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: 

Master of Science in Microbiology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
115180  Master of Science in Microbiology 
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:
Learners with a Master of Science in Microbiology will be able to:
  • Provide more specialist and focused training in a specific sub-discipline of Microbiology;
  • Aims to enhance specific research-related skills in Microbiology;
  • Demonstrate an understanding of research- and topic-related concepts, principles and acquired knowledge in Microbiology;
  • Demonstrate innovative problem-solving skills to answer the question(s) or prove or disprove the research hypotheses stated in the problem statement or motivation by analysing data collected using quantitative and qualitative methods;
  • Demonstrate effective oral and written modes of communication in English by:
  • Presenting results at conferences, research seminars or through journal papers;
  • Preparation of a written dissertation, with recognition of intellectual property rights;
  • Demonstrate the use of Microbiological principles and technology effectively and critically;
  • Demonstrate the ability to transfer the application of knowledge and skills across contexts by using existing studies and knowledge applied to the particular question/s or hypotheses stated in the research project.
  • Demonstrate the ability to work in a team effectively, considerately and responsibly, through effective collaboration with their supervisor(s) and other members of the research team;
  • Demonstrate the necessary applied thinking, learning and research skills, for the project to be a success;
  • Demonstrate learning independence through effective project management skills - for example, time-management, resource management and people management.

    Rationale:
    The qualification is a research-based that aims to provide learners with competences, skills and knowledge within the biochemistry subject area, with an individually chosen specialisation centred on an independent, experimental research project. It is needed to improve the skills and qualifications of BSc (Hons) Microbiology learners primarily originating in the Eastern Province region but also to all other learners as well. There is a dire need in the Province to increase the skill levels of the learners to support and improve the economy of the region and the country. Learners of the 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. Learners will be more highly trained and skilled in Microbiological techniques and procedures and be adequately prepared for working in the industry. Learners will be employable in the food, water and beverage industries, in the biotechnology laboratory and related medical industries and the animal and agricultural sectors.

    The Master of Science in Microbiology is designed to:
  • Provide more specialist and focused training in a specific sub-discipline of Microbiology;
  • Aims to enhance specific research-related skills in Microbiology;
  • Provide learners with access vertically towards a PhD in Microbiology. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Learners who have completed a BSc (Hons) in Microbiology are eligible for entry into the qualification. Learners will be assessed by a panel composed of Biochemistry and Microbiology academic and research staff. Specific Microbiology-based outcomes and skills that are essential for the success of the intended project are discussed to evaluate whether the learner would have a reasonable chance of completing the qualification.

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

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 9 totalling 180 Credits. 

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

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 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.
  • Properly and adequately interpret the data.
  • Defend the data/results/conclusions that were obtained/arrived at.

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

    Integrated Assessment:
    Assessment is ongoing throughout the research. It takes the form of defence of a written research proposal and oral conference presentations once or twice a year at a conference held within the Department. Assessment may also include presentation/s of research results at national and international conferences. At such presentations, learners 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 
  • Country: United State America.
  • Institution: Clemson University.
  • Qualification Title: Master of Science in Microbiology.

    The qualification aims to broaden the learners' skills through critical thinking and experimentation. The qualification provides an environment for the learner to learn how to think critically, pose questions and answer them by experimentation, perform library research, write and communicate in scientific formats, and develop into a mature, articulate, and competent scientist.

    Conclusion:
    Similar to this qualification except the course work is only done in necessary cases.
  • Country: United Kingdom.
  • Institution: University of Kent.
  • Qualification Title: Master of Science in Microbiology (Research).

    The qualification provides research expertise and professional skills in contemporary microbiology, opening up a future career in academic research or in the health-care sector. Learners are equipped with transferable skills that are highly valued in the workplace. The research-led ethos ensures that learners explore the frontiers of scientific knowledge, and the intensive practical components provide rigorous training in cutting edge technical skills that are used in the modern biosciences while working in areas of world-leading expertise within the School. Learners will be employed in pharmaceutical and biotechnological companies, academic research or in the health-care sector.

    Conclusion:
    Similar to this qualification except this qualification is offered two years full-time and three years part-time.
  • Country: Sweden.
  • Institution: Lund University.
  • Qualification Title: Master of Science in Molecular Biology, Microbiology.

    The qualification spans from the use of microbial model organisms to understand the function and evolution of cellular processes to the enormous importance of microbes in biotechnology, the food and pharmaceutical industries, hygiene, environmental biotechnology. Much of this potential is still unexplored, and the qualification provides tools and knowledge for a career.

    Conclusion:
    Similar to this qualification except this qualification has no formal examinations. Research at culminates in a written dissertation that is sent for external examination by independent examiners. 
    		•

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • A cognate Masters, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Science in Botany, NQF Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Microbiology, NQF Level 10. 
    		•

    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.