Geography, Environmental Management & Energy Studies

Faculty of Science
LEARNING GUIDE
Module codes:
ENM03B3 / ENME0B2 / ENM3B01

Module name: Environmental assessment, monitoring and

mitigation

LECTURERS:

Prof. Isaac T. Rampedi

Office: D2 Lab 344 (D)
Tel: (011) 559 2429/083 396 9862
E-mail: isaacr@uj.ac.za
Consulting hours: When I am in my office. Also, via email (isaacr@uj.ac.za) and
whatsapp (0833969862).

Dr Thea Schoeman (Practical)

Office: D3Lab 319
Tel.: (011) 559 3226/082 920 4599
E-mail: theas@uj.ac.za
Consulting hours: When I am in my office. Also, via email and whatsapp.

COMPILED IN: July 2024

Copyright © University of Johannesburg, South Africa

Printed and published by the University of Johannesburg
WHERE TO START
• Read your Learning guide in conjunction with the Faculty of Science yearbook or other materials provided
to you during registration.

• Obtain the prescribed textbook(s).

• For assistance to logon to the student portal go to http://ulink.uj.ac.za or ask the assistants in the
computer labs or your tutor to help you.

• From the uLink portal go to the ENM03B3 or ENME0B2 or ENM3B01 module to explore the different
tools in your web learning environment for important information. In Term 3, this module is offered under
these three codes as it also caters for Engineering students who register this module as a compulsory
elective.
• If you experience any problems, ask your lecturer, tutor or demonstrator to assist you.

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ACTION WORDS
Action words that you may be exposed to in this learning guide and module.

Apply Put to practical use or make use of a relevant equation or law.

Calculate Determine the value, using formulae or specific calculation methods.
Group concepts or subjects together based on certain characteristics or
Classify
commonalities.
Point out the similarities and differences between objects or points of view.The
Compare
word contrast can also be used.
Transform a quantity expressed in one unit to a quantity expressed in anotherunit.
Convert
Define Give a short and clear description of a term or concept.
Demonstrate Show clearly/prove/make clear by reasoning or evidence/illustrate and
explain, especially with many examples.
Derive Deduce or infer something from the given information.
Tell in detail how a process works or how a subject appears. You need not
Describe
comment on the process or the subject or give your own point of view.
Differentiate Find differences between objects or statements.
Explain terms or concepts in your own words. Give comments or give yourown
Discuss
point of view.
Distinguish Write down the differences between subjects or concepts.
Draw Create a drawing, diagram or representation of a subject or concept.
Write about the subject in your own words. Clarify or give reasons – it maybe
Explain useful to use examples or illustrations. You must prove that you understand the
content.
Formulate Express in a concise, systematic way.
Identify Establish the identity or recognise a process.
Illustrate Explain by means of detailed descriptions and drawings.
Interpret Explain or clarify the meaning of a concept/value.
List/Name Briefly write down the facts or main points.
Motivate Give reason(s) for your answer.
Name Nominate or specify a site or process.
Organise Arrange data according to certain criteria.
Predict Use the facts available to derive an outcome.
Relate Show the relation/connection of entities, how the concepts can be linked.
Solve Find an answer by using critical thinking and/or calculations.
Summarise Briefly state/list/write down only the most important detail/facts.
Show insight into or know the meaning/nature of a concept or term; tocomprehend.
Understand

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Table of Content

SECTION A: ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS............................................................................................................... 1

