Important information and answers to frequently asked questions about the short course,

EXPLORING GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Please note:

1. The university presently has two processes one can follow to become a student. These
processes include an application process and a registration process. As a potential student
to this short course for the first semester of 2013, you only need to go through the
registration process which commences in November 2012. We are aware of students who
have been instructed to go through an application process first. Please refuse to do so it
will cost you additional (unnecessary) money which cannot be reimbursed.
2. At this stage it is not known whether 2013 second semester students have to apply via the
Applications route. We will update this information later.
3. The completed registration form, and originally certified copies of your ID document and
qualifications have to be e-mailed or faxed to Ms Marion Gaffney: Tel: +27 (0) 11 471
2616/3092/2577; Fax: +27 (0)11 471 3867; E-mail: gaffnmj@unisa.ac.za. Registration fees
should only be paid AFTER you have received an e-mail with your student number and
confirmation of your registration for the qualification (code 75515). Proof of payment also
has to be e-mailed or faxed to Ms Gaffney.
4. We can only accommodate a limited number of students. Applications will be dealt
with in a first received, first processed manner. Note however, that if there is missing or
incorrect information on the registration form, you run the risk of your registration form
being filed under Attend to later.
5. Basic computer literacy (a proficiency test is available on request), access to Microsoft
Access and Adobe Acrobat Reader (version 7 or more recent) are requirements.
6. Registration as a myUnisa user is essential. If you experience problems registering as a
myUnisa user, you can send a mail to bugmaster@unisa.ac.za. In most cases problems
are due to students forgetting their passwords or failing to pay the tuition fees by the
stipulated date. Additional guidelines on how to register as a myUnisa user can be
requested by sending an e-mail to bugmaster@unisa.ac.za.
7. GIS software and data will be provided for module EGIS02K.

NB: PLEASE NOTE THAT MS GAFFNEY IS CURRENTLY ON LEAVE UNTIL 3 JANUARY

2013. YOU CAN STILL SEND HER AN EMAIL BUT PLEASE ALSO CC MR LOTENDO PHIDZA
(lphidza@unisa.ac.za. Mr Phidza can be phoned on 011 471 3092.

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1) Enquiries

Note that we will not respond to Please call me requests, and calls outside office hours. Office hours
are from 8h00 to 16h00 Mondays to Fridays (excluding public holidays).

General enquiries
Ms D Metzer
Tel: +27 (0) 11 670 9351
Fax: +27 (0)11 471 3867
E-mail address: caesenquiries@unisa.ac.za
Web: www.unisa.ac.za/caes

Administrative and registration enquiries

Ms Marion Gaffney: Tel: +27 (0) 11 471 2616; Fax: +27 (0)11 471 3867; E-mail:
gaffnmj@unisa.ac.za

Mr Manoko Moima Tel: +27 (0) 11 471 2577; Fax: +27 (0)11 471 3867; E-mail:
moimams@unisa.ac.za

Academic enquiries only

Mr Chris Vlok: Tel +27 (0) 11 471 3120; Fax: +27 (0)11 471 3216; E-mail: gslpacad@unisa.ac.za

2) What is the purpose of the course?

This course will be useful to students of all disciplines and practitioners who make use of or need spatial
information to better understand their discipline and the environment in which they operate and who
wish to use GIS as a research tool.

Another group of students that will benefit from this course would be students who aim to achieve career
advancement in the GIS industry by gaining basic skills in operating a Geographical Information System
(GIS). In particular, students credited with this course are able to think geographically, apply methods of
spatial enquiry and use a Geographical Information System (GIS) as a tool for solving spatial problems
and making informed decisions in the real-world based on viewing, querying, analysing and
communicating spatial data.

3) Who can benefit from the course?

This course is targeted at individuals who have an interest in spatial data and employees of institutions
that deal with and need spatial information in their daily activities. Of particular importance are the
following application areas:
natural resource management; environmental planning and management; provision and
maintenance of transport and communication networks; delivery of general public services such
as electricity, water and sewerage; provision of community services such as hospitals, schools,
libraries, sports fields; crisis planning and management; provision of public safety and security;
property development; socioeconomic and health development; marketing; tourism development;
education and training; business geographics; military strategy

The course will help the pool of Geography teachers in secondary schools who lack the knowledge and
skills to effectively teach the GIS concepts that have been introduced in the Grades 10 to 12 Geography
curricula.

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Last but not least are persons considering the GIS industry as a career. Although this course does not
offer the depth required to eventually register (with PLATO: http://www.plato.org.za/ or
http://www.openspatial.co.za/PLATO/index.html) as a GIS technician or GIS professional it offers the
opportunity to gain experience of what the industry requires.

4) What is the exact content of this course?

The course is based on Unit Standards that were developed by the GIS Science Standards Generating
Body. These unit standards were eventually approved by SAQA (the South African Qualifications
Authority).

ID number of relevant Unit Standards

Module EGIS01J 116828
Module EGIS02K 116833 116874 258756

To receive/view these Unit Standards, do one of the following.

