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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Science in Reproductive Biology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
96705  Master of Science in Reproductive Biology 
ORIGINATOR
Stellenbosch University 
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 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Promotive Health and Developmental Services 
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
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 
To promote research in obstetrics, physiology of pregnancy, new ultrasound techniques in obstetrics, reproductive biology, endocrinology of pregnancy and infertility, and fetal assessment.

The qualification is research-based and aims:
  • To equip students with more advanced knowledge and a deeper insight into and understanding of the chosen field of study.
  • To ensure mastery of the chosen subject or profession via high level analysis of new information, the ability to deal with complexity and to find workable solutions to problems and challenges.
  • To enable students to do advanced and independent research through rigorous training in research methods and to introduce them to the world of scholarly communication, by assisting them to participate actively in scientific meetings and to start publishing on their own.
  • To prepare students who aspire to move to a higher level of academic research work for Doctoral study and to promote an approach based on academic integrity and professional ethics.
  • To contribute to the pool of academics and professionals with the competence and critical intellectual abilities to ensure the future health and advancement of the chosen field or profession and to make provision for the country's needs in a skilled scientific workforce of the highest calibre.
  • To prepare students who can apply their skills to the task of answering some of the questions and meeting some of the needs of the country.
  • The graduate will be competent to perform the professional function of research into speech, language, voice and fluency disorders. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
  • Access may be gained to the qualification through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

    Entry Requirements:
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Reproductive Biology, Level 8. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Do independent research in reproductive biology.
    2. Instruct students to do research in the field of reproductive biology.
    3. Identify important future research areas in reproductive biology.
    4. demonstrate:
  • Mastery of the theoretical subject matter, with a comprehensive knowledge of the field.
  • Mastery of advanced theory and its application to the specialised research topic.
  • Capacity for independent study via the successful completion of a research project and written thesis (which should meet criteria for publication with expert assistance).
  • The ability to understand risk assessment and take calculated risks, as well as self-reflexivity and adaptability. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following Associated Assessment Criteria are assessed in an integrated manner across all the Exit Level Outcomes:
  • Perform independent analysis of new data and problems using a wide range of methods and techniques appropriately.
  • Critically evaluate relevant literature.
  • Extrapolate implications beyond given data.
  • Use higher order principles to relate data to new, broader issues.
  • Transform abstract data and concepts for a given purpose.
  • Review evidence supporting conclusions critically.
  • Identify and define complex problems.
  • Apply appropriate knowledge and skills for their solution.
  • Use well-developed research skills confidently.
  • Challenge orthodox theory and suggest new approaches.
  • Handle contradictions and make value judgments.
  • Interact and engage in debate with a learning or professional group; produce detailed and coherent reports.
  • Communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, in a way appropriate to the field and the profession.

    Integrated Assessment:
  • The student must pass with a minimum of 50%, earned by way of the project leader's report and an acceptable written thesis and oral scientific presentation followed by questioning, as evaluated by a panel of internal and external examiners.
  • The supervisor evaluates the student on the basis of his work as part of a research team and the completion of an independent research project. Satisfactory evaluation of a written dissertation and an oral examination by internal and external evaluators. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Reproductive Biology, Level 10.
  • Doctor of Reproductive Biology, 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. Stellenbosch University 


    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.