1. Introduction to the module ...................................................................................................................... 1
2. Contact information ................................................................................................................................. 1
2.1 Geography, Environmental Management & Energy Studies (GEMES) ................................................ 1
2.2 Faculty of Science ............................................................................................................................. 1
3. Clarification of key concepts ..................................................................................................................... 2
4. Policies and procedures ........................................................................................................................... 2
4.1 Plagiarism ......................................................................................................................................... 2
4.2 Grievance procedure ........................................................................................................................ 3
4.3 Sick tests .......................................................................................................................................... 3
4.4 Class attendance .............................................................................................................................. 3
5. Communication........................................................................................................................................ 3
5.1 E-mail ............................................................................................................................................... 3
5.2 Office visits ....................................................................................................................................... 4
SECTION B: PROGRAMME AND MODULE INFORMATION ..................................................................................... 4
1. Entry requirements .................................................................................................................................. 4
2. Module NQF level .................................................................................................................................... 5
3. Purpose of the module and learning outcomes ........................................................................................ 5
3.1 Purpose ............................................................................................................................................ 5
3.2 Learning outcomes ........................................................................................................................... 5
4. Prescribed textbook and learning material ............................................................................................... 5
4.1 Prescribe textbook/s and recommended textbook/s......................................................................... 5
5. Module structure and work schedule ....................................................................................................... 6
5.1 Formal lectures................................................................................................................................. 6
5.2 Preparation self-study ...................................................................................................................... 6
5.3 Table indicating content to be learnt and the assessment plan in this module. ................................. 7
5.4 Theory assignments .......................................................................................................................... 7
5.5 Theory Assignments and Group Assignment Portfolio ....................................................................... 9
5.6 Class Presentations .............................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
6. Assessments and calculation of marks ...................................................................................................... 9

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 6.1 Calculation of Term Marks ................................................................................................................ 9
SECTION C: SUPPORT SERVICES............................................................................................................................ 9

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SECTION A: ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS

1. Introduction to the module

Welcome to the Department of Geography, Environmental Management & Energy Studies (GEMES), University of
Johannesburg (UJ) for the 2023 academic year. The module Environmental assessment, monitoring and
mitigation is a semester module and is offered during the second semester. However, this Learning Guide only
addresses the learning and assessment planning in Term 3 only. Moreover, Engineering students at second year
(ENME0B2) and third year (ENM3B01) levels are also accommodated in Term 3 of semester two. The learning
guide provides an overview of the purpose of the subject, detailed course contents / learner outcomes,
assessment criteria, course programme schedule, teaching and learning methodology, assessment methods,
reference books / suggested readings and journals.

2. Contact information
2.1 Geography, Environmental Management & Energy Studies (GEMES)

Head of Department: Dr Thea Schoeman

theas@uj.ac.za
011 559 3226

Secretary: Dineo Mekwe

dmekwe@uj.ac.za
011 559 3736

Student Assistant: Lindokuhle Mbokane

geography@uj.ac.za
011 559 4669
Three ENM3B Tutors:
Kabelo Sebiloane: kabelo24sebiloane@gmail.com
Njabulo Sibada: njabusibbs560@gmail.com
Nthabeleng Zozo: nthabelengzozo25@gmail.com

2.2 Faculty of Science

Head Faculty Administration: Mrs Christa Burger
cburger@uj.ac.za
011 559 2961

Faculty Officer Undergraduate: Mrs Adri Greyling

agreyling@uj.ac.za
011 559 2374

Faculty Officer Postgraduate: Mrs Hazel Mtyoboza

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hazell@uj.ac.za
011 559 3718

Faculty Reception: Mrs Linsey Bessick

lindseyb@uj.ac.za
011 559 4562

3. Clarification of key concepts

This module is informed by these and other key concepts as defined by the University of Johannesburg Learning
Support Material Policy and the Teaching and Learning Policy:

Concepts Definitions
A module-specific learning facilitation tool serving as a “map” for the
Learning guide students. It contains organizational as well as learning facilitation
components.
Learning support Concrete products that are results of programme development and programme
material design activities which are constructed in any medium or
combination of media that are conducive to learning.
Learning outcome The contextually demonstrated end-product/result of the learningprocess.

Learning unit / A smaller component of a module or unit standard consisting of learning

topics activities/ topics linked to a single outcome. A combination of related
learning units / topics forms a module.
Module A predetermined unit of teaching and learning (building block) within a
progamme with an institutionally determined credit value and duration
(sometimes referred to as a subject or course).

4. Policies and procedures

The University of Johannesburg’s policies are available online at: https://www.uj.ac.za/about/academic-calendar-
and-regulations/.

4.1 Plagiarism
Academic dishonesty and plagiarism are not tolerated at all and all culprits will be punished accordingly. As defined
by the University of Johannesburg academic policies:

• Plagiarism is the verbatim (word-for-word) use of another’s work and presenting it as if it were one’s own.

