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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Science Honours in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
111192  Bachelor of Science Honours in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology 
ORIGINATOR
Stellenbosch University 
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  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  2019-09-03  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:
Bachelor of Science Honours in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology is composed of two components: lectures/tutorials and practical research, assigned respectively 58% and 42% of the credits (notional learning hours)).

Rationale:
The qualification in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology is aimed at learners with either a computer science or a biology background, who are qualitatively talented and keen to learn statistical and computational skills to advance an understanding of biology.

The qualification is thus inter-disciplinary in nature, and provides training that integrates knowledge from the computer science, biochemical and genetics fields. These inter-disciplinary skills are required to analyse the datasets routinely generated in modern biological sciences.

The demand for Bioinformaticians in South Africa, Africa and the international community remains exceptionally high due to the need for Bioinformatics skills to engage with big data in modern biology and life sciences. It is estimated that the number of positions available in Bioinformatics grows at a rate of approximately 3% per annum, and that in some states in the United States of America (USA), vacancies for bioinformaticians grows at the fastest rate of any career (www.recruiter.com/careers/bioinformatics-scientists/outlook/, accessed 27 November 2017). The institution plans to contribute to meet this high demand for learners in the new inter-disciplinary field of bioinformatics.

The demand for this inter-disciplinary qualification justified the existence of the qualification. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Learners who do not meet the minimum entry requirements can apply for admission to the qualification by the RPL route.

This selection will be following the CAT and RPL rules, and according to the regulations of the faculties of Science, AgriSciences or Medicine and Human Health. The procedures for RPL and CAT the qualification is as follows:
  • Submit all applications to the Faculty Administrators.
  • Review of all applications by the Postgraduate Committee of the Centre for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology. The assessment of the formal (CAT) and non-formal or informal learning (RPL) against the knowledge required to complete the requirements of the Bachelor of Science Honours qualification.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor's Degree Level 7 with majors in the following fields: Bioinformatics, Genetics, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Computer Science or Mathematics. 

  • RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules at Level 8,110 Credits:
  • Advanced Bioinformatics, 40 Credits.
  • Algorithms in Bioinformatics, 5 Credits.
  • Current Topics in Bioinformatics, 5 Credits.
  • Machine Learning in Bioinformatics, 5 Credits.
  • Project, 50 Credits.
  • Seminar in Bioinformatics, 5 Credits.

    Elective Modules at Level 8, 10 Credits (Choose one):
  • Cell Biology in Bioinformatics, 10 Credits.
  • Scientific Computation in Bioinformatics, 10 Credits. 

  • EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of modern programming language (rules and construction) and the application thereof to Bioinformatics problems.
    2. Demonstrate an understanding of the theories, research methodologies, methods and techniques relevant to the field, and how to apply such knowledge through engagement in the Bioinformatics and Computational Biology field.
    3. Demonstrate the ability to produce and communicate information effectively. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Construct a solution to a problem as a series of programmatic steps.
  • Display sufficient knowledge of the Linux operating system to use it effectively as a platform on which to qualification.
  • Display a working knowledge of effective programming in Python or a related programming language.
  • Develop and apply new programs to bioinformatics problems.
  • Discuss the relevance and applicability of computer programming in the broader Bioinformatics field.
  • Apply new methods to bioinformatics problems.
  • Effectively apply knowledge and understanding of methods to address new defined problems in bioinformatics.
  • Display a knowledge of and explain the use of relevant algorithms in bioinformatics.
  • Apply relevant algorithms in a bioinformatics programme or to a problem.
    >Analyse the efficacy of the algorithms as well as their applicability to specific types of problem sets.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Discuss various, field-specific, fundamental biological topics in terms of the different biological components of cells and the functions thereof, including important metabolic pathways, macromolecule synthesis and regulatory mechanisms.
  • Discuss bioinformatics in the context of the current state of the field.
  • Search the literature, identify relevant publications, and critically assess the data.
  • Compare different bodies of information and synthesise a coherent conclusion from the bodies of information.
  • Identify current methods and applications, show how they can be applied and apply the most important aspects of these to their own research project (with or without the help of others).
  • Display a deeper knowledge of different machine learning approaches.
  • Display a deeper knowledge of the use of machine learning methods and approaches in computer programmes.
  • Apply machine learning methods to new bioinformatics problems.
  • Identify the major current developments at the forefront of bioinformatics and explain the applicability and application thereof.
  • Incorporate aspects of the major current developments at the forefront of bioinformatics into own research.
  • Unambiguously and very clearly define a problem, analyse the problem, identify appropriate methods to use and apply these methods to the problem in order to resolve it and arrive at an answer.
  • Apply skills to solve bioinformatics problems.
  • Effectively use multiple sources of information.
  • Review data from literature critically.
  • Apply learning strategies and take responsibility for work.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Access, read and critically review bioinformatics publications and scientifically assess the statements therein.
  • Be sufficiently familiar with the methods used in bioinformatics research to be able to explain the reasons for their selection as well as their relevance and applicability.
  • Communicate scientific concepts effectively.
  • Give a broad account of current developments at the cutting edge of the field of machine learning.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The qualification in bioinformatics is composed of seven modules for which assessment is done through class tests, assignments, presentations, discussions and examinations:

    The research project will be performed under close supervision with continual discussion and feedback during the course of the research, to assess progress and to train the learner and develop the skill in the learner to critically assess results, identify problems and consider different approaches to solve the problem and achieve the aim of the research project. This insight and skill is achieved via formative testing, including numerous discussions and meetings. The success of the learner to achieve the skill set, and successfully complete the project is also assessed through a summative test in the form of a Research Report at the end of the project.

    In the research project, it is expected that the learner will demonstrate a close familiarity with the seminal papers directly relevant to the research project and be able to interrelate and combine knowledge from different publications in the literature. The learners should also display a clear understanding of the importance of the research question in the context of the available literature, and an understanding of a suitable work plan to address the research question. The learner should display familiarity with methods and techniques can be applied to the research question, and demonstrate success in applying these, or provide insight into why the applied methods and techniques did not yield expected results. The learner must be able to assess the data produced by applying a method or technique to the research question, including the statistical relevance of the data. The learner must display an understanding of the context of the results in the literature, and make meaningful conclusions from the results. 

  • INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The qualification is typical of those offered in a British-based educational system. In this regard Newcastle University offers a Bachelor of Science Honours in Bio-computing. Many United Kingdom (UK) universities, including top-tier universities such as Cambridge, Edinburgh and Oxford have Masters of Science (MSc) and Doctors of Philosophy qualifications in bioinformatics.

    In the United States of America (USA), the University of California (Santa Cruz) offers a four-year Bachelor' Degree in Bioinformatics (Bachelor of Science Honours equivalent), as well as Masters of Science and Doctors of Philosophy qualifications in Bioinformatics. The University of Pennsylvania offers a four-year Bachelor of Applied Science in Computational Biology, and Masters of Science and Doctors of Philosophy (Ph.D) qualifications in Bioinformatics.
    There are over 40 universities in the USA that offers either a M.Sc., Ph.D. or both qualifications in Bioinformatics.

    Bachelor of Science Honours in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Level 8 compares with those mentioned above in terms of content, approach, duration and articulation. 

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Biology, Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Clinical Human Genetics, Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Science in Biostatics, Level 9.
  • Master of Science in Conservation Ecology, Level 9.
  • Master of Science in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, 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.