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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Science Honours in Nuclear Energy 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
98811  Bachelor of Science Honours in Nuclear Energy 
ORIGINATOR
University of Johannesburg 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Honours Degree  Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences  Physical Sciences 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  136  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  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 
Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to provide learners with industry relevant interdisciplinary knowledge and practical skills in Nuclear Energy. They will exit with a strong nuclear physics background and a general scientific overview of the Nuclear Energy industry to prepare them for a professional career in the Nuclear Energy and related sectors. In addition, the qualification will also prepare them for further post-graduate research in the nuclear energy sector. This qualification will enable qualifying learners to become successful professionals or pursue further research, so driving South Africa's nuclear renaissance.

Rationale:
A successful energy sector is critical to the future of South Africa. It must be stable and well-regulated, yet innovative enough to meet environmental challenges and utilise the latest available technology. Two crucial requirements are to have sustainable energy production and to limit carbon output and thus a negative impact on climate. These requirements have led South Africa to commit to making Nuclear Energy a significant part of South Africa's future energy production. Nuclear Energy has many aspects, involving not only running nuclear power facilities, but also regulation, uranium beneficiation, fuel preparation and nuclear waste storage solutions.

Collaboration between the institution and the sector has led to a new inter-disciplinary and professional qualification for the development of high-end skills in the field of Nuclear Energy. The qualification is a response to a widely acknowledged shortage of high-level skills in the nuclear energy sector. South Africa is committed to building a 9.6 Gigawatt Nuclear Power plant as well as the development of capacity in the beneficiation of the full fuel cycle, These developments should be characterised by a significant localisation of capacity and production.

In order to drive its expansion, the nuclear energy sector will need a vast number of people with relevant skills and knowledge. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an integral part of education and academic practice. It is acknowledged that all learning has value and the University and its faculties accept the challenge to assess prior learning and award credit that is aligned to Faculty programmes to promote lifelong learning. The purpose of the RPL procedure, is to recognise prior learning in order to provide for admission to programmes, grant advanced placement in programmes and grant credits for modules using the principles and processes that serve as basis for Faculty-specific RPL practices.

RPL assessments are conducted by a panel of selected UJ staff members who will determine, on a one-on-one basis, the competence of prospective students who apply for RPL. In determining an applicant's competence against the relevant exit level outcomes, this panel will do one or more of the following:
  • Verify the standard/quality of an applicant's prior qualifications.
  • Ask for and assess a portfolio containing examples of the applicant's work in the field of education, training and development.
  • Observe the applicant's performance in authentic and/or in situ teaching-learning situations and/or contexts.
  • Conduct one-on-one interviews with applicants to discuss the results of the evidence collection process.

    Learners are supported mainly through monitoring of assessment results and provision of assistance through the tutor system:
  • The lecturer in conjunction with the tutor identifies at-risk students.
  • A support strategy is developed by the lecturer and discussed with the tutor.
  • Support includes: Individual tutor sessions with students, group work sessions, referral to the Academic Development Division for professional services.
  • The student's progress is then tracked and monitored.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entrance requirement is:
  • A Bachelor of Science in Physics or Mathematics, Level 7. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory modules at NQF Level 8 totalling 136 Credits.

    Modules:
  • Nuclear Physics A, 16 Credits.
  • Quantum Mechanics A, 16 Credits.
  • Radiation and Radiological Protection, 8 Credits.
  • Numerical Methods for Nuclear Science, 8 Credits.
  • Nuclear Materials and the Nuclear Fuel Cycle, 8 Credits.
  • Environmental and Nuclear Waste Science, 8 Credits.
  • Risk Analysis and Safe Reactor Operations, 8 Credits.
  • Nuclear Project Management, 16 Credits.
  • Introduction to Nuclear Engineering, 16 Credits.
  • Research Project, 32 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Formulate and solve problems in nuclear energy and identify the appropriate physical principles.
    2. Use appropriate methods to analyse data.
    3. Uphold the highest standards of ethics. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Various numerical techniques appropriate to a given problem are identified and discussed.
  • The principles of criticality and reaction control are formulated.
  • Ideas with regard to nuclear structure and nuclear reactions are formulated, discussed, and developed.
  • The physics processes in Neutronics and Thermal Hydraulics are explained.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • The principles of data and error analysis are formulated.
  • Appropriate conclusions from data analysis are drawn.
  • The implications of data analysis conclusions within a nuclear energy context are discussed.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • The short and long term environmental effects of all stages of the Nuclear Energy cycle, including mining, fuel-processing, nuclear power production and waste storage are explained and evaluated.
  • Compliance with relevant regulations is assessed and ensured.
  • The complex physical and social challenges facing the storing, disposal and/or processing of used nuclear fuel are explained and discussed.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The Institutional Assessment Policy requires that assessment be comprised of both formative and summative assessments and be conducted on a continuous basis throughout the learning experience. Both types of assessment are therefore integral components of all the modules within the qualification. Below is a summary of the types and number of assessments, and the type of moderation, conducted in each module.

    The Assessment Policy requires that modules have the following minimum number of formative assessment opportunities (in addition to the final exam):
  • 8 Credit (term) modules: two summative assessment opportunities.
  • 16 Credit (semester) modules: three summative assessment opportunities. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    There is a lack of international qualifications with which to compare this qualification as a separate honours degree is not the general practice internationally. Admission to Master's degrees is usually directly from a Bachelor's Degree. However, this qualification has been compared with the following qualifications:
  • Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Science and Engineering: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, United States.
    This qualification provides core knowledge in nuclear science and engineering and a foundation for work in the nuclear field and advanced graduate study. Most students specialise in one of three fields: fission nuclear technology, applied plasma physics, or nuclear science and technology. Learners with adequate undergraduate preparation generally complete the degree requirements in 18 months to two years.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Nuclear Science and Technology: Nuclear Technology Education Consortium, United Kingdom. The new concept in postgraduate-level training for the nuclear sector has been developed by NTEC (Nuclear Technology Education Consortium). The breadth and format of the training is designed to meet the UK's projected nuclear skills requirements in decommissioning and clean-up, reactor technology, fusion and nuclear medicine. Individual subjects are presented in 'short course' modular format, providing excellent access to the qualification for engineers and managers in full-time employment who wish to advance their skill and knowledge base. These subjects are offered at most of the universities within the UK such as University of Birmingham, University of Manchester, University of Liverpool and others. The consortium then sets the standard for all institutions offering these subjects. This qualification was developed with the consideration of these standards.

    Conclusion:
    This qualification compares very well with the two qualifications cited above in that they are all designed to equip learners with a strong nuclear physics background and a general scientific overview of the Nuclear Energy industry to prepare them for a professional career in the Nuclear Energy and related sectors. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification has no horizontal or vertical articulation opportunities with qualifications offered by the University of Johannesburg, but offers systemic articulation as follows with qualifications offered by other institutions, provided the student meets the minimum entry requirements:

    It Articulates Horizontally with:
  • Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, at NQF Level 8.

    It Articulates Vertically with:
  • Master of Philosophy in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, IT, at NQF Level 9. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS 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 Johannesburg 


    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.