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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Science Honours 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
84749  Bachelor of Science Honours 
ORIGINATOR
University of KwaZulu-Natal 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
The individual Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary for each Learning Programme recorded against this qualification is shown in the table at the end of this report.  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Honours Degree  Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences  Life 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  EXCO 0733/25  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 
Purpose:
The primary purpose of the Bachelor of Science (B Sc) Honours is to provide graduates with the knowledge, specific skills, and applied and theoretical competence in several Science fields to provide opportunities for continued personal intellectual growth, gainful economic activity, and valuable contributions to society.

BSc Hons graduates will be well-rounded individuals with the requisite knowledge and skills in a specific disciplinary area that consolidates and deepens the graduates' expertise in that disciplinary area and prepares them for entry into the labour market, in civil service, business, community service, education, and NGOs.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of their field of study
  • Communicate effectively
  • Work and learn independently
  • Apply critical reasoning to issues through independent thought and informed judgment
  • Evaluate opinions, make decisions, and reflect critically on the justifications for decisions.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and respect for ethics and ethical standards in relation to a major area of study
  • Generate ideas and adapt innovatively to changing environments
  • Identify problems, create solutions, innovate, and improve current practices.

    In addition, learner attributes such as the ability to operate effectively within a system, or manage a system based on an understanding of the roles and relationships between elements within the system; the ability to apply, in a self-critical manner, learning strategies which effectively address his or her professional and ongoing learning needs and the professional and ongoing learning needs of others; the ability to take full responsibility for his or her work, decision-making and use of resources, and full accountability for the decisions and actions of others where appropriate, will be integrated in the learning process.

    Rationale:
    South Africa experiences a shortage of graduates who have specialised knowledge and skills in a range of fields such as the Physical Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, Life Sciences, and Earth Sciences, as well as research skills in these areas of specialisation. There is therefore a need to produce graduates in the field of Natural Sciences who are analytical thinkers and good communicators with knowledge and skills who can critically engage in broad current debates concerning their areas of specialisation.

    There is a need for graduates with the above-mentioned qualities in South Africa, as a developing country with many challenges, as well as in the broader global context.

    The Bachelor of Science Honours provides a bridge between the undergraduate Bachelor of Science and the Master of Science. It allows learners to deepen their knowledge of a particular specialisation, which builds on their major in their undergraduate degree and prepares them for research in a Master's qualification.

    Although the Bachelor of Science Honours qualification does not supply targeted professional training, it enables graduates to work successfully in civil service, NGOs, and business. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    In terms of the institution's RPL Guidelines (2024), RPL may be used in this qualification:
  • For postgraduate admission: to allow an applicant without the required primary degree access to postgraduate qualifications where, through other means, they have obtained the necessary competence.
  • For lateral movement: to allow a learner, with a qualification at the requisite level in one area, entry to a qualification in a different area based on competencies obtained in their previous qualification, with appropriate additional interventions.

    As per the CHE Policy on the Recognition of Prior Learning (2016), in higher education, exemption from modules or courses does not translate to credits being awarded for those modules or courses. No credits should therefore be awarded for the modules or courses that a learner is exempted from doing because of RPL.

    Where modules in a qualification are exempted based on RPL, the learner must take additional modules to ensure the total credits required for the qualification are obtained. RPL seeks to achieve inclusion and to overcome a variety of barriers to access and success in higher education and hence should be premised on overcoming possible barriers to higher education studies for those people who lack the formal prerequisites.

    The implementation of RPL is context-specific in terms of discipline, qualification, and level.
  • The learning (prior knowledge, skills, and competencies) assessed must be related to the purpose for which the recognition is required and must be sufficient and current.
  • Learning must be assessed against the learning outcomes of specific qualifications and/or modules and not solely the content. It must be evidence-based and recognise the learning from the experience, not the experience on its own.
  • Full qualifications may not be awarded solely based on RPL, and RPL cannot be used to grant a learner exemption from more than 50% of the modules required for the qualification.
  • Normally, not more than 10% of a cohort of learners in a qualification may be admitted through a formal RPL process.
  • Quality assurance procedures that guarantee the integrity and credibility of the assessment must be in place.

