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: Biochemistry 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
3617  Master of Science: Biochemistry 
ORIGINATOR
Rand Afrikaans University 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
Was CHE until Last Date for Achievement  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  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 2663/05  2006-07-01  2009-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2010-06-30   2013-06-30  

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
74024  Master of Science in Biochemistry  Level 8 and above  NQF Level 09  180  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
The primary purpose of this qualification is to provide qualifying learners with training to develop highly qualified scientists with intellectual independence and the ability to apply theoretical knowledge in order to identify, evaluate and address problems associated with the biological and/or physical sciences pertaining to Biochemistry, Molecular Biology or Biotechnology in South African and international context at the highest levels. Through the acquisition of appropriate competence and research ability they will be able to enter a range of professional and entrepreneurial opportunities. These could include positions as senior research officers or educators with a range of possible employers in industry or tertiary institutions or allow them to establish enterprises of their own in a variety of Biochemistry-related areas of endeavour as entrepreneurs or high-level advisors. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Learners accessing this qualification should demonstrate their ability to:

1. Understand and dessiminate relevant literature on a postgraduate level
2. Perform research
3. Master skills essential for research
  • A candidate shall only be allowed to register for the Master's degree, if he/she has obtained a BSc Honours degree in Biochemistry or related discipline or a corresponding degree of similar standard from an accepted accredited university.
  • The proposed subject for a dissertation and proposed supervisors, as well as external examiners, must be approved by the Senate, on recommendation of the faculty board.
  • In motivating the application for admission, the proposed supervisor(s) must make a written statement to the board of the faculty regarding the candidate's competence to do the proposed degree, also stating that the proposed field of study suits the supervisor's research background and that the proposed research is relevant, recent, unique and executable within a certain time frame.
  • After acceptance into the Master's program, the candidate should demonstrate adequate study progress at regular intervals. Inadequate progress, as judged by the supervisor, may lead to the termination of the candidate's studies. The latter issue will be decided upon by the dean's committee.
  • Practical and/or informal learning at least equivalent to the skills and competencies set out in the firs rule (see 1 above). Assessment of these skills will be done according to the guidelines and Rules of Procedure prescribed by the University.
  • Candidates must be able to use general and technical language and terminology with a high degree of competence.

    The rules of access should also fulfil the following two requirements:
  • The learning base required for learning or achievement within the parameters of the qualification must be captured.
  • The knowledge, skill and disposition "building blocks", which are assumed to be in place, should be reflected (as learning outcomes).

    Recognition of prior learning:

    A learner who claims to have achieved entry requirements through experiential learning will be assessed. If the student is found to be competent the student may gain:
  • access,
  • advanced placement
  • or recognition of degree status will be granted on condition of continuing education. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    The learners should be able to:

    1. Identify problems of biochemical nature, set a working hypothesis, formulate an investigative and experimental programme, integrate data with existing information and make logical, sound conclusions to resolve the problem.

    2. Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community since most practical problems are of a multidisciplinary nature, in particular in the Biochemistry field.

    3. Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively. Completion of the whole program indicate that the candidate has the ability to work independent and responsibly.

    4. Tract, evaluate and interpret biochemical literature and to generate, collect, organise, analyse/evaluate and interpret new experimental data.

    5. Process data, using several means to communicate obtained data and its interpretation using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral or written persuasion.

    6. Use science and technology effectively and critically to solve biochemical problems, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.

    7. Use science and technology effectively and critically to solve biochemical problems, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.

    8. The successful completion of this programme illustrates the ability of the candidate to assimilate and process data by various means.

    9. Contribute to the improved quality of life of every citizen through a responsible application of an integrated knowledge of Biochemistry.

    10. Functioning as a biochemist on this level the candidate illustrates his/her involvement in, and responsibility towards the larger community (also applicable to 9). The ability to budget for the solution of a biochemical problem.

    11. Identify and explore all potential employment or career opportunities in the field of Biochemistry.

    12. Identify novelties in the biochemical field and exploit them in an innovative manner. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The learner can:

    1. Display thorough knowledge of the field of enquiry.
    Formulate an appropriate hypothesis.
    Plan and carry out an appropriate experimental program
    Analyse results correctly obtained.

    2. Display the ability to co-operate with fellow students
    Display the ability to contribute meaningfully to a group effort to work on a problem
    Display the ability and readiness to accept a responsible part in a group effort

    3. Display a mastery of subject material by independent study
    Display the ability to work on a project of high complexity successfully
    Prove the ability to independently write a project or progress report of high standard.

    4. Present a suitable project proposal on a topic
    Be able to satisfactorily motivate the reasoning behind the proposal.
    Be able to perform the actions required to complete the collection of information
    Be able to relate the information obtained to that which is known.

    5. Display knowledge of current information retrieval systems and processes
    Demonstrate a mastery of the use of technical and professional language and terminology.

    6. Demonstrate awareness and recognition of the need for careful and correct laboratory technique
    Demonstrate the ability to use appropriate technology, safely and responsibly

    7. Present a project proposal in which all the appropriate aspects relating to the broad social and environmental considerations are addressed
    Be able to suggest possible changes in the proposal should certain aspects not turn out as expected.

