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:

Diploma: Life Sciences

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
48830	Diploma: Life Sciences
ORIGINATOR
Eduvos (Pty) Ltd (previously known as Midrand Graduate Institute and later to Pearson Institute of Higher Education)
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Advanced Certificate	Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences		Life Sciences
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	338	Level 5	NQF Level 06	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered"		SAQA 0480/09	2009-07-01	2012-06-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2012-06-30		2014-06-30

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

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

The study of applied life sciences differs from the study of biology by an emphasis on using the knowledge of biology to solve important practical problems, such as better management of the environment; preventing, diagnosing and curing disease; improving crop plants and stock; detecting pollutants and contaminants; and using organisms to produce chemicals, including drugs and food. Recent developments in our understanding of fundamental biological processes and the ability to manipulate these processes (through, for example, genetic engineering) have revolutionised the range of applications of the processes. Midrand Graduate Institute's Life Sciences programme aims to equip students with a thorough, broad background and practical skills in the main disciplines of biological sciences, but with an applied approach and some specialisation in the third level of study. Rationale The Applied Life Sciences programme at Midrand Graduate Institute provides a different and needed model of higher education in this discipline. It has been developed as a programme that covers the basic fields of biology in the first two levels of study and then offers a useful, integrated combination of subjects in the final level. This structure provides advantages to the student in the following three ways: It recognises the multidisciplinary nature of many biological problems and so gives students the opportunity to gain a grounding in all major relevant disciplines, while still allowing specialisation in the third level. Students are trained to be applied biologists. Thus all subjects are tailored and specific components are integrated so as to optimise students' education and their opportunities for employment after graduation. Also included in the curriculum are a range of more generalised modules which aim to broaden the knowledge base of our Life Sciences students. Such modules include, an Introduction to Business Management, Computer Skills and two optional modules in Level 1. The classes are small and thus the resulting staff : student ratio makes it possible for students to receive individual and specialised attention. The result is an adaptable graduate with a thorough, broad theoretical background and practical skills in the main disciplines of biological sciences, but with an applied approach and some specialisation in final year. Further, the Programme contributes to regional and national goals in a variety of ways, including: Focus on science and technology Broadening access to and success in higher education through flexible entry and fixed exit standards and through the inclusion of academic support components Recognition of multiple exit points Inclusion of certain generic competencies Encouragement of social responsibility Ensuring that students will be employable on graduation, but at the same time will have the knowledge base to continue with further learning.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

The admission criteria for the Life Sciences Programme are given below: Matriculation (Grade 12) exemption, or equivalent qualification, is the minimum requirement for admission to the Degree Programme. A Matriculation (Grade 12) certificate, or equivalent qualification, is the minimum requirement for admission to a Diploma Programme. Applicants must obtain at least a D symbol at Higher Grade or at least a C symbol at Standard Grade for English and Mathematics or Physical Science or Biology. Applicants with an E symbol at Higher Grade or a D symbol at Standard Grade for the required subjects may be admitted to the Bridging Programme. This programme spreads the first level curriculum over two years and includes other skills courses to improve the student's proficiency in, inter alia, English, Mathematics and Science. It is recommended that applicants have studied Mathematics and Physical Science and/or Biology at matriculation level. A student who successfully fulfils the requirements for the Diploma Programme and who achieves the required academic standard, may proceed to Level 3 of the Applied Bachelors Degree programme. Mature Age applicants or applicants with non-South African school-leaving qualifications or with previous tertiary experience will be considered individually by the Faculty Head. Recognition of prior learning Prior learning is recognised in the following ways: A student, who has completed a specific module/subject at Midrand Graduate Institute, may apply for credit for that module/subject; A student, who has completed the equivalent of a specific module/subject either at Midrand Graduate Institute or at another recognised higher education institution, may apply for exemption from that module/subject; In the case of a practically orientated module/subject, a student who is able to demonstrate appropriate competence may be granted exemption from that module/subject.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

Y

QUALIFICATION RULES

The BSc (Applied Life Sciences) programme is offered as a 3-year degree programme with 2 lower level exit points as follows: A student who successfully completes Level 1 of the curriculum, and who exits from the programme at that point, will be awarded a Certificate in Life Sciences A student who successfully completes Levels 1 and 2 of the curriculum, and who exits from the programme at that point, will be awarded a Diploma in Life Sciences. It is important to note that the Life Sciences Programme is structured in such a way that, as well as constituting Levels 1 and 2 of the degree programme, the curricula for the Certificate and Diploma constitute genuine stand-alone qualifications. It should also be noted that a student who registers for the Life Sciences Programme will receive only one qualification, that is the highest level qualification for which he/she has completed the requirements.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