    Assessment criteria for RPL are undertaken within the institution, as the disciplinary expertise of academic staff plays a crucial role in assessing the learning achieved by RPL. Assessment tools must be fit-for-purpose and aligned to the qualification/module outcomes. In assessing applicants with a qualification at a lower NQF level than that required for admission to a postgraduate qualification, the level descriptors of the NQF level of the current qualification should be considered in relation to those of the qualification required for admission, and an assessment made on whether the prior learning addresses the difference in descriptors between the two levels.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Science, NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8, totalling 128 Credits.

    This qualification comprises several specialisations, and learners must select only one specialisation.

    Applied Mathematics
    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 8, 32 Credits.
  • Honours Project in Applied Mathematics, 32 Credits.

    Elective Modules, NQF Level 8, 96 Credits (Select six modules):
  • Computability Theory, 16 credits.
  • Mathematical Biology, 16 credits.
  • Fluid Dynamics, 16 credits.
  • Applied Numerical Analysis, 16 credits.
  • Analytic Methods in Partial Differential Equations, 16 credits.
  • Further Graph Theory, 16 credits.
  • Financial Mathematics, 16 credits.
  • Applied Optimal Control Theory,16 credits.
  • Advanced optimisation, 16 credits.
  • Functional Analysis,16 credits.

    Or
    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 8, 32 Credits.
  • Honours Project in Applied Mathematics, 32 Credits.

    Elective Modules NQF Level 8, 96 Credits (Select six modules):
  • Graph Theory 1,16 credits.
  • Graph Theory 2, 16 credits.
  • Classical Algebra, 16 credits.
  • Cosmology, 16 credits.
  • Differential Geometry, 16 credits.
  • Industrial Mathematics, 16 credits.
  • Set Theory and Logic, 16 credits.
  • Classical Mechanics, 16 credits.
  • Ordinary Differential Equations, 16 credits.
  • Partial Differential Equations, 16 credits.
  • General Relativity, 16 credits.
  • Set Theory and Ordered Sets, 16 credits.
  • Topology 16 credits.
  • Foundations, 16 credits.
  • Cryptography, 16 credits.
  • Special Topics A, 16 credits.
  • Special Topics B, 16 credits.
  • Computability Theory, 16 credits.
  • Mathematical Biology, 16 credits
  • Graph Theory 2,16 credits
  • Fluid Dynamics, 16 credits
  • Applied Numerical Analysis, 16 credits
  • Analytic Methods in Partial Differential Equations, 16 credits
  • Further Graph Theory, 16 credits.
  • Financial Mathematics, 16 credits.
  • Further Group Theory,16 credits.
  • Recent Topics in Mathematics I 16 credits.
  • Applied Optimal Control Theory, 16 credits.
  • Recent Topics in Mathematics II, 16 credits.
  • Advanced Optimisation, 16 credits.
  • Topics in Topology, 16 credits.
  • Numerical Analysis I, 16 credits.
  • Measure and Integration l, 16 credits.
  • Functional Analysis I, 16 credits.
  • Functional Analysis II, 16 credits.
  • Numerical Analysis II, 16 credits.
  • Optimisation I, 16 credits.
    Or

    Biochemistry
    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 8,128 Credits:
  • Cell Biology and Methods in Cell Biology, 16 Credits.
  • Research Project, 48 Credits.
  • Antigens and Vaccines,16 Credits.
  • Modelling, visualisation and information retrieval, 16 Credits.
  • Advanced Biochemistry Topics, 16 Credits.
  • Agricultural Biochemistry Research Skills, 16 Credits.
    Or

    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 8, 128 Credits:
  • Research Project, 48 Credits.
  • Advanced Biochemical Core Topics 1, 16 Credits.
  • Specialized Biochemical Techniques 1, 16 Credits.
  • Advanced Biochemical Core Topics 2, 16 Credits.
  • Specialised Techniques in Biochemistry, 16 Credits.
  • Advanced Biochemical Core Topics 3 16 Credits.

    Biological Sciences
    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 8, 64 Credits.
  • Biology/Ecology Tools and Skills, 16 Credits.
  • Biology/Ecology Research Project, 48 Credits.

    Elective Modules, NQF LEVEL 8, 64 Credits (Select three modules from the following):
  • Rangeland Ecology: Soil/Plant Interactions, 16 Credits.
  • Rangeland Ecology: Plant/Animal Interactions, 16 Credits.
  • Conservation Ecology, 16 Credits.
  • Insects and Alien- Plant Control, 16 Credits.
  • Plant Breeding Systems, 16 Credits.
  • Plant Biosystematics, 16 Credits.
  • Advanced Plant Physiology, 16 Credits.
  • Terrestrial African Vertebrate Zoology, 16 Credits.