It is important to acknowledge any thoughts, ideas and information which are not your own. It is also important
to use a standard form of referencing to provide all relevant information that will help any person who may be
interested to read further about the information. As a result, you need to keep an accurate record of collecting
your data. You will be required to properly cite your source(s) when referring to an item within your text. You are
also required to fully indicate the reference where the citation can be found at the end of your work.

• The different departments within the University may require you to use a particular (or different) way of
citation, the common one being the Harvard. It is therefore important for you to enquire and adhere to
the requirements set by your departments.

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 • The proper procedures are laid down by the University and the Faculty and are responsible for strategies
that address means of preventing, monitoring and handling acts of plagiarism.

Copyright issues are handled in accordance with DALRO principles and procedures. For this particular module you
are required to visit the UJ library website and download the document on Reference Techniques and strictly
follow the Harvard style in all your assignments.

The UJ Plagiarism policy is available at: https://www.uj.ac.za/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/plagiarism-policy-

approved-june-2021.pdf.

4.2 Grievance procedure

You are required to follow procedures to solve problems and to manage conflict. The University of Johannesburg
has grievance procedures which must be followed in case of any dissatisfaction. If you experience any problem in
this module, you must first consult with the module lecturer(s) as soon as possible so that an appropriate solution
can be found. If you are not satisfied with the solution, then you must consult with the Head of the Department
(HOD) and if still no solution then only proceed to consult with the Vice Dean or the Dean of the Faculty. If you do
not follow this procedure and directly contact the Dean, you will be referred back to the relevant lecturer/HOD.

The UJ policy of Handling of Student Complaints is available at: https://www.uj.ac.za/wp-

content/uploads/2021/10/policy-on-handling-of-student-complaints-approved-by-mec-2020.pdf.

4.3 Sick tests

The learner should apply in writing for a sick/aegrotat test in writing. A prescribed application form should be
completed and submitted to the Departmental Secretary with all the necessary proof (e.g., ill-health certificate or
affidavit, etc.).

4.4 Class attendance

Students have the responsibility to attend all classes unless they have a legitimate reason, and where appropriate,
the necessary evidence thereof, for being absent. Students might be required at any time to account for their
irregular class attendance, either by personal explanation to their lecturer or by a written statement from a
guardian or another authority. In borderline academic result cases, information on class attendance is taken into
account by faculties. Students are expected to attend a minimum of 80% of both theory and practical classes.
Students having attendance less than 80% might be excluded from the examination.

5. Communication
Student should make use of email, appointment for any communication, consultation and feedback.

5.1 E-mail
Lecturers in GEMES are often involved in more than one module each semester and if you write a poorly-
constructed e-mail that lacks clarity, it may be very difficult for the lecturer to determine the purpose of your e-
mail or to assist you. Students are therefore requested to adhered to a number of e-mail formulation guidelines
as indicated in the box below to avoid any delays in obtaining a response from their lecturer. An example of a
well-formed and written e-mail is provided after the box.

E-mail guidelines

To – the relevant lecturer in the module. Please do not3 send an e-mail to the theory lecturer if your query or
problem is with the practical component of the course. You can obtain the e-mail address of the lecturer on
the title page of the learning guide, under contact information or on the UJ website.

Subject line – prefix with the module code and a brief description of the purpose of the email. E.g., GGR03A3:
5.2 Office visits
While students are welcome to consult with their lecturers, please note that certain courtesies should be
extended:

• Students should KNOCK on a lecturer’s door to announce their arrival before entering. Please wait for the
lecturer to indicate that you can enter the office. The lecturer may be busy with another student/one a
phone call/in an online meeting/etc. It is RUDE to just walk in and plonk yourself down in a chair in the
office – you might interrupt a private matter/meeting/phone call.
• Students must please not attempt to consult with lecturers outside of the GEMES laboratories, lecture
venues and offices. E.g., do not try and consult or ask the lecturer a question while they are buying lunch
at the student centre or is in conversation with another person.

