SAQA 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.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Science Honours 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
111291  Bachelor of Science Honours 
ORIGINATOR
University of the Free State 
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
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

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.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
The aim of this qualification is to equip learners with the necessary skills to engage with the body of knowledge as well as the application of that knowledge. It prepares learners for advanced Graduate studies that would contribute to their ability to do research within the specialisation fields as well as entering professions in the Natural Science sector. These fields include Actuarial Sciences, Applied Mathematics Chemistry, Entomology, Food Science, Genetics, Geography, Geology, Geohydrology, Mathematics, Mathematical Statistics, Microbial Biochemical Food Biotechnology, Physics, Plant Sciences, Soil Science, Statistics and Zoology. Furthermore, the qualification aims to deepen scientific knowledge and skills related to the specialisation areas.

The three main aims of the qualification include:
1) Provide learners with Postgraduate level knowledge, specific skills and applied competence in a number of fields of the biological, physical and chemical, geological, mathematical, applied mathematical, and mathematical statistical sciences that provide opportunities for continued personal intellectual growth, gainful economic activity in the private, public and academic spheres and rewarding contributions to society.
2) Provide South Africa with higher numbers of Honours Graduates in a number of natural sciences fields in order to ensure the broadening of local leadership base of innovative and knowledge based economic and scholarly activities.
3) Provide South Africa with a cadre of Scientists who are prepared to commence a career in research.

Rationale:
This qualification serves to consolidate and deepen the learner's expertise in a specific natural science sub-discipline, and to develop research capacity in the methodology and techniques within that discipline. This specific qualification includes a research project within the field of Science. The qualification aims to educate and train learners that have a theoretical and practical experience in the field of natural sciences and its related major fields of study. The qualification provides South Africa with a cadre of Scientists who are prepared to commence a career in research. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Where applicants do not meet the minimum admission requirements, RPL may be used to grant access to the qualification. RPL will be applied according to the Recognition of Prior Learning, Credit Accumulation and Transfer, and Assessment policy. This will relate to both access to the qualification as well as for credit recognition or exemption towards achieving the qualification. The institution will ensure that quality assurance processes that address the specificities of the RPL process (including applications, assessment, and reporting and management systems) are implemented; and that administrative and support systems, both prior and subsequent to RPL assessment, are in place.

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

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following Elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8 totalling 324 Credits.

    Elective Modules, Level 8, 128 Credits (Choose modules worth 128 Credits):
  • Analytical Chemistry, 16 Credits.
  • Knowledge-Based Systems, 12 Credits.
  • Plant Systematics, 16 Credits.
  • Organic Chemistry, 16 Credits.
  • Network Management, 12 Credits.
  • Research: Literature Review, 16 Credits.
  • Business Intelligence, 12 Credits.
  • Advanced Forensic Techniques, 16 Credits.
  • Computer Ethics, 12 Credits.
  • Mineral Exploration, 12 Credits.
  • Forensic Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) Typing and Quality Assurance, 16 Credits.
  • Research Techniques, 24 Credits.
  • Advanced Cytotaxonomy, 16 Credits.
  • Business Intelligence, 12 Credits.
  • Plant Analytical Biochemistry, 16 Credits.
  • Food Science Research Project, 32 Credits.
  • Computer Ethics, 12 Credits.
  • Computer Ethics, 12 Credits.
  • Environmental Policy and Practice, 24 Credits.
  • Molecular Advanced Systematics, 16 Credits.
  • Meat Science, 24 Credits.
  • Crime Scene Management and the Justice System,16 Credits.
  • Management and Evaluation: Forensic Sciences, 16 Credits.
  • Crime Scene Management and The Justice System, 16 Credits.
  • Theoretical Foundations of Geography, 24 Credits.
  • Advanced Databases,12 Credits.
  • Advanced Computer Networks, 12 Credits.
  • Capita Selecta, 12 Credits.
  • Management Information Systems,12 Credits.
  • Advanced Human Genetics, 16 Credits.
  • Advanced Plant Ecology, 16 Credits.
  • Organic Chemistry, 16 Credits.
