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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Science Honours 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
115295  Bachelor of Science Honours 
ORIGINATOR
University of Limpopo 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
The individual Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary for each Learning Programme recorded against this qualification is shown in the table at the end of this report.  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 
Purpose:
The Bachelor of Science Honours is a Postgraduate specialisation in Science which prepares learners for further research-based Postgraduate studies. The qualification provides learners with a specialisation in, and advanced knowledge of a particular science discipline building on the knowledge acquired from an undergraduate qualification. Learners will have skills, proficiencies, attitudes, dispositions and values required for further research and learning, and for employment in the particular disciplinary area studied.

Rationale:
The qualification:
  • Expands the learner's knowledge in relevant Science fields;
  • Trains learners to conduct research in relevant Science fields;
  • Assists learners to plan basic research projects, surveys and data collection.

    In the context with the National Development Plan 2030, Science and Technology continue to revolutionise the way goods and services are produced and traded. South Africa needs to use its knowledge and innovative products to compete. Increased competencies in the science and technology areas advance the National Development imperatives and sustain the environment, develops the niche areas of Science and Technology and advancing a sustainable economy. Qualifying learners provide the essential bridge between Bachelor graduates and those continuing to higher qualifications such a Masters and Doctorates. This qualification provides learners with the required academic qualification to register with the South African Council for Scientific Professions at a Professional level and can take accountability and contribute towards scientific initiatives, reports and research. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may be used for access to the qualification. This qualification may be achieved in part through the recognition of relevant prior learning and experience as per the institution 's RPL policy. Appropriate assessment tasks and tools are designed to assess individual learners against the module/course outcomes on a case by case basis, with detailed records maintained.

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

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

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

    Stream 1: Information Technology:
    Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 40 Credits:
  • Research Project (Computer Science), 40 Credits.

    Elective Modules, 80 Credits (Choose four):
  • Speech Technology, 20 Credits.
  • Databases, 20 Credits.
  • Computer Networks, 20 Credits.
  • Compiler Construction Theory, 20 Credits.
  • Artificial Intelligence, 20 Credits.
  • Advanced Operating Systems, 20 Credits.
  • Software Engineering, 20 Credits.
  • Switching and Finite Automata Theory, 20 Credits.
  • Computer Security, 20 Credits.

    Stream 2: Statistics:
    Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 80 Credits:
  • Research Project (Statistics), 40 Credits.
  • Probability Theory, 20 Credits.
  • Statistical Inference, 20 Credits.

    Elective Modules, 40 Credits (Choose two):
  • Nonparametric Statistical Inference, 20 Credits.
  • Multivariate Analysis, 20 Credits.
  • Advanced Time Series Analysis, 20 Credits.
  • Sampling Theory, 20 Credits.
  • Biostatistics, 20 Credits.
  • Stochastic Processes, 20 Credits.
  • Categorical Data Analysis, 20 Credits.
  • Methods of Operations Research, 20 Credits.
  • Advanced Mathematical Programming, 20 Credits.

    Stream 3: Chemistry:
    Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 120 Credits:
  • Research Project (Chemistry), 40 Credits.
  • Advanced Organic Chemistry, 20 Credits.
  • Advanced Inorganic Chemistry, 20 Credits.
  • Advanced Physical Chemistry, 20 Credits.
  • Advanced Analytical Chemistry, 20 Credits.

    Stream 4: Physics:
    Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 120 Credits:
  • Research Project (Physics), 40 Credits.
  • Quantum Mechanics, 20 Credits.
  • Statistical Mechanics, 20 Credits.
  • Electrodynamics, 20 Credits.
  • Solid State Physics, 20 Credits.

    Stream 5: Geology:
    Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 120 Credits:
  • Research Project (Geology), 40 Credits.
  • African Geology and Ore deposit Genesis, 20 Credits.
  • Advanced Petrology and Petrography, 20 Credits.
  • Prospecting and Reserve Evaluation, 20 Credits.
  • Ore Mineralogy, Microscopy and Genesis, 20 Credits.

    Stream 6: Biochemistry:
    Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 120 Credits:
  • Research Project (Biochemistry), 40 Credits.
  • General Separation and Analytical Techniques, 20 Credits.
  • Advanced Molecular Biology, 20 Credits.
  • Advanced Industrial Biotechnology, 20 Credits.
  • Bioinformatics and Special Topics, 20 Credits.

    Stream 7: Microbiology:
    Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 120 Credits:
  • Research Project (Microbiology), 40 Credits.
  • General Separation and Analytical Techniques, 20 Credits.
  • Advanced Molecular Biology, 20 Credits.
  • Advanced Industrial Biotechnology, 20 Credits.
  • Bioinformatics and Special Topics, 20 Credits.

