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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Doctor of Philosophy in Biochemistry 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
19856  Doctor of Philosophy in Biochemistry 
ORIGINATOR
University of Zululand 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Doctoral Degree  Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences  Mathematical Sciences 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Level 8 and above  NQF Level 10  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 
To become conversant regarding the execution of independent original basic and applied research.
Be able to make an original contribution towards the basic and applied knowledge in the field of Biochemistry.
Be able to write a thesis and compile from it research articles to be published in international journals based on independent original research in the field of Biochemistry. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
MSc in Biochemistry 

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
N 

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
1 Show an ability to do independent research in Biochemistry
2 Develop the ability to write a cohesive report on the results of an advanced research project
3 Further developed skills in presenting research results orally
4 Publish a prescribed number of publications accepted by NATED-rated journals
5 Develop an advanced ability to identify and solve problems that require critical and creative thinking
6 Utilise opportunities for continued personal intellectual growth efficient economic activity and positive contributions to society 

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
1 Articles are published in NATED-rated journals
2 Research skills are demonstrated in writing and orally
3 A knowledge of theories, definitions and learning areas applicable to the area of study are demonstrated effectively
4 The ability to collect data using scientific equipment, analyse data and then present them graphically are demonstrated effectively
5 The ability to solve problems by applying laws and principles of science are demonstrated effectively
6 Various problems are solved including processes that require a critical evaluation and interpretation for resolution


Integrated assessment

Progress is continuously monitored.
The final mark allocated for the degree is based on the evaluation and assessment of a thesis based on independent research, two research articles based on the thesis and an oral examination conducted by an examination committee constituted by all academic staff and the external moderator(s) which will allocate the final mark after the oral examination in the presence of the examination committee. 

ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
Not applicable. 

MODERATION OPTIONS 
At least two external moderators who should have a PhD and extensive research experience in the field of study or equivalent qualification and experience as approved by the senate on the recommendation of the faculty board. 

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
At least two internal assessors who should have a PhD or equivalent qualification as approved by the senate on the recommendation of the faculty board. 

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 Zululand 


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.