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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Science Honours 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
16218  Bachelor of Science Honours 
ORIGINATOR
Rhodes 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
Honours Degree  Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences  Life 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 
The aim of the qualification is to produce high-quality learners who have a detailed understanding of a specialised field of science and are able to undertake research as part of a team.

It is widely accepted that South Africa is short of well-trained, critically thinking scientists who are capable of proceeding towards independent, high quality research. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL):
Learners are granted credit for equivalent prior learning and experience as determined by the institution's rules governing the recognition of prior learning and experience.

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

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    N/A 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. The learner will be competent to apply specialist knowledge and basic research methods to solve problems and answer questions.
    2. The learner will have skills in both written and oral scientific communication.
    3. The learner will understand the nature of scientific endeavour and appreciate the need for life-long learning. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated assessment criteria.
  • Demonstrate a detailed knowledge and understanding of the information, concepts and principles applicable to the selected subject.
  • Using this knowledge, participate in identifying problems, formulating questions and developing research protocols.
  • Collect, analyse and critically evaluate data needed to answer the questions formulated in 2.
  • Work effectively with other members of a team or group.
  • Organise and manage themselves and their time effectively.
  • Communicate the results of the research in both the written and spoken word.
  • Use science and technology effectively and critically, with due care for the environment and health of others and with due consideration of cultural differences.
  • Communicate their understanding of their subject and their research results in both the spoken and written word.
  • Use appropriate technology to facilitate communication.
  • Values and Attitudes outcomes.
  • Appreciate the need to publish research results.
  • Possess a framework of knowledge against which new information can be assessed.
  • Be able to access and evaluate new information from libraries and other appropriate sources.
  • Understand that science advances through the acquisition and application of new information to address unanswered questions.
  • Appreciate that, since science is constantly evolving, there is a need for life-long learning.

    Integrated assessment appropriately incorporated to ensure that the purpose of the qualification is achieved:
    1. Assessment procedures adhere to Institution Assessment Policy.
    2. Assessment entails three elements:
    > Continual formal assessment both formative and summative;
    > Continual informal assessment (formative);
    > Formal end of course assessment (summative).

    The course work on which continuous assessment is based includes work done individually and in groups and may consist of combinations of tests, essays, practical reports and seminars. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification compares with the following international qualifications in terms of the range of competencies in the learning content offered. 

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

    Horizontal articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Science, Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Mathematics, Level 8.

    Vertical articulation:
  • Master of Applied Sciences, Level 9.
  • Master of Science, Level 9. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    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. Rhodes 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.