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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Master of Science: Nanoscience 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
86286  Master of Science: Nanoscience 
ORIGINATOR
General SGB 10 
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
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  Not Applicable  NQF Level 09  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 091/21  2021-07-01  2023-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

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 purpose of this qualification is to equip learners with the necessary competencies in the multi-disciplinary areas of Nanoscience to function as researchers and developers in high-technological industries, research centres and academic institutions. Learners will also master entrepreneurial skills.

This qualification will allow the learner to specialise in one of the areas of Nanochemistry, Nanophysics or Nanobiotechnology. Successful learners will be able to systematically analyse complex issues, make recommendations using data and information at their disposal and communicate their conclusions clearly.

The qualifying learner will be capable of:
  • Analysing the fundamentals theory, concepts and applications of Nanoscience.
  • Analysing the fundamental theory and practical applications of Nanochemistry, Nanophysics or Nanobiotechnology.
  • Conducting an advanced research project in the field of Nanoscience.
  • Analysing entrepreneurial theories and practices.

    Rationale:

    This qualification meets the needs of the scientific sector in that it will contribute to the research and development of Nanoscience knowledge and skills in South Africa, especially in the specialist fields of Nanochemistry, Nanophysics and Nanobiotechnology.

    This qualification is a structured in an inter-disciplinary manner, and is offered as an inter-university multi-site programme, allowing for collaboration on research projects across multiple institutions. This mode of offering is being driven by the Department of Science and Technology through the Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Strategy.

    The typical leaner attempting this qualification will have completed a Bachelor of Science Honour's degree with a specialisation in Chemistry, Physics or Biotechnology. This qualification, will allow the learner access to Doctoral Degree learning in this field at NQF Level 10. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    The knowledge, skills and cognitive ability demonstrated in a Bachelor of Science Honour's Degree at NQF Level 8.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:

    This qualification may be achieved in part or completely through the Recognition of Prior Learning, which includes formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience.

    Recognition of Prior Learning may also be used to grant access to the qualification to those learners who do not meet the admission requirements.

    Access to the Qualification:

    Learners registering for this qualification should already have achieved a Bachelor of Science Honour's Degree in Chemistry, Physics or Biotechnology at NQF Level 8, or an equivalent qualification. 

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    Master of Science: Nanoscience, NQF Level 9, comprises 180 credits, accumulated via coursework and a comprehensive research project.

    Learners are required to successfully complete:
  • Compulsory coursework, consisting of compulsory modules at NQF Levels 8 and 9.
  • Compulsory research to the value of at least 90 credits.
  • Optional modules grouped into the following specialisations:
    > Nanophysics.
    > Nanochemistry.
    > Nanobiotechnology.

    The way in which the specialisations must be chosen and the modules making up each module are determined individually by each university involved in the project. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate expertise and a conceptual understanding of specialist theoretical and practical knowledge in relation to the field of Nanoscience.

    2. Translate acquired knowledge and competencies into useful Nanoscientific applications.

    3. Engage with and critique current research or practices.

    4. Perform independent research and advanced scholarship in one of the fields of Nanoscience.

    5. Design, select and apply appropriate and creative methods, techniques, processes and technologies to solve complex practical and theoretical problems within the field of Nanoscience.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:

    This programme develops all the Critical Cross-field Outcomes. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Attaining the aforementioned Exit Level Outcomes requires that learners are subjected to assessment opportunities that align with the following Assessment Criteria:
  • Demonstrate an established knowledge of the field by portraying a critical awareness of current problems and new trends informed by research within the ambit of professional practice.
  • Portray a conceptual understanding that enables one to interrogate multiple sources of knowledge in order to critically evaluate current research and methodologies.
  • Demonstrate originality in the application and command of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to create and interpret new knowledge in the discipline.
  • Critically evaluate current research, as well as critique current methodologies in the field in order to propose new hypotheses, if appropriate.
  • Apply a wide range of specialised skills in identifying, conceptualising, designing and implementing methods of enquiry to address complex and challenging problems within the area of nanoscience.
  • Make autonomous decisions within the ambit of ethical professional practice.
  • Develop own learning strategies to sustain independent learning and academic or professional development, and interact within the professional group as a means of enhancing learning.
  • Engage in academic and professional discourse in order to communicate and defend substantial ideas that are grounded in scientific research.
  • Academic papers and studies are written and reported on according to required standards.

    Integrated Assessment:

    Formative assessment will be applied continually throughout the learning of the individual learning outcomes and/or modules. Summative assessment will be applied to ensure the achievement of each learning outcome and/or module. Integrated assessment will be applied extensively across the modules of learning to ensure the integrated achievement of the Exit Level Outcomes. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    There are now well over 200 similar Masters' programmes at reputable institutions all over the world. This qualification has been modelled on some of these international Degrees, but has been tailored to suit the needs of South African business and society. The following Masters' programmes were particularly considered:
  • France, the Grenoble Master of Science Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (MSc N2) Degree programme is offered under a Nanoscience and Nanotechnology consortium made up of Joseph Fourier University, Grenoble Institute of Technology, Centre for Atomic Energy, Grenoble, the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut Laue-Langevin and other major research centres in Grenoble.
  • Italy, the Interuniversity Master of Science Nanotechnology (IMN) is coordinated by Coordinamento Interuniversitario Veneto per le Nanotecnologie (CIVEN) which was jointly established in 2003 by University of Padova, University Ca'Foscari of Venezia and the University of Verona and it is funded by the Veneto Regional Government in Italy and the European Union (EU) development fund.
  • In Sweden the Lund University Master of Science Nanoscience Degree is coordinated by the Nanometer Structure Consortium in the Faculty of Engineering.
  • In Europe, from 2009 four EU universities announced the Master of Science Nanosciences and Nanotechnology Erasmus Mundus Master's Programme, namely the Joseph Fourier University - Grenoble, in partnership with the Catholic University of Leuven in Belgium, University Chalmers of Goteborg in Sweden and the Technical University of Dresden in Germany.

    This qualification compares favourably with these international qualifications in general, but is designed to meet South African needs. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows for horizontal as well as vertical articulation with similar qualifications at other institutions, subject to the approval of those institutions.

    Horizontal Articulation:

    This qualification articulates horizontally with any cognate Master's Degree at NQF Level 9.

    Vertical articulation:

    This qualification articulates vertically with any cognate Doctoral Degree at NQF Level 10. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Internal and external moderation must be conducted by moderators appointed by the provider. Both internal and external moderators must be in possession of an appropriate qualification at least one level above the level of this qualification, as well as relevant and current experience. 

    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 2012; 2015. 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    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.