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 THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE:

Master of Science: Life Sciences: Biochemistry

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
17418	Master of Science: Life Sciences: Biochemistry
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	240	Level 8 and above	NQF Level 09	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered"		SAQA 0695/12	2012-07-01	2014-12-31
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2015-12-31		2018-12-31

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 is replaced by:

Qual ID	Qualification Title	Pre-2009 NQF Level	NQF Level	Min Credits	Replacement Status
96574	Master of Science in Life Sciences	Not Applicable	NQF Level 09	180	Complete

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

The programme allows students to specialise in Biochemistry in research on a selected relevant topic within the Departmental programme of biomass utilisation. The knowledge, skills and applied competence acquired during graduate and Honours programmes are utilised and developed for further career opportunities in a wide range of fields, including further study. The programme will form a basis for innovative individual post-graduate specialisation, as well as an established career in Biochemistry.

The programme provides a basic background in the application of molecular concepts of all biotical systems and develops a practical and applied-oriented approach towards the use of knowledge and technical skills. The researcher/student will also be able to identify, investigate and present solutions for biological problems through critical and creative thinking and research.

The basic skills required to function efficiently as a professional or to further his/her studies will be instilled in the learner. This includes the ability to work in a team, efficient communication, respect for others, responsibility towards the environment, understanding the role of basic science in the biological world, as well as the value of an innovative approach to life in general.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Matriculation Exemption Certificate

First degree

Honours degree

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

The learner will know and understand how to apply the basic biochemical principles and processes that sustain life. He/she will have a basic schooling in the chemical, physical and mathematical concepts related to life and how to use it to outline and explain the mechanisms and principles of structure function relationships of biomolecules, as well as the way in which molecules form the basis for living systems and life.

The learner will know how to access and process literature on a variety of biological topics. He/she will be able to plan and conduct a research project in the selected field of specialisation. He/she will be able to utilise biochemistry in applications in the environment and to initiate logical investigations in this regard.
The learner will demonstrate the ability to work effectively with others, 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 biochemical approach to biological and applied science fields.

* Demonstration of an understanding that the biological and material world is a complex set of related systems and that problem solving contexts do not exist in isolation and is dependent upon a fundamental knowledge of the different biological sciences.

* Demonstration of sensitivity to area related environmental and social issues related to biochemistry and applied biochemistry, as well as an approach towards applying science to the advantage of mankind.

* Ability to conduct a defined research project to a logical conclusion and to communicate the basic scientific facts and truths efficiently using visual, mathematical and language skills.

* Ability to collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information related to the specific field of research, and to prepare scientific publications.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Continuous formative and summative assessment methods, such as seminar and lecture presentations, workplace assessment, project work, written and oral tutorials, written thesis with detailed discussion and evaluation of results.

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

1. Simulations
2. Work-place assessments

Ability to conduct experimental biochemical research and report it in acceptable thesis format, as well as writing and submitting research articles regarding the work to internationally accepted journals.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification serves as an entry point to the related qualification(s):
Ph.D

MODERATION OPTIONS

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

External examination for all theses. Supervision by Study leaser/promoter.

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

Ph.D. in Biochemistry

Academic or industrial experience in subject area, 2-5 years minimum.

An interest or participation in applied Biochemistry or Biotechnology field.

REREGISTRATION HISTORY

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

NOTES

N/A

LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION:

When qualifications are replaced, some of their learning programmes are moved to being recorded against the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replacement.

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