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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Science Honours in Physics 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
101182  Bachelor of Science Honours in Physics 
ORIGINATOR
Walter Sisulu 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  Physical 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 does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
Graduates of this qualification may work as physicists in product and process development and quality control. Employment may be in a laboratory or other work environment where knowledge of Physics is essential.

Rationale:
The honours qualification seeks to bridge the gap between undergraduate and Masters' qualifications in physics in terms of in depth physics content and research skills. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
RPL may be used to demonstrate competence for admission to this qualification. This qualification may be achieved in part through Recognition of Prior Learning processes. Credits achieved by RPL must not exceed 50% of the total credits and must not include credits at the exit level. Learners who already worked in a relevant industry who believe they possess competencies to enable them to meet some or all of the Exit Level Outcomes (ELOs) listed in the qualification will be able to present themselves for assessment against those of their choice.

The provision that the qualification may be obtained through the Recognition of Prior Learning facilitates access to an education, training and career path in geography related fields and thus accelerates the redress of past unfair discrimination in education, training and employment opportunities. Evidence of prior learning must be assessed through formal RPL processes through Institutions' approved methods. Any other evidence of prior learning should be assessed through formal RPL processes to recognize achievement thereof.

Learners submitting themselves for RPL should be thoroughly briefed prior to the assessment and will be required to submit a Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) in the prescribed format to be assessed for formal recognition.

Entry Requirements:
  • Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Physics, Level 7. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

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

    Compulsory Modules:
  • Project, 32 Credits.
  • Advanced Electromagnetism, 24 Credits.
  • Quantum and Statistical Physics, 24 Credits.
  • Mechanical Behaviour of Materials, 24 Credits.
  • Classical Mechanics, 24 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Understanding and use Maxwell's equations in various forms, theoretical basis and derivations, plane electromagnetic waves in various media and at interfaces, electromagnetism and relativity, wave guides, electromagnetism in covariant relativistic formulation, electromagnetic radiation including the potentials and radiating dipoles.
    2. Understand and apply of the second law of thermodynamics, the perfect quantal gas, blackbody radiation, systems with variable particle numbers, the formalism of quantum mechanics and quantum mechanics in three dimensions.
    3. Design appropriate experiments to investigate a chosen topic, collect and collate data in a scientific way, summarize data in form of tables, graphs, etc. using appropriate software.
    4. Interpret the results obtained from data analysis and critically make informed scientific inferences.
    5. Demonstrate an understanding and application of the concepts: stress, strain and elasticity theory, theoretical cleavage strength of materials, theoretical shear strength of materials, the role of cracks in affecting strength in brittle solids and dislocations and their role in plastic deformation.
    6. Develop an appreciation of the differences in mechanical behaviour and consequent applications of glasses, ceramics, polymers and metals. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Integrated Assessment:
    Continuous assessment including tests, assignments and followed by a final examination in each theory module. A research project module report contributes a significant weight to the overall assessment of the qualification. 

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Candidates who complete this Degree successfully may find employment internationally and perform well. Those who obtain this qualification may further their education at a masters level at a credible international institution. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification enables the following articulation opportunities:

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Science in Physics, Level 9 or related discipline.

    Horizontal Articulation
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Applied Physics, Level 8. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS 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. Walter Sisulu University 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.