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: 

Master of Science in Biochemistry 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
22857  Master of Science in 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  Mathematical Sciences 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  180  Level 8 and above  NQF Level 09  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 allows Institution to specialise in Biochemistry in research on a selected relevant topic preferably related to the Departmental programme of biomass utilisation. The knowledge, skills and applied competence acquired during graduate and Honours and Masters qualifications are utilised and developed for specialisation in an individually selected research field. The qualification will form a basis for innovative individual postgraduate specialisation, as well as an established career in Biochemistry.

The qualification provides a basic background in the application of molecular concepts of specific biological 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 as a leader of a team, efficient delegation and communication, respect for other, 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 
Entry requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Biochemistry, NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the basic biochemical principles and processes that sustain life.
    2. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the chemical, physical and mathematical concepts related to life and how to use it to outline.
    3. Explain the mechanisms and principles of structure function relationships of biomolecules.
    4. Explain the way in which molecules form the basis for living systems and life.
    5. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of how to access and process literature on a variety of biochemical topics.
    6. Plan and conduct an experimental investigation in the field of specialisation.
    7. Utilise biochemistry in applications in the environment and to initiate logical investigations in this regard.
    8. Demonstrate the ability to work effectively with others, to function in an organised manner, to evaluate information critically and to communicate effectively.

    Critical cross field outcomes

    1. Demonstration of the ability to access, evaluate and summarise existing information on a logical manner and to conduct a major research qualification individually.
    2. Ability to use scientific knowledge and skills for responsible decision making in the biochemical approach to biological and applied science fields.
    3. Demonstration of an understanding that the biological and materials 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.
    4. 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.
    5. Ability to conduct a defined advanced research project to a logical conclusion and to communicate the basic scientific facts and truths efficiently using visual, mathematical and language skills.
    6. Ability to collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information related to the specific field of research and use this information in his/her studies. 

    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:

    A range of continuous formative methods including: prescribed practicals, tutorials, tests and written examinations. Seminars and Project work singly and in groups will also be used to assess whether the specified outcomes have been achieved.

    Simulations.

    Workplace assessment:
    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 allows possibilities for both horizontal and vertical articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Science in Chemistry, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Science in Medical Biochemistry, NQF Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Biochemistry, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Science in Biochemistry, NQF Level 10. 
    		•

    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.