THE DEPARTMENT OF GEOSPATIAL SCIENCE
Necessitated by the increased adoption and integrated application of remotely sensed digital satellite imagery datasets for various geospatial applications including Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Earth Observation, Surveying, Geographical Positioning System (GPS), and Geomatics, among others, the Department of Geospatial Science was established in July 2022 to provide education and training in the application of these geoinformation technologies in various sectors.
Biodiversity loss due to land use change, deforestation, climate change, and other factors, is one of the major issues facing our country and, much of the developing world, and natural resources conservation becomes increasingly important. In this regard, to better monitor, analyze, and develop innovative tools for natural resources management, we offer programmes in GIS and remote sensing – BSc Honours in Geographical Information Systems and Remote Sensing in Natural Resources Management and an MSc in Applied Geographical Information Systems and Remote Sensing. We also offer higher degrees by research i.e., MPhil and PhD, in different areas including spatial ecology, climate change, and environmental change.
The Department seeks to strengthen the field of Environmental and Public Health in Zimbabwe through hands-on learning and training, collaboration with key stakeholders and high-quality research for evidence-based decision making.
Our department offers many benefits designed to support both local and international students seeking to pursue a career in Public Health and Environmental Health. These include:
- Provide a conducive teaching and learning environment, while promoting collegiality of the discipline.
- Highly qualified team with various areas of expertise relevant to Environmental and Public Health
- Laboratory facilities with modern equipment.
- Undertake high-quality research of national, regional, and increasingly international standing.
- A strong network of local and national stakeholders, including industry, government, and the wider community.
Through our research activities, we intend to build evidence base suitable for the development and implementation of environmental and public health best practices in Zimbabwe. Our researchers and students have published and are carrying out research in the following areas:
- Heavy metal and pesticide contamination of water and food
- health effects of air, water, noise and land pollution
- Health impact of climate change
- Occupational health and safety
- Port Health
- Food hygiene and Safety
- Communicable and Non-Communicable diseases
- One Health
- Application of Indigenous Knowledge Systems to health
Vulnerable populations such as women, children and people living in rural communities in Zimbabwe are of particular interest to us.
Our Programmes
Undergraduate
Duration: 4 Years
ZNQF Level: 8
PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAMME
The Bachelor of Science (Hons) degree programme in Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing in Natural Resources Management is designed to provide education for undergraduate students in the application of GIS and Remote Sensing techniques in natural resources management, and other various sectors and disciplines including civil protection, health, and security. As a result, the graduates should be able to:
· Apply principles and skills of GIS and Remote Sensing in solving real world problems in forestry, natural resources and wildlife management as well as biodiversity conservation.
· Review and interpret quantitative and qualitative information in order to make sound judgements in accordance with current scientific and technological theories, concepts and methods in various fields of applied GIS and Remote Sensing.
· Analyse natural resources challenges and develop solutions and strategies for sustainable forest and wildlife management.
· Use GIS and Remote Sensing techniques for research in forestry, natural resources management and wildlife management, among others.
· Apply GIS and Remote Sensing technologies to a wide range of academic, scientific and other related practical disciplines.
ENTRY QUALIFICATIONS
Normal Entry
At least 2 “A” level passes in Geography, Biology and or Chemistry and 5 “O” level subjects at Grade C or better including Mathematics and English Language.
Special Entry
Special entry applicants must have successfully completed National Certificate, National Diploma or Higher National Diploma in Geographical Information Systems, Geo-Informatics and Remote Sensing or its recognized equivalent may apply for entry into Year I.
Postgraduate
Skill Level: Postgraduate (ZNQF Level 9)
Course Duration: 2 years
PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAMME
The MSc Degree in Applied Geographical Information Science and Remote Sensing is designed to provide education for postgraduate students in the application of GIS and Remote Sensing techniques to analyse, monitor, and develop innovative solutions for problems in various sectors including mining, tourism, civil protection, health, and security. As a result, the graduates should be able to:
· Apply Geospatial Science and Earth Observation technologies to develop innovative solutions to priority national, regional and global problems such as biodiversity loss.
· Constructing and test hypotheses to predict and explain geospatial phenomena;
· Design, collect, and analyse geospatial data to identify spatiotemporal trends, patterns and relationships while error and uncertainty in the data to arrive at justifiable conclusions; and
· Communicate the new knowledge to specific audiences using appropriate scientific language to support sound decision making and policy formulation.
· Test and develop customised geospatial products and services such as an early-warning system for disasters for use by industry, public institutions and other stakeholders.
· Demonstrate capacity for environmental and social assessment, scientific research, and analysis.
· Conduct research that identifies problems and suggests solutions that benefit natural resources management and biodiversity conservation.
ENTRY QUALIFICATIONS
Normal Entry
Applicants should normally hold a minimum of an Upper Second Class (2.2) Honours degree in GIS and Remote Sensing, Life Sciences, and related Geospatial disciplines with a significant Geographical Information Science content.
Special Entry
A candidate with a BSc (Honours) degree at 2.2 and at least three years of relevant work experience shall be admitted after passing a qualifying examination.
Skill Level: Postgraduate (ZNQF Level 9)
Course Duration: 2 years
PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAMME
The MSc Degree in Applied Geographical Information Science and Remote Sensing is designed to provide education for postgraduate students in the application of GIS and Remote Sensing techniques to analyse, monitor, and develop innovative solutions for problems in various sectors including mining, tourism, civil protection, health, and security. As a result, the graduates should be able to:
· Apply Geospatial Science and Earth Observation technologies to develop innovative solutions to priority national, regional and global problems such as biodiversity loss.
· Constructing and test hypotheses to predict and explain geospatial phenomena;
· Design, collect, and analyse geospatial data to identify spatiotemporal trends, patterns and relationships while error and uncertainty in the data to arrive at justifiable conclusions; and
· Communicate the new knowledge to specific audiences using appropriate scientific language to support sound decision making and policy formulation.
· Test and develop customised geospatial products and services such as an early-warning system for disasters for use by industry, public institutions and other stakeholders.
· Demonstrate capacity for environmental and social assessment, scientific research, and analysis.
· Conduct research that identifies problems and suggests solutions that benefit natural resources management and biodiversity conservation.
ENTRY QUALIFICATIONS
Normal Entry
Applicants should normally hold a minimum of an Upper Second Class (2.2) Honours degree in GIS and Remote Sensing, Life Sciences, and related Geospatial disciplines with a significant Geographical Information Science content.
Special Entry
A candidate with a BSc (Honours) degree at 2.2 and at least three years of relevant work experience shall be admitted after passing a qualifying examination.
Skill Level: Postgraduate (ZNQF Level 10)
Course Duration: 3 years or Part-time 5 years
LESSONS:
Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil/PhD) degree is offered in various research fields with a significant GIS and Remote Sensing content, including:
Spatial Ecology
Spatial Analysis and Modelling
Land Use and Land Cover Assessment
Climate and Environmental Change
Housing, Health, and Water Systems
ENTRY QUALIFICATIONS
Normal Entry
An applicant for entry into a DPhil/PhD should normally be a holder of at least an MSc degree (Distinction or Merit) or MPhil in the broad field they are seeking admission into.
Special Entry
A candidate with an upper second class pass at the Honour’s level who wishes to pursue a DPhil/PhD may be eligible to upgrade from an MPhil to a PhD as outlined in the University Regulations.
REGULATIONS
The Regulations for the Doctor of Philosophy degree complement and are subordinate to University General Regulations for undergraduate degrees and Faculty of Environmental Science regulations.
Our Staff
