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 in Microbiology

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
12095	Bachelor of Science Honours in Microbiology
ORIGINATOR
University of Zululand
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Honours Degree	Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences		Mathematical Sciences
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	120	Level 7	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

Demonstrate knowledge and skills to identify, assess and use natural science principles for personal practical experience in a range of career opportunities in science

Provide South Africa with qualifiers equipped to meet the research and development challenges of globalisation with a focus on Microbiology and who are able to develop a holistic approach to the identification and strategic solution of real-life problems

Provide South Africa with qualified manpower able to take on lucrative position focussing on Microbiology both in public and private institutions in order to enhance economic and scholarly activities

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

BSc in Microbiology or equivalent approved by senate on recommendation of faculty board.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1 Develop ability to do dependent research in Microbiology and related fields
2 Manage data and information through sampling, analysis and interpretation using reliable techniques
3 Communicate research findings efficiently through various means of communication including oral presentation and written reports (i.e. dissertation, journal article, report and poster)
4 Develop abilities to identify and solve problems through critical and creative thinking
5 Apply the knowledge gained through personal research in addressing real-life issues

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

1 The various laboratory techniques used are articulated and explained
2 The principles of microbiology are discussed with confidence drawing upon an advanced knowledge base.
3 A number of scientific and technical reports are produced by applying knowledge and understanding of microbiology
4 Critical thinking and problem-solving skills are demonstrated during active participation in debates on issues related to natural science and microbiology

Integrated assessment

1. Progress is continuously monitored. One three hour paper is written in each of four theory questions papers.
2. A research project of limited extent must be successfully completed and presented as a project report.
3. Each candidate is subjected to a final oral examination.
4. All the academic staff in the Department in conjunction with the external moderators constitute an examination committee which will allocate the final mark after the oral examination in the presence of the examination committee.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

The qualification will provide entrance to enrol for the MSc degree at the University of Zululand as well as other institutions of tertiary education.

MODERATION OPTIONS

At least one external moderator who should have a PhD or equivalent qualification as approved by the senate on the recommendation of the faculty board.

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

At least two internal assessors for each course of whom at least one should have a PhD or equivalent qualification as approved by the senate on the recommendation of the faculty board.

REREGISTRATION HISTORY

As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2006; 2009; 2012; 2015.

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.	University of Zululand