Universities and Online Degrees Guide

University of the Witwatersrand

Bachelor of Science in Geographical and Archaeological Studies

The Bachelor of Science in Geographical and Archaeological Studies in Earth Sciences is offered by University of the Witwatersrand.

Program Length: 3 YEARS.

Bachelor of Science in Geographical and Archaeological Studies offered by the University of the Witwatersrand

Students majoring in Geography and Archaeology will gain a broad foundation in both disciplines. The courses are wide-ranging, exciting and relevant to contemporary issues in South Africa and the world.

Overview

South Africa’s archaeological record is particularly rich. It covers a period of over two million years, starting with the first toolmakers. Archaeology is a dynamic subject that grows with each new discovery or technological advance. As a prospective archaeologist, you will learn about the origins of humans, rock art, and the evolution of technology from the Stone Age to the present. Field work takes you to some of South Africa’s best archaeological sites.

Geography is a diverse and integrative discipline that bridges the natural and social sciences. Geographers are well placed to find solutions to some of the most pressing issues of our times, such as climate change, natural disasters, land degradation and overpopulation. 

Curriculum

First year

• Geography I

AND

• Archaeology I

AND

• Auxiliary Mathematics I

OR

• Mathematics I (Major)
  • Algebra I
  • Calculus I
• Any other Level I course

Recommended courses:

• Chemistry I
• Geology I

Second year

• Geography II
• Earth and Atmospheric Processes II

OR

• An introduction to climate change and

Society II

• Environmental Governance: From local to Global II

OR

• Conservation Biogeography II
• Geographic Information Systems
• Science and Mapping Systems II
• Thinking Geographically: Concepts and Practices in Human Geography II

AND

• Archaeology II

AND

• Any other Level lI major depending on other course set

Third year

• Geography III
  
  
• Four courses from:
  • Food: Security, Politics and Culture III
  • Climate and Environmental Change III
  • Economic Geography III
  • Environmental Monitoring and Modelling III
  • Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing III
  • Theory and Practice in Sustainability Science and Sustainable Development III
  • Urban Features: The Political-Economy of Population and Scarcity III
  • Coastal Geomorphology III
  • Advanced Atmospheric Sciences III

AND/OR

• Archaeology III

AND/OR

• Any other Level III major depending onother course set

NB: All eight Geography III courses may be taken for a double major in Geography