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Course Synopses
HG 131-3 Introduction to Physical Environmental Systems
Introduction to Physical Geography covering themes such as: the composition and stratification of the atmosphere; the energy balance of the earth and its atmosphere; atmospheric moisture and precipitation; atmospheric motion; soils and soil forming processes; earth materials and mineral resources; rock weathering; mass wasting; the stream basin; streams and channels.
HG 231-3 Advanced Physical Environmental Systems (Pre-requisite: HG 131)
Overview of the Global Hydrological Cycle, ocean surface temperature and motion, global patterns of humidity and precipitation, the Cryosphere, global runoff, regional climates, climates of Southern Africa, 20th century global warming, global relief and denudation, relief and drainage of Southern Africa, natural and accelerated soil erosion.
HG 242-4 Advanced Human Environmental Systems (Pre-requisite: HG 131)
Ecological systems applied to man: Meeting the human needs, food security and food resources, wild plants and animal resources, pollution, industrialization, capitalism and nature, sustainable development.
HG 244-4 Rural Geography:
The evolution and major traditions in rural geography. Rural land use; rural population and settlement; agriculture, land degradation; perception and conservation of the rural environment with particular reference to developing countries. Rural development policy in
HG 245-4 Urban Geography:
The urbanisation process and its interpretation; geographical analysis of selected urban economic functions; political economy of the city; the African city; issues in urban management with particular reference to Africa Urbanisation and urbanisation policy in Lesotho.
HG 263-6 Spatial Organisation and Analysis:
Major geographic tradition, advanced treatment of the concepts of spatial organisation; flows and networks, location and the use of land; diffusion; the influence of decision making on the use of land; measurement and origins of spatial inequality; introduction to development and under development.
HG 266-6 Quantitative Techniques in Geography:
This course deals with statistical techniques in geography; descriptive statistics, elementary probability and inferential statistics. Remote sensing applications using aerial photography and satellite imagery.
HG 343-4 Principles of Planning:
The conceptual basis of planning: meaning, theories and concepts, context, goals, instruments, levels, types of and approaches to planning. Planning in the African context. Nature and organisation of planning in
HG 361-6 Development Geography Pre-requisite(s): HG 263 and HG 244 or HG 245)
Introduction to human geography of developing countries. The meaning of development; indicators, models and factors for development; evolution of the theories of development. The terminology and analysis of under development. Spatial differentiation of developing countries. Characteristics and causes of under development. The urbanisation process in, and the urban problems of developing countries. Rural problems and rural development with special reference to the
HG 362-6 Research Methodology Pre-requisite(s): HG 262)
Research concepts, types; models and techniques. Data analysis; report writing methods and techniques.
HG 364-6 Political Geography:
The nature and method of political geography. A systematic approach to the political geography and the state system in developing countries; territorial anomalies; the international politico geographical systems; the UN, OAU, Non-aligned systems, NATO etc. The political geography of
HG 365-6 Regional Geography of
A systematic approach to the regional and political geography of Southern Africa; the evolution of the Southern African space economy; rural and urban segregation; migrant labour systems; the Southern African space economy and its implications on possible constitutional alternatives, the political economy of regional organisations in the Southern African region: SADC, SACU; PTA; etc. Implications for
HG 461-6 Population Geography:
An examination of the philosophy, theories, and methods related to population geography; sources of population data; basic demographic concepts; population densities, distributions, growth and composition, migration; population change and manpower implications; contemporary population problems and policies with particular reference to
HG 462-6 Urban Development Planning and Housing (Pre-requisite(s): HG 361, HG 343)
Evolution of the urban planning tradition; movements, practice and problems. Evolution of urban planning in developing countries; practice and problems. The practice of urban planning; the development plan; the local plan. Introduction to urban planning law and procedure; development control and enforcement of planning policies; problems and alternatives with particular reference to African countries. Housing: problem definition and approaches to housing with reference to developing countries. Applications to
HG 463-6 Rural and Regional Development Planning (Pre-requisite(s): HG361, HG343)
Rural development: meaning and history approaches to rural development - Green Revolution Approaches, Community Development, Integrated Rural Development Planning. Rural Development in
HG 464-6 Project Planning and Implementation:
Techniques in project planning; design, management, implementation, and evaluation of projects; techniques for participation in projects. Case studies from
HG 465-6 Resource Management and Techniques:
Management and development of environmental natural resources such as land, water, vegetation and wildlife, mineral and atmospheric. Perceptions and management of environmental hazards such as snow, drought, frost and floods. Environmental impact assessment, conservation and management strategies practised in
HG 466-6 Project (Pre-requisite(s): HG 362)
A piece of original student research undertaken during the long vacation between Years III and IV within the framework of the Urban and Regional Planning and B.A. single major programmes.