Exit-level outcomes are divided into generic competencies, fundamental competencies and those core to the Life Sciences Programme, as follows: Generic competencies The ability to work as a member of a team. The ability to collect, analyse and present information. A knowledge of the use of technology. The ability to use technology and other methods of presentation for communication purposes. The ability to identify and suggest possible solutions to a problem. The ability to organise work requirements so as to meet set deadlines. Fundamental competencies Biology IA An understanding of the fundamental concepts of biology that are applicable to both plant and animal life forms. Insight into the similarities and differences between plant and animal cells. A basic familiarity with genetics. An understanding of the evolutionary history of biological diversity in plants. Biology IB A sound knowledge of the form and functions of plants and animals. An understanding of the evolutionary history of biological diversity in animals. Chemistry IA An understanding of the basics of chemistry. An understanding of the importance of chemistry to the life scientist. Chemistry IB An understanding of the basics of chemistry. An understanding of the importance of chemistry to the life scientist. Maths for Life Sciences An understanding of the power of mathematics. An sound understanding of mathematical ideas, as opposed to calculations. The ability to carry out mathematical methods in practice. Physics IB An understanding of the role that physics plays in life sciences. An understanding of physics ideas, as opposed to calculations. A sound knowledge of the physics concepts that are needed by life scientists. Science Skills The ability to demonstrate entrepreneurial skills. The ability to work on a number of practical life science projects. Introduction to Business Management An understanding of the relationship between a business and its environment. An understanding of the different functions of an enterprise. An understanding of the necessary requirements for starting and managing a small business. Computer Skills A sound knowledge of the theory of and practical skills in Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel and Microsoft PowerPoint. Core competencies Botany II A sound knowledge of the diversity of the plant world. An understanding of the ecology of the plant world. The ability to classify plants. An understanding of plant physiology. The ability to apply knowledge to farming. A basic familiarity with horticulture, tissue culture, and secondary metabolites and medicinal plants. An understanding of how humans have manipulated plant growth. Zoology II A sound knowledge of the general architectural pattern of animals. The ability to classify animals. An understanding of at least one member from each phylum. An understanding of the various evolutionary processes that the animal kingdom has undergone. A sound understanding of animal behaviour and ecology. Microbiology II A sound understanding of the diversity of the microbial world. A sound understanding of the mechanisms that are used to control microbial growth. A sound knowledge of the side-spread uses of micro-organisms and their economic usefulness. Physiology II A sound knowledge of some physiological systems and their functions. An understanding of the difference between an external and an internal environment. A sound understanding of how the nervous system operates. A sound understanding of how movement takes place. Biotechnology Pharmacology Laboratory Research Project

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Generic competencies Group projects and assignments. Tests, assignments and examinations. Class and Project presentations. Class and Project presentations. Case-study based tests, assignments and examinations. Deadlines set for various assessment components. Fundamental competencies Tests, assignments and examinations. Core competencies Tests, assignments and examinations. Integrated assessment Midrand Graduate Institute practices an integrated system of assessment, in terms of which students are assessed on an ongoing basis. Students are required to complete class tests, assignments (including practical work and projects) and examinations, the results of which count towards the final mark for each module. The components of the final mark are determined separately for each module.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

To our knowledge, this Programme has not been assessed internationally. However, given that: The curriculum incorporates the latest trends, standards and practices in the discipline, Well-qualified academics and industry practitioners act as external examiners and moderators of the Programme, We have no reason to doubt that the quality and content of our Programme would meet international standards.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

With regard to vertical articulation, a student who wishes to proceed to postgraduate studies at another higher education institution, having completed the Life Sciences Programme at Midrand Graduate Institute, should be able to do so based on the knowledge and skills acquired during the course of the programme, provided, of course, that his/her academic performance has been of the required standard. In terms of horizontal articulation: A student who transfers to another programme within Midrand Graduate Institute will be given credit for relevant modules successfully completed towards the Life Sciences Programme; Students who, having completed certain modules in the Life Sciences Programme at Midrand Graduate Institute, wish to transfer to another tertiary level institution, are able to apply successfully for exemption from relevant modules on the basis of modules passed at Midrand Graduate Institute. One of the objectives of our rigorous external moderation and examination procedure, and of our ongoing interaction with academic staff of other tertiary level institutions, is to ensure that the content and standard of our curriculum is such that our students will have the opportunity for both vertical and horizontal articulation, both within and outside of Midrand Graduate Institute.

MODERATION OPTIONS

All final assessments at all levels of the curriculum are moderated by academic staff of public higher education institutions or by appropriately qualified industry practitioners.

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.

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.

NONE

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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.