  • Dairy Science, 24 Credits.
  • Literature Review, 24 Credits.
  • Management Information Systems ,12 Credits.
  • Network Management, 12 Credits.
  • Integrated Environmental Management, 24 Credits.
  • Oral examination of theory and practical, 8 Credits.
  • Environmental Geochemistry, 12 Credits.
  • Advanced Molecular Systematics, 16 Credits.
  • Advanced Programming 2, 12 Credits.
  • Physical Chemistry, 16 Credits.
  • Advanced Forensic Techniques, 16 Credits.
  • Research Essay, 32 Credits.
  • Advanced Programming 1, 12 Credits .
  • Advanced Behavioural Genetics, 16 Credits.
  • Research: Literature Review, 16 Credits.
  • Human-Computer Interaction, 12 Credits.
  • Groundwater Geophysics, 20 Credits.
  • Applied Conservation Genetics, 16 Credits.
  • Automata Theory and Applications, 12 Credits.
  • Inorganic Chemistry, 16 Credits.
  • Research project 32 Credits.
  • Information Security, 12 Credits.
  • Ecosystem management and restoration, 16 Credits.
  • Advanced Geochemistry, 24 Credits.
  • Theory of Algorithms, 12 Credits.
  • Mining Geohydrology and Hydrology, 20 Credits.
  • Recombinant Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) Technology, 16 Credits.
  • Capita Selecta, 12 Credits.
  • Research: Literature Review, 16 Credits.
  • Advanced Plant Molecular Biotechnology,16 Credits .
  • Igneous Geology, 12 Credits.
  • Advanced Cytotaxonomy,16 Credits.
  • Groundwater Management, 20 Credits.
  • Restoration Ecology, 16 Credits.
  • Structural Geology, 24 Credits.
  • Applied Conservation Genetics, 16 Credits.
  • Automata Theory and Applications, 12 Credits.
  • Knowledge-Based Systems, 12 Credits.
  • Capita Selecta Genetics 16 Credits.
  • Research: Literature Review, 16 Credits.
  • Advanced Programming 2, 12 Credits.
  • Literature Study, 12 Credits.
  • Capita Selecta, 12 Credits.
  • Physical Chemistry, 16 Credits.
  • Advanced Molecular Biology, 16 Credits.
  • Food Chemistry, 24 Credits.
  • Capita Selecta Genetics, 16 Credits.
  • Forensic Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) Typing and Quality Assurance,16 Credits.
  • Human-Computer Interaction,12 Credits.
  • Advanced Programming 1 ,12 Credits.
  • Polymers and Polymerization, 16 Credits.
  • Robotics, 12 Credits.
  • Research: Literature Review, 16 Credits.
  • Structural biology, 16 Credits.
  • Spatial analysis and modelling, 24 Credits.
  • Advanced plant taxonomy, 16 Credits.
  • Urban Geography, 24 Credits.
  • Research: Literature Review, 16 Credits.
  • Research in Geography, 32 Credits.
  • Forensic Entomology, 16 Credits.
  • Food microbiology, 24 Credits.
  • Groundwater Hydraulics, 20 Credits.
  • Research Essay, 32 Credits.
  • Introduction to Research, 12 Credits.
  • Medical and Veterinary Entomology, 16 Credits.
  • Decision Support Systems, 12 Credits.
  • Mineralogy, 24 Credits.
  • Advanced Internet Programming,12 Credits.
  • Capita Selecta in Forensic Sciences, 16 Credits.
  • Actuarial Contingencies, 20 Credits.
  • Actuarial Modelling and Literature Study, 32 Credits.
  • Bioinformatics and Omics Sciences, 16 Credits.
  • Research Project, 16 Credits.
  • Polymer Blends, Composites and Nanocomposites, 16 Credits.
  • Polymers and Polymer Reactions Credits, 16 Credits.
  • Polymer Testing and Characterization I, 16 Credits.
  • Physical Polymer Science, 16 Credits.
  • Applied Polymer Science, 16 Credits.
  • Polymer Testing and Characterization II, 16 Credits.
  • Plant ecophysiology, 16 Credits.