PG 230-4 Introduction to Physical Geology
The student is introduced to the form and composition of the planet Earth, the internal processes of the earth and its basic internal structure in terms of rocks and minerals, the concept of plate tectonics and its significance. The course further explores the exogenous processes of weathering, transport and deposition of weathering products in various environments. The genesis of different landforms and their relationship to the geomorphological processes and geological structure form a strong component of the course. An overview of geological formations outcropping in
PG 241-4 Introduction to Geomorphology :
Processes of weathering, transport and deposition of weathered products. Soil erosion and its control and different landforms and their relation to geomorphological processes. Field observation of landforms and processes coupled with laboratory interpretation of aerial photographs and map reading.
PG 243-4 Principles of Hydrology:
The hydrological cycle. Systems approach to the hydrological cycle with emphasis on the input through and output phases and the division into surface and sub_surface water. Hydrological properties of natural water courses. Basic calculations regarding assessment of water resources and the water balance.
PG 244-4 Meteorology and Climatology:
Composition and thermal structure of the atmosphere, radiation, heat and temperature changes, atmospheric motion, the general circulation, atmospheric moisture, air masses, fronts and cyclones. Meteorological instruments and an introduction to meteorological data analysis. Weather and climate of Lesotho.
PG 245-4 Introduction to Geology
Structure and dimensions of the earth including geological dating. Materials of the earth’s crust (minerals and rocks). Plate tectonic and crust deformation processes. Geography of the earth’s terrestrial surfaces and ocean basin. Geological maps.
PG 246-4 Introduction to Soil Science:
The origin, nature and classification of parent materials, Soil formation, classification and survey. Physical properties of mineral soils., Soil reactions. Soil organisms and organic matter.
PG 341-4 Drainage Basin Geomorphology
Definition and description of drainage basin characteristics. Systems approach to the drainage basin. Morphological and hydrological process in river basins, their change in time and the resultant chances in form and discharge regimes. Measurement of morphological and hydrological processes in the field and the instrumentation involved.
PG 348-4 Physical Geography for Teachers
The course seeks to synthesise the physical aspects of geography such as geology and geomorphology, climate, hydrology and soils together with map reading with a view of offering a holistic package for geography syllabus content.
PG 349-4 Soil Science (Pre-requisite: PG 246)
Nutrition. Role of essential elements, Plant deficiency symptoms, Gains, losses and removal of nutrients. Soil acidity and liming. Chemistry of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sulphur in soils. Fertiliser application and texture of soils.
PG 343-4 Environmental Quality (Pre-requisite: PG 243)
Properties and structure of water. Composition of atmospheric precipitation. Principles and process controlling composition of natural water. Sampling of water bodies in space and time. Analysis of water samples. Water supply and waste water treatment.
PG 347-4 Soil Classification and Survey Pre-requisite(s): PG 246)
Soil Classification: Definition and concepts, diagnostic horizons, moisture regime, temperature regimes, taxonomic classes. Soil Survey and interpretation: Definition and concepts, map units, map units, map scale, making a soil survey, interpretation of soil survey reports.
Land Evaluation: Definition and concepts, purpose of land evaluation, USDA system, FAO system, land evaluation and land use planning, land evaluation in
PG 345-4 Synoptic Climatology (Pre-requisite PG 244)
Definition of types of local weather disturbances and regional climates. Introduction to synoptic charts. The three dimension general circulation. Relation of regional climate to atmospheric circulation processes. Static and kinematic views of weather maps. Synoptic climatology and climate change.
PG 346-4 Instruments/Research Methods:
Theories and concepts in research. Research design and collection of data. Statistical analysis. Field techniques (surveying and aerial photography). Research report writing.
