Doctor of Philosophy in Natural Science

Description of the Qualification

The purpose of this qualification is to enable future scientists to share their scientific interests and engage them on different platforms that will help them find solutions to complex issues in the natural environment. This qualification will prepare students for independent research work in the field of natural science that will make original contribution to the body of knowledge and scientific community. In addition, this qualification will empower students with analytical skills, theoretical discourse and data analysis using advanced methods and techniques. This will further contribute to the realization of National Development Plans (NDPs), Vision 2030 and other national socio-economic goals.

Generally, natural science investigates physical, chemical and biological phenomena through scientific enquiry, and application of scientific model laws and principles in order to explain and predict events in the natural environment. The field of natural sciences includes: 1. Physical properties of matter and energy as well as the interactions and relationships between these (Physics), 2. Properties and reactions of materials, including identifying, classifying and changing matter from one form into another (Chemistry). 3. Living organisms from the molecular level to their interactions with one another and their environments (Biology). This field combines these subjects/components with society’s need to understand how the natural environment works in order to benefit from it and responsibly care for it. Since scientific knowledge change over time as scientists improve their knowledge and understanding, there is a need for thorough investigation, debate and arguments to prove new ideas until they are accepted by the scientific community.

This qualification will prepare students to share their knowledge with various communities of knowledge users and practitioners through scholarly publications, presentations at knowledge sharing platforms and other forms of networking. The Doctor of Philosophy in Natural Science was developed in consultation and collaboration with other local, regional and international universities who are the key stakeholders in the areas of research and innovation.

Admission /entry requirements

To be accepted into this programme, a student should be in possession of an appropriate MSc degree in Science related fields at NQF Level 9 or equivalent at NQF Level 9.

Career opportunities

Employment opportunities may be found in the following public and private entities such as Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism; Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform; Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources; Ministry of Mines and Energy; Ministry of Industrialization, Trade and SME Development (a subsection on environmental related); Ministry of Higher Education (subsection on research); NamWater; Namibia Commission of Research, Science and Technology; Benguela Current Commission; International University of Management; UNAM; NUST;UNDP; Environmental Investment Fund; CUVECOM; OKACOM; KAZ; WWF; Mines; Municipalities and local authorities; and many organizations both locally and internationally. Important of all opportunities is research and consultancy.

Qualification structure