The MPhil/PhD programme in Geosciences and Earth Sciences is designed to produce graduates who are competent and interested in both advanced theoretical and practical Earth Science studies. The programme will enable students to acquire advanced knowledge and skills through instructions and research.
a. To promote scientific enquiry that develops the geosciences profession by providing graduates with a sound empirical base in advanced earth sciences practices, so that they can understand, critique, interpret, and apply it to the mineral and geosciences industry.
b. To enable Batswana and other students from elsewhere to have the opportunity for advanced training in various disciplines in geosciences/earth sciences such as Economic Geology, Mineral Exploration, Geochemistry, Geophysics, Hydrogeology, Mineralogy and Petrology, Sedimentology, Structural Geology etc.
c. To equip MPhil and PhD students with the necessary analytical skills in research to tackle complex geoscientific issues and challenges at national and/or regional levels.
d. To provide a forum for the exchange of research output through projects, theses, seminars, conferences and publications.
e. To enhance the understanding of the Earth Sciences (especially the Geology of Botswana) by offering Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Degree Programmes in various sub-disciplines of geology applied to societal problems through case studies and advanced research.
f. To contribute to the Vision and Mission of the University of Botswana.
g. To produce professionals with post-graduate qualifications in geology needed for the economic development of Botswana.
h. To provide leadership in research and the provision of geoscience education in Botswana
Employment opportunities for MPhil/PhD holders in Geology exist in both the public and private sectors, at local, regional and international settings.
Currently employment opportunities exist in a number of companies including the following:
1) Private Mining and mineral exploration companies
2) Oil and gas industry
3) Government Service Departments of Geological Survey, Roads, Water Affairs, Environment and Protection
4) Water exploration companies and ground water consulting companies
5) Debswana Mining Company
6) Water Utilities Corporation
7) Geotechnical and Civil Engineering companies
8) Academic/Research institutes
9) Military-mapping ordinance and hazard monitoring
10) Several independent consulting firms started by graduates from the programme.
4.1 Preamble
MPhil/PhD students will receive training in field techniques, methods of data collection, data analysis, laboratory techniques, computer graphics, research planning, and presentation skills, and in more specialist techniques.
The MPhil/PhD degree programme in Geology shall be in accordance with the General Regulations 50.1 and 50.2 of the Degrees of Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) of the University of Botswana as captured in the School of Graduate Studies Academic Calendar for 2014/2015.
4.2 Admission Requirements
Admission into the MPhil (Geology) programme
shall be in accordance with Regulation 50.1 of
the General Regulations for the Degrees of
Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and Doctor of
Philosophy (PhD).
Admission into the PhD (Geology) programme
shall be in accordance with Regulation 50.2 of the
General Regulations for the Degree of Doctor of
Philosophy (PhD).
4.3 Submission of Application for admission
The procedure for submitting applications for
admissions to the PhD (Geology) programme shall
be as stipulated in the General Regulations 50.2
4.4 Registration
The procedure for registration for the PhD
(Geology) programme shall be as stated in General
Regulations 50.3
4.5 Programme Structure
Further to the provisions of the General
Regulations, all candidates are expected to
complete satisfactorily the following requirements:
GEO800 Research Methodology or equivalent - 3 credits (Core)
GEO801 MPhil Thesis (Geology-Specialization) -24 credits
GEO900 PhD Thesis (Geology-Specialization) -72 credits
4.6 Duration of the Programme
The duration of the programme shall be as
prescribed in General Regulation 50.5.2 and 50.5.3.
4.7 Programme of Study
The programme of study shall be as stipulated in
General Regulation 50.6
4.8 Transfer of Registration
Transfer of registration from MPhil to PhD and
from PhD to MPhil shall be in accordance with
General Regulation 50.7.Candidates registered for
the MPhil programme may transfer to the PhD
programme after the completion of the MPhil
proposal.
4.9 Thesis
The thesis shall be submitted as specified in
General Regulation 50.8
4.10 Examinations
Examinations shall be conducted in accordance
with the provisions of General Regulations 50.9
4.11 Notification of Results and Award of Degree
The notification of results and award of degree
shall be in accordance with the provisions of
General Regulations 50.10 (UB Graduate Calendar
2014/2015).
4.12 Specialization available in the Programme of study
MPhil and PhD research degrees would be offered
on Full-time basis and will be available in the
following areas:
(a) Economic Geology/Mineral Exploration
(b) Geochemistry
(c) Geophysics/Applied Geophysics
(d) Hydrogeology
(e) Mineralogy and Petrology
(f) Sedimentology
(g) Structural Geology
(h) Geotechnical Studies/ Engineering Geology