PG 381-8 Drainage Basin Form and Processes (Pre-requisite(s): PG 241 and PG245)
Definition and description of drainage basin characteristics. Systems approach to the drainage basin. Morphological and hydrological process in river basins, their change in time and the resultant chances in form and discharge regimes. Measurement of morphological and hydrological processes in the field and the instrumentation involved.
PG 447-4 Range Ecology
Range land characteristics; environmental characteristics affecting range land use; world grazing areas; the development of range management; the plant factor in range, management; managing for proper range use; grazing management on range lands; wildlife; range land use concepts; vegetation manipulation; Improvement of range lands.
PG 442-4 Hydrology and Water Resources (Pre-requisite: PG 343)
Primary processes in hydrology. Hydrological measurements and hydrological data analysis. Climate change and its effects on regional water resources. Catchment modelling and its limitations. Input_throughput_output processes and importance in catchment water balance. Probability analysis of extreme hydrological events. Occurrence and exploration of ground water. Pollution risk on water resources. Design and operation of small water supply systems.
PG 443-4 Agrometeorology (Pre-requisite: PG 345)
Scope and aims of agrometeorology. Solar energy and selected biological processes. Significance of temperature in agriculture. Heat balance of the soil and soil temperature changes. Water and hydrological cycle in agriculture. Soil moisture and plant growth. Complete water balance and irrigation need. Influence of topography and other surface characteristics on micro_climate. Influence of agricultural practices on agricultural production. Weather hazards and crop production. Climate and agriculture in
PG 444-4 Environmental Natural Resources Management:
Perceptions of environmental hazards. Strategic, tactical management and conservation practices applied to such hazards as drought, frost, floods, land degradation Environmental impact assessment and land evaluation. Problems of water and soil conservation in
PG 465-6 Project:
A piece of original student research undertaken during the long vacation between Years III and IV. (see regulations).
ES 221-2 Introduction to Cartography
This course is a laboratory course and will focus on the compilation, analysis and cartographic display of spatially referenced data. Spatially referenced data are essential to the solution of many types of environmental management, planning, and applied research problems. Examples include defining and demarcating plot boundaries in urban areas, assessments of environmental hazards such as fire, flood, drought, etc., identification and mapping of environmentally sensitive areas and selection of suitable location for different types of land uses. The emphasis in this course is on compiling spatial data from sources such as aerial photographs and tabular data sets (e.g. census data, statistical year books). Data derived from these sources will be evaluated in terms of quality and effective maps will be produced based on established principles of cartographic design. The course has been designed to develop basic skills in working with spatial data as a preparation for students to handle advanced courses in GIS.
ES 333-3 Environmental Science
The physical nature of ecosystems and the environmental changes from human impact of the planet Earth will be explored in this course. An overview of the dynamic interaction with Earth’s ecosystem will be emphasised, as well as conflicts between our resource needs and our ecological balance. The course provides students with an awareness of the ecological balance in nature and our impact on Earth’s resources. Relationship between environment and geography and the underlying theories will be introduced.
ES 332-3 Geographic Information Systems
Course objective: To gain a basic, practical understanding of GIS concepts and issues as well as applications using ArcView and Idrisi GIS softwares. The course aims at introducing students to GIS data structures, methods of data input and basic analysis.
ES 331-4 Research Methods
Theories and concepts in research. Research design and collection of data. Statistical analysis. Field techniques (surveying) and applications of aerial photography. Students are introduced to research report writing
ES 341-4 Principles of Environmental Planning
Principles of planning is an introductory course in planning theory. Material covered exposes undergraduate students to the most important areas of planning theory and philosophy of planning. Although concepts introduced generally apply to most areas of public decision-making, from which this course borrows liberally, the focus is on public sector decision-making in the field of urban and regional and environmental planning. Topics covered include: General Planning Theory, which is about concepts and meaning of planning; rationale for planning; rationality and rationalism in planning; decision-making models; contemporary planning paradigms. Planning in Africa, which covers the evolution of urban/regional/environmental planning in Africa (especially sub-Saharan Africa); approaches to planning and planning environment, all with a focus on sub-Saharan Africa. Planning in
ES 334-3 Soils and the Environment
The course will look at impacts of several human activities on the soil resource. The impact of agriculture, drainage, and application of wastes will be looked at. Soil degradation due to erosion, and chemical contamination will be discussed. The importance of soil as an environmental cleanser when managed properly will be emphasised.
