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: 

Bachelor of Science Honours in Biochemistry 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
73794  Bachelor of Science Honours in Biochemistry 
ORIGINATOR
University of Johannesburg 
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  Physical Sciences 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  144  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 replaces: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
3619  Bachelor of Science Honours: Biochemistry  Level 7  NQF Level 08  144  Complete 

This qualification is replaced by: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
109859  Bachelor of Science Honours in Biochemistry  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  120  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
The primary purpose of this qualification is to provide qualifying learners with the training to become well-qualified scientists/biochemists who can identify, evaluate and solve problems associated with the biological and /or physical sciences in South African and international context. Through the acquisition of appropriate competence and advanced research ability they will be able to enter a range of professional and entrepreneurial opportunities and be eligible for registration as professional scientists with SACNAPS. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Learners accessing this qualification should demonstrate their ability to:
  • Understand the subject of Biochemistry and its relationship to the Biological and Physical sciences
  • Understand the scientific method and display critical and analytical thinking
  • Understand and dessiminate relevant literature on a graduate (B.Sc.) level
  • Function in a laboratory environment and to perform essential techniques and laboratory procedures commensurate with the skills and competencies that can be expected from a learner with a level 6 qualification
  • Use the proper written and oral communication skills relating to science and technology in general and Biochemistry in particular.

    1. B.Sc. degree with Biochemistry as a major subject from an accredited tertiary institution is a prerequisite. A minimum pass mark of 60% for the B.Sc. degree is normally required.
    2. The learner's knowledge should be on a level as set out in the outcomes of the qualifications and modules of the B.Sc. degree.
    3. Acceptance to the Honours course is not automatic and involves an application to the Department followed by an assessment of the applicant's record up to the time of assessment. The Department reserves the right to decline an application in the case of an applicant who has not shown the potential to succeed in the envisaged course of study.
    4. Practical and/or informal learning at least equivalent to the skills and competencies set out in 1. Assessment of these skills will be done according to the guidelines and Rules of Procedure prescribed by the University.

    Recognition of prior learning:

    A learner who claims to have achieved entry requirements through experimental 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 a problem, formulate an appropriate hypothesis, generate experimental data, make correct interpretations, conclusions and recommendations and to motivate it in terms of relevant existing literature with experimental data.

    2. Work harmoniously with co-workers in the same working environment, work in groups with others in the solution of problems and the carrying out projects.

    3. Work independently in the mastery of subject contents, the performance of practical projects and the compilation of reports. Conform to all the requirements as set out in each module of Biochemistry specified that are necessary.

    4. Plan and execute a research programme at the appropriate level of expertise and to acquire, analyse and interpret the scientific data and relate the findings to relevant literature.

    5. Obtain grammatical proficiency and terminological insight in terms of subject area (technical/biochemical) and be able to correctly and accurately move within the subject area and to be able to present and defend scientific findings.

    6. Be able to work safely and responsibly with chemicals and laboratory equipment and to consider the safety and health of everybody in both the workplace and the environment.

    7. Be a master of philosophy of the subject area and to demonstrate the ability to plan and investigation with due regard to the impact of the problem and its solution on the ecological and social environment and, if required, modify the proposal to accommodate any problems or difficulties encountered.

    8. Conform to all the requirements as set out in each module of Biochemistry and to use the available tools at their disposal to learn more effectively. Use different techniques of assimilating data, by reading, discussing, reporting and presentation of projects and seminars.

    9. Contribute to the importance of life of every citizen through the responsible application of integrated knowledge of Biochemistry. Participate responsibly in activities that impinge on and lead to an improvement of societal quality of life.

    10. Be sensitive to various cultures as well as in an aesthetic sense across a range of social contexts. Demonstrate awareness of the impact of biochemical science on a multicultural societal environment and the differing expectations and needs of society.

    11. Be able to explore and identify any employment or career opportunities in the field of Biochemistry of further training.

    12. Be able to recognise commercial potential and/or application of practical projects and identify possible market niches with the possibility of establishing a business. Investigate and evaluate entrepreneurial possibilities in their field of competence as well as their awareness of the relevance of their chosen field. 

    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 programme
    Analyse results obtained correctly.

    2. Display ability to co-operate with fellow students.
    Display ability to contribute meaningfully to group efforts to work on a problem

    3. Display a mastery of subject material by independent study.
    Display ability to work on a project without help
    Prove the ability to write a project or progress report independently.

    4. Present an acceptable project proposal on a topic
    Be able to motivate the reasoning behind the proposal satisfactorily
    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 mastery of the use of technical and professional language and terminology.

    6. Demonstrate awareness and recognition of the need for careful laboratory techniques
    Demonstrate the ability to use appropriate technology correctly, 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.
    Demonstrate understanding of the philosophy of the bio-sciences.

    8. Show awareness of the need for different ways of learning and assimilation of knowledge.
    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.
    Participate as responsible biochemists in the life of local, national and global communities

    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:
    Learners are continuously assessed via informal class tests and formal semester tests (in written or oral mode), seminar presentations, practical laboratory experiments and tests. They also do independent research that leads to a scientific assignment (at least one per year), which must be presented to their co-learners and lecturers/assessors at the end of each semester.

    Summative assessment practices that will be implemented:
    Integrated assessment, focusing on the achievement of the exit-level outcomes, will be done by means of writing one written examination per module. Learners are expected to pass eight written examinations per year in total - four towards the end of each semester. In addition, learners have to present a formal seminar on a research paper related to the field of Biochemistry and have to present a poster of their research project in the form of a mini-symposium held in the department. Learners have to submit practical reports of the formal experiments set out in each semester course in the form of a scientific research paper. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
  • Access to qualifications on a lower level:
    Learners who have been, or are, registered for this or similar qualification at another institution of higher education, may be allowed, under exceptional circumstances, to enter in mid-stream. Any application for such entry will be evaluated ad hoc by the Department, subject to approval by the Dean's committee of the Faculty of Science. Credit may be retained for any subjects so approved.
  • Access to qualifications on the same level:
    The following possibilities for continuation of studies within other higher education programmes exist:

    *B.Optom., B.Ing., MB.Ch.B. or Pharm. degree programmes;
    *Another B.Sc. Hons. degree programme a any other university;
    *National Diploma at a Technikon in South Africa.

    Learners who wish to switch to another qualification or subject at this institution may do so within the prescribed period for such changes. Credit for modules completed successfully will be granted subject to their acceptance in the new qualification. 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 modules passed at this university.
  • Access to qualifications on a higher level:
    Having obtained this qualification, the following possibilities for further study of higher education programme exist:

    *A postgraduate higher diploma-programme at any university; and
    *A M.Sc. degree-programme at any university.
    *A M.Tech. degree-programme at any technikon. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Examination papers are moderated and examined by qualified appointed moderators. Courses are periodically examined externally by qualified assessors.
    External moderators are appointed from tertiary institutions or research institutions of appropriate standing. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    Assessors should have a Ph.D. or a M.Sc. degree in the appropriate discipline. Assessors should be affiliated with a tertiary institution or related industry and should have a proven track record, e.g. previous lecturing experience, research output and a publication record. Assessors should have had exposure to assessment practices at tertiary or equivalent level.
    Demonstrators or tutors should be in possession of higher degree (M.Sc) or should be studying towards such a degree. 

    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: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced 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 Johannesburg 


    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.