achievement rating of at least 2 (30%) for Mathematics or 4 (50%) for Mathematical Literacy.
- Life Sciences on at least 4 (50%)
NC(V) Level 4
Applicants must have completed an NC(V) level 5 in Nature Conservation or Natural Resource Management with:
- English (home language or first additional language) on at least level 4 (50% or above).
- Rating of at least 2 (30%) for Mathematics or 4 (50%) for Mathematical Literacy.
Only applicants who meet or exceed the minimum entrance requirements will be offered places.
Duration
The Diploma in Nature Conservation is at exit level 6 on the HEQSF, with a requirement of 360 credits as a minimum. The Diploma in Nature Conservation is offered over 3 years.
Module Structure of the Programme
| Modules |
Code |
Semester |
Compulsory |
Credits |
Prerequisite |
| Year 1 |
| End User Computing |
EUC101 |
1 |
C |
12 |
None |
| Introduction to Ecology |
CON101 |
1 |
C |
12 |
None |
| Plant Studies |
BOT101 |
1 |
C |
12 |
None |
| Animal Diversity |
ZOO101 |
1 |
C |
12 |
None |
| Human Resource management |
HRM101 |
1 |
C |
12 |
None |
| Nature Reserve Skills |
REM102 |
2 |
C |
12 |
None |
| Environmental Law |
ENV102 |
2 |
C |
12 |
None |
| Accounting for Conservation |
ACC112 |
2 |
C |
12 |
None |
| Basic Statistics |
STAT101 |
2 |
C |
12 |
None |
| Mpumalanga in Context |
MIC100 |
1 & 2 |
C |
12 |
None |
| Year 2 |
| Conservation Ecology |
CON201 |
1 |
C |
15 |
CON 101; ZOO 101; BOT 101 |
| Aquatic Resources |
REM201 |
1 |
C |
15 |
REM 102; ZOO 101 |
| Plant diversity |
BOT201 |
1 |
C |
15 |
BOT 101 |
| Animal Studies |
ZOO201 |
1 |
C |
15 |
ZOO 101 |
| Soil Science |
SOIL201 |
1 |
C |
15 |
None |
| Fire Ecology |
FEC202 |
2 |
C |
15 |
BOT 101; ZOO 101 |
| Botany |
BOT202 |
2 |
C |
15 |
BOT 101 |
| Communities and Wildlife |
CON212 |
2 |
C |
15 |
CON 101 |
| Resources Management |
REM202 |
2 |
C |
15 |
REM 102 |
| Year 3 |
| Conservation Application 1 |
CON301 |
1 |
C |
60 |
DIPCON YR1 & YR2 |
| Conservation Application 2 |
CON302 |
2 |
C |
60 |
DIPCON YR1 & YR2
|
Articulation
Students will be able to articulate horizontally and diagonally between this Diploma in Nature Conservation, and others offered by the University. Graduates from Diploma in Nature Conservation will be able to continue into the Advanced Diploma in Nature Conservation.
Enquires