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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Science Honours in Informatics 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
109880  Bachelor of Science Honours in Informatics 
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 04 - Communication Studies and Language  Information Studies 
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
73800  Bachelor of Science Honours in Informatics  Level 7  NQF Level 08  120  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The primary purpose of this qualification is to provide qualified scientists who can identify, evaluate and address problems associated with the biological and/or earth sciences in South African international context at high levels. Through the acquisition of appropriate competence and advanced research ability they will be able to enter a range of professional and entrepreneurial opportunities. These could include positions as senior research officers or educators with a range of possible employers in industry or tertiary institutions or allow them to establish enterprises of their own in a variety of Biochemistry-related areas of endeavour as entrepreneurs or high-level advisors.

Rationale:
The qualification is a specialisation in the field of Informatics to prepare the learners for research based post graduate study. It serves to consolidate and deepen the learner's expertise in Informatics and develops research capacity in the methodology and techniques of Informatics. This qualification demands a high level of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence. The qualification is essentially a coursework Degree in which at least 30 of the Credits are devoted to a research project and reporting under supervision. The Degree 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. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is done in accordance with the institution 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 with the institution.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is the:
Bachelor of Science in Informatics or related discipline, Level 7. 

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
Y 

QUALIFICATION RULES 
This qualification comprises of compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework(NQF) Level 8 totalling 128 at Credits:
Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 43 Credits:
  • Ethical and Legal Aspects of Information Technology(IT), 13 Credits.
  • Project (2 Modules), 30 Credits.

    Electives Modules, Level 8, 85 Credits:
  • Optimisation, 14 Credits.
  • Information Security Governance, 13 Credits.
  • New Systems Development Paradigms, 13 Credits.
  • Data Communication, 13 Credits.
  • Compiler Construction, 13 Credits.
  • Parallel Programming 13 Credits.
  • Software Factories, 13 Credits.
  • Artificial Intelligence, 13 Credits.
  • Biometrics, 13 Credits.
  • Services Computing 13 Credits.
  • Information Security Risk Analysis, 13 Credits.
  • Functional Programming 13 Credits.
  • Introduction to IT Project Management, 13 Credits.
  • Graphics, 13 Credits.
  • Critical Information Infrastructure Protection, 13 Credits.
  • Information Technology(IT) Aspects of Knowledge Management, 13 Credits.
  • Mobile Programming, 13 Credits.
  • Computer Forensics, 13 Credits.
  • Systems Programming, 13 Credits.
  • WWW Programming, 13 Credits.
  • Network Information Security, 13 Credits.
  • Information Security, 13 Credits.
  • E-Business Strategy, 13 Credits.
  • Advanced Artificial Intelligence,13 Credits.
  • Information Security in WWW, 13 Credits.
  • Advanced Information Technology Project Management, 13 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Identify, interpret, analyse and address complex problems, using both routine and advanced skills, conceptual and/or evidence-based enquiry and theory-driven arguments.
    2. Work effectively with others in a team by being answerable for their own work and the work of others.
    3. Identify, evaluate and address their own professional and on-going learning needs.
    4. Demonstrate efficient and effective information retrieval and processing skills, using appropriate Information and Communications Technology(ICT).
    5. Demonstrate a comprehensive, systematic and critical knowledge and understanding of the principles, scope, theories and epistemologies of Informatics.
    6. Evaluate their own and other academic work and initiatives against informed criteria.
    7. Present and communicate ideas and texts, offering professional insights, interpretations and solutions to problems and issues appropriate to Informatics.
    8. Use science and technology in complex and challenging contexts and make autonomous ethical decisions on complex professional issues in accordance with recognized professional and/or ethical standards.
    9. Critique current research and advanced scholarship in Biochemistry and make sound theoretical judgements based on evidence.
    10. Identify, select and apply a range of research methodologies and methods/techniques to research problem/s in Informatics.
    11. 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 Informatics. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The Associated Assessment Criterion below will be integrated within the Exit Level Outcomes.
  • Display a thorough knowledge of the field of enquiry.
    Formulate an appropriate hypothesis.
    Plan and carry out an appropriate experimental program.
    Analyse results obtained correctly.
  • Display an ability to cooperate with fellow learners.
    Contribute meaningfully to some group efforts to work on a problem.
    Accept a responsible part in a group effort.
  • Display a mastery of subject material by guided study.
    Work under supervision on a project successfully.
    Write a project or progress report in draft form.
  • Present a suitable draft project proposal on a topic.
    Be able to motivate the reasoning behind the proposal satisfactorily.
    Be able to perform the actions required to complete the collection of information.
    Be able to relate the information obtained to that which is known.
  • Demonstrate a mastery of the use of technical and professional language and terminology.
  • Demonstrate an awareness and recognition of the need for careful and correct statistical techniques.
    Use appropriate technology correctly, safely and responsibly under the necessary supervision.
  • Present a draft project proposal in which all the appropriate aspects relating to the broad social and environmental considerations are addressed.
    Be able to suggest possible changes in the proposal should certain aspects not turn out as expected.
  • Show an awareness of the need for different ways of learning and assimilation of knowledge by electronic calculation and retrieval systems and libraries.
    Show an awareness of the need for continued study so as to remain constantly up to date.
  • Demonstrate an awareness of the importance of making valid conclusions from experimental data.
  • Demonstrate an awareness of where the chosen field of study impinges on society and where further studies may be done. This includes medicinal, industrial, recreational and aesthetic considerations.
  • Demonstrate the ability to relate the field of study to society and thus relate the field of study to society and thus know where those skills are likely to be required.
  • Demonstrate the knowledge of what the chosen field of study involves and how it can be used for entrepreneurial activity.
    Show an understanding of how the field of study impinges on society.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The qualification is coherently aligned in that all teaching, learning and assessment activities are linked to module and qualification outcomes. Assessment methods are varied and includes summative and formative assessment to enhance applied competence from learners and facilitate authentic assessment and learning. Assessment will not only be used to determine whether outcomes were achieved, but also to generate data for grading and provide feedback in order to improve the curriculum. For all the assessment purposes to be achieved, essays, computer-based assessments, theory tests, cases and open problems, practicals and interpretative skills evaluation, reporting on practicals and applications, presentations, analysis and problem solving assessment in the specific field of Informatics as assessment methods. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Massey University in New Zealand offers a Bachelor of Science Honours (major in Informatics) 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 Informatics) 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 horizontal and vertical articulation options:
    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Science in Informatics, Level 9.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Information Technology, 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.