    Stream 8: Physiology:
    Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 120 Credits:
  • Research project (Physiology), 40 Credits.
  • Chronic diseases of Lifestyle and Target Organ Toxicology, 20 Credits.
  • Occupational Hygiene, 20 Credits.
  • Reproductive and Sexual Health, 20 Credits.
  • Occupational Health, 20 Credits.

    Stream 9: Botany:
    Compulsory Modules, Level 8,120 Credits:
  • Research Project (Botany), 40 Credits.
  • Plant Micropropagation and its Application, 20 Credits.
  • Plant Transformation, 20 Credits.
  • Savannah Ecology, 20 Credits.
  • Plant responses to environmental and climate change, 20 Credits.

    Stream 10: Zoology:
    Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 120 Credits:
  • Research Project (Zoology), 40 Credits.
  • Parasitology, 20 Credits.
  • Wildlife Management in Arid Regions, 20 Credits.
  • Biological Systematics, 20 Credits.
  • Freshwater Ecosystems, 20 Credits.

    Stream 11: Applied Mathematics:
    Compulsory Modules, 116 Credits:
  • Research Project (Applied Mathematics), 32 Credits.
  • Mathematical Modelling with Differential Equations I, 12 Credits.
  • Stochastic Differential Equations, 12 Credits.
  • Advanced Numerical Analysis, 12 Credits.
  • Mathematical Modelling with Differential Equations II, 12 Credits.
  • Hydrodynamic Stability, 12 Credits.
  • Financial Mathematics, 12 Credits.
  • Numerical Solution of Partial Differential Equations, 12 Credits.

    Elective Modules, 30 Credits (Choose one):
  • Advanced Mathematical Programming, 8 Credits.
  • Mathematical Biology, 8 Credits.
  • General Theory of Relativity, Credits.

    Stream 12: Mathematics:
    Compulsory Modules, 104 Credits:
  • Research Project (Mathematics), 32 Credits.
  • Structures of Groups, 12 Credits.
  • General Topology, 12 Credits.
  • Measure Theory and Integration, 12 Credits.
  • Functional Analysis, 12 Credits.
  • Category Theory, 12 Credits.
  • Rings, Fields and Galois Theory, 12 Credits.

    Elective Modules, 16 Credits (Choose two):
  • Complex Analysis, 8 Credits.
  • Approximation Theory, 8 Credits.
  • Graph Theory, 8 Credits.
  • Combinatorics, 8 Credits.
  • Number Theory, 8 Credits.
  • Potential Theory, 8 Credits.

    Stream 13: Geography:
    Compulsory Modules, 60 Credits:
  • Research Project (Geography), 40 Credits.
  • Development of Philosophy and Methodology in Geography, 20 Credits.

    Elective Modules, 60 Credits (Choose three):
  • Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Applications, 20 Credits.
  • Demographic Studies, 20 Credits.
  • Natural Resource Ecology, 20 Credits.
  • Sustainable Resource Development, 20 Credits.
  • Elements of Environmental Management, 20 Credits.
  • Land Degradation, 20 Credits.
  • Tourism Development, 20 Credits.

    Stream 14: Aquaculture:
    Compulsory Modules, 120 Credits:
  • Research Project (Aquaculture), 40 Credits.
  • Fish biology and principles of aquaculture, 20 Credits.
  • Fish nutrition and fish diseases, 20 Credits.
  • Fish genetics and breeding, 20 Credits.
  • Research Methodology and Statistics, 20 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Provide a conceptual critique of specialised knowledge within a particular field of interest.
    2. Research the literature and other available resources to gain a better insight into the topics at hand
    3. Synthesise information from relevant sources and apply them to real problems.
    4. Identify a relevant research question and attempt to answer this through planning an appropriate research protocol.
    5. Make an informed decision on the types of methods and techniques available to execute, analyse and report on a research topic within their field of specialisation.
    6. Make decisions on ethical values and practices within their field of specialisation.
    7. Communicate effectively regarding topics with their field of specialisation. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
    Disciplinary knowledge is:
  • Reflect in the correct use of the terminology, concepts, principles and theories in written and oral communication;
  • Participate in the critical appraisal of the relationship among concepts and principles of the specialised disciplines;
  • Demonstrate a depth of comprehension of advanced and contemporary topics;
    And
  • Propose solutions to well-structured and practical problems (both concrete and abstract).