1. You can send an e-mail to gslpacad@unisa.ac.za requesting the SAQA unit standards on which
the course has been based.
2. Alternatively you can visit the SAQA website and download the Unit Standards yourself. Follow
the steps listed below.

a. Go to http://www.saqa.org.za/
b. Click on Qualifications and Unit Standards
c. Click All Qualifications and Unit Standards
d. Click on Search for a Unit Standard
e. Type the relevant ID number in the Unit Standard ID field
f. Click Go
g. Right-click the ID number when the details of the Unit Standard appear and open or save
the file.

5) How long does it take to complete the course?

It is a semester course. You have to register for both modules in the same semester. You can register
in either the first or the second semester.

6) Should I register for both modules simultaneously?

Yes! Fully motivated written requests to do the modules in different semesters, should be submitted
upon registration. Permission to do the modules in different semesters will only be granted in
exceptional cases. However, should such permission be granted you must register for module
EGIS01J first.

7) What does it cost?

The basic cost for students resident in South Africa* is:

R2000* (module EGIS01J) + R5200* (module EGIS02K) = R7200*.
* A levy is payable by foreign students (see section 16)

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 The total costs, minimum amounts payable and critical dates are summarised in the table below.

Module 1 (EGIS01J) Module 2 (EGIS02K)

Total cost R2000.00* R5200.00*
Minimum amount payable upon R1000.00 R2000.00
receipt of registration letter.
Dates on which balances need to be The university makes provision for a student to pay the
paid. balance over a period of time. These dates are
determined by the university and are reflected on the
Student Statement Account.
* Excluding foreign levies.

Other important points regarding payment

Payment should only be made once you receive a registration letter.
Payments have to be linked to a student number (refer to page 3 of registration form).
It is your responsibility to provide proof of payment.
Proof of payment should either be faxed (+27 (0)11 471 3867) or e-mailed
(gaffnmj@unisa.ac.za and moimams@unisa.ac.za) to the Centre for Sustainable
Agriculture and Environmental Sciences.
The university will send you one or more Statement of Accounts. If applicable, the
statement will show the outstanding balance and the date/s by which you should make
minimum payments. Failing to oblige may result in your registration being terminated.
If the minimum amounts as per your student account has not been paid by the stipulated
date, your access to myUnisa will be blocked. The implication is that you will not have
further access to myUnisa until such payment has been received.

8) Issuing of study material?

This is very important information Read it attentively!

You need not purchase any prescribed books or GIS software.

Upon registration (prior to any payment) we will post Tutorial Letter 101 only. You will be able to
read or download the study guides and other tutorial letters from the myUnisa virtual campus.
You will be stranded without having access to myUnisa because Tutorial Letter 101 focuses only
on administrative matters.
If the minimum amounts referred to above has not been paid by the stipulated date, your access
to myUnisa will be blocked. The implication is that you will not have further access to study
material until such payment has been received.
Only upon receipt of proof that the minimum amount as stipulated in your registration letter has
been paid, your study guide and other tutorial letters (or software and data) will be posted by
registered mail to you. In other words, you need to trigger the action of us posting the
balance of your study material. Note that late payment (thus late posting of study material) will
not be regarded as a valid reason for late submission of assignments.
9) When should I register? See the table below.

We highly recommend that should you be interested in the course, you register within two weeks
opening of the registration period. Registering later will impact negatively on the amount of time you
have to master the content of the modules.

Activity Semester 1: 2013 Semester 2: 2013

Registrations commence 28/11/2012 3/06/2013
Registrations close for December 14/12/2012 Not applicable
recess
Registration re-commence 02/01/2013
Registration closes 25/01/2013* 12/07/2013*
Last day for cancellation of Preliminary date: 15 March Not yet available. Enquire
modules Enquire by sending an e-mail to by sending an e-mail to
Minimum payment forfeited. (Full gaffnmj@unisa.ac.za gaffnmj@unisa.ac.za
forfeiture after this date.)
* Note again that we can only accommodate a limited number of students.
Applications will be dealt with in a first received, first processed manner.

10) Other important dates to consider for 2013 registration

Module EGIS01J Module EGIS02K

Item Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 1 Semester 2
Assignment 12 March 30 August 15 March 30 August
01
Assignment 2 April 23 September 2 April 23 September
02
Assignment 17 May 29 October 10 April 2 October
03
Assignment Not applicable 17 May 1 November
04
Compulsory Not applicable To be confirmed: To be confirmed:
workshop Option 1: Option 1:
4 and 5 April 26 and 27 September
Option 2: Option 2:
8 and 9 April 30 September and 1
October

11) Do I have to attend classes?

Since the course is offered through distance education you do not have to attend conventional (regular)
classes for module EGIS01J but please note that you have to attend a compulsory workshop for module
EGIS02K.

The venue for the workshop is Building 14 on the Sunnyside campus. Tshwane University of
Technology Guest House facilities are available (at very reasonable rates) in walking distance from the
Sunnyside campus.

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12) Do I need to register for both modules?