    Elective Modules, NQF LEVEL 8, 16 Credits (Select one module from the College modules):

    Or
    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 8, 64 Credits:
  • Biology/Ecology Tools and Skills,16 Credits.
  • Biology/Ecology Research Project, 48 Credits.

    Elective Modules, NQF Level 48 Credits, (Select three modules from the following):
  • Parasitology, 16 Credits.
  • Molecular Ecology and Systematics, 16 Credits.
  • Plant Ecophysiology, 16 Credits.
  • Biodiversity Patterns and Dynamics, 16 Credits.
  • Plant Biosystematics and Ultrastructure, 16 Credits.
  • Biochemistry-Plasticity in Changing Environments, 16 Credits.
  • Plant Biotechnology, 16 Credits.
  • Coastal Ecology, 16 Credits.
  • DNA Typing in Forensic Investigation, 16 Credits.
  • Forensic Genetics: Analysis and Interpretation, 16 Credits.

    Elective Modules, NQF LEVEL 8, 16 Credits (Select one module from the College modules):

    Chemistry
    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 8, 128 Credits.
  • Inorganic and Physical Chemistry, 16 Credits.
  • Organic and Analytical Chemistry, 16 Credits.
  • Group Theory and Spectroscopy, 8 Credits.
  • Computational Chemistry, 8 Credits.
  • Special Topics in Chemistry, 32 Credits.
  • Chemistry Project, 48 Credits.
    Or

    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 8, 128 Credits:
  • Research Methodology, 16 Credits.
  • Advanced Chemistry, 48 Credits.
  • Chemistry Project I, 32 Credits.
  • Chemistry Electives, 32 Credits.

    Or
    Computer Science
    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 8, 32 Credits:
  • Honours Project, 32 Credits.

    Elective modules, NQF Level 8, 64 Credits (Select four modules):
  • Image Processing and Computer Vision, 16 Credits.
  • Artificial Intelligence, 16 Credits
  • Cryptography and Network Security, 16 Credits.
  • Bioinformatics, 16 Credits.
  • Computer Graphics, 16 credits.
  • Contemporary Topics in Computer Science A, 16 credits.
  • Contemporary Topics in Computer Science B, 16 credits.
  • Optimization and Modelling, 16 credits.
  • Ontologies and Knowledge Bases, 16 credits.
  • Machine Learning, 16 credits)
  • Distributed Computing, 16 credits)

    Elective modules, NQF Level 8, 32 Credits (Select two modules approved by Teaching and Learning by the School):

    Or
    Genetics
    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 8, 112 Credits.
  • Methods in Systems Biology, 16 Credits.
  • Genetics Research Skills, 16 Credits.
  • Advanced Population and Quantitative Genetics, 16 Credits.
  • Advanced Seminar Topics in Genetics, 16 Credits.
  • Mini Research Project in Genetics, 48 Credits.

    Elective Modules, NQF Level 8, 16 Credits.
  • Conservation, 16 Credits.
  • Plant Breeding Systems, 16 Credits.
  • Advanced Animal Breeding and Genetics, 16 Credits.

    Or
    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 8, 48 Credits.
  • Mini Research Project in Genetics, 48 Credits.

    Elective Modules, NQF Level 8, 32 Credits (Select two modules):
  • Specialised Techniques in Biochem, 16 Credits.
    Or
  • Specialised Microbial Molecular Techniques, 16 Credits.
  • Advanced Genomics and Bioinformatics, 16 Credits.
    Or
  • Molecular Ecology and Systematics, 16 Credits.
    And

    Elective Modules, NQF Level 8, 48 Credits (Select three modules):
  • DNA Typing in Forensic Investigation, 16 Credits
  • Forensic Genetics: Analysis and Interpretation, 16 Credits
  • Advanced Population and Quantitative Genetics, 16 Credits
  • Advanced Seminar Topics in Genetics, 16 Credits
  • Human Genetics and Molecular Diagnostics, 16 Credits

    Or
    Geology of Ore Deposits
    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 8, 128 Credits:
  • Mines Field Class 16 Credits.
  • Igneous Petrology and Geochemistry 16 Credits.
  • Sedimentology and Basin Analysis 16 Credits.
  • Metamorphic Petrology 16 Credits.
  • Ore Deposits 16 Credits.
  • Structural Geology 16 Credits.
  • Research Project 32 Credits.

