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:

Postgraduate Diploma: Scientific Studies

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
49924	Postgraduate Diploma: Scientific Studies
ORIGINATOR
University of Witwatersrand
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Postgraduate Diploma	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 6	Level N/A: Pre-2009 was L6	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

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare holders of the B.Sc. qualification obtained some time ago who have been out of university for a while to undertake Honours study in the Faculty of Science in a field that may be different from the one in which they originally qualified or upgrade skills learnt in an existing major. This however does not guarantee acceptance into a major and would require the graduate to comply with the requirements of that Honours degree. It is envisaged that the learners undertaking this qualification would be more mature than those normally catered for in the B.Sc. qualification. For example, a learner who obtained a B.Sc. in mathematics some years ago might wish to prepare him/herself for Honours degree studies in statistics in view of the significant shortage of statisticians in the SADCC countries, especially in government departments and parastatals. Other examples might include learners who obtained a B.Sc. degree some time ago, with perhaps insufficient marks to be accepted into an Honours programme at the time, and who have gained working experience and maturity in the meantime, and who wish to establish their credentials for acceptance into an Honours programme. The Diploma could also be useful in establishing the credentials of learners who have obtained the equivalent of B.Sc. degrees in foreign countries where it is not clear that the standard of education received was appropriate for entry into an Honours programme at a South African university. In exceptional cases a holder of a M + 4 Diploma from a Technikon may be admitted as a candidate for the Postgraduate Diploma.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

The minimum admission requirement for learners applying for this Postgraduate Diploma would be a B.Sc. degree. The curriculum for any student must be approved by a Head of School (the "home school") and will take account of the prior learning already in place for the candidate concerned.

Eligibility for admission

Any of the following may be admitted by the Senate as a candidate for the Postgraduate Diploma in Scientific Studies:

A Bachelor of Science of this or another university.

In exceptional cases, a person who holds a 4-year Diploma from a Technikon in a subject area cognate to that of the "home school".

Admission selection criteria

Admission to the PDSS would require that the candidate hold a B.Sc. degree (or its equivalent) from a recognised university. Additional admission criteria may be specified, as determined by the Senate.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

Total credit value, minimum credits required at specific NQF levels and fundamental, core and elective contents:

Core

Level 5: 20 credits

Level 6: 100 credits

Total: 120 credits

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1a Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of fundamental concepts and principles in the context of a new scientific discipline.

1b Recognise that scientific knowledge and understanding are changeable.

2a Access, evaluate and synthesise scientific information within the specialist area.

2b Generate scientific information in a new context.

3. Demonstrate key scientific reasoning skills relevant to the subject area.

4. Communicate scientific understanding in writing, orally and using visual, symbolic and/or other forms of representation.

5. Solve scientific problems.

6. Demonstrate effective Information and Communications Technology (ICT) skills.

7. Work effectively as a member of a team or group in scientific projects or investigations.

8. Apply scientific knowledge and ways of thinking to societal issues, taking into account ethical and cultural considerations.

9. Manage and organise their learning activities responsibly.

Critical Cross Field Outcomes in relation to Exit Level Outcomes and Associated Assessment Criteria:

Identifying:

Identifying and solving problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made.
> Refer to Outcome 1a, 2b, 3, 5 and 8.

Work:

Working with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, community.
> Refer to Outcome 7.

Organizing:

Organising and managing oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively.
> Refer to Outcome 9.

Collecting:

Collecting, analysing, organising and critically evaluating information.
> Refer to Outcome 2a, 2b and 3.

Communicating:

Communicating effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion.
> Refer to Outcome 4.

Science:

Using science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.
> Refer to Outcome 8.

Demonstrate:

Demonstrating an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.
> Refer to Outcome 5 and 7.

Contributing:

Contributing to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of society at large, by making it the underlying intention of any programme of learning to make an individual aware of the importance of:
> Reflecting on and exploring a variety of strategies to learn more effectively.
> Refer to Outcome 9.

> Participating as responsible citizens in the life of local, national and global communities.
> Refer to Outcome 8.

> Being culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts.
> Refer to Outcome 8.

> Exploring education and career opportunities.
> Refer to Outcome 8.

> Developing entrepreneurial opportunities.
> Refer to Outcome 8.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

The core concepts and principles of the discipline are identified, described and explained.

The relationships among the core concepts and principles are demonstrated.

The range and limits of applicability of the core concepts and principles are identified.

The core concepts and principles are applied to standard problems.

1b

Examples of changes in knowledge and understanding in the new specialist discipline are described and explained.

The limitations of basic techniques used in a discipline are appraised.

The significance of contested scientific knowledge in a contemporary context is recognised.

An understanding of how scientific knowledge and ideas become generally accepted is demonstrated.

2a

The library, internet and other data storage and retrieval facilities are used to access information.

Scientific reasoning is used to evaluate the quality of information.

Information from a variety of sources, which may be contradictory or divergent, is synthesised.

2b

Appropriate procedures for generating relevant information are designed, selected and applied with due concern for bias and for any ethical or safety considerations.