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Source relevant information through access to various kinds of information resources, such as the library, Internet, and primary and secondary sources related to the core discipline.
  • Reflect on the diversity, complexity and multi-dimensionality of a context and how that affects the particular work being undertaken.
  • Identify the strengths, weaknesses and opportunities of the context pf extracted information for addressing specific problems.
  • Describe relevant factors about the context and performance(s) in these contexts and how they affect the particular work being undertaken.
  • Identify critical factors impacting on practical problems for investigation from the perspective of the discipline.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Structure of a literature survey by showing understanding of the question and indicating the direction of the answer through laying out the subsections of the essay and their linkages with the overall theme.
  • Clearly, state the context in which the basic concepts and assumptions of the research question are to be evaluated in the literature survey.
  • Develop logically coherent arguments as well as citing and discussing illustrative examples.
  • Draw a conclusion that is consistent with the arguments raised in the literature survey and suggest possible alternatives.
  • Present the literature survey/research report according to appropriate and/or recommended word processing and referencing protocol.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Identify a valid research question after reviewing relevant literature sources and pose it in a coherent yet succinct manner.
  • Review various methodologies that could be used to attend to the research question and validate the use, or not, thereof to solve the problem.
  • Under the guidance of a supervisor draft a coherent research plan, taking into account resource availability, statistical approaches used, and ethical protocols that are required to be observed, and ensuring the safety of life and the environment.
  • Draft a research protocol in the acceptable format for approval at a research approval committee.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Apply experimental or computational procedures identified from the research protocol accurately, conserving resources and with due diligence to the sensitivity of equipment, consumables and safety.
  • Collect and record appropriate data truthfully and in the appropriate format.
  • Analyse results using relevant methods and interpret them accordingly.
  • Argue persuasively about such analyses and interpretations and draw a valid conclusion.
  • Present the research orally/or in written format using appropriate discourse and presentation techniques, considering the audience.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Discuss the ethical implications of various kinds of research and be able to act accordingly.
  • Work within the specifications of the discipline and be able to refer work appropriately.
  • Actively engage in ethical debate providing a balanced view using theories and evidence previously provided in the specialised area.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Express own opinions clearly and coherently, justify a position and present it logically, systematically using properly substantiated arguments.
  • Communication should show an awareness of audience, and capability in using different modes of communication (oral and written) and discipline-specific conventions, and utilisation of different techniques and strategies for communicating results.

    Integrated Assessment:
    This qualification integrates learning and assessment. The continuous formative assessment ensures that learners get feedback on their progress towards the achievement of specific learning outcomes. Assignments designed to meet the requirements of integrated assessment and to achieve the exit-level outcomes. The integrated assessment demonstrates that learners achieved the purpose of the qualification as a whole, either in to or in the stated modules.

    Summative assessment is concerned with the judgement of the learning about the exit level outcomes of the qualification. Such judgement includes integrated assessment which assesses the learner's ability to integrate the larger body of knowledge, competencies and attitudes. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The University of Auckland in New Zealand offers a Bachelor of Science Honours qualifications in many natural science disciplines. Learners access the qualification with a Bachelor Degree and may articulate to a relevant Masters qualification on completion. The purpose of this one-year qualification that tops off a three-year Bachelor Degree extends a learner's knowledge in a specialist area at Postgraduate level with an introduction towards research. This is similar to this qualification in terms of articulation, purpose and outcomes.

    Similarly, the University of Sydney in Australia offers a Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in various disciplines. It is a one-year qualification that articulates with Masters studies. The qualification improves the employability skills, problem-solving skills, teamwork and planning skills amongst others and provides a unique opportunity for learners to explore their research potential and put the theory from their undergraduate studies into practice. The course combines a depth of discipline knowledge with the skills and competencies of entry-level research engagement which is very similar to this qualification.

    At many of the Universities in the United Kingdom, the Bachelor of Science honours Degree differentiates from this qualification in that they are three-year qualifications, starting with a school leavers certificate with three A levels, and articulating to a Masters qualification. Although different in structure and the route to meet this qualification, they align in the specialisation of the disciplinary knowledge, as well as the research component which provides learners with foundational skills in research. An example of this is the Bachelor of Science Honours programme offered by the University of Liverpool in the United Kingdom. 

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Chemistry, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Geology, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Information Technology, NQF Level 8.

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

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    LP ID Learning Programme Title Originator Pre-2009
    NQF Level    		 NQF Level Min Credits Learning Prog End Date Quality
    Assurance
    Functionary    		 NQF Sub-Framework
    117097  Bachelor of Science Honours in Medical Sciences  Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  120  2027-06-30  CHE  HEQSF 
    115848  Bachelor of Science Honours in Medical Sciences  University of Limpopo  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  120       HEQSF 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THESE LEARNING PROGRAMMES: 
    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.
     
    LP ID Learning Programme Title Accredited Provider
    117097  Bachelor of Science Honours in Medical Sciences  Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences 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.