    Or
    Environmental and Engineering Geology
    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 8, 128 Credits:
  • Mines Field Class, 16 Credits.
  • Rock Engineering, 16 Credits.
  • Geotechnical Engineering, 16 Credits.
  • Engineering Geology, 16 Credits.
  • Pollution Studies, 16 Credits.
  • Special Topics, 16 Credits.
  • Research Project, 32 Credits.

    Or
    Hydrology
    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 8, 128 Credits:
  • Current Issues in Hydrology, 16 Credits,
  • Integrated Water Resources Management, 16 Credits.
  • Advanced Hydrological Processes, 16 Credits.
  • Advanced Hydrological Modelling Skills, 32 Credits.
  • Hydrology Honours Project, 48Credits.

    Or
    Mathematics
    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 8, 80 Credits:
  • Set Theory and Logic, 16 Credits.
  • Topology, 16 Credits.
  • Further Group Theory, 16 Credits.
  • Honours Project in Mathematics, 32 Credits.

    Elective Modules, NQF Level 8, 48 Credits (Select three modules)
  • Computability Theory, 16 Credits,
  • Further Graph Theory, 16 Credits.
  • Statistics/ Applied Mathematics/ Computer Science, 16 Credits.

    Or
    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 8, 64 Credits:
  • Classical Algebra, 16 Credits.
  • Functional Analysis I, 16 Credits.
  • Honours Project in Mathematics, 32 Credits.

    Elective Modules, NQF Level 8, 64 Credits(Select any four Math modules):
  • Any Math Modules, 64 Credits.
    Or

    Microbiology
    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 6, 112 Credits:
    Microbiology Research Skills, 16 Credits:
    Fermentation Microbiology, 16 Credits.
    Environmental Biotechnology, 16 Credits.
    Advanced Environmental Microbiology, 16 Credits.
    Research Project, 48 Credits.

    Elective Modules, NQF Level 8, 16 Credits:
  • Any module from the College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, 16 Credits.

    Or
    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 8, 112 Credits:
  • Specialised Microbial Molecular Techniques 16 Credits.
  • Bacteriology, 16 Credits.
  • Molecular Genetics, 16 Credits.
  • Biotechnology, 16 Credits.
  • Research Project, 48 Credits.

    Elective Modules, NQF Level 8, 16 Credits (Select one module):
  • Molecular Ecology and Systematics 16 Credits.
  • Advanced Genomics and Bioinformatics, 16 Credits.
  • Mycology, 16 Credits.

    Or
    Physics
    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 8, 80 Credits.
  • Statistical Physics, 16 Credits.
  • Quantum Mechanics, 16 Credits.
  • Electrodynamics, 16 Credits.
  • Physics Project, Credits.

    Elective Modules, NQF Level 8, 48 Credits (Select three modules)
  • Special Topics in Physics I, 16 Credits.
  • Special Topics in Physics II, 32 Credits.
    Or
    Modules within the school or from another school (not more than 32 credits) as approved by the school. (16 or 32 Credits)

    Or
    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level, 96 Credits:
  • Classical Field Theory, 16 Credits.
  • Quantum Mechanics, 16 Credits.
  • Statistical Physics and Classical Mechanics, 16 Credits.
  • Methods of Mathematical and Computational Physics, 16 Credits.
  • Physics Project, 32 Credits.

    Elective Modules, NQF Level 8, 32 Credits (Select two modules):
  • Advanced Topics in Quantum Physics, 16 Credits.
  • Advanced Topics in Condensed Matter Physics, 16 Credits.
  • Advanced Topics in Applied Physics, 16 Credits.

    Or
    Compulsory Modules, 96 Credits:
  • Classical Field Theory, 16 Credits.
  • Techniques in Astrophysics and Space Science, 16 Credits.
  • Methods of Mathematical and Computational Physics, 16 Credits.
  • Fluid Dynamics, 16 Credits.
  • Physics Project, 32 Credits.

    Elective Modules, NQF Level 8, 32 Credits.
  • Advanced Topics in Space Science, 16 Credits.
  • Advanced Topics in Plasma Physics, 16 Credits.
  • Advanced Topics in Astronomy and Astrophysics, 16 Credits.
  • Cosmology, 16 Credits.

