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 Biological Sciences 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
122514  Master of Science in Biological Sciences 
ORIGINATOR
Sol Plaatje 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
Registered  EXCO 0525/24  2024-07-11  2027-07-11 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-07-11   2031-07-11  

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 primary purpose of the Master of Science in Biological Sciences qualification is to develop essential skills in the methods of scientific research, as part of vocational training for professional scientists. This qualification will embody aspects of practical training essential for functioning as a senior scientist in a work environment and being able to solve real-world problems.
The purpose is also to equip learners with the tools necessary to be professional academic practitioners in the field of Biological Sciences.
This qualification also intends to facilitate the development of highly generic cognitive and intellectual skills that would enable learners to apply their scientific knowledge and learned competencies to the current industry needs.

The qualification embodies aspects of academic training such as understanding of the scientific literature, critical independent thinking as well as further applications of the requirements of literacy, numeracy, and computer literacy necessary for scientific research.
The qualification will also help learners focus on a particular field of study, which allows them to gain specialized knowledge to advance in their field of specialization and become more competitive. A master's degree also makes it easier to transition into more senior positions.

The other purpose of this qualification is to provide South Africa with a significant number of learners in the biological sciences to ensure that the local leadership base of innovative and knowledge-based economic and scholarly activity in these fields is widened.

Upon completion of this qualification, the qualifying learner will be able to:
  • Develop the ability to work creatively and independently.
  • Engage in lifelong learning through well-developed learning skills, understand the need to maintain continued competence and keep abreast of up-to-date tools and techniques.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.
  • Apply ethical, cultural, and aesthetic sensitivity across a range of social contexts.
  • Apply proficiency with fundamental knowledge in at least one scientific area of research.
  • Apply reasoning, problem-solving, and technical skills to solve a problem with minimal guidance.

    Rationale:
    The proposed qualification responds to a real need in that there is a critical shortage of post-graduates with biological science qualifications, particularly in the Northern Cape. The goal is to promote human capital development and growth of the knowledge system that drives the development of new scientific knowledge to achieve a knowledge economy, economic growth and development.
    Learners of this qualification will be innovative and acquire problem-solving skills. 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 qualification also provides those who are or aspire to be professionally involved in higher education a unique opportunity to expand and improve their expertise and develop research skills in a field that is directly applicable to their professional positions and responsibilities.
    In certain industries, such as higher education or research-based organisations, graduate degrees offer mandatory training and the best path for certain jobs or promotions. The master's degree also has the advantage of developing the learner's skill set in science, writing and study. As a result, one can become a better problem solver and handle challenging tasks with greater ease.
    One can continue to build upon a wealth of expertise by obtaining a post-graduate degree, preparing one for a life of continuous learning with vertical articulation to a PhD in the Biological Sciences.

    A typical learner in this qualification is someone who has a BSc Honours degree in any science-related discipline and meets the minimum admission criteria. The learner would be eligible to apply for a PhD degree at any university after successful completion of this course. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    RPL provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify.

    RPL for access:
  • Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.
  • To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations.

    RPL for credit:
  • Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.
  • Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Science Honours, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Biological Sciences, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • A Postgraduate Diploma, NQF Level 8, in a cognate field. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

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

    Elective Modules, NQF Level 9, totalling 180 Credits (Select one):
  • Botany Research, 180 Credits.
  • Biochemistry Research, 180 Credits.
  • Microbiology Research, 180 Credits.
  • Zoology Research, 180 Credits.
  • Genetics Research, 180 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Develop the ability to work creatively and independently.
    2. Engage in lifelong learning through well-developed learning skills, understand the need to maintain continued competence, and keep abreast of up-to-date tools and techniques.
    3. Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.
    4. Apply ethical, cultural, and aesthetic sensitivity across a range of social contexts.
    5. Apply proficiency with fundamental knowledge in at least one scientific area of research.
    6. Apply reasoning, problem-solving, and technical skills to solve a problem with minimal guidance.
    7. Communicate effectively in writing and verbally and present the research findings.
    8. Demonstrate advanced ability in techniques of scientific computing and independent mastery of an advanced topic to solve problems in the field of study. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 1.
  • Account for own work and reflect a thorough understanding of the scientific principles underlying the project.
  • Operate independently and take full responsibility for self and work, and, where appropriate, lead, oversee and be held ultimately accountable for the overall governance of processes and systems.
  • Work with minimal supervision, be able to isolate quality sources of information and synthesize this information appropriately to support their work.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 2.
  • Maintain continued competence and keep abreast of up-to-date tools and techniques.
  • Manage self-learning and develop own learning strategies which sustain independent learning and academic or professional development.
  • Interact effectively within the learning or professional group as a means of enhancing learning.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 3.
  • Engage context and systems to resolve theoretical underpinnings in the management of complex systems to achieve systemic change.
  • Illustrate an understanding of; and the ability to independently design, sustain and manage change within a system or systems.
  • Design, select and apply appropriate and creative methods, techniques, processes or technologies to complex practical and theoretical problems.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 4.
  • Identify, address, and manage emerging ethical issues across a range of social contexts.
  • Advance the processes of ethical decision-making, across a range of social contexts.
  • Monitor and evaluate the consequences of the decisions taken to address ethics in the professional practice, where appropriate.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 5.
  • Illustrate specialist knowledge to enable engagement with and critique of current research or practices, as well as advanced scholarship or research in a particular field, discipline, or practice.
  • Deepen knowledge of current and future trends in the selected field, discipline, or practice.
  • Investigate existing knowledge thoroughly as reflected in the appropriate scientific literature.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 6.
  • Apply a wide range of specialised skills in identifying, conceptualising, designing, and implementing methods of enquiry.
  • Address complex and challenging problems within a field, discipline, or practice; and show an understanding of the consequences of any solutions or insights generated within a specialised context.
  • Implement appropriate interventions to analyse simple and complex problems.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 7.
  • Produce and communicate information using the resources of academic and professional or occupational discourses.
  • Defend substantial ideas that are the products of research or development in an area of specialisation.
  • Apply a range of advanced and specialised skills and discourses appropriate to a field, discipline, or practice, to communicate with a range of audiences with different levels of knowledge or expertise.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 8.
  • Illustrate a command of and the ability to design, select and apply appropriate and creative methods, techniques, processes, or technologies to complex practical and theoretical problems.
  • Evaluate current processes of knowledge production and choose an appropriate process of enquiry for the area of study or practice.
  • Apply advanced ability in techniques of scientific computing and research skills to develop evidence-based solutions to existing problems in the field of study.

    INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT
    The master's degree is assessed on an ongoing demonstration of competence to apply specialist knowledge in the advanced field of study. These ongoing demonstrations are required so that learners are given feedback on the progress of their dissertation. Ultimately, a dissertation is submitted based on the research undertaken in a particular field of study.
    This dissertation forms the sole basis of the assessment process which constitutes a final oral presentation and a dissertation research report. The final oral presentation and a dissertation research report must provide proof of the candidate's capability to plan, carry out and report on a sound research endeavour.

    Examinations and pass requirements:
    The final assessment outcome may be one of four recommendations, namely, approve the dissertation with no corrections to be made and award a distinction mark of 75% or above and a pass mark between 50% and 74.
    Provisionally approve the dissertation with minor corrections to the satisfaction of the supervisor and award a distinction mark of 75% or above, pass mark between 50% and 74.
    Recommend substantial amendments to the dissertation without awarding a mark considering deficiencies identified in the narrative report and that the revised dissertation be resubmitted for reassessment. (The mark will be capped at 50%).
    Reject the dissertation awarding a fail (less than 50%) in which case no reassessment is recommended or considered. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Country: United Kingdom
    Institution: University of Bristol
    Qualification title: Master of Science in Biological Sciences by research.
    Duration: Two years
    Entry requirements:
  • Honours degree
    Or
  • Equivalent in biological science or related discipline.

    Purpose/Rationale
    The postgraduates make a vital research contribution while developing skills and receiving training in communication, outreach, statistics, scientific writing, and career planning.
    The overarching aim is to lead fundamental and applied research that can address the major biological challenges of the 21st Century, contributing to a brighter future for humanity and the natural world.

    Course structure:
    Module:
  • Ecology and environmental change.
  • Plant and agricultural sciences
  • Animal behaviour and sensory biology.
  • Evolutionary biology.

    Similarities:
  • The University of Bristol (UB) and the South African (SA) qualifications both accept learners who have completed an honours degree in the related field.
  • Both qualifications are offered over two years, and the assessment is wholly based on the thesis.
  • The two qualifications aim to develop professional scientists who take the lead in scientific research.
  • The UB qualification aims to lead fundamental and applied research that can address the major biological challenges of the 21st Century, contributing to a brighter future for humanity and the natural world.
  • The SA qualification intends to facilitate the development of highly generic cognitive and intellectual skills that would enable learners to apply their scientific knowledge and learned competencies to the current industry needs, and scholarly activity in these fields is widened.
  • Both qualifications vertically articulate into a PhD degree.

    Country: Australia
    Institution: University of New South Wales
    Qualification title: Master by Research Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences
    Duration: Two years
    Credits: 96
    Entry requirement:
  • Bachelor's degree with Honours that includes a substantial research component.

    Purpose:
    The master's program is an advanced area of study where learners may obtain specialist knowledge in a particular area of science. These research programs focus on training learners to be innovative and independent. Learners are required to dedicate most of their time to research and the preparation of a master's thesis.

    Course structure
    Modules:
  • Biochemistry & Molecular Genetics.
  • Biotechnology.
  • Microbiology & Immunology.

    Similarities:
  • The University of New South Wales (UNSW) and the South African (SA) qualifications are both offered over two years and accept learners who have completed an Honours degree in the related field.
  • The UNSW qualification is an advanced area of study where learners may obtain specialist knowledge in a particular area of science.
  • The SA qualification will help learners focus on a particular field of study, which allows them to gain specialized knowledge to advance in their field of specialization.
  • UNSW focuses on training learners to be innovative and independent; the SA qualification also intends to facilitate the development of highly generic cognitive and intellectual skills that would enable learners to apply their scientific knowledge.
  • Both qualifications have similar research fields in their study such as Microbiology and Biochemistry research.

    Differences:
    The SA qualification consists of 180 credits whereas the UNSW consist of 96 credits. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Science in Medical Microbiology, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Science in Microbiology, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Science in Biochemistry, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Science in Ethnobotany, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Science, NQF Level 9.

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

    Diagonal Articulation
    There is no diagonal articulation for this qualification. 
    		•

    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. Sol Plaatje 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.