Bachelor of Science Honours in Earth Sciences

• A BSc degree with Geology or equivalent as major. Students with other comparable subject combinations should contact the department regarding admission.
• Stellenbosch graduates with a BSc in Earth Sciences must offer the following third-year modules:
o Focal area Applied Earth Science: Geology 314, 324, 344 and 354, and Earth Science Field Skills 374.
o Focal area Geo-environmental Science: Geology 324, 344, 364, and Environmental Geochemistry 314 and Environmental Field Skills 372.
• An average final mark of at least 65% for the prescribed module combinations, made up of thirdyear Geology, Environmental Geochemistry, Earth Science Field Skills or Environmental Field Skills modules.
• The Department of Earth Sciences will evaluate all applications individually. If you obtained an average final mark of 55–64% for third-year Geology, and if applicable, third-year Environmental Geochemistry, you could also be considered for honours.
• Take note: If you have obtained a final mark between 55 and 59% for third-year Geology, and if applicable, third-year Environmental Geochemistry, and you are recommended by the department for admission to the honours programme, the Science Faculty Board must grant final approval.

The honours programme in Earth Sciences is composed of three compulsory modules, a research project and two further modules from one of two focal areas. The focal areas are:
• Applied Geology; and
• Environmental Geochemistry.

The content of each of these modules is further divided into sections at the departmental level and may vary from year to year. The Department can decide not to offer a given module or focal area depending on staff availability and student numbers. The specific content of focal areas and modules for each year is provided before the start of the honours year. You can take elements of different modules in consultation with your supervisors and the honours co-ordinator.

Compulsory modules
(credits = 80)

Subject number | Module code | Credits | Module Name | Semester
12240 771 15 Geology of Southern Africa Both
12241 772 15 Research Methods in Earth Sciences Both
12242 773 15 Special Topics in Earth Science Both
54895 795 35 Research project Both

Choose one of the following focal areas

Focal area A – Applied Geology (credits = 40)
12243 712 20 Concepts in Crustal Evolution 1
12247 742 20 Economic Geology 2

Focal area B – Environmental Geochemistry (credits = 40)
12244 714 20 Hazardous Waste Site Assessment 1
12275 744 20 Environmental Systems 2

Assessment and Examination
All modules in this honours programme, with the exception of the research project, are assessed through a combination of theory, practical work and an examination. The research project is assessed based on submission of your final research report and an oral presentation. To obtain the honours degree you must pass all modules with a 50% sub-minimum.