    Or
    Statistics
    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level, 32 Credits.
  • Project in Statistics, 32 Credits.

    Elective Modules, NQF Level, 96 Credits (Select six modules):
  • Bayesian Inference, 16 Credits.
  • Econometrics, 16 Credits.
  • The Generalized Linear Model, 16 Credits.
  • Advanced Probability Theory, 16 Credits.
  • Time Series Analysis, 16 Credits.
  • Advanced Topics in Statistics, 16 Credits.
  • Mixed Models and Spatial Statistics,16 Credits.
  • Risk Management, 16 Credits.
  • Customer Segmentation Methods, 16 Credits.
  • Special Topics in Biostatistics, 16 Credits.
    And

    Elective Modules, NQF Level 8, 32 Credits (Select two modules from another discipline approved by the school): 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate knowledge and engagement in an area at the forefront of their specialisation and an understanding of theories, research methodologies, methods and techniques relevant to their specialisation, as well as the ability to apply this knowledge in a particular context.
    2. Interrogate different sources of knowledge in their specialisation and evaluate this knowledge, as well as how this knowledge is produced.
    3. Demonstrate an understanding of the complexities and uncertainties of selecting, applying or transferring appropriate standard procedures, processes, or techniques to unfamiliar problems in their specialisation.
    4 Demonstrate the ability to innovatively use a range of acquired skills to identify, analyse, and address complex or abstract problems in their field of specialisation by drawing on the body of knowledge and methods appropriate to their field of specialisation.
    5 Critically reflect on different ethical value systems to enable him/her to identify and address ethical issues based on their suitability for a specific context.
    6 Demonstrate the ability to critically review information gathering, synthesis of data, evaluation, and management processes in their specialised contexts to develop creative responses to problems and issues.
    7 Communicate academic ideas and texts effectively to a range of audiences, offering creative insights, rigorous interpretations, and solutions to problems and issues appropriate to the context.
    8 Demonstrate the ability to operate effectively within a system or manage a system based on an understanding of the roles and relationships between elements within the system.
    9 Demonstrate the ability to apply, in a self-critical manner, learning strategies which effectively address his or her professional and ongoing learning needs and the professional and ongoing learning needs of others.
    10 Demonstrate the ability to take full responsibility for his or her work, decision-making, and use of resources, and full accountability for the decisions and actions of others where appropriate. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Define theories in specialisation
  • Apply specialised knowledge and methodologies to conduct research in specialisation
  • Select appropriate methods and techniques when conducting experiments in specialisation

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Define theories in specialisation.
  • Apply specialised knowledge and methodologies to conduct research in specialisation.
  • Select appropriate methods and techniques when conducting experiments in specialisation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Identify different sources of knowledge in specialisation
  • Critique different sources of knowledge in specialisation
  • Compare different ways in which knowledge is produced in specialisation

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Select appropriate standard procedures, processes, or techniques to solve problems in different contexts in specialisation
  • Apply or transfer selected procedures, processes or techniques to solve problems in different contexts in specialisation

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Apply appropriate knowledge and methods in specialisation to identify complex and abstract problems
  • Apply appropriate knowledge and methods in specialisation to analyse complex and abstract problems
  • Apply appropriate knowledge and methods in specialisation to solve complex and abstract problems

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Select appropriate ethical value systems for contexts in the areas of specialisation
  • Apply these value systems to identify and address ethical issues in particular contexts in specialisation

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Appraise processes for information gathering data synthesis, evaluation, and management in specialisation
  • Apply such processes to develop appropriate strategies to solve problems and address issues creatively

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Present academic ideas that offer creative insights to a range of audiences
  • Present academic texts that offer rigorous interpretations and solutions to problems appropriate to the context to a range of audiences

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Explain the roles and relationships between elements within a system
  • Apply knowledge of the roles and relationships to operate effectively or manage the system

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
  • Examine learning strategies that address professional learning needs
  • Apply such learning strategies that address one's own and others' professional learning needs

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:
  • Describe ways in which responsibility is taken for own work
  • Explain how responsibility is taken for decisions made and actions taken by self and others

    INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT
    Formative Assessment:
    Some assessment methods are used to enable learners to demonstrate the achievement of the learning outcomes. These assessments take various forms, including class tests, tutorial work, presentations, assignments, practical/field reports, and a research report. Formative assessments ensure that learners are given feedback on their progress towards the achievement of specific learning outcomes- assessment for' learning,

    Summative Assessment:
    Summative assessment focuses on the evaluation of the learning in relation to exit-level outcomes of the qualification- assessment of' learning. Such evaluation should include 'integrated assessments' which assess the learners' ability to integrate the larger body of knowledge, competencies, and attitudes that are represented by the exit-level outcomes, either as a whole or as components of the qualification.

