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 Microbiology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
19242  Bachelor of Science Honours in Microbiology 
ORIGINATOR
University of Fort Hare 
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  Physical 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 first purpose of the qualification is to provide the qualifier with knowledge and skills to identify, assess and use natural science principles for personal practical experience in a range of career opportunities in science.

The second purpose is to provide South Africa with qualifiers equipped to meet the research and development challenges of the globalisation and who are able to develop a holistic approach to the identification and strategic solution of real-life problems.

The last purpose of the qualification is to provide South Africa with qualified manpower able to take on lucrative position both in public and private institutions in order to enhance the economic and scholarly activities. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
A Bachelor of Science qualification that should include Microbiology as a major is required for enrolment with this programme. 

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
N 

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
Exit level outcomes:

(1) The qualifier develops ability to dependent research in Microbiology and related fields.
(2 ) He/She manages data and information through their sampling, analysis and interpretation using reliable techniques.
(3 ) He/She communicates efficiently his research findings through various means of communication including oral presentation and written reports (i. e. dissertation, journal article, report and poster).
(4) He/She develops ability to identify and solve problems through critical and creative thinking.
(5) He/She is able to apply the knowledge gained through personal research in addressing real-life issues.

In order to ensure that the qualifiers meet the above outcomes their performance will be evaluated through active participation in the debate during lectures, formal tests (both oral and written), articulation of laboratory techniques, writing of scientific and technical reports as well as formal examination. The qualifiers must therefore show a number of abilities including being able to discuss the principles of microbiology, produce a number of scientific and technical reports to apply the knowledge and understanding of microbiology; and being able to actively take part in the debate during lectures and demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills in addressing issues related to natural science and microbiology, particularly. 

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
Integrated Assessment:

An ongoing assessment of the outcomes will be performed through evaluation of assignments, writing and oral presentation of seminars as well as through evaluation of the way the qualifier articulates learned skills such as specialised laboratory techniques in Microbiology and related fields.

A final assessment will consist of four written papers namely: General Microbiology, Techniques in Microbiology, Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering, and Biotechnology and Environmental Microbiology of three hours each. In addition to the above four papers, the qualifier must conduct a research project in Microbiology and write up a research report in scientific report format which must be submitted for evaluation as part of the final examination. 

ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
Qualifiers are able to get involved in various programmes. They can undertake other honours 'programmes such as Biology (Molecular Biology, Plant Science and Zoology)and Biotechnology. After completion of the B. S C programme, they can continue with a Master of Science programme in Microbiology, Genetics or Molecular Biology. They can in fact undertake any other programme as long as they meet the requirements for that level in this University or any other Institution. 

MODERATION OPTIONS 
A BSc (Hons) external examination by a suitably qualified academic from another University with adequate teaching and research experiences. This includes the evaluation of a written research report in the form of a journal article, an oral presentation of the research report as well as a representative sample of seminars and other assignments generated by the qualifier. 

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
An assessor should have preferably a doctoral (e. g. Ph. D) qualification with constant performance assessment and teaching experience in 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 Fort Hare 


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.