Definitely for the second module. If you have completed sufficient first level courses in Geography at
Unisa or at another university you can apply for credit for module EGIS01J. If you do not have any
relevant Geography credits, you need to register for both modules. Your written application for credit
must accompany your registration application and must also include certified copies of:
the list of modules you have passed;
the content of the/se module/s which is/are in your opinion a duplication of the content of module
EGIS01J.
Failure to submit the above documents together with your registration application will mean your
application will not be considered.

Can I apply for and receive credits for related modules already passed?

Should you feel you have mastered the curriculum of one of the modules (only applicable to module
EGIS01J) you may apply for credit. Your application should be directed to gaffnmj@unisa.ac.za. Please
note you may not receive credits for both of the modules.

13) Do I have to attend the EGIS02K workshop?

YES the workshop (maximum two days) is compulsory for EGIS02K students and the final dates
thereof will be supplied on request. You are responsible for your own travel arrangements and
accommodation it is not included in your tuition fees.

The venue for the workshop is Building 14 on the Sunnyside campus. Tshwane University of
Technology Guest House facilities are available (at very reasonable rates) in walking distance from the
Sunnyside campus.

14) What are the requirements to register for this course?

1) You need:
a matric certificate.
basic computer literacy at NQF level 4 (for module EGIS02K).
NQF level 4 numeracy and literacy skills.
Internet browsing and searching skills.

2) The answer to all the questions listed below, is YES!

Do I need a computer?
Do I need to be computer literate?
Do I need access to internet?
Do I need access to e-mail?
Do I need to have an e-mail address?

If you do not have the skills mentioned above (under point 1) you will not be able to proceed with this
module. Upon arrival at the EGIS02K workshop you will write a test on basic computer literacy. It is thus
essential to be well prepared for the workshop in terms of basic computer skills.

15) Issuing of certificates

Note that certificates will only be issued after the official university graduation period provided your
student account has been paid in full by the time the results are released. This is during the semester
following on the semester in which you successfully completed the qualification. Also note that there is
no graduation ceremony for this course and that certificates will be posted by registered mail.
16) Payment details

a. INDIVIDUAL STUDENTS ONLY (UNISA student deposits)

CASH/CHEQUE DEPOSITS (No cash or cheques will be accepted at the UNISA

offices. Cash or cheques can, however, still be paid into the bank account of the
University at any Standard bank branch in South Africa.)

BENEFICIARY UNISA STUDENT DEPOSITS

BANK STANDARD BANK
ACCOUNT NR 096R
BRANCH CODE 010645
REFERENCE STUDENTNR 3515774764
NB: Leave one space open between student number and allocation

ELECTRONIC FUND TRANSFERS

UNISA is a prepaid beneficiary (select from your banks list of preapproved beneficiaries)
REFERENCE STUDENTNR 3515774764

CREDIT CARD PAYMENTS (Credit cards are restricted to Visa and MasterCard) The
preferred method of payment for national or international students is via the UNISA
website. The web payment link is as follows:

https://registration.unisa.ac.za/info/payment/index.html

REFERENCE STUDENTNR 3515774764

b. CORPORATE CLIENTS/BULK PAYMENTS

BENEFICIARY UNISA
BANK STANDARD BANK
ACCOUNT NR Please contact the Centre
BRANCH CODE 010645
REFERENCE 3515774764 COMPANY NAME
NB: A list of students with student numbers and amounts should be e-mailed to
schwaae@unisa.ac.za (please also cc gaffnmj@unisa.ac.za and moimams@unisa.ac.za)
or faxed to 0866 24 21 72 (also to 011 471 3867 please).

c. FOREIGN STUDENTS

BENEFICIARY UNISA
BANK STANDARD BANK
ACCOUNT NR Please contact the Centre for Sustainable Agriculture and
Environmental Sciences (gaffnmj@unisa.ac.za and
moimams@unisa.ac.za)
BRANCH CODE 010645
SWIFT CODE SBZAZAJJ
REFERENCE STUDENTNR 3515774764

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 Foreign levies

Students with an address or examination centre outside the RSA must pay the additional
compulsory levy on registrations. Students who after registration change their postal
address to a foreign address or examination centre will be liable to pay the foreign levy
as specified. The levy for foreign students is not transferable and also not refundable;
this rule also applies to the change of address from foreign countries to South Africa.
Please note that the amounts shown above reflect the 2012 levies. Please send an e-
mail to gaffnmj@unisa.ac.za and moimams@unisa.ac.za to enquire about the 2013
levies.

Levy per course Levy per module

(Rand) (Rand)
Category A: Africa R 850.00 R 425.00
Category B: Rest of the World R 1,700.00 R 850.00

NB: PROOF OF PAYMENT SHOULD ALSO BE E-MAILED TO

gaffnmj@unisa.ac.za and moimams@unisa.ac.za. Study material will not
be posted without proof of payment submitted to the Centre for
Sustainable Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

Your kind cooperation in all these matters will be much appreciated.

Kind regards
Chris Vlok