ES 433-3 Land and Environment Assessment
Introduction to land evaluation techniques for a variety of uses. Perceptions of environmental hazards, strategic, tactical management and conservation practices applied to such hazards as drought, frost, floods and land degradation. This course will be critical in developing students’ understanding and appreciation of environmental impact resulting from resource exploitation and will introduce the use of tools such as environmental impact assessment and land evaluation for optimal use of natural resources.
ES 441-4 Advanced GIS
The course is a synthesis of the introduction to cartography (ES 231) and the introductory concepts in geographic information systems (ES 342). Students are then introduced to the advanced applications of GIS to the real world problems using IDRISI and Arcview/ArcGIS spatial analyst tools. The course integrates remote sensing and GIS and students are given the opportunity to design their own GIS projects.
ES 432-3 Environmental Science Special Topics
Students will be expected to write topical papers based on presentations by lecturers as well as environmental topics that will be assigned from time to time. The course will be internally assessed.
ES 431-3 Project Planning and Implementation for Environmental Scientists
The course introduces students to various concepts and techniques of project planning, implementation and management. Topics covered include: Planning and Appraisal of projects and techniques; Project Implementation planning and scheduling techniques; Project Management: analysis and management of project risk, procurement, contracting and use of professional services; management of human resources; Project Monitoring and Evaluation. Environmental impacts of development projects with case studies.
ES 434-3 Environmental Policy
The course aims to familiarize students with how governments develop, implement and evaluate policies designed to manage activities relevant to the environment. This will assist students develop an understanding of how social and political aspects of environment relate to its scientific aspects. The course emphasizes the planning and development phases of environmental policy or “policy-making”. It examines interrelated roles of law, governance, politics, and administration and economics among other disciplines. It focuses on the
PG 561-6 Introduction to Remote Sensing and GIS
Review of aerial photographs. Thermal and multispectoral scanning. Microwave sensing, satellite, remote and digital image processing. Introduction to GIS. Data structures. Digital terrain models, data input, verification, storage and output. Methods of data analysis and spatial modelling. GIS applications in natural resources studies. Project.
PG 562-6 Advanced Theoretical Meteorology
Advanced statics, energetics and thermodynamics of the atmosphere at different scales. Kinematics, vorticity, divergence, convergence and turbulence at different scales. The properties and circulation of the stratosphere. Cloud physics and severe storms. The meteorology of droughts and floods. The hydro-meteorology of rain, snow and hail. Synoptic phenomena in and around
PG 563-6 Environmental Meteorology
Weather as a resource. Weather forecasting. Human bio-meteorology. Urban weather and climate. Mountain weather and climate. Weather and agricultural pests and diseases. Global warming, ozone depletion and acid rain. Weather and desertification. Meteorology and the Lesotho Highlands Water Project.
PG 534-3 Techniques in Meteorology
Constant pressure charts, the tephigram, synoptic chart compilation and analysis. The analysis and interpretation of meteorological data. Acid rain measurement, selected techniques in agro-meteorology and bio-meteorology. Satellite imagery in meteorology.
PG 565-6 Advanced Surface and Subsurface Hydrology
Theory and selected design from fluid dynamics. Flood and drought hydrology. Erosion and sedimentation. Water resources management and water supply hydrology. Evaluation of hydrologic impacts of management activities on drainage basins. Geologic and hydrologic factors controlling occurrences and development of ground water. Dynamics of fluids in porous media. Heterogeneity, anisotropy and scaling issues.
PG 566-6 Open Channel Flow and Storage Yield Analysis
Introduction and definition of terms. General differential equations of open channel flow. Continuity equation, steady non-uniform flow. Design flood based on stream flow data. Frequency, probability and statistical distributions. Storage terms, release/ operating rule, probability of failure and reliability. Critical period techniques, ripple diagrams, residual mass curve, carry over frequency, mass curve analysis.
PG 537-3 Techniques in Hydrology
Hydrometry and data processing. Hydrologic modelling for integrated water management. Lumped and distributed parameter models, model calibration and verification. Temporal and spatial analysis.