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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Science in Microbiology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
17391  Master of Science in Microbiology 
ORIGINATOR
University of Venda 
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  Level 8 and above  NQF Level 09  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 degree provides to strengthen the knowledge and background of students in terms of the use of advanced serological techniques in the diagnosis of microorganisms.

To enable students to undertake microbiological research aimed at solving problems relevant to the needs of the community.

The learner will be assigned a project and be able to identify and present solutions for a specific problem through critical and creative thinking by demonstrating proficiency in the selection and application of techniques in order to solve the problem related to microbiology.

To endow the students with adequate skills to function efficiently as a professional, to work individually or as a member of a team on a project, efficient communication, respect for others, responsibility and understanding the role of the micro-organism in health, the environment and the industry, will be instilled in the student.

To endow student with the ability to write and present scientific papers.

To endow the student with the ability to criticise, analyse and interpret scientific data. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Matriculation Exemption Certificate

First degree with a symbol of at least 60% in MBY 300

Honours degree 

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
N 

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
The learner will be able to discuss and apply microbial techniques in order to produce results and come up with a solution to a relevant microbial problem.

The learner will be able to demonstrate knowledge, understanding and competence within the field of microbiology.

The student will demonstrate the ability to fully characterise microorganisms and perform routine and specific microbiological tests in relation to their applications.

The learner will know how to access and process literature on a variety of microbiological topics. He/she will be able to identify microbiological problems in his/her environment and to present logical solutions to the problem.

The learners will demonstrate the ability to work effectively as an individual on a specific project assigned to him/her, as well as working with others as a team member, to function in an organised manner, to evaluate information critically and to communicate effectively.

Specify critical cross-field outcomes:

* Demonstration of the ability to access, evaluate and summarise existing information in a logical manner.

* Ability to use scientific knowledge and skills for responsible decision making in the microbiological field.

* Ability to communicate efficiently using visual and language skills.

* Ability to collect, analyse, organise, apply and critically evaluate information.

* Demonstration of an understanding f a specific problem and the use of literature to discuss and solve the problem. 

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
Continuous formative and summative assessment methods, such as tutorials project report, workplace assessments, written and oral assignments, tests and examinations.

Integrated assessment incorporated to ensure that the purpose of the degree is achieved:

1. Simulations
2. Work-place assessments
3. Written examinations
4. Oral examinations 

ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
This qualification serves as an entry point to the related qualification(s):
B.Sc. Honours in Microbiology


This qualification provides credits for the related qualification(s):
B.Sc. Microbiology
B.Sc. Honours in Microbiology
M.Sc. In Microbiology 

MODERATION OPTIONS 
State measures to ensure that assessment is fair, reliable and valid:

The supervisor of the project must both have at least 5 years or more experience in the field of microbiology, have a M.Sc or PhD degree with a good tract record in related research.

External examiners should have Ph.D with good tract record in microbiological field. 

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
Internal Assessors: M.Sc or Ph.D in Microbiology
External Assessors: PhD in Microbiology

Academic teaching experience in Microbiological field and evidence of active research output in any area of microbiology 

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 Venda 


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.