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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Doctor of Philosophy in Reproductive Biology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
7429  Doctor of Philosophy in Reproductive Biology 
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
Doctoral Degree  Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Promotive Health and Developmental Services 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Level 8 and above  NQF Level 10  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0335/25  2024-06-30  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

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 PhD Degree in Reproductive Biology is a research Degree, whereby graduates will have a comprehensive knowledge of the principles and practice of research methodologies and technologies in aspects of reproductive biology. The purpose of the qualification is to provide qualifiers with:
1. The ability to employ various existing research techniques, to modify these techniques or innovate new techniques in order to execute an original research project, independently.
2. The ability to assimilate dedicated knowledge (data, figures, statistics) and to recognise digressions, relationships and trends thereof.
3. The ability to critically examine the reliability, validity and applicability of research outcomes.
4. The ability to interpret and substantiate results, combined with a comprehensive theoretical knowledge of published data in the field.
5. The ability to write a thesis on a research project.
6. The ability to present data at a scientific forum and to write scientific articles (data derived from the research project) for publication in accredited journals. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The institution conducts RPL in terms of the policy and guidelines of the institution to recognise other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience. In cases where learners do not comply with the formal admission requirements, the institution applies its RPL policy.

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

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
  • Thesis, 360 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Obtain and assimilate scientific knowledge reproductive biology by compilation of a in-depth relevant literature study.
    2. Initiate and compose a research proposal.
    3. Demonstrate craftsmanship.
    4. Manage research by apply basic and advanced research techniques.
    5. Write research report(s) in the format to be submitted:
  • As oral and poster presentations at in-house seminars.
  • National conferences.
  • To accredited journals.
    6. Write a research report in the format to be submitted as a completed thesis. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following associated assessment criteria apply across all Exit Level Outcomes:
    1. Demonstrate appropriate theoretical knowledge in the field;
    2. The research proposal must be original, relevant, ethical approved and feasible;
    3. Obtain a successful grant to support the project;
    4. Combine theoretical and practical skills, by performing research independently;
  • Record and computerise data.
  • Analyse data and apply basic statistics.
  • To evaluate performances and propose improvements.
    5. Communicate effectively using visual, and language skills in an oral and written format;
    6. Completion of a thesis according to scientific norms.

    Integrated assessment:
    Portfolios.
    Work-place assessment.
    Other:
    Portfolio:
  • Project proposals for funding and ethical approval are prepared and submitted.
  • Seminars based on current research are presented.
  • Oral and poster presentations at national and international conferences.
  • Results are published in accredited scientific journals.
  • A dissertation, according to scientifically accepted norms is completed and evaluated by external assessors and moderators.

    Assessment is continuous and done on the following basis:

    Formative assessments:
    Regular updates on research progress to supervisors (progress reports), with active discussions on relevant problems and solutions. The progress of the candidate is monitored by his/her promoter(s).

    Summative assessments:
    Assessor(s) and moderator(s) assess the portfolio of work that has been completed. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification compares with the following international qualifications in terms of the range of competencies in the learning content offered. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification offers both possibilities of horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Cognate Doctoral Degrees, 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: 
     
    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.