SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Bachelor of Science Honours in Applied Radiation Science

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
100882	Bachelor of Science Honours in Applied Radiation Science
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 qualification is to further develop the knowledge, skills and values of the student for the Nuclear Industry. The programme will thus provide students with the competence to apply knowledge of the core subjects in the curriculum to understand and investigate certain phenomena in the Nuclear industry and to solve problems related to this field of study showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others and understanding the debates concerning environmental and Nuclear management.

The programme will equip students with advanced knowledge and skills to undertake postgraduate studies in one of the core subjects in this qualification. The students will be provided with the ability to obtain scientific knowledge and information from various sources; use mathematical, statistical and analytical skills for problem solving; identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made; collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information; communicate research findings effectively using visual, mathematical and language skills in oral and written presentations and work effectively with others as a member or leader of a team.

Rationale:
This qualification was developed in response to a shortage in South Africa of well-trained, critically thinking scientists who are capable of proceeding towards independent, high quality research in Radiation Science. The first rationale is to provide South Africa with significant numbers of graduates who are able to undertake advanced research under guidance of an expert, through the acquisition of the necessary research skills and tools in the field of Radiation Science, in order to ensure the broadening of the local leadership base of innovative and knowledge based economic and scholarly activity.

The second rationale is to provide students with the necessary knowledge, specific skills, applied competence and professional attitude in the field of Radiation Science in order 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 Honours in Applied Radiation, 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 Bachelor of Science (BSc) or an equivalent standard qualification in the field of Radiation Science and Technology or Physics at the institution or 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 (RPL) 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 qualification 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 majors in two of the following disciplines: Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of compulsory modules at Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

Modules:

Radiation and Environment, 24 Credits.

Radioactive Waste Minimisation and Management, 24 Credits.

Nuclear Physics, 24 Credits.

Nuclear Chemistry, 24 Credits.

Research Project, 32 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Identify and evaluate convergent and divergent problems in the discipline of Radiation Science and Technology and solve them in a creative and innovative manner by using skills appropriate to this specific field of study.
2. Ulan and execute studies and experiments using scientific modelling techniques, and thereafter analyse information from data, interpret it and make inferences from it.
3. Use of computers, networks and information infrastructure for evaluation, processing, management and storage of information, as well as the use of the basic techniques and knowledge of business management, health and safety and environmental preservation personal to Nuclear Industrial applications.
4. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with researchers and the community, using appropriate structure, style, graphics and electronic support and provide information for use by others, especially in the world of natural sciences and economic sciences.
5. Demonstrate a critical awareness of the impact scientific activity has on the community and the environment, and the need to take into consideration the impact of technology on society and the personal, social and cultural values and expectations of those who are affected by scientific activities.
6. Work effectively as an individual, in teams and in multidisciplinary environments and take leadership roles.
7. Demonstrate an understanding of the necessity of ensuring continued competence and remaining up to date with innovations in technology and techniques, through well-developed learning skills, thus ensuring lifelong learning.
8. Demonstrate critical awareness of the need to act professionally and ethically and to accept responsibility own actions, and be able to perform judgements in relation to own knowledge and experience.

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:
Formative or continuous assessment serves as a monitoring instrument to enable learners to determine their progress in the learning process and to enable lecturers to determine the effectiveness of their teaching. This will also enable lecturers to make timeous adjustments to ensure that the teaching and learning process is more effective. Summative assessment serves to determine whether the students have achieved the different module and Exit Level Outcomes.

Formative Assessment:
Class tests, homework, written assignments, report writing, practicals, class discussions, semester tests.

Summative assessment serves to determine whether the students have achieved the different module and Exit Level Outcomes.

Summative Assessment:
Written exam papers and oral presentations.

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 Applied Radiation Science and Technology.

Master of Science in Physics.

An appropriate Masters Degree.

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