    8. Show awareness of the need for different ways of learning and assimilation of knowledge by electronic retrieval systems, libraries, correspondence and personal contacts at meetings.
    Show awareness of the need for continued study so as to remain constantly up to date.

    9. Demonstrate awareness of the effects of pollution and industrialisation on society and the environment.
    Demonstrate awareness of the need for responsible management of environmental and biological resources and diversity.

    10. Demonstrate awareness of where the chosen field of study impinges on society and where further studies may be done. This includes medicinal, industrial, recreational and aesthetic considerations

    11. Demonstrate the ability to relate the field of study to society and thus know where those skills are likely to be required.

    12. Demonstrate the knowledge of what the chosen field of study involves and how it can be used for entrepreneurial activity
    Show understanding of how the field of study impinges on society.

    Formative assessment practices that will be implemented:
    Formative assessment will be mainly by formal and informal seminars on aspects of the study. Successful presentation of research progress at regular intervals is required. It is also expected from the Master's student to engage in regular formal discussions with the supervisor(s), not just to demonstrate his/her progress, but to highlight research problems that have been encountered.

    Summative assessment practices that will be implemented:
    Summative assessment will be by evaluation of the dissertation submitted. Learners are expected to submit a research dissertation on the selected topic within the field of Biochemistry. The dissertation should demonstrate competency in the research methodology of the discipline and should constitute a contribution to the knowledge of and insight into the field of study.

    Each examiner (internal and external) submits a report regarding the dissertation. A % mark is allotted and each report clearly indicates whether the dissertation is:
  • accepted unamended, or
  • accepted after improvements have been made, or
  • referred back for revision and re-submission for examination, or
  • rejected.

    An oral Master's examination on the dissertation may be enforced if the exam committee demands it.

    Every Master's student must also submit an article that is ready for publication. This does not place a publication obligation on either the student or the supervisor. The article may be a summary of the study or part thereof. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    ENTRY IN MID-STREAM:
    Learners who want to continue their Master's studies at this institution, may do so if they can provide formal evidence of their previous academic training on a Master's study level. Their previous exposure to masters training will be assessed by the dean's committee, whereupon the necessary status and credit will be recognised. The dean may refuse a candidate to continue with the Master's degree, if in his/her opinion the applicant's prior training or academic standard is insufficient. Such a candidate may appeal to the Executive Committee of the Senate. A supplementary study program may be required as condition for mid-stream entry.

    EXIT IN MID-STREAM:
    Another qualification or field of study: Learners, who want to switch to another qualification or to another field of research, may do so, after consultation with their promoter(s) or the departmental head. Credit will be retained for prior training.

    Another institution: Learners are allowed to continue their studies at another institution. However, as soon as a learner has started his/her thesis, the transition to another institution will only be possible after careful deliberation with the promoter(s) and corresponding departments at that institution.

    ARTICULATION WITH OTHER HIGHER EDUCATION PROGRAMMES
    Having obtained this qualification, learners may continue with any other higher education program such as Ph.D. or D.Tech., pending approval and recognition of certain credits by the institution offering the latter programmes.
  • Access to qualifications on a lower level:
    Potential learners who are in possession of a Masters degree in Biochemistry from an accredited university may apply to the department for acceptance to the study. There is no provision made for entry to the study programme in mid-stream.

    Learners who apply on the basis of non-formal prior learning will be evaluated according to the procedures formulated by the university for such purpose.

    The department reserves the right to accept an applicant it deems suitable even if the applicant's previous experience or qualification is not obviously within the general concept of Biochemistry.
  • Access to qualifications on the same level:
    Under normal circumstances there is no articulation between institutions during the course of study. However, learners who wish to switch to another qualification or subject at this institution may do so. Credit for any research completed successfully will be granted subject to its acceptance in the new qualification or subject.

    Learners who wish to continue their studies at another institution, may do so. The institution to which the relocation is made will decide on acceptance of credit for all work done at this university. Under normal circumstances this university will not give credit for research done at another tertiary institution.
  • Access to qualifications on a higher level:
    Having obtained this qualification, the following possibilities for access to other qualifications do exist:
  • A post-graduate higher diploma at this or another institution
  • Any other degree or programme at this or another institution. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • What external examination processes will be implemented?
    External evaluation will be by the use of external assessors.
  • How many external examiners/moderators will be appointed for this qualification and form which type of institutions or professional bodies will they typically be?
    Normally two external examiners will be appointed to assess the dissertation and they are drawn from other tertiary institutions or research institutions of appropriate standing. If a dissertation warrants it, more examiners may be appointed. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
  • Criteria regarding formal qualifications that assessors should have:
    Assessors should have at least a Doctoral degree in the appropriate discipline.
  • Criteria regarding job or learning area experience:
    Assessors should have at least five years' experience in the appropriate discipline, at tertiary institution level or a level of equivalent status outside the tertiary establishment.
  • Criteria regarding experience of or exposure to assessment:
    Assessors should have had at least five years' exposure to assessment practices at tertiary or equivalent level. 
    		•

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2006. 

    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.
     
    NONE 


    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.