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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Doctor of Philosophy in Science 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
96870  Doctor of Philosophy in Science 
ORIGINATOR
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Doctoral Degree  Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences  Life Sciences 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Not Applicable  NQF Level 10  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 
Persons achieving this qualification will be competent scientific researchers who can work independently in developing and applying knowledge and skills to make an original contribution to the global knowledge or technology in the particular field chosen for study. A graduate with one year of experience in the field will be eligible to apply to the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions for registration as a Professional Natural Scientist. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Master of Technology (M.Tech.): Biotechnology or equivalent Level 9 600-Credit Masters Degree in related disciplines. 

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
N 

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
1. Demonstrate in depth knowledge and understanding of the field/area of investigation.

2. Apply research methods and techniques appropriately and correctly in order to make an original contribution to global knowledge and insight in the particular field/discipline chosen.

Specified Outcomes:
1.1 Demonstrate in depth knowledge of the scope of relevant knowledge in the selected field/area of research, 30 Credits (core, Level 8).
1.2 Demonstrate understanding of the particular field chosen, 30 Credits (core, Level 8).

2.1 Plan, design, motivate, budget for, and conduct a comprehensive scientific research project, 60 Credits (core, Level 8).
2.2 Critically analyse, evaluate and interpret the findings, 60 Credits (core, Level 8).
2.3 Report the findings in a thesis and in scientific format for international consumption, 60 Credits (core, Level 8).

Critical Outcomes:
1. Identifying and solving problems and thinking critically and creatively in designing, executing and reporting on a specialised area of biotechnology.
2. Collecting, organising, analysing and evaluating information and synthesis of a logical, valid original contribution to global knowledge and technology.
3. Working effectively with specialised scientists in the particular field at a high academic level.
4. Managing one's own time to achieve the study and exposition of the thesis.
5. Communication in scientific terms in internationally acceptable style both verbally and in written form.
6. Using science and technology to contribute original knowledge or technology in the field chosen for study. 

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
1.1. The listed and cited literature of the literature survey and the exposition of the research reflects mastery of relevant and recent trends in technologies, techniques, models and theories in the chosen field.
1.2. Models, principles, theories, techniques and methodologies in the chosen field are analysed, explained, and juxtaposed correctly in oral presentations and the written record of research.

2.1. The research problem is clearly identified, defined, and detailed in the research proposal.
  • Appropriate techniques and methods are selected.
  • Budget for the research is accurate, honest and responsible.
  • Experimental research is responsibly and ethically conducted.
    2.2. The appropriate mathematical and statistical methods are applied correctly to qualitative and quantitative data.
  • Logical interpretation of data reflects clear understanding of the relationship between facts in the study and the ability to evaluate contradictory information.
  • The inferences, interpretations and conclusions from measurements and analyses are valid.
    2.3. Information sources are used correctly and appropriately.
  • Information technology skills are applied effectively in production of the thesis.
  • Language and numeracy skills are applied effectively and correctly in clearly communicating the research problem, its investigation, the outcome, and the recommendations.
  • New knowledge, or technology, or solution to a problem is contributed and published in appropriate journals.
  • Findings are presented at an appropriate conference.

    Integrated Assessment:

    Formative Assessment:
  • Oral presentations.
  • Research proposal.
  • Written progress reports.

    Summative Assessment:
  • Research thesis.
  • Publications in journals.
  • Conference presentations. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This is the pinnacle of academic achievement and therefore is not followed by any formal qualification. However, post-doctoral studies would be the next academic application for such a qualified learner. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    SERTEC (currently).
    ETQA under SACNASP in process of being legislated. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    SERTEC (currently).
    ETQA under the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) is in the process of being legislated. 

    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. Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) 


    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.