SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Bachelor of Science Honours in Microbiology

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
100881	Bachelor of Science Honours in Microbiology
ORIGINATOR
North West University
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Honours Degree	Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences		Life Sciences
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	120	Not Applicable	NQF Level 08	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered		EXCO 0821/24	2021-07-01	2027-06-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30		2031-06-30

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.

This qualification replaces:

Qual ID	Qualification Title	Pre-2009 NQF Level	NQF Level	Min Credits	Replacement Status
72762	Bachelor of Science Honours	Level 7	NQF Level 08	128	Complete

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

Purpose:
The purpose of this Honours qualification is to provide a student who has already attained a first Degree in the field of Microbiology with further expertise in this particular field, so that he/she will find opportunities for continuing personal intellectual development, value-added economic activity and awarding contributions to the community. At the end of the Honours studies, the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes that the learner has already acquired will be further refined with an emphasis on accompanying research skills. The qualification will also equip learners with the tools necessary for them to enter a path to be professional academic scientists in the field of Microbiology. Most professional scientific bodies in South Africa take a Bachelor of Science (BSc) Honours or equivalent as the minimum qualification for registration as a scientist. Thus, the qualification will embody aspects of practical training essential for functioning as a professional natural scientist in the work environment. The third purpose of the qualification is to stimulate and prepare students for further academic study and research by the provision of the required knowledge, skills and insight to develop as researchers on a high academic level. Most South African Universities insist on a BSc Honours level qualification as the minimum entry level for further postgraduate study. Accordingly, the qualification must embody aspects of academic training such as understanding of the scientific literature as well as furtherance of the requirements of research in the field of Microbiology.

Rationale:
It is widely accepted that South Africa suffers a shortage of well-trained, critically thinking natural scientists who are capable of independent, high quality research. This qualification is aimed at providing South Africa with significant numbers of graduates in the natural sciences who have the It is widely accepted that South Africa suffers a shortage of well-trained, critically thinking natural scientists, who are capable of independent, high quality research. This qualification is aimed at providing South Africa with significant numbers of graduates in the natural sciences who have the necessary research skills and tools to undertake advanced research in the field of Microbiology under the guidance of an expert. These young scientists will ensure the broadening of the local leadership base for innovative and knowledge based economic and scholarly activity. The second rationale of this qualification is to provide students with the necessary knowledge, specific skills, applied competence and professional attitude in the field of Geography to utilise the opportunities for continued personal intellectual growth, gainful economic activity and rewarding contributions to society.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
An applicant who cannot provide formal proof of compliance with the prescribed admission requirements for the Bachelor of Science (BSc) Honours in Microbiology, but with prior learning and relevant work experience may be admitted to the Honours Degree study after the procedure for Recognition of Prior Learning in terms of the institution's RPL policy has been completed successfully. Such recognition is within the sole discretion of the institution and within the context of faculty requirements. This qualification requires that the entrant will already have a BSc or an equivalent qualification in the field of Microbiology at the institution or other equivalent institution. The institution subscribes to the principles underlying outcomes-based, source-based and lifelong learning. In this context, considerations of articulation and mobility play an important role. The institution endorses the view that Recognition of Prior Learning constitutes an essential element in deciding on admission to and awarding credits in an explicitly selected teaching-learning programme at honours level. RPL does not only imply assessment to determine the level of skills and knowledge comparable to Level 7 the candidate already possesses, but also the skills and knowledge the candidate has to master additionally prior to being accepted for the Honours qualification. The assessment processes involved with RPL are the same as those followed for awarding credits in the formal graduate setting. An RPL candidate seeking credits for previously acquired skills and knowledge, must still comply with all the requirements as stated for modules, programmes and qualifications. The difference lies in the route of the assessment, since RPL assessment may be holistic in nature taking the context of the programme as well as the prior knowledge and experience of the person who is being assessed into account.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement is:

Bachelor of Science with Microbiology passed at Level 7 with at least 60%.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of compulsory modules at Level 8 totalling 128 Credits.

Modules:

Postgraduate Honours Project, 32 Credits.

Bacteriology, 24 Credits.

Virology and Immunology, 24 Credits.

Mycology, 24 Credits.

Environm and Microbiology, 24 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Demonstrate integrated and advanced knowledge of and engagement in Microbiology and understand the theories, research methodologies, methods and techniques relevant to this field of study as well as be able to apply this knowledge to research in the forefront of Microbiology.
2. Interrogate multiple sources of knowledge in Microbiology and as an individual and/or in teams evaluate knowledge and processes of knowledge production and integration.
3. Use a range of specialised skills to identify, analyse and address complex or abstract problems drawing systematically on the body of knowledge and methods appropriate to this field of study.
4. Critically review information gathering, synthesis of data, evaluation and management processes in specialised contexts in order to develop creative responses to problems and issues.
5. Produce and communicate information by effectively presenting and communicating academic and professional or occupational ideas and texts to a range of audiences, offering creative insights, meaningful interpretations and solutions to problems and issues appropriate to Microbiology.
6. Demonstrate an understanding of the role of natural sciences in society, appreciate the fundamentals of lifelong learning and understand both the professional and ethical basis of scientific enquiry.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be assessed in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes.

Demonstrate a systematic and integrated knowledge and understanding of, and an ability to analyse, evaluate and apply the fundamental terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories.

Apply appropriate discipline-related methods of scientific inquiry and independently validate, evaluate and manage sources of information.

Demonstrate critical reflection on, and understanding and application of, appropriate methods or practices to resolve complex discipline-related problems and thereby introduce change within related practice.

Demonstrate professional and ethical behaviour within an academic and discipline-related environment with sensitivity towards societal and cultural considerations.

Effectively communicate scientific understanding and own opinions/ideas in written or oral arguments, using appropriate discipline-related and academic discourse as well as technology.

Demonstrate effective functioning as a member and/or leader of a team or a group in scientific projects or investigations, with self-directed management of learning activities and responsibility for own learning progress.

Integrated Assessment:
Summative and fully integrated assessment includes a three-hour written final examination on theoretical subject knowledge, practical problem solving skills and experimental abilities, with special emphasis on questions that test critical outcomes, such as identification and solving of problems, responsible decision-making and critical and creative thought, skills and knowledge required at Level 8. Integrated assessment is the focus of the small research project the learners are to perform and report on. It includes the critical review of current literature in the subject area of Microbiology.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

The level descriptors for Higher Education Qualifications Framework (HEQF) Level 7 were used to design the qualification standard. These Level Descriptors are internationally benchmarked criteria based upon published work of the National Quality Assurance bodies in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, New Zealand, and Australia. Thus, the generic Bachelor of Science (BSc) qualification compares favourably with other similar BSc qualifications, nationally and internationally with regard to outcomes and assessment criteria, programme design, degree of difficulty and notional learning time.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows for vertical and horizontal articulation.
Horizontal Articulation:

An appropriate Bachelor Honours Degree.

An appropriate Postgraduate Diploma.

Vertical Articulation:

Master of Science in Microbiology.

MODERATION OPTIONS

N/A

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

N/A

NOTES

N/A

LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION:

When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced qualification.

NONE

PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION:

This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.

1.	North West University