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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Science in Life Sciences 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
96574  Master of Science in Life Sciences 
ORIGINATOR
University of Venda 
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  Life Sciences 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  180  Not Applicable  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
2027-06-30   2029-06-30  

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 qualification allows learners to specialise in Biochemistry in research on a selected relevant topic within the Departmental qualification of biomass utilisation. The knowledge, skills and applied competence acquired during graduate and Honours qualifications are utilised and developed for further career opportunities in a wide range of fields, including further study. The qualification will form a basis for innovative individual Postgraduate specialisation, as well as an established career in Biochemistry.

The qualification provides a basic background in the application of molecular concepts of all biotic systems and develops a practical and applied-oriented approach towards the use of knowledge and technical skills. The researcher/learner will also be able to identify, investigate and present solutions for biological problems through critical and creative thinking and research.

The basic skills required to function efficiently as a professional or to further his/her studies will be instilled in the learner. This includes the ability to work in a team, efficient communication, respect for others, responsibility towards the environment, understanding the role of basic science in the biological world, as well as the value of an innovative approach to life in general. 

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 Honours in Life Sciences, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Biochemistry, NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualification consists of minimum total credits of 180. The requirements for the successful completion of a general Master's Degree in Life Sciences are as follows:
  • Masters' Degree by dissertation: A single advanced research project, culminating in the production and acceptance of a dissertation.
  • Masters' Degree by coursework and mini-dissertation: A coursework programme requiring a high level of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence, and in some cases demonstration of the ability to relate knowledge to a range of contexts for professional practice.

    In addition, this variant of a general Master's Degree must contain a research project comprising a minimum of 60 Credits at Level 9, culminating in the acceptance of a mini-dissertation. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Know and understand how to apply the basic biochemical principles and processes that sustain life.
    2. Have a basic schooling in the chemical, physical and mathematical concepts related to life and how to use it to outline and explain the mechanisms and principles of structure function relationships of biomolecules, as well as the way in which molecules form the basis for living systems and life.
    3. Access and process literature on a variety of biological topics.
    4. Plan and conduct a research project in the selected field of specialisation.
    5. Utilise biochemistry in applications in the environment and to initiate logical investigations in this regard.
    6. Work effectively with others, to function in an organised manner, to evaluate information critically and to communicate effectively. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Integrated assessment incorporated to ensure that the purpose of the degree is achieved:
    1. Simulations.
    2. Work-place assessments.

    Ability to conduct experimental biochemical research and report it in acceptable thesis format, as well as writing and submitting research articles regarding the work to internationally accepted journals.

    Continuous formative and summative assessment methods, such as seminar and lecture presentations, workplace assessment, project work, written and oral tutorials, written thesis with detailed discussion and evaluation of results. 

    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:
  • Master of Science, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Science in Biochemistry, NQF Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Life Sciences, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Biochemistry, NQF Level 10. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    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 Venda 


    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.