Appropriate forms of enquiry are conducted by applying standard procedures within the discipline such as experimental or computational techniques, or deductive reasoning.

Data are collected and recorded accurately, truthfully and in appropriate formats.

Data and scientific evidence are analysed and from such analysis valid arguments and conclusions are presented.

3.

Logical thinking is demonstrated and naïve and flawed scientific reasoning is identified.

Inductive (effect to cause or specific to general) and deductive (cause to effect or general to specific) reasoning can be discriminated.

Hypothetico-deductive reasoning can be performed.

Cause-effect relations can be discerned in the face of some level of uncertainty or gap in available information.

Thinking and reasoning processes are reflected upon.

The self-conscious capacity to judge when understanding has been achieved or a problem has been adequately solved is demonstrated.

4.

Scientific language is used correctly to produce clear and coherent written documents, which follow appropriate scientific conventions.

Scientific information is presented verbally in front of others.

Appropriate referencing conventions are used, plagiarism is avoided and intellectual property is respected.

Non-verbal forms of representation are used correctly and appropriately.

5.

Concrete and abstract problems, in familiar and unfamiliar contexts, are formulated, analysed and solved.

The knowledge of theory is applied to particular real-world contexts.

Knowledge is integrated, e.g., from various disciplines or modes of enquiry, in solving scientific problems.

6.

Tasks related to basic computer literacy skills are performed.

The validity of ICT solutions for problems posed by a discipline are critically assessed.

ICT that is appropriate to the particular discipline is used, e.g., for: computational applications; simulation applications; pattern recognition; automation and control; managing large volumes of data.

7.

Evidence of successful and effective contributions in group work is provided. Group work may include collaboration in a work-based situation, as in service learning.

The outcomes of scientific group work are communicated effectively and with respect for the contributions of each group member.

8.

Scientific knowledge that is relevant to current societal issues is identified.

Public information dealing with current scientifically related issues is critically evaluated.

Ethically and culturally sensitive decisions on the effects of scientifically based activities on society are made.

The socio-economic impact of scientific interventions in society is identified.

Scientific knowledge is applied for the direct benefit of others, e.g., to junior students, in schools or in the community.

9.

Appropriate study skills are demonstrated (e.g., learning from text, note-taking, summarising, analysis and synthesis).

Effective learning strategies are which suit personal needs and contexts are developed and used.

Effective time management is demonstrated, e.g., by completing tasks to deadlines.

Integrated Assessment

Integrated assessment of these criteria will be achieved by a variety of strategies, including written examinations, individual projects and assignments, seminar presentations, field trips where relevant. Formative feedback is given during laboratories and assignments. Summative assessment comprises tests and examinations.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

N/A

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

The PDSS will follow a B.Sc. degree and, after the qualification is achieved at the required level, could lead on to an Honours degree in the Faculty of Science.

MODERATION OPTIONS

Internal University requirements govern how and by whom moderation is performed. For example, external examiners are appointed. Such moderation seeks, inter alia, to ensure that, where appropriate, our graduates will be able to comply with professional and statutory requirements. Further, whether an academic entity has a professional orientation or not, the University ensures that its activities are moderated by internal and external review quinquennially. Again, the Senate Standing Orders on Assessment of Students' Academic Performance regulate such matters.

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

Internal University quality requirements govern how and by whom assessment may be performed to ensure that assessors have the competence required to assess a qualification of this nature. The University has Senate Standing Orders on Assessment of Students' Academic Performance which regulate such matters.

REREGISTRATION HISTORY

As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2006; 2009; 2012; 2015.

NOTES

Length of curriculum

The curriculum for the Postgraduate Diploma in Scientific Studies shall extend over not less than one academic year of full-time study.

Selection of a "home school"

A candidate for the Postgraduate Diploma in Scientific Studies must nominate a "home school", which will normally be the school in which the candidate would like to do further study after completion of the Postgraduate Diploma.

Curriculum for the Postgraduate Diploma

The curriculum for any student must be approved by the Head of School of the "home school". At least 50% (normally more) of the credits earned towards the PDSS would be from courses offered by the home school. All courses taken by candidates studying for the PDSS will be selected from existing courses which are offered towards the B.Sc. degree.

The curriculum for any student will consist of 144 (Wits) credit points, of which at least 72 points will correspond to a course or courses at the 3rd year level. Curricula for the Postgraduate Diploma in Scientific Studies would normally consist of 3rd year level courses, a mixture of 3rd year and 2nd year level courses, and in some cases a mixture of 3rd year, 2nd year and 1st year level courses, subject to the requirement that a minimum of 120 credit points must correspond to courses at NQF level 6, i.e., be courses above the 1st year level.

Cancellation of registration

Unless the Senate otherwise determines, a student who cancels his/her registration for the Postgraduate Diploma after 1 October in any year shall be deemed to have failed in all the courses for which he/she was registered in that year.

Publication of results

The final mark obtained by a candidate in a course shall be published as a percentage and the class obtained by a candidate shall be indicated in the form of a symbol to signify a first, upper second, second, third class or fail.

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 Witwatersrand