SECTION B: PROGRAMME AND MODULE INFORMATION

1. Entry requirements
To register for the ENMEOB2 module, please be aware that there are set prerequisites that are required before
you can be permitted to register for this module. For students majoring in Environmental Management, the
following modules are required as pre-requisites: ENM02A2 and ENM03A3. Please check the academic year book
in the Faculty of Science for further detail regarding this module codes. Thus, it is imperative to have these
prerequisites before registering the ENMEOB2 module. However, regarding the engineering students, the

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prerequisites for registering both ENME0B2 and ENM3B01 are determined by requirements formulated by Faculty
of Engineering and the Built Environment (FEBE).

2. Module NQF level

For the ENM3B module: (Again this info is available in the yearbook)

NQF level: 7

Credits: 30

3. Purpose of the module and learning outcomes (both obtainable from yearbook)
3.1 Purpose
This module examines environmental management and the various tools used to achieve environmental
sustainability. It is a core module. Students are expected to understand the perspectives, factors and elements
embedded in human social systems that then influence environmental economics, environmental management
and the use of natural resources. This enables critical understanding of how environmental problems develop,
how humans impact on the natural environmental and how natural resources are degraded. The evolution of
environmental law, as well as the challenges surrounding its implementation and administration will then be
clarified. The challenges of managing compliance and enforcing adherence to the law will be articulated, primarily
through case studies. This module aims to capacitate students of environmental management for work in the field
of environmental management.

3.2 Learning outcomes

On completion of this learning event and module, the students should be able to:

• Identify why environmental resource management is an ethical and moral issue

• Define and interpret key concepts associated with environmental assessment, monitoring, mitigation and
rehabilitation and to know and apply the logical sequence to be followed when undertaking a successful
environmental management programme.
• Describe Integrated Environmental Management (IEM) in South Africa.
• Demonstrate how Environmental Management in South Africa is determined by environmental policy and
associated environmental legislation.
• Discuss the environmental decision-making process in terms of an Environmental Impact Assessment
(EIA) (as well as other related tools) in South Africa, and through the use of case studies.

4. Prescribed textbook and learning material

4.1 Prescribe textbook/s and recommended textbook/s
To study and learn the contents of this module effectively, it is imperative to have the following textbooks. Their
detail is provided below:
Prescribed Textbooks

• Aucamp, P. J. (2009). Environmental Impact Assessment: A practical guide for the discerning practitioner.
Van Schaik.
• Glasson, J., Therivel, R., & Chadwick, A. (2019). Introduction to environmental impact assessment: Theory

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 and practice. A Chadwick, London and New York.
Recommended Articles for Enriching Your Knowledge

• Strydom, H. A., King, N. D., Fuggle, R. F., & Rabie, M. A. (Eds.). (2009). Environmental Management in South
Africa. Juta and Company Ltd.
• Anifowose, B., Lawler, D. M., van der Horst, D., & Chapman, L. (2016). A systematic quality assessment of
Environmental Impact Statements in the oil and gas industry. Science of the Total Environment, 572, 570-
585.
• Schoeman, C., Cilliers, D. I. R. K., & Retief, F. R. A. N. C. O. I. S. (2017). Environmental management and
land-use management in South Africa: Complexities, Challenges and opportunities for integrated strategic
planning in developing countries. Transportation, Land Use and Integration: Applications in Developing
Countries, 100, 153.
• Choji, V. D., Rampedi, I. T., Modley, L. A. S., & Ifegbesan, A. P. (2022). An evaluation of the quality of
environmental impact assessment reports in the mobile telecommunications infrastructure sector: The case
of plateau state in Nigeria. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(19),
12659.
• Choji, V. D. (2022). EIA Quality Review: the case of telecommunications infrastructural projects in Plateau
State, Nigeria (Doctoral dissertation, University of Johannesburg).

It is of upmost importance that you work through relevant sections in these books as instructed by the lecturer.
Reading materials are also derived from published content written by experts in the field of environmental
management. If you encounter any problem in accessing published articles, please consult with our subject
librarian, namely, Pavlinka Kovatcheva in the APK Library.