  • Phytomedicine, 16 Credits.
  • Actuarial Asset and Liability Management, 60 Credits.
  • Advanced insect ecology, 16 Credits.
  • Biosystematics, 16 Credits.
  • Veterinary parasitology, 16 Credits.
  • Immunology, 16 Credits.
  • Applied behavioural ecology, 16 Credits.
  • Advanced biostatistics, 16 Credits.
  • Current events in science, 16 Credits.
  • Research Essay, 24 Credits.
  • Artificial Intelligence, 12 Credits.
  • Applied Geomorphology, 24 Credits.
  • Advanced Computer Networks, 12 Credits.
  • Quantitative Ecology, 8 Credits.
  • Research Essay, 24 Credits.
  • Advanced Human Genetics, 16 Credits.
  • Crime to Court, 16 Credits.
  • Research Essay, 32 Credits.
  • Research Essay, 32 Credits.
  • Capita Selecta in Forensic Genetics, 16 Credits.
  • Information Technology (IT) Project Management, 12 Credits.
  • Analytical Chemistry, 16 Credits.
  • IT Project Management, 12 Credits.
  • Capita Selecta in Geography, 24 Credits.
  • Research Techniques, Scientific Methodology and Scientific Communication, 16 Credits.
  • Management and Evaluation: Forensic Sciences, 16 Credits.
  • Plant Metabolism and Growth, 16 Credits.
  • Advanced Databases, 12 Credits.
  • Plate Tectonics, 24 Credits.
  • Capita Selecta in Forensic Genetics, 16 Credits.
  • Foods: General, 24 Credits.
  • Selected topics in Food Science, 24 Credits.
  • Object Design, 12 Credits.
  • Project, 24 Credits.
  • Data Warehousing, 12 Credits.
  • The Environment, 8 Credits.
  • Economic Geology, 24 Credits.
  • Capita Selecta in Forensic Sciences, 16 Credits.
  • Research project, 32 Credits.
  • Object Design, 12 Credits.
  • Plant defence and applications, 16 Credits.
  • Decision Support Systems, 12 Credits.
  • Artificial Intelligence, 12 Credits.
  • Crime to Court, 16 Credits.
  • Biodiversity, Evolution & Biogeography, 8 Credits.
  • Data Warehousing, 12 Credits.
  • Sedimentology, 12 Credits.
  • Fruit, Vegetables and Seeds, 24 Credits.
  • Literature Review, 24 Credits.
  • Enzymology and Catalysis, 16 Credits.
  • Research Project, 32 Credits.
  • Financial Mathematics, 16 Credits.
  • Electronics, 16 Credits.
  • Category Theory, 16 Credits.
  • Techniques in Microbiology, 16 Credits.
  • Statistics in Plant Sciences, 16 Credits.
  • Electronics, 16 Credits.
  • Fractional calculus, 16 Credits.
  • Numerical linear algebra, 16 Credits.
  • Research project, 32 Credits.
  • Marker-assisted breeding, 16 Credits.
  • Electrodynamics, 16 Credits.
  • Categorical Data Analysis, 20 Credits.
  • Literature review, 24 Credits.
  • Numerical solution of differential equations, 16 Credits.
  • Capita Selecta, 16 Credits.
  • Category theory, 16 Credits.
  • Quality and stress tolerance breeding, 16 Credits.
  • Numerical linear algebra, 16 Credits.
  • Continuous and batch cultivation of microorganisms, 16 Credits.
  • Microbial diversity, 16 Credits.
  • Modelling Extreme Values, 20 Credits.
  • Risk Analysis, 20 Credits.
  • Coding theory, 16 Credits.
  • Econometrics, 20 Credits.
  • Digital Image Processing, 16 Credits.
  • Materials Science II, 16 Credits.
  • Coding theory, 16 Credits.
  • Materials Science II, 16 Credits.
  • Algebra, 16 Credits.
  • Numerical solution of differential equations, 16 Credits.
  • Materials Science I, 16 Credits .
  • Advanced statistics in plant sciences, 16 Credits.
  • Fractional calculus, 16 Credits.
  • Statistical Physics, 16 Credits.