    In some modules, continuous assessment collectively informs a final mark for that module. According to the institution's Assessment Policy (2023), continuous assessment is an assessment approach that involves the assessment of all the outcomes of a module by a variety of methods with timely and frequent feedback throughout the module. Continuous Assessment collectively informs a final mark for that module, without a final summative university examination. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The South African (SA) qualification was compared with the similar qualifications from the following countries.

    Country: Australia
    Institution: University of Melbourne
    Qualification title: Bachelor of Science Honours
    Duration: 1-year Full-time
    Entry requirements:
  • Have completed a three-year undergraduate degree with at least two years in science or technology areas of study within the last ten years

    Purpose:
    The qualification is for learners who have achieved academic excellence and wish to build upon their undergraduate degree. The degree will enhance your ability to acquire advanced research and analytical skills to develop and test original ideas. It is a pathway to further studies in graduate research, such as a PhD.

    Bachelor of Science (Degree with Honours) graduates:
  • Demonstrate an advanced knowledge and understanding of one or more selected fields of study in core disciplines in the biological, chemical, environmental and medical sciences.
  • Demonstrate high-level research skills appropriate to one or more core disciplines in the biological, chemical, environmental and medical sciences.
  • Access and comprehend national and international debates in their specialised area(s) of study.
  • Demonstrate an independent approach to knowledge that uses rigorous methods of inquiry and appropriate theories and methodologies that are applied with intellectual honesty and a respect for ethical values.
  • Apply critical and analytical skills and methods to the identification and resolution of problems within complex contexts.
  • Act as informed and critically discriminating participants within the community of scholars, as citizens and in the workforce.

    Qualification structure:
    There are two components to the honours program: the Advanced coursework component and the Research project component.

    Country: New Zealand
    Institution: University of Canterbury
    Qualification title: Bachelor of Science with Honours
    Credits: 120 points)
    Duration: 1-year Full-time
    Entry requirements
  • Have completed a three-year bachelor's degree

    Purpose:
    The Bachelor of Science with Honours degree is made up of one full-time year of coursework that includes a research component. Subject areas range from Astronomy to Statistics, and learners may complete the qualification in two subjects if desired (combined honours).

    Similarities:
    All three qualifications have a duration of 1 year for full-time learners. These qualifications were selected for comparison as they are two of the few institutions that offer discrete Honours programmes comprising 100 and 120 credit points respectively.

    The purpose of the selected qualifications is the same as this qualification in that they all focus on extending learners' knowledge and skills through a supervised research project, together with advanced coursework in related areas of study.

    This qualification requires a Bachelor's degree for entry into an honours programme. Certain specialisations may have additional criteria for entry into the programme. The University of Melbourne and the University of Canterbury both require a level of performance in the Bachelor's degrees that are higher than those required by the SA qualification.

    The ELOs are similar across the three qualifications, mentioning subject knowledge, communication skills, critical, analytical and problem-solving skills and placing particular emphasis on developing research skills. In this programme, the research project comprises 25% of the total credits; in the BSc (degree with Hons) it may comprise between 25% and 75% of the total points and in the BSc with Honours it must comprise of at least 25% of the total points.

    Assessments vary, depending on the subject but are similar for all three qualifications. Some courses have continuous assessment, while others include a summative examination. All three qualifications include a research report as part of assessment. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both horizontal and vertical articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Biochemistry, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Microbiology, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Forensic Genetics, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Biological Science, NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Science, NQF level 9.