5. Module structure and work schedule

The theory component of this course will be taught using a face-to-face learning approach. There are no online
lectures and it is compulsory to attend and participate in each lecture. The practical component will be taught by
means of weekly contact practicals in D3 Lab330. Please consult Section 5.3 Work schedule for more detailed
information. Students enrolled for Environmental Management for Engineers are exempted and not required to
attend practical sessions. In other words, the practicals are to be attended only by students who are majoring in
Environmental Management.
5.1 Formal lectures

Theory:
Mondays: 13:50-15:25 (D-LES- 104)
Tuesdays 12:10 – 13:45 (D-LES-104)

Practical:
Thursdays 09:40 – 11:15 (D3Lab 330)

5.2 Preparation self-study

The table below indicates the schedule of lectures and assessments planned for this course. It is your
responsibility to prepare for classes. You are strongly advised to read through the relevant work before each class.
This will enable you to grasp the discussions thoroughly and also to ask questions about those things you are not
sure of or did not comprehend completely. Students who ask questions stand to benefit from additional remarks
made by the lecturer and others who join in the discussions.

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5.3 Table indicating content to be learnt and the assessment plan in this module.

ACTIVITY DATE THEME LECTURES AND ASSESSMENTS DATES

1 15-16 July Introduction, work through study guide and Lectures and Discussions
textbooks

2 22-23 July THEME 1: Introduction to environmental Lectures and Discussions

management & IEM approach
THEME 2: EIA Screening; Regulations & New
EPR Schemes

3 29 July Monday THEME 3: EIA SCOPING THEORY Lectures and Discussions

4 30 July TUESDAY Short Class Test 1 (Introduction+EIA Screening) Continuous Assessment

5 5 August THEME 4: SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT Lecture and Discussions

6 6 August THEME 5: PUBLIC PARTICIPATION Lecture and Discussions

7 6 August Assignment 1 Continuous Assessment

8 12 August MONDAY Short Class Test 2 (Scoping) Continuous Assessment

9 12 August THEME 6: IMPACT MITIGATIONS PLANNING Lecture and Discussions

10 19 August THEME 7: EIA Reporting & Authorization Lectures and Discussion

11 20 August TUESDAY Semester Test 01 Continuous Assessment

12 26 August THEME 7: EIA Reporting Lecture and Discussion

13 27 August TUESDAY Short Class Test 3 Continuous Assessment

31 August TUESDAY Mid Semester Recess Students Study Period

5.4 Theory assignments

Theory assignments are scientific reports and therefore you must do them right!!!! Consult the departmental
guidelines on how to write a theory assignment and also consult the library guide on the Harvard referencing
technique. Both these documents are available on uLink under ‘Guidelines’. There is only one assignment and if
you submit both we will only assess the first one and the second one will not be considered.
Theory Assignment 01 (Due Date: 6 August 2024)
Briefly explain the purpose and benefits of conducting asocial impact assessment and associated steps that are
involved and the role of the Environmental, Social, and Governance factors in the mitigation of environmental
and social impacts (50 Marks). The technical layout and structure of the assignment should conform to the length
specified below and related requirements. Please conduct your own plagiarism test and reveal the score in
colour sections. Do not write more than 15 pages everything included.
Theory Assignment 02 (Due Date: 6 August 2024)
Discuss the purpose of EIA reporting and the different methods of assessing the quality of environmental impact

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reports for improved environmental decision making purposes. The technical layout and structure of the
assignment should conform to the length specified below and related requirements. (50 Marks). Please conduct
your own plagiarism test and reveal the score in colour sections. Do not write more than 15 pages everything
included.
Method of handing in: Emailed to a tutor= Kabelo Sebiloane; her email address is: Ms. Kabelo Sebiloane
<kabelo24sebiloane@gmail.com>

Sources: It will be expected of you to use at least 10 academic sources.