  • Literature review, 24 Credits.
  • Research project, 32 Credits.
  • Statistical Physics, 16 Credits.
  • Materials Science I, 16 Credits.
  • Financial Time Series, 20 Credits.
  • Research project, 32 Credits.
  • Electrodynamics, 16 Credits.
  • Capita Selecta, 16 Credits.
  • General Relativity and Cosmology, 16 Credits.
  • Fluid Mechanics, 16 Credits.
  • Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics, 16 Credits.
  • Capita Selecta, 20 Credits.
  • Multivariate Methods, 20 Credits.
  • High Energy Astrophysics, 16 Credits.
  • High Energy Astrophysics, 16 Credits.
  • Quantitative Ecology, 8 Credits.
  • Research Techniques, Scientific Methodology and Scientific Communication, 16 Credits.
  • Animal Behaviour/Veterinary Endoparasitology,16 Credits.
  • The Environment, 8 Credits.
  • Capita Selecta in Zoology, 16 Credits.
  • African Ornithology / Immunology, 16 Credits.
  • Aquatic Parasitology / Wetland ecology, 16 Credits.
  • Wetland Ecology, 16 Credits.
  • Biodiversity (Evolution & Biogeography), 8 Credits.
  • Research Project, 32 Credits.
  • Ring theory, 16 Credits.
  • Capita Selecta, 16 Credits.
  • Epidemiology and control of plant diseases, 16 Credits.
  • Bayes Analysis, 20 Credits.
  • Applied microbial physiology, 16 Credits.
  • Oral examination in theory and Practicals, 8 Credits .
  • Biological Modelling, 16 Credits.
  • Measure and integration theory, 16 Credits.
  • Capita Selecta II, 16 Credits.
  • Capita Selecta IV, 16 Credits.
  • Capita Selecta III, 16 Credits.
  • Capita Selecta,16 Credits.
  • Capita Selecta, 20 Credits.
  • Digital Image Processing 16.
  • Capita Selecta, 16 Credits.
  • Capita Selecta I, 16 Credits.
  • Ring Theory, 16 Credits.
  • Digital Image Processing, 16 Credits.
  • Biological Modelling, 16 Credits.
  • Measure and Integration Theory, 16 Credits.
  • Veterinary Ectoparasitology, 16 Credits .
  • Advanced Behavioural Genetics, 16 Credits.
  • Astrophysics, 16 Credits.
  • Stochastic Simulation, 20 Credits.
  • Sampling Techniques, 20 Credits.
  • Astrophysics Group Theory, 16 Credits.
  • Astrophysical Fluid Dynamics, 16 Credits.
  • Functional Analysis, 16 Credits.
  • Capita Selecta, 16 Credits.
  • Group Theory, 16 Credits.
  • Functional Analysis, 16 Credits.
  • Partial Differential Equations, 16 Credits.
  • Solid State Physics II, 16 Credits.
  • Solid State Physics II, 16 Credits.
  • Asymptotic Method, 16 Credits.
  • Reliability and Survival Analysis, 20 Credits.
  • Mathematics Thesis, 24 Credits.
  • Partial Differential Equations, 16 Credits.
  • Astrophysics Research Essay, 32 Credits.
  • General Relativity and Cosmology, 16 Credits.
  • Fluid Mechanics, 16 Credits.
  • Research Techniques, 24 Credits.
  • Scientific Methodology and Communication, 16 Credits.
  • Recombinant Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) Technology, 16 Credits.
  • General analytical and chromatographic techniques in Biochemistry, 16 Credits.
  • Rural Geography, 24 Credits.
  • Inorganic Chemistry, 16 Credits.
  • Capita Selecta in Entomology, 16 Credits.
  • Remote sensing and image interpretation, 24 Credits.
  • Research Techniques, 24 Credits
  • Robotics, 12 Credits.
  • Information Security, 12 Credits.
  • Advanced Internet Programming, 12 Credits.
  • Research: Literature study, 24 Credits.
  • Pest Management, 16 Credits.
  • Introduction to Research, 12 Credits.