    Diagonal Articulation
    There are no Diagonal Articulation options available for this qualification. 
    		•

    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 2009; 2012; 2015. 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    LP ID Learning Programme Title Originator Pre-2009
    NQF Level    		 NQF Level Min Credits Learning Prog End Date Quality
    Assurance
    Functionary    		 NQF Sub-Framework
    117542  Bachelor of Science Honours in Animal and Poultry Science  University of KwaZulu-Natal  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  120  2018-12-31    HEQSF 
    117499  Bachelor of Science Honours in Building Management  University of KwaZulu-Natal  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  120  2018-12-31    HEQSF 
    115788  Bachelor of Science Honours in Cellular Biology  University of KwaZulu-Natal  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  120       HEQSF 
    115787  Bachelor of Science Honours in Crop Science  University of KwaZulu-Natal  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  120       HEQSF 
    117561  Bachelor of Science Honours in Ecological Sciences General  University of KwaZulu-Natal  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  120  2018-12-31    HEQSF 
    117540  Bachelor of Science Honours in Environment and Development  University of KwaZulu-Natal  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  120  2018-12-31    HEQSF 
    117525  Bachelor of Science Honours in Environmental Studies  University of KwaZulu-Natal  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  120  2018-12-31    HEQSF 
    117526  Bachelor of Science Honours in Environmental Studies Conservation  University of KwaZulu-Natal  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  120  2018-12-31    HEQSF 
    117527  Bachelor of Science Honours in Environmental Studies Marine  University of KwaZulu-Natal  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  120  2018-12-31    HEQSF 
    117528  Bachelor of Science Honours in Environmental Studies Plant Science  University of KwaZulu-Natal  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  120  2018-12-31    HEQSF 
    115786  Bachelor of Science Honours in Financial Mathematics  University of KwaZulu-Natal  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  120       HEQSF 
    117560  Bachelor of Science Honours in Geology and Ore Deposits  University of KwaZulu-Natal  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  120  2018-12-31    HEQSF 
    115785  Bachelor of Science Honours in Horticultural Science  University of KwaZulu-Natal  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  120       HEQSF 
    115784  Bachelor of Science Honours in Industrial and Applied Biotechnology  University of KwaZulu-Natal  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  120       HEQSF 
    117529  Bachelor of Science Honours in Industrial and Applied Mathematics  University of KwaZulu-Natal  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  120  2018-12-31    HEQSF 
    115782  Bachelor of Science Honours in Industrial Mathematics  University of KwaZulu-Natal  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  120       HEQSF 
    117500  Bachelor of Science Honours in Land Surveying  University of KwaZulu-Natal  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  120  2018-12-31    HEQSF 
    115781  Bachelor of Science Honours in Marine Biology  University of KwaZulu-Natal  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  120       HEQSF 
    117530  Bachelor of Science Honours in Mathematical and Statistical Sciences  University of KwaZulu-Natal  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  120  2018-12-31    HEQSF 
    117539  Bachelor of Science Honours in Mathematical and Statistical Sciences (Industrial Mathematics)  University of KwaZulu-Natal  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  120  2018-12-31    HEQSF 
    117531  Bachelor of Science Honours in Mathematical and Statistical Sciences Statistics  University of KwaZulu-Natal  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  120  2018-12-31    HEQSF 
    117532  Bachelor of Science Honours in Microbial Biotechnology  University of KwaZulu-Natal  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  120  2018-12-31    HEQSF 
    115766  Bachelor of Science Honours in Microbiology  University of KwaZulu-Natal  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  120       HEQSF 
    117533  Bachelor of Science Honours in Physics and Applied Physics  University of KwaZulu-Natal  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  120  2018-12-31    HEQSF 
    117534  Bachelor of Science Honours in Physics with Applied Mathematics  University of KwaZulu-Natal  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  120  2018-12-31    HEQSF 
    117535  Bachelor of Science Honours in Physics with Computer Science  University of KwaZulu-Natal  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  120  2018-12-31    HEQSF 
    117536  Bachelor of Science Honours in Physics with Geology  University of KwaZulu-Natal  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  120  2018-12-31    HEQSF 
    117501  Bachelor of Science Honours in Property Management  University of KwaZulu-Natal  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  120  2018-12-31    HEQSF 
    117537  Bachelor of Science Honours in Pure and Applied Biochemistry  University of KwaZulu-Natal  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  120  2018-12-31    HEQSF 
    117538  Bachelor of Science Honours in Pure and Applied Chemistry  University of KwaZulu-Natal  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  120  2018-12-31    HEQSF 
    117541  Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Honours  University of KwaZulu-Natal  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  120  2018-12-31    HEQSF 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THESE LEARNING PROGRAMMES: 
    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.
     
    NONE 


    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.