Take note:
1. If your assignment exceeds the maximum number of pages, only the first 15 pages will be assessed.
2. In-text referencing is important as it is required at 3rd year level to do reference (source) integration.
3. If the technical aspects such as in-text referencing, reference list, numbering of headings/sub-headings,
numbering and labelling of figures and tables, etc. are not done according to the departmental guidelines,
significant marks will be deducted.
4. If no signed Plagiarism Declaration accompanies your copy of your assignment it will not be assessed.
5. An electronic copy must be submitted on Turnitin on Blackboard. If a copy of your assignment is not
handed in on Turnitin it will not be assessed.
6. No late assignments will be accepted.
Plagiarism:
Plagiarism is an offence according to the rules and regulations of UJ. You must familiarise yourself with the
Plagiarism Policy of UJ. See Section 4.1 of this learning guide.
Assessment:
The rubric below will be used to assess all of your assignments. It can be used for 100 marks and if the assignment
mark is 50 marks, just divide by 2 to get a total of 50 marks.

CRITERIA MARK

Content: ______
Has the subject been adequately covered? Logical thinking? Relevance? Have issues been 50
debated well? General impression & style.

Introduction: ______
Does it introduce the topic? Length? General impression. 5

Conclusion: ______
Does it draw the ideas of the assignment together? Length? General impression. 5

References: ______
Is the correct method in reference list used? Enough sources used? Are all references noted? 10
Correct method in the body of the assignment?

Language: ______
Correctness? Plagiarism? Does it make sense? General impression. 10

Table of content/Subheadings: ______

How many, correct, relevant, style? 10

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 CRITERIA MARK

Sketches: ______
Used sketches? Relevance? Referred to sketches? 10

FINAL MARK _____

100

5.5 Theory Assignments and Group Assignment Portfolio

In this module there is only theory assignments. Please read about their due dates in the table that shows
academic activities.

6. Assessments and calculation of marks

6.1 Calculation of Term Marks
The following formula indicates how the marks will be calculated:

All the work you do during the semester is contributing to your term mark. In total there are 5 assessment
opportunities. The following outline indicate how the term mark will be calculated during Term 3 in the second
semester of the 2024 academic year.

Assessment Work Mark value % contribution to TERM MARK

Short Class tests (n=3) 50 x 3=150 30%
Semester Test (n=1) 100 50%
Theory Assignment (n=1) 100 20%
TOTAL MARKS 450 Marks (100%)

Please note: no sick test will be given for either the semester test or class tests or any assessment event if you
cannot provide a legitimate doctor’s note.

SECTION C: SUPPORT SERVICES

Dear UJ Students,

Welcome to 2023. This might be a challenging and stressful time for many of you, but your success and
wellbeing are important to us. Academic Development and Support (ADS) is there to assist you to succeed in
your studies. Each of the ADS centres has shared important links that you might find helpful in the coming weeks.
Please use the available information and assistance provided below.

Academic Development Centre Resources (ADC):

I NEED HELP WITH HOW CAN I GET HELP

1. Academic Development & Writing Click here to learn about supports at UJ. Go to My Journey
-> Academic Journey and then to ADC to learn more
about academic development and the writing centre.

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2. Quick links to academic development Click here for quick links to self-help resources.
and literacies support

Centre for Academic Technologies Resources (CAT):

I NEED HELP WITH HOW CAN I GET HELP

1. Join our First-Year Orientation sessions Click here to see dates and times of our online pre-
to learn about UJ’s online learning orientation sessions. Students who are not in first year
environment are welcome too.
2. Support on how to submit an assignment, Go to our self-help module: Learning with Technology
take a test and take part in a discussion on on Blackboard under courses. All first years are
Blackboard. automatically enrolled. Returning students can access
here.
3. CAT will be running a series of workshops Click here to access student workshop schedule for term
on basic computer skills, navigating UJ’s 1.
online environment, and on Microsoft
packages i.e. Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
4. Assistance on all Blackboard-related issues Send an email to the CAT Helpdesk at uhelp@uj.ac.za

PsyCaD Support:

I NEED HELP WITH HOW CAN I GET HELP

1. Face-to-face and remote counselling Click here for contact details
2. PsyCaD 24HR Crisis Line Call on 0820541137 for help
3. More information on PsyCad supports Download our app psycad@uj from your app store

PsyCaD on the web

https://www.uj.ac.za/corporateservices/ads/psycad

Best wishes from the ADS Team. Stay safe and healthy. We look forward to assisting you.

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