Program Overview

Programme: BScHons in Meteorology

The BScHons in Meteorology programme is offered by the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, Department of Geography, Geoinformatics and Meteorology.

Programme Information

• Code: Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
• Department: Geography, Geoinformatics and Meteorology
• Credits: Minimum duration of study: 1 year, Total credits: 135, NQF level: 08

Admission Requirements

General Admission Regulations

All applications must be accompanied by the following documents:

1. Certified full academic transcripts from undergraduate to current level
2. Certified copy of ID or passport
3. A research concept note (not applicable to honours or coursework master's degrees)

Minimum Admissions Requirements

1. Bachelor of Science in Meteorology degree or Relevant Bachelor of Science degree (NQF level 7)
2. An average of at least 60% for Meteorology at final-year level of the bachelor's degree (NQF level 7)
3. Students who completed Bachelor of Science undergraduate Special should receive a weighted average of 60% for the prescribed modules

Programme Structure

• Fundamental credits: 10
• Core credits: 95
• Elective credits: 30

Fundamental Modules

• WKD 725: Research methods 725 (Credits: 10.00)
  • Module content: The module introduces students to planning, research design, scientific reading, writing and presentation as required for meteorological research.

Core Modules

• WKD 703: Seasonal and climate modelling 703 (Credits: 15.00)
  • Module content: Fundamentals of seasonal forecasting, The El Nińo/Southern Oscillation, Empirical orthogonal functions, Canonical correlation analysis, Empirical forecast models practical, Sea-surface temperature models, Fully coupled and two-tiered general circulation modelling, Dynamical and empirical downscaling techniques, Significance testing using Monte Carlo techniques, Modelling pitfalls, User application forecasting, Projections of decadal and multi-decadal climate anomalies.
• WKD 704: Numerical modelling: applications 704 (Credits: 15.00)
  • Module content: Initial atmospheric state, observation network, data assimilation, initialization, parameterisation, post-processing, Ensemble methods, probability forecasting, forecast verification, Global circulation models, limited-area and mesoscale models, variable resolution models, dispersion models, Seamless prediction, Practical applications.
• WKD 721: Radar and mesoscale meteorology 721 (Credits: 15.00)
  • Module content: Basic principles and characteristics of weather radar including doppler and dual-polarization radars, Weather radar equation, Interpretation of radar reflectivity and velocity data, Introduction to mesoscale meteorology, Surface mesoscale features, atmospheric instability and severe storm classification, Analysis of convective storms and associated hazards.
• WKD 724: Climate change 724 (Credits: 15.00)
  • Module content: Concepts related to climate and climate change, Definitions, classification and factors influencing climate, Causes and impacts of climate change, Perceptions of climate change and climate change communication, Basic principles of climate modelling.
• WKD 763: Research project 763 (Credits: 35.00)
  • Module content: Introduction to the philosophy of scientific research, Hypothesis testing, Reporting of scientific research, Identification of an appropriate research project, Compilation of a research proposal, Literature survey, Acquisition and manipulation of information, Introduction to innovative strategy and research management, Preparation of a research report (or paper), Presentation of research findings.

Elective Modules

• BME 780: Statistics for biological sciences 780 (Credits: 15.00)
  • Module content: Introduction to ANOVA, correlation and linear regression and analysis of covariance, Chi-squared tests, Basic concepts in generalised linear models, The principles of experimental design as required for the selection of an appropriate research design.
• EHM 772: Basis in environmental health 772 (Credits: 5.00)
• ENV 785: Environmental assessments 785 (Credits: 15.00)
  • Module content: The aim of this module is to understand the principles and processes behind environmental assessments.
• EOH 775: Introduction to environmental and occupational health 775 (Credits: 10.00)
• GGY 701: Selected theme 701 (Credits: 15.00)
  • Module content: A self-study module on an aspect or aspects of geographical or environmental science selected in consultation with the head of the department.
• GGY 710: Geographical and environmental principles 710 (Credits: 15.00)
  • Module content: The module provides a critical review of the structures and paradigms in which the geographical and environmental sciences are practised.
• GGY 718: Applied geomorphology 718 (Credits: 15.00)
  • Module content: This module focuses on processes and applications of geomorphology.
• GGY 780: Urban geography 780 (Credits: 15.00)
  • Module content: The main themes of the module include overview of global urbanisation theories and processes, urban morphology and change.
• GGY 789: Environmental change 789 (Credits: 15.00)
  • Module content: Study themes include past environmental change, causes and consequences of human-induced environmental change and South Africa and climate change.
• GIS 705: Advanced geospatial data 705 (Credits: 15.00)
  • Module content: Advanced topics in geospatial data management.
• GIS 707: Special topics 707 (Credits: 15.00)
  • Module content: A special topic in Geoinformatics linked to research specialisation in the department.
• GIS 708: Advanced GIS 708 (Credits: 15.00)
  • Module content: Advanced topics in GIS application.
• GIS 709: Geospatial data and services 709 (Credits: 15.00)
  • Module content: Advanced topics in spatial databases.
• GMA 705: Advanced remote sensing 705 (Credits: 15.00)
  • Module content: The aim of the module is to provide knowledge and understanding of image analysis and information extraction methods in remote sensing.
• WKD 706: Dynamic meteorology 706 (Credits: 15.00)
  • Module content: Atmospheric oscillations, Linear perturbation theory, Baroclinic instability, Two-layer model, Energetics of Baroclinic waves.
• WKD 719: Boundary layer meteorology 719 (Credits: 15.00)
  • Module content: Introduction to, and the importance of the boundary layer, Structure of the boundary layer.
• WKD 722: Advanced weather forecasting 722 (Credits: 15.00)
  • Module content: Use physical and dynamical reasoning to explain the formation, evolution, and characteristics of synoptic-scale weather systems.
• WKD 723: Atmospheric composition and air quality 723 (Credits: 15.00)
  • Module content: Tropospheric atmospheric composition in southern Africa, with a particular focus on air quality.
• WKD 781: Cloud dynamics 781 (Credits: 15.00)
  • Module content: Scaling and interpretation of equations of motion for mesoscale processes, The role of stability and other trigger actions on initial cloud formation.