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 in Microbiology

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
6981	Master of Science 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
Master's Degree	Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences		Life 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
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 specialised knowledge and experience in microbiology to enable the incumbent to participate in multidisciplinary approaches to address problems in industry, health care and the environment.

The second purpose of this qualification is to provide skills, knowledge and practical experience to teach microbiology at the tertiary level. An attitude of life-long learning will be fostered, ensuring continued self-development in the field.

The third purpose of this qualification is to provide the incumbent with multidisciplinary skills for entrepreneurial ventures and consultancies 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 dissertation. With this knowledge a contribution to the advancement of scientific knowledge can be made through active research and the support of research projects.

The fifth purpose of this qualification is to provide a basis with which to contemplate doctorate studies in the discipline of microbiology or any other related discipline.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Matriculation certificate
First degree: B Sc
Honours degree: B Sc (Hons)
Other:
A B Sc (Agric) degree in Microbiology

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

M Sc (Microbiology)

Learning outcomes:
1. The graduate possesses comprehensive knowledge in an area of microbiology and can apply this knowledge in approaching scientific problems.
2. The graduate has demonstrated the ability to initiate, perform, interpret and report on relevant microbiological procedures.
3. The graduate has demonstrated the ability to communicate scientific information appropriately.
4. The graduate has demonstrated the ability to participate actively in research teams.

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 or group of researchers.

Organising and managing oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively.

Collecting, analysing, organising and critically evaluating experimental data and information.

Communicating effectively using visual and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion.

Using science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.

Contributing to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of the 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 perform research more effectively
- exploring education and career opportunities
- developing entrepreneurial opportunities.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

One
1. A literature study which has been appropriately analysed, summarising and interpreting current information relevant to the area of research
2. Formulation of a feasible research proposal that is relevant and applicable to address the posed objective appropriately.

Two
1. Appropriate theory and methods are chosen, described and justified.
2. A written dissertation that is acceptable to peer review and internal assessors.

Three
1. Preparation of a manuscript for publication in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.
2. Presentation at a scientific congress is strongly recommended. Presentation and debating of research findings amongst peers.

Four
Communicate and co-operate with fellow researchers on a regular basis with regards to day-today functioning of the laboratory.

Integrated assessment:
Portfolios
Work-place assessments
Oral examinations
Other:
Portfolio
A dissertation is completed and is acceptable to peer review.
Journal article is prepared for submission to a peer reviewed scientific journal.

Formative Assessment
Presentation of seminars based on current research, literature and relevant topics in the applicable field of study.
Continuous assessment and monitoring of the candidate during the study while under internal supervision. Feedback is given to the candidate on a continuous basis.

Summative Assessment
Portfolio work that has been completed and assessed by assessors and moderators
Oral examination occurs at the end of the period of study. This exam is set to cover theoretical knowledge, practical skills and acquired problem-solving experience

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

Related qualifications:
B Sc (Agric)
BSc (Hons)
M Sc

B Sc (Agric) serves as an entry point to the related qualification.
BSc (Hons) serves as an entry point to the related qualification.
M Sc serves as an entry point to the related qualification.

Related M Sc degrees at the discretion of the supervisor provide credits for the related qualification.

Other articulation possibilities, either generic or specific arrangements:
Ph D

MODERATION OPTIONS

A written dissertation is under the evaluation of internal and external peer reviewers.
Research is performed under supervision of one or more internal assessors.
Oral examination is under the evaluation of internal and external assessors.

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

Qualifications required:
The assessors, national or international, must possess at least an equal degree (M Sc) or higher (Ph D) in the field of study.

Career experience required:
Appropriate research and/or postgraduate experience in the field of study.

REREGISTRATION HISTORY

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

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