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:

Masters Degree: Science: Bioinformatics and Computational Molecular Biology

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
22015	Masters Degree: Science: Bioinformatics and Computational Molecular Biology
ORIGINATOR
Rhodes University
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		Physical Sciences
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	120	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 06120/18	2018-07-01	2018-12-31
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2019-12-31		2022-12-31

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 does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification.

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

The purpose of the qualification is to provide successful graduates who will be capable of undertaking all aspects of research, both individually and as part of a team, and may be able to continue with further postgraduate studies in the field of Bioinformatics & Computational Molecular Biology.

As South Africa has a shortage of highly qualified scientists in research and teaching, this Masters qualification will produce highly qualified scientists who can use their skills and knowledge to contribute to the national and international advancement of science. They will provide benefits to society and the economy, either through continued research, or by passing on their knowledge and skills to others.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

It is assumed that the learners accessing this qualification are in possession of a BSc Honours in an appropriate discipline.

Recognition of Prior Learning:

Learners who are able to give satisfactory evidence of their qualification, whether formal or informal, may be specially exempted from the normal entrance requirements for the diploma and may register as Ad Eundem Gradum students. Under certain circumstances, candidates may incorporate material (observations etc) obtained prior to registering for the Course Work Masters, into research reports provided that such material has not been submitted in fulfilment or requirements for another degree.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

N/A

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

The Course Work Masters graduate will:

1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the research topic that has been undertaken in the field of Bioinformatics & Computational Molecular Biology.
2. Display the competence necessary to apply specialist knowledge and advanced research techniques to solve problems and answer questions.
3. Demonstrate the necessary communication skills, both orally and in the written form when presenting the research.

Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:

Use science and technology effectively and critically, with due care for the environment and health of others, and with due consideration of cultural differences.

Appreciate the need to publish the results of research.

Work effectively with other members of a team or group.

Organise and manage themselves and their time effectively.

Understand that since science is constantly evolving, there is a need for life-long learning.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

The Course Work Masters graduate will:

1.

Demonstrate a broad understanding of the general field in which he/she has specialised.

Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the information, concepts and principles applicable to a particular aspect of the specialised field of science of Bioinformatics & Computational Molecular Biology.

Contribute to the process of identifying problems, formulating questions and developing research methods, using critical and creative thinking.

2.

Access and critically assess and evaluate literature related to the field of study.

Collect, analyse and critically evaluate information needed to answer the questions formulated in the research topic.

Compose a dissertation comprising all aspects of the research undertaken.

3.

Communicate the results of the research in both the written and spoken word in a professional manner.

Use technology effectively where appropriate to facilitate communication.

Integrated Assessment:

Integrated assessment is performed on a continuous basis to ensure that the purpose of the qualification is achieved and the learner will have to provide evidence of an ability to assimilate and apply knowledge gained in the classroom to a variety of situations. Formative assessment takes the form of written and oral research reports and by the examination of a minor dissertation on some topical aspect of the field of specialisation.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

The qualification compares positively with international programmes with similar outcomes.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

Students with a BSc Honours degree from another university may be able to register for a Course Work Masters at Rhodes University and learners with a Course Work Masters from Rhodes may be able to move to another university in the country to undertake further postgraduate training.

Learners qualifying with a Masters Degree are able to continue with postgraduate education in law, education and commerce and will be able to register for a PhD. They will also be eligible to pursue a career in teaching at a junior level in a university.

MODERATION OPTIONS

Assessment of the minor dissertation is conducted by three examiners, at least two of whom are external examiners.

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

At least a Masters degree, but preferably a PhD, with extensive academic experience in the applicable field and a demonstrable ability to supervise a research candidate are required for an assessor to be registered.

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.	Rhodes University