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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Science in Biochemistry 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
74024  Master of Science 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
Master's Degree  Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences  Physical 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
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

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.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
The primary purpose of this Master of Science in Biochemistry is to provide qualifying learners with training to develop highly qualified scientists with intellectual independence and the ability to apply theoretical knowledge in order to identify, evaluate and address problems associated with the biological and/or physical sciences pertaining to Biochemistry, Molecular Biology or Biotechnology in South African and international context at the highest levels. Through the acquisition of appropriate competence and research ability, they will be able to enter a range of professional and entrepreneurial opportunities. These could include positions as senior research officers or educators with a range of possible employers in industry or tertiary institutions or allow them to establish enterprises of their own in a variety of Biochemistry-related areas of endeavour as entrepreneurs or high-level advisors. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning:
A learner who claims to have achieved entry requirements through experiential 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.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Biochemistry, NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Identify problems of biochemical nature, set a working hypothesis, formulate an investigative and experimental programme, integrate data with existing information and make logical, sound conclusions to resolve the problem.
    2. Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community since most practical problems are of a multidisciplinary nature, in particular in the Biochemistry field.
    3. Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively. Completion of the whole program indicate that the candidate has the ability to work independent and responsibly.
    4. Tract, evaluate and interpret biochemical literature and to generate, collect, organise, analyse/evaluate and interpret new experimental data.
    5. Process data, using several means to communicate obtained data and its interpretation using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral or written persuasion.
    6. Use science and technology effectively and critically to solve biochemical problems, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.
    7. Use science and technology effectively and critically to solve biochemical problems, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.
    8. The successful completion of this programme illustrates the ability of the candidate to assimilate and process data by various means.
    9. Contribute to the improved quality of life of every citizen through a responsible application of an integrated knowledge of Biochemistry.
    10. Functioning as a biochemist on this level the candidate illustrates his/her involvement in, and responsibility towards the larger community (also applicable to 9). The ability to budget for the solution of a biochemical problem.
    11. Identify and explore all potential employment or career opportunities in the field of Biochemistry.
    12. Identify novelties in the biochemical field and exploit them in an innovative manner. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The learner can:

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 1:
  • Display thorough knowledge of the field of enquiry.
  • Formulate an appropriate hypothesis.
  • Plan and carry out an appropriate experimental program.
  • Analyse results correctly obtained.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 2:
  • Display the ability to co-operate with fellow students.
  • Display the ability to contribute meaningfully to a group effort to work on a problem.
  • Display the ability and readiness to accept a responsible part in a group effort.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 3:
  • Display a mastery of subject material by independent study.
  • Display the ability to work on a project of high complexity successfully.
  • Prove the ability to independently write a project or progress report of high standard.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 4:
  • Present a suitable project proposal on a topic.
  • Be able to satisfactorily motivate the reasoning behind the proposal.
  • 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.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 5:
  • Display knowledge of current information retrieval systems and processes.
  • Demonstrate a mastery of the use of technical and professional language and terminology.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 6:
  • Demonstrate awareness and recognition of the need for careful and correct laboratory technique.
  • Demonstrate the ability to use appropriate technology, safely and responsibly.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 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.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 8:
  • Show awareness of the need for different ways of learning and assimilation of knowledge by electronic retrieval systems, libraries, correspondence and personal contacts at meetings.
  • Show awareness of the need for continued study so as to remain constantly up to date.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 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.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 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.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 11:
  • Demonstrate the ability to relate the field of study to society and thus know where those skills are likely to be required.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 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.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Formative assessment practices that will be implemented:
    Formative assessment will be mainly by formal and informal seminars on aspects of the study. Successful presentation of research progress at regular intervals is required. It is also expected from the Master's student to engage in regular formal discussions with the supervisor(s), not just to demonstrate his/her progress, but to highlight research problems that have been encountered.

    Summative assessment practices that will be implemented:
    Summative assessment will be by evaluation of the dissertation submitted. Learners are expected to submit a research dissertation on the selected topic within the field of Biochemistry. The dissertation should demonstrate competency in the research methodology of the discipline and should constitute a contribution to the knowledge of and insight into the field of study.

    Each examiner (internal and external) submits a report regarding the dissertation. A mark is allotted and each report clearly indicates whether the dissertation is:
  • Accepted and amended,
    Or
  • Accepted after improvements have been made,
    Or
  • Referred back for revision and re-submission for examination,
    Or
  • Rejected.

    An oral Master's examination on the dissertation may be enforced if the exam committee demands it.

    Every Master's student must also submit an article that is ready for publication. This does not place a publication obligation on either the student or the supervisor. The article may be a summary of the study or part thereof.

    An oral Master's examination on the dissertation may be enforced if the exam committee demands it.

    Every Master's learner must also submit an article that is ready for publication. This does not place a publication obligation on either the learner or the supervisor. The article may be a summary of the study or part thereof. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The qualification allows for horizontal and vertical articulation possibilities:

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Science, Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Science, NQF Level 10. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    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; 2012; 2015. 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    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.