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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Science Honours in Physics 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
81121  Bachelor of Science Honours in Physics 
ORIGINATOR
University of KwaZulu-Natal 
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  120  Level 7  NQF Level 08  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 
This qualification provide learners with specialised knowledge in Physics through study in depth; to equip them with knowledge of research methodology, and the ability to solve problems and develop theory through independent work and critical thinking, by the use of appropriate theory, methods and technique from different parts of Physics. These learners should be good communicators in spoken and written English, to both expert and non-expert audiences.
The qualification intends to provide the country with learners who have specialised knowledge in the mathematical sciences and can, serve the community in a variety of essential ways, in both the public and private sectors. 

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 Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Science in Physics, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Advanced Diploma in Industrial Physics, NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Have in-depth specialised knowledge of Physics;
    2. Understand and be able to apply advanced concepts in Physics;
    3. Distil a problem into its parts;
    4. Consider a range of problems, options and solutions, and implement decisions based on sound academic foundations, and be able to access information from a wide range of sources;
    5. Access information from a wide range of sources, integrate, analyse and critically evaluate it;
    6. Solve a problem by building up individual solutions to parts of the problem in an integrative manner;
    7. Be able to communicate effectively, both in written and oral presentations;
    8. Have responsible and effective personal organisation skills;
    9. Have had the opportunity to enhance personal development, particularly in terms of self-directed and self-motivated study;
    And
    10. Be culturally sensitive and have developed sound professional attitudes. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following associated assessment criteria apply across all Exit Level Outcomes.
  • Demonstrate clear evidence that theoretical concepts have been understood.
  • Understand basic principles, the accuracy of factual material and reasoning, ability to relate appropriate parts of the course to the problem under discussion, sensible reference to other sources of information and clarity of presentation.
  • Write logical and coherent essays, assignments and research reports timeously, contribute to class discussions, satisfactorily answer examination questions and undertake an independent research project under the supervision of a member of staff.
  • Show a commitment to their studies and awareness of others with whom they interact.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated assessment is appropriately incorporated to ensure that the purpose of the qualification is achieved:

    The institution is currently reforming its assessment strategies to include the assessment of applied competence for each qualification. In the meantime, a combination of continuous assessment and traditional written examinations serve to assess the integration of all/most of the learning outcomes for each module in a qualification. 
    		•

    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 and vertical articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Industrial Physics, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Medical Physics, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Applied Physics, NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Science in Physics, NQF Level 9. 
    		•

    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 KwaZulu-Natal 


    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.