  • Hydrochemistry and Pollution, 20 Credits
  • Metamorphic Geology, 12 Credits.
  • Theory of Algorithms, 12 Credits.
  • Method of Mathematics. 16 Credits.
  • National Astrophysics and Space Science Programme (NASSP) Hons Theory, 120 Credits.
  • Statistical Modelling and Literature Study, 32 Credits.
  • Discrete Mathematics, 16 Credits.
  • Research Literature Study, 24 Credits.
  • Generalised Linear Models, 20 Credits.
  • Graph theory, 16 Credits.
  • Mixed Linear Models, 20 Credits.
  • Topology, 16 Credits.
  • Modern topology, 16 Credits.
  • Graph theory, 16 Credits.
  • Galois Theory, 16 Credits.
  • Financial Mathematics, 16 Credits.
  • Semiconductors, 16 Credits.
  • Optimisation, 16 Credits.
  • Galois Theory Research Techniques, 16 Credits.
  • Optimisation, 16 Credits.
  • Research Techniques, 16 Credits.
  • Discrete Mathematics, 16 Credits.
  • Criptography, 16 Credits.
  • Quantum Mechanics, 16 Credits.
  • Mathematics Thesis, 24 Credits.
  • Mathematical Methods of Physics, 16 Credits.
  • Asymptotic method, 16 Credits.
  • Solid State Physics I, 16 Credits.
  • Oral examination in theory and practicals, 8 Credits.
  • Set theory, 16 Credits.
  • Quantum Mechanics, 16 Credits.
  • Modern topology, 16 Credits.
  • Topology, 16 Credits.
  • Physics Research Essay, 32 Credits.
  • Advanced molecular biology, 16 Credits.
  • Stochastic Processes, 20 Credits.
  • Set theory, 16 Credits.
  • Statistical Programming, 20 Credits.
  • Method of Mathematics, 16 Credits.
  • Semiconductors,16 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Show an in-depth understanding and mastery of the principles and concepts of science and technology in a specialised area of their choice. This includes having an understanding of the interdisciplinary relationships within the different specialisation field such as the Biological, Physical and Chemical, Geological, Mathematical, Applied Mathematical, and Mathematical Statistical Sciences.
    2. Show the necessary skills that is required in the workplace that will enhance the likelihood of employment and those that are required to contribute to the development of science and technology in the community.
    3. Apply theoretical knowledge independently in understanding, investigating and solving natural science problems; and to use relevant statistical and computer-based methods for the analysis of data.
    4. Demonstrate an awareness of the ethical, legal and social responsibility of scientific investigations; depending on the choice of the qualification, the learner able to work as a beginner-level research scientist. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be used in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes:
  • Do independent study into the possible scientific solution to problems via the completion of various assignments and research projects, which meet the criteria for critical evaluation and publication in scientific journals.
  • Indicate sound theoretical judgement and evaluations, in the presentation of research reports (both written and verbal), including use of Information Technology as an aid to effective communication skills.
  • Identify and critically evaluate current scientific processes and understanding the complexities thereof and the ability to manage, detect and to provide solution for problems based on research in natural science sector.
  • Collect data, organise data, analyse scientific data, critically evaluate results and prepare draft reports under minimal supervision.
  • Identify and solve problems in a positive, responsible and innovative manner using critical and creative thinking.
  • Clearly articulate and engage with knowledge attained from the subject matter.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The assessment strategy provides for both Formative and Summative Assessment opportunities. Integrated continuous and Formative Assessment will be included in the course work allowing demonstration of achieved competences as required by the outcomes of the qualification. Learners will be assessed by completing assignments, case studies, tests, presentations and examinations and tests as well as completing a research report contributing 30 Credits towards the qualification. Formative assessment in all the modules will take place during the year and will take the format of written assignments and tests as well as case studies. The number of class assessments will vary according to the particular module. Learners are also required to complete a research project. In most instances, students will be required to present the finding of their research to their peers. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification is comparable with similar qualifications offered in various higher education institutions internationally. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows for both vertical and horizontal articulation options:
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Mathematical Statistics, Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Applied Statistics, Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Science, Level 9. 
    		•

    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.