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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Science in Biochemistry 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
115176  Master of Science in Biochemistry 
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
Master's Degree  Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences  Life Sciences 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  180  Not Applicable  NQF Level 09  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 
Purpose:
The main purpose of this qualification is to enhance specific research-related skills in Biochemistry to provide more specialist and focused training in a specific sub-discipline of Biochemistry. The qualification will provide learners with competences, skills and knowledge within the Biochemistry subject area, with an individually chosen specialisation centred on an independent, experimental research project.

Rationale:
The qualification is a research-based qualification that is needed to improve the skills and qualifications of BSc (Hons) Biochemistry learners. In general, there is a dire need in the country for skills in this discipline, to increase the skill levels of the workforce in order to support and improve the economy of the region and the country.

Learners who complete this qualification will be able to be innovative and have problem-solving abilities. They would be able to think and act independently yet be part of a larger team to help solve some of the region's economic and socio-economic problems. The major objective is to produce learners who would be employable in the food, water and beverage industries, in the biotechnology laboratory and related medical industries and the animal and agricultural sectors. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
A panel discussion amongst academic and research staff administer RPL assessment and only appropriately trained, and qualified learners with the necessary skills to succeed are selected. Specific Biochemistry-based outcomes and skills that are essential for the success of the intended project and are discussed to evaluate whether the learner would have a reasonable chance of completing the intended Degree.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Biochemistry, NQF 8. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Levels 9 totalling 180 Credits.
  • Dissertation, 180 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Conduct relevant research in the Biochemistry discipline.
    2. Write a research report in the form of a formal dissertation. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 1:
  • Provide a suitable motivation for the need for the research.
  • Plan, design and develop a suitable research strategy with a reasonable chance of success.
  • Develop and write-up of a defensible research proposal.
  • Conduct well-formulated research experiments under laboratory settings (wet lab work).
  • Collect, collate and assess experimental data.
  • Implement the research plan.
  • Interpret the data and come up with conclusions based on the analysis.
  • Defend the results/conclusions that were obtained.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 2:
  • Produce a type-written dissertation of the project (indicating results, interpretations of the data and discussions of the findings).

    Integrated Assessment:
    Assessment is ongoing throughout the research project. It takes the form of defence of a written research proposal and oral conference presentations once or twice a year. Assessment may also include presentation/s of research results at national and international conferences. At such presentations, graduates are expected to defend their research results, findings and conclusions that they may have derived during their study. Furthermore, the written research dissertation is subjected to national and international examination by a minimum of two (2) Science Faculty approved examiners. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The University of Dundee in the United Kingdom offers an M.Sc. by Research (Life Science).

    Admission requirements: BSc (4-years) with 2.2-grade average:
    Qualification purpose: Develop an advanced level of knowledge on a research topic of interest as well as the ability to perform independent research in the topic area, alongside skills in critical assessment and communication. The outcome is to plan and conduct research, technical skills, communication skills, scientific writing, and critical thinking.

    Curriculum structure (Modules):
  • Supervised research project.
  • Workshops in scientific writing, presentation skills, ethics, laboratory safety, statistics, public engagement and applied bioinformatics.
  • Induction programme.
  • Seminars.
  • Journal clubs.

    Comparison to this qualification: The purpose and outcomes are similar. Both qualifications require a four-year qualification for admission.

    The University of Oxford in the United Kingdom offers an M.Sc. by Research in Biochemistry.
    Admission requirements: BSc (Honours) in Biochemistry.

    Qualification purpose: Aims to train learners in cutting-edge laboratory research applying techniques in bionanotechnology, biophysics, computational biology, microscopy, molecular biology, structural biology and systems biology.

    Qualification outcomes: Learners will acquire skills that will be necessary for the pursuance and presentation of research, as well as professional development as a research scientist.

    Curriculum structure (Modules):Two-year research programme.

    Assessment approach: Submit a research report and statement of future research plans, and take an independent assessment by two assessors. The research thesis is externally examined.

    Comparison this qualification: Both qualifications require submission of a report after one year to transfer to the second year.

    The University of Copenhagen in Denmark offers an MSc by Research in Biochemistry.
    Admission requirements: Bachelor's Degree in Biochemistry (4-year).

    Qualification purpose: Aims to provide learners with competences, skills and knowledge within one of the Biochemistry subject areas, with an individually chosen specialisation centred on an independent, experimental research project.

    Qualification outcomes: The learner will be trained to critically understand, analyse and evaluate theoretical and experimental methods in Biochemistry and evaluate scientific conclusions within their specialisation.

    Curriculum structure (Modules): Two-year research programme, including compulsory workshops.

    Assessment approach: Research thesis.

    Comparison to this qualification: The Denmark qualification contains some coursework modules. 
    		•

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

    Horizontal articulation:
  • Masters in a cognate field, NQF Level 9.

    Vertical articulation:
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Biochemistry, NQF 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.
     
    1. Nelson Mandela University 


    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.