MASTER OF SCIENCE IN SOCIO-ECOLOGICAL SYSTEMS AND DEVELOPMENT PRACTICE (MSECDP)

Module Code	Module Name	Description
MSECDP503	Social and Ecological Systems and Human Welfare	While human welfare is a socio-cultural construct, originated within human experiences, current approaches to human welfare places the environment at the center of welfare discourses. Questions are raised on risks, benefits, development, ecosystems approach to management and the role of the human being in this matrix. This module analyses human welfare and its subjective and objective dimensions in socio-ecological systems. One way of studying the sustainability of ecosystems is to use the human welfare and benefits approach. This module reflects the human-nature dependencies.
MSECDP502	Principles of Community Development Practice	While development discourses have been coined to suit negative paradigms that result in disempowerment and impoverishment of communities. Such programmes and theories often result in breaking values, structures and norms that are the bedrock to community resilience. Any change that originates from without and is not culturally embedded has to be critically analyzed and evaluated before adoption. There is need to approach community development as contested and controversial rather than as a neutral and positive theory. This module applies theories of development for positive development of communities. It focuses on community empowerment which in Zimbabwe is largely driven by government policy. This module therefore stresses on the need for reinventing the wheels of community development by ideological recycling within a wider and platform of political and social dynamics.
MSECDP508	Governance, Institutions & Management of Socio-ecological Systems	This module is about institutions and how they are related with the management of natural resources. It focuses on the structure, governance and nature of these institutions in Zimbabwean communities and in developing countries at large. In this module students will be able to examine a variety of institutions, organisations and processes that are involved in social change at community level.
MSSRM501	Advanced Social Science Research Methods (Faculty Wide Module)	The module aims to provide advanced skills in research methods for graduate students. It enhances postgraduate students’ knowledge and skills for conducting, analysing and interpreting research in the field of sociology, anthropology and gender studies. The module focuses upon both qualitative and quantitative techniques and the knowledge gained, will be useful for conducting research and as tools for professional practice. The module will also equip learners with the use of digital technologies in data collection, processing, analysis and management. Students to conduct gender sensitive research for the relevant government institutions, UN agencies, NGOs and communities to inform gender policies and programming.
MIDSB501	Information Digital Skills for Postgraduates (University Wide Module)	The module introduces students to the use of information technologies and their application in academic research.
MSCEDP509	Extractive Industries, Fortress Conservation and Community Development	The extractive industry sector plays a significant role in the economies of different states. Extractive industries are the companies that extract raw materials from the environment. It is a process that involve different activities that lead to the extraction, processing and utilisation by consumers. However, it is the local communities, indigenous people, women and the poor who suffer the severe impacts of extractive industrial development. These effects are inclusive of pollution, environmental degradation, resettlement and social dislocation. These industries destroy and contaminate ecosystems and the species living in them through chemical and physical discharge. There are very high risks when engaging extractive industries. These risks are social, biological and political. The risks range from disease, social conflict, corruption, job losses, displacement and in extreme cases, war. This module therefore equips learners with an understanding of how extractive industries can be beneficial or of detriment to the community. It empowers decision makers and community development partners.
MSECDP505	Tools for Ecological Monitoring and Analysis	Ecosystems are dynamic and are changing seasonally, hence ecological monitoring is significant towards systematic, repeated measurements of environmental conditions. In order to identify areas of high biodiversity, tracking biodiversity trends with time and informing conservation management policies there is need to use precise, real-time and accurate tools for ecological analysis. There is a very wide range of such tools. These are inclusive of rapid survey methods, computer software, new applications of GIS and remote sensing to assessing biodiversity. This module therefore contributes immensely at inferring causes of ecosystem changes by measuring ecosystem state variables in space and time.
MSECDP501	Theories for Social Ecological Systems and Development	Social ecology is based on the conviction that nearly all of our present ecological problems originate in deep seated social problems. What this means is that these problems cannot be solved without a careful understanding of our existing society and irrationalities that dominate it. Economic, ethnic, cultural and gender conflicts, among many others lie at the center of many and serious ecological dislocations we face today. This module introduces students to global environmental challenges from a socio-ecological perspective. The module articulates on various environmental challenges that are being faced in Zimbabwe, their causes, impacts and alternative solutions.
MSECDP504	Biodiversity Conservation and Management	Biodiversity conservation entail the protection and management of diversity of species for sustainable development. This module focuses on genetic biodiversity, species biodiversity and ecological biodiversity. The module utilizes various management strategies such as the in-situ strategy, ex situ strategy, reduction of anthropogenic pressure, reclamation and rehabilitation of endangered species. It zeros in on good practices such as creation of new protected areas, nature reserves, national parks and
MSECDP570	Dissertation	A dissertation between 20000– 25000 words within six months is compulsory. The dissertation shall be submitted at the end of 18 months or the third semester. Topics for the dissertation will be organised around various thematic areas and should respond to current problems facing the nation.