School of Geosciences University of the Witwatersrand - AfricaArray

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1 INTRODUCTION This guide is meant to make you aware of the Wits University and School of Geosciences (SOG) rules and regulations, both formal and informal, as well as your rights and privileges as students and young researchers. These matters are relevant to all students in the SOG, including those studying Geology, Palaeontology, Palaeoanthropology, Geophysics, Geochemistry and Environmental Sciences. The goal is to help you get through your post-graduate experiences at Wits in the most efficient, productive and enjoyable manner. This guide is not meant to replace or supersede, but instead to complement the many other relevant documents available from the University. The following is a list of relevant documents that you should be aware of. Most of these documents can be obtained from the Faculty of Science Office, and also from the SOG Main Office. Name of Document Where Obtainable Contain What General Information for Post Graduate Applicants Registration and Re- Registration Information Rules and Syllabuses, Faculty of Science Guidelines for Research Proposal Notes to students and supervisors on higher degree candidature Guidelines for the preparation of research reports Guide for the Preparation of Theses, Dissertations and Research Reports Information for the guidance of examiners for the degree of Ph.D. (also M.Sc. by research or coursework) Faculty of Science Office, The Gatehouse, SOG Main Office Faculty of Science Office, The Gatehouse, SOG Main Office Faculty of Science Office, The Gatehouse, SOG Main Office Faculty of Science Office, The Gatehouse, SOG Main Office Faculty of Science Office, The Gatehouse, SOG Main Office Prof. Lew Ashwal, SOG Main Office Faculty of Science Office, The Gatehouse (R10 charge) Faculty of Science Office, The Gatehouse, SOG Main Office General information on admissions, financial aid, accommodation, awards & scholarships, application forms, etc. A brief summary of general registration information, fees, etc. Formal rules & regulations, degree requirements, curricula, examination of theses/dissertations, etc. Rules & suggestions for preparation of research proposal Important guidelines regarding student-supervisor interaction Suggestions on how to write effective research reports & papers for publication Guidelines, suggestions, tips & rules on preparation of thesis/dissertation Instructions given to internal and external examiners of theses and dissertations 2 REGISTRATION In general, all students who desire to undertake post-graduate studies in the SOG, should carefully consider a possible research topic, and identify a supervisor with whom they wish to study. Supervisors can frequently provide financial support, bursaries, registration fees, etc., so it is important to make contact with potential mentors. This applies especially to students who desire degrees by research instead of coursework. Useful information in this regard can be found on the SOG website http://www.wits.ac.za/geosciences. Application forms and other information may be downloaded from the Wits University Postgraduate Website: http://www.wits.ac.za/postgrad. It is important to note that initial registration is provisional. Candidates are considered for confirmation (formal acceptance) by the Graduate Studies Committee only after a period of up to 6 months, by which stage the students should have submitted a research proposal for consideration by the Graduate Studies Committee. Details about preparation of the research proposal are given below. Once enrolled, all post-graduate students must complete annual registration forms before 31 January, including those students who first registered in the second term of the academic year. Annual registration fees are the same for South African and non-South African post-graduate students, except that non-South African students are required to pay an additional fee (R1750 in 2003). All non-South African students are obliged to take out medical insurance. The University requires all M.Sc. and Ph.D. students to remain registered until graduation. You must, therefore, renew your registration, regardless of whether you have physically left the University. Failure to do so may result in a late registration fee, or in cancellation of your candidacy for your degree. In the last year of your registration, 3
you can get a full year refund if you submit your thesis/dissertation before 31 March. For further details, see the brochure “Registration and Re-registration Information” for all candidates for the degrees of M.Sc. and Ph.D. (Faculty of Science). The normal minimum and maximum periods of registration are as follows: Degree Minimum Maximum M.Sc. (full time) 1 year 3 years M.Sc. (part time) 2 years 4 years Ph.D. (full time) 2 years 5 years Ph.D. (part time) 4 years 7 years Anyone can be registered for a longer period of time, but only under exceptional circumstances, and with the approval of the Head of School and the Graduate Studies Committee. Also in exceptional circumstances, candidates may apply to have their candidature put into abeyance, for a maximum period of 2 years. Such candidates can be re-instated, but afterwards, the candidate must submit the thesis/dissertation within 3 months of the date of reinstatement. 3 DEGREE REQUIREMENTS The University specifies formal degree requirements in the Faculty of Science booklet “Rules and Syllabuses”, printed annually. This booklet is available from the Faculty of Science Office in the Gate House and from the SOG Main Office. A short summary of the important points is given below. M.Sc. by Research (Currently Offered in Geology, Geophysics, Palaeontology, Palaeoanthropology, Environmental Science) • Not less than one academic year of advanced study or research, or both, under the guidance of a supervisor appointed by the Senate • Dissertation on a subject approved by the Senate- such dissertation must show acquaintance with methods of research • If all of the examiners judge the dissertation to be of outstanding merit, then the degree may be awarded with distinction • May be required to present him/herself for an examination or test, oral or written or both (not usually necessary) M.Sc. by Coursework and Research Report (Currently Offered in Environmental Sciences and Mining Geology) • Senate-approved curriculum not less than one academic year of full-time study, or two academic years of part-time study • Not less than one year of coursework • Research report under supervision (not equivalent to an M.Sc. dissertation, and in School of Geosciences, usually counts for 50% of the total mark • A pass mark for the degree is 50% and a candidate obtaining 75% or more for both coursework and research report component will be awarded a distinction • May be required to present him/herself for an examination or test, oral or written or both (not usually necessary) Ph.D. (Currently Offered in Geology, Geophysics, Palaeontology, Palaeoanthropology, Environmental Science) • Admission to candidacy: • M.Sc. degree • B.Sc. Hons, with permission of the Senate (under exceptional • conditions) • Not less than two academic years of full-time research or four years of part-time research • Thesis representing a substantial contribution to the advancement of knowledge in the subject chosen, with satisfactory literary presentation and in a form suitable for publication • Degrees may be awarded or rejected, but no distinctions are offered • May be required to present him/herself for an examination or test, oral or written or both (usually not necessary) 4
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