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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Bachelor of Science Honours in Microbiology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
6953  Bachelor of Science Honours in Microbiology 
ORIGINATOR
University of Pretoria 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Honours Degree  Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences  Life Sciences 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Level 7  NQF Level 08  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 1141/23  2021-07-01  2024-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2025-06-30   2028-06-30  

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 first purpose of this qualification is to gain knowledge and experience in microbiology to a level of competence that will enable the incumbent to understand and address microbial issues in health care, industry and the environment.

The second purpose of this qualification is to provide a knowledge base, which could be used to teach biological science subjects at secondary school level in South Africa. An attitude of lifelong learning will be fostered, ensuring continued self-development in the field.

The third purpose of this qualification is to provide the incumbent with the intellectual and technological basis for entrepreneurial ventures, leading to increased social and economic productivity.

The fourth purpose of this qualification is to provide an understanding of research methodology and gain practical research experience through the completion of a research project in the discipline of microbiology.

The fifth purpose of this qualification is to provide a basis for intellectual growth via postgraduate study in the discipline of microbiology and other related disciplines. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Matriculation certificate
First degree: B Sc (Microbiology)
Other:
A B Sc degree but successful completion of appropriate ancillary subjects may be required 

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
N 

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
B Sc (Hons) (Microbiology)

Learning outcomes:
1. The graduate understands the behaviour, impact, diversity and control of microbes
2. The graduate can perform and interpret a wide range of advanced microbiological procedures based on currently accepted practices.
3. The graduate has mastered critical and creative thinking skills.
4. The graduate has demonstrated the ability to communicate scientific information appropriately.

Critical cross-field outcomes:
  • Identifying and solving problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made.
  • Working effectively with others as a member of a team and/or group.
  • Organising and managing oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively.
  • Collecting, analysing, organising and critically evaluating experimental data and information.
  • Communicating effectively using language skills in the modes of oral and written persuasion.
  • Contributing to the personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of the society at large, by making an individual aware of the importance of:
    - exploring education and career opportunities
    - developing entrepreneurial opportunities. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    One
    A sound knowledge in microbiology is demonstrated.

    Two
    Advanced microbiological procedures are performed.
    Research findings are interpreted and communicated effectively through a research report.

    Three
    Acquired knowledge is integrated to solve microbial-related problems by means of a research project

    Four
    Scientific information obtained from the relevant and current literature is collated, analysed and presented appropriately.
    Research findings are presented amongst peers.

    Integrated assessment:
    Portfolios
    Written examinations
    Oral examinations
    Other:
    Portfolio
    A research report is completed that is acceptable to internal and external assessors.

    Formative Assessment
    Continuous assessment and monitoring of the candidate during the modules while under internal supervision. Feedback is given to the learner on a continuous basis.
    Presentation of seminars based on current literature and relevant topics.

    Summative Assessment
    Written and oral examinations occur at predetermined intervals during the period of study. These examinations are set to cover theoretical knowledge and acquired problem-solving skills. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Related qualifications:
    B Sc
    B Sc (Hons)

    B Sc serves as an entry point to the related qualification
    B Sc (Hons) serves as an entry point to the related qualification

    B Sc (Hons) provides credits for the related qualification.

    Other articulation possibilities, either generic or specific arrangements:
    M Sc
    On completion of B Sc (Hons), a learner could be allowed to register for M B Ch B, B Ch D or B V Sc 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Written and oral examination is under the evaluation of both internal and external assessors
    Student access to all final examination answer books
    All summative assessments, assignments and performed research project are under the evaluation of both internal and a second external assessor. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    Qualifications required:
    The assessors must possess at least a M Sc (Microbiology)

    Career experience required:
    Undergraduate teaching and/or relevant research experience 

    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 Pretoria 


    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.