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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Science Honours in Physics 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
102476  Bachelor of Science Honours in Physics 
ORIGINATOR
University of Johannesburg 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   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 replaces: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
73802  Bachelor of Science Honours in Physics  Level 7  NQF Level 08  144  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The primary purpose of this qualification is to provide qualifying learners with the opportunity to develop and train as qualified scientists with intellectual and practical skills to analyse interpret and apply scientific laws, principles and methods.

Rationale:
The qualification is a specialisation in the field of Physical Sciences to prepare the learners for research based post graduate study. The qualification demands a high level of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence, and serves as the initial science postgraduate specialisation qualification providing learners with in-depth scientific knowledge and skills preparing them for research based postgraduate science study. Through the acquisition of appropriate research and practical skills the learner will discover the application of physical science and will be able to reflect upon the application of physical science in the technological environment. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition for Prior Learning(RPL):
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is done in accordance with the University of Johannesburg(UJ) RPL Policy. In cases of students not complying with the formal entry requirements, RPL will be determined in accordance with the policy and guideline of the University concerning the recognition of other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience. Recognition takes place only where prior learning corresponds to the required National Qualifications Framework(NQF) level, and in terms of applied competencies relevant to the content and outcomes of the qualification. Through recognition of prior learning, learners may gain access on condition that they continue their studies at UJ.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is the:
  • Bachelor of Science National Qualifications Framework(NQF) Level 7. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises of compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework(NQF) Level 5, 6 and 7 totalling at 219 Credits.
    Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 183 Credits:
  • Advanced Electromagnetism, 12 Credits.
  • Advanced Quantum Mechanics B, 12 Credits.
  • Particle Physics 1, 12 Credits.
  • Advanced Statistical Physics, 12 Credits.
  • Advanced Quantum Mechanics A, 12 Credits.
  • Advanced Solid State Physics A, 12 Credits.
  • Nuclear Physics 2, 12 Credits.
  • Astrophysics 2, 12 Credits.
  • Advanced Classical Mechanics, 12 Credits.
  • Astrophysics 1, 12 Credits.
  • Mathematical Methods of Physics, 12 Credits.
  • Physics Project, 15 Credits.
  • Nuclear Physics 1, 12 Credits.
  • Advanced Solid State Physics, 12 Credits.
  • Quantum Field They, 12 Credits.

    Elective Modules, Level 8, 12 Credits (Choose One):
  • General Relativity, 12 Credits.
  • Particle Physics, 12 Credits.
  • Computational Physics, 12 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Identify, evaluate and address their own professional and on-going learning needs.
    2. Demonstrate efficient and effective information retrieval and processing skills, using appropriate Information and Communications Technology(ICT).
    3. Demonstrate a comprehensive, systematic and critical knowledge and understanding of the principles, scope, theories and epistemologies of Physical Sciences.
    4. Evaluate their own and others academic work and initiatives against informed criteria.
    5. Present and communicate ideas and texts, offering professional insights, interpretations and solutions to problems and issues appropriate to Physical Sciences.
    6. Use science and technology in complex and challenging contexts and make autonomous ethical decisions on complex professional issues in accordance with recognised professional and/or ethical standards.
    7. Critique current research and advanced scholarship in Physical Sciences and make research methodologies and methods/techniques to research problem/s in Physical Sciences.
    8. Identify, analyse, synthesise and undertake independent evaluation of quantitative and/or qualitative data, and to engage with and evaluate current research and scholarly or professional literature in Physical Sciences. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be used in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes:
  • Formulate an appropriate hypothesis, plan, carry out an advanced experimental program and analyse results obtained correctly.
  • Integrate experimental data with advanced existing information.
  • Make logical, sound conclusions to resolve a problem.
  • Formulate and handle advanced theoretical models and display a contribution to meaningful participation in the group.
  • Display a readiness to accept a responsible part in a group effort.
  • Contribute to the effectiveness of the group.
  • Perform the experiment with skill and accuracy required and relate the findings to the aim of the research assignments, and apply to the outcome independently.
  • Analyse, organise and interpret the advanced relevant information and critically evaluate the advanced information.
  • Communicate scientific contents effectively and write clear and descriptive experimental reports on research assignments.
  • Deal the edge technology and use on the edge technology responsibly in the environment.
  • Identify the relation between the various systems and different physical principles making up all science and technology.
  • Make effective use of experimental techniques in order to obtain data.
  • Make use of advanced textbooks available to him in the library.
  • Relate knowledge to everyday technology and science in general through reading scientific literature.
  • Make responsible use of his acquired knowledge in his/her community.
  • Acquire skills that would make one employable in industry and identify economic activities that are based on physics.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Formative assessment practices that will be implemented by assessing learners continuously assessed during modules via informal and formal written testes, experimental reports on research assignments, theoretical assignments, theoretical assignments, self and peer assessment and group assignments. Summative assessment will be implemented by focusing on the achievement of the exit-level outcomes, will be done by means of a written examination per module at the end of each module. Research assignments will be evaluated and accumulated practical points will be given. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Massey University in New Zealand offers a Bachelor of Science Honours (major in Physics) which is similar to the qualification offered by the University of Johannesburg in terms of admission requirements and duration of the qualification. The qualification differs in terms of credit weighting and maximum study period.

    The University of Auckland in New Zealand offers a Bachelor of Science Honours (major in Physics) which is similar to the qualification offered by the University of Johannesburg in terms of the qualification purpose, duration of study, entry requirements and credit weighting. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows for both vertical and horizontal articulation options:
    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Science in Physics, Level 9.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Biochemistry, Level 8. 
    		•

    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.
     
    NONE 


    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.