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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Science Honours in Physics 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
111348  Bachelor of Science Honours in Physics 
ORIGINATOR
Nelson Mandela 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  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 does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
The purpose of this qualification is to equip learners with the knowledge and competencies to understand and apply advanced methods and techniques in the field of Physics. This qualification is for learners who want to enter the Physics profession. In addition, for candidates who intend pursuing higher research Degrees, the deeper level knowledge in the qualification is essential for future research. The qualification has been active for many years; current Departmental and Institutional Resources are adequate for the continued existence of the qualification.

Rationale:
To provide for continued growth of appropriately trained people for the growth and advancement of skills and research of the discipline. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
  • As per institutional RPL policy.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor Science, Level 7, 360 Credits. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory and/or elective modules at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 8 totalling120 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, 98 Credits:
  • Quantum Mechanics, 22 Credits.
  • Statistical Mechanics and Thermodynamics, 22 Credits.
  • Electrodynamics, 22 Credits.
  • Project, 32 Credits.

    Elective Modules, 22 Credits: (Choose One)
  • Solid State Physics, 22 Credits.
  • Semiconductor Physics, 22 Credits.
  • Electron Diffraction and Contrast Theory, 22 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate the ability to discuss important definitions and principles of the theory of physics.
    2. Reasoning skills to demonstrate mastery of theoretical knowledge and to reflect critically on theory.
    3. Demonstrate the ability to analyse and solve open/ended problems by applying the correct methodologies and techniques to the problems.
    4. Reasoning skills to demonstrate mastery of theoretical knowledge and to reflect critically on theory.
    5. Reasoning, technical and creative skills to investigate, analyse and synthesise complex information, problems, concepts and theories and to apply established theories to different bodies of knowledge.
    6. Communication and technical research skills to justify and interpret analysis, results and conclusions to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
    7. Ability to present and communicate the results of the research to general audience.
    8. Technical and communication skills to theorise about developments that contribute to scholarship.
    9. Ability to plan, conduct and report on research in the field of Physics.
    10. Knowledge of and ability in the practical techniques and laboratory skills needed for performing research in the field of Physics. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome:
  • Assessing the critical understanding of the theory, research methodologies and techniques relevant to Physics.
  • Assessing the ability to relate theory to practice and vice versa.
  • Analyse complex problems and synthesise and independently evaluate quantitative data.
  • Assess the ability to present and communicate the results of the research to general audience.

    Formative Assessment:
  • Test and assignments.

    Summative Assessment:
  • Examination. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The qualification in its design content, delivery, assessment and moderation is of a similar academic standing to those offered at other national institutions. 

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Science Honours, 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: 
     
    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.