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 Biological Sciences 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
17411  Bachelor of Science Honours in Biological Sciences 
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
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 qualification develops the knowledge, skills and applied competence required to become a professional scientist in the biological field with specialisation in either Botany, Zoology Ethnobiology or Conservation Biology. It prepares the learner as a researcher in a wide range of biological disciplines such as biological conservation, water resource management, biotechnology, indigenous technology, eco-tourism, etc.

The qualification provides a strong background in the scientific method including computer literacy, biometry, planning, conducting and reporting of research projects as well as theoretical and applied competence within selected fields of specialisation.

The basic skills required to function efficiently as a scientific such as creative thinking, ability to identify problems, objective, ability to work in a team, efficient communication and an understanding of basic biological processes and interactions will be instilled in the learner. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences, NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstration of the ability to access, evaluate and summarise existing information in a logical manner.
    2. Use scientific knowledge and skills for responsible decision making in the biological field.
    3. Demonstration of an understanding that the material world is a complex set of related systems and that solving contexts do not exist in isolation.
    4. Demonstration sensitivity to environmental and social issues.
    5. Communicate efficiently using visual, mathematical and language skills.
    6. Collect, organise, analyse and critically evaluate information. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following associated assessment criteria apply across all Exit Level Outcomes:
  • Access existing information through standard library mechanisms as well as through the Internet and be familiar with basic biometry.
  • Use standard statistical programmes to analyse and interpret data.
  • Compile a logical literary review on selected topics.
  • Identify problems within his specialist field.
  • Plan, conduct and report a research a topic.
  • Work efficiently in a team, to function in an organised manner, to evaluate information critically and to communicate effectively.
  • Demonstrate competence in his field of expertise.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Evaluation of participation in group discussions. Evaluation of competence as a research apprentice. Marking of essays, seminars, project proposals and research reports. Evaluation of presentation of seminars and research reports. Practical examination on computer. Oral and written examinations.

    1. Work-place assessments.
    2. Written examinations.
    3. Oral examinations. 
    		•

    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 possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Biological Sciences in Chemistry, NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Science in Biological Sciences, NQF 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. 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.