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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Science Honours in Physiology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
103082  Bachelor of Science Honours in Physiology 
ORIGINATOR
Nelson Mandela 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  2021-07-26  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:
The purpose of this qualification is to bridge the gap from an undergraduate learning environment to a research environment where a learner will be able to possess appropriate skills and knowledge to conduct research at a Master's level.

This qualification will equip learners with competencies that will enable them to perform qualitative and quantitative research techniques; interpret physiological literature; and design and complete a research project. Learners will develop their scientific communication skills and evaluate their progress throughout duration of the qualification.

Rationale:
Human Physiology is the science of functional adaption in human biology and integrates the vast amount of molecular and cellular information by relating it back to organs and organ systems. It encompasses the homeostatic interdependence of different systems within the body, the response and adaptation to internal and external stresses, and disease processes. The interdisciplinary nature of Physiology will prepare graduates across a range of professions including and beyond a research setting. A Postgraduate qualification in Physiology is a stepping stone for careers in Forensic Science, Education and Training, Communications, Medical Sciences, Medical Engineering, the Pharmaceutical Industry, Safety, Health and Environment management and Research (academic and industrial).

Large learner enrolments for Postgraduate studies in Physiology at other universities nationally reflect the interest in Physiology at a Postgraduate level. However, such interest cannot currently be met by the number of available places. This national interest, along with current and projected Science Faculty learner numbers indicates the sustainability of a Physiology Honours qualification. Creation of an Honours Degree will be followed by the introduction of Masters and Doctoral Degrees in Physiology. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Applicants must submit a portfolio of evidence to be assessed by the departmental selection committee. This portfolio must include documentary evidence that have been completed such as, in-service training, discipline-related work experience with contactable references, and any other relevant skills and knowledge. The process will be implemented in strict adherence to the relevant Institution and South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) RPL policies and approval by relevant faculty structures.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry to this qualification is a three (3) year Bachelor's Degree with Human Physiology as a major at Level 7. 

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
Y 

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

Modules:
  • Research Project, 40 Credits.
  • Special Skills in Physiology, 20 Credits.
  • Advanced Integrative Physiology, 40 Credits.
  • Core Laboratory Techniques, 20 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply qualitative and quantitative techniques to study human physiology from the molecular level of organisation to the level of organisation of an organism using diverse research models.
    2. Develop an understanding of scientific communication.
    3. Design and carry out a limited-scope research project, under supervision, to address health questions. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Interpret physiological literature independently through careful theoretical analysis.
  • Select appropriate techniques and models that address the research question.
  • Clearly demonstrate knowledge and insight regarding Human Physiology.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Demonstrate ability to communicate succinctly.
  • Exhibit knowledge and insight regarding Human Physiology.
  • Display logical reasoning.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Produce a scientific report in the prescribed format that shows understanding of the research process.
  • Display appropriate technical and analytical skills.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Formative assessment opportunities throughout this qualification will allow the lecturer to monitor progress of a learner and lend additional support where required for remediation, including technical support. These include peer-review and self-evaluation of assignments and presentations, progress reports on the research project and discussion with the supervisor.

    These will allow the learner opportunities to integrate theory and practical skills and gain feedback as to the achievement of the required outcomes. For each coursework assessment, reports will be returned to learners with written, qualitative feedback. Verbal consultations will be held where required.

    Assessment Strategies:
  • Continuous assessment of technical skills and written reports.
  • Oral and written presentations of literature.
  • Facilitated self- and peer review of scientific communication.
  • Oral progress reports of research project and the submission of a research project report.

    The written final examination will represent the solely summative assessment. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification has been benchmarked locally and compared to qualifications offered at international institutions.

    The University of Western Australia offers a Bachelor of Science (BSc) Honours in Physiology. The entrance requirements are similar with a minimum of 65% in the major for the Honours discipline. It is a full-time, one-year course, and involves the development of generic research skills, a variety of communication skills, and a research project. The qualification is aimed at discovery of the challenges, frustration, routine and inspiration of research and to contribute to knowledge and technical background of the subject. Learners completing this qualification may articulate to a research Master's qualification.

    The University of Otago offers a one-year, full-time BSc Honours in Human Physiology. Entry requirements include undergraduate physiology modules or equivalent, as well as a third-year report, which is similar to this institution's assignment submissions that contribute towards the final mark. The programme design is similar in that it includes theoretical modules on systemic physiology and neurophysiology, as well as a research project. Learners completing this qualification may articulate to a research Master's qualification.

    The BSc Physiological Science Degree offered by Bristol University is a three-year qualification, after which graduates progress directly to Master's level. First and second year is devoted to the theoretical study of cellular physiology, body systems and how drugs affect these systems, neurophysiology, cellular physiology and integrative physiology. The third year (equivalent to the South African Honours Degree) consists of seminar courses and a practical project that are taught by research-active staff. Learners will conduct an original research project and present their findings in the form of a research dissertation and oral presentation. Topics include the cardiovascular system, brain and behaviour, and the future of molecular medicine. The third year also includes a fully integrated programme of activities, such as computer, verbal, written and presentation skills, to develop transferable personal and professional skills. The "Concepts and skills" course includes the following: training in core skills and techniques that are vital to effectively read, interpret and criticise the scientific literature, as well as to analyse and communicate scientific findings. It includes; statistics, data quantisation, limits of scientific understanding, critical reading of research literature, scientific writing and presentation, public engagement with science, ethics of animal and human experimentation.

    Similarities include the "Core Laboratory Techniques", "Research Project" and "Special Skills in Physiology". Learners completing this qualification may articulate to a research Master's qualification.

    This qualification is also comparable to the BScHons (Human Physiology) offered at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) (Nigeria), which is a four-year qualification. While the ABU qualification is structured in four years, the first three years is similar to the South African Bachelor of Science and the fourth year is the same as the Honours year as it includes theory and research preparation. Learners completing the four-year qualification may articulate to a research Master's qualification. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for horizontal and vertical articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Human Physiology, Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Medical Science Honours in Physiology, Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Science in Physiology, Level 9.
  • Master of Medical Science in Physiology, Level 9. 
    		•

    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.
     
    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.