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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Science Honours in Life Sciences 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
98960  Bachelor of Science Honours in Life Sciences 
ORIGINATOR
University of South Africa 
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  Life Sciences 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  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:
Qualifying learners will be able to apply knowledge and conduct research in a specialised field of Life Sciences in order to enhance and develop new knowledge of human, animal, and plant systems, including health, welfare and the sustainable use of natural resources. Furthermore, learners will also be able to conduct research in related fields and disseminate research findings to relevant stakeholders.

More specifically, the qualification will equip learners with systematic knowledge, specialised skills and theoretical competencies in various Life Sciences disciplines in general, and specifically in the topics selected as electives (e.g. Animal Parasitology, Human physiology, Medicinal Use, Plant Systematics, Molecular techniques, Biochemistry, Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology, Protein Integral to Cellular Function, Zoology, and Medical Microbiology).

The qualification will therefore equip learners with an in-depth understanding of scientific principles and skills in scientific enquiry, communication and research, and will involve activities in basic, translational and applied research in Life Sciences. To ensure that the qualification will be relevant to addressing the challenges, it is intended to offer different streams within the qualification, namely:
  • A stream in microbiology that will focus on the role of micro-organisms in health and disease and the ethical implications of microbial disease control. It was considered as particularly important to include this stream because, within the environment of health research, those trained to meet the enormous global challenges and opportunities presented by infectious diseases and their growing resistance to available medication will be in particular demand. In addition, learners will be able to apply the knowledge and expertise gained in this stream in the food and canning industry, agricultural products, brewery and winery, biotechnology and the maintenance and improvement of environmental quality.
  • A stream in biochemistry, as well as another in genetics, will provide learners with an in-depth understanding, at the molecular level, of current basic research and research relating to health, diseases, and the discovery of novel therapeutic treatments.
  • A stream in physiology will equip learners with better understanding in health, lifestyles, and chronic diseases. The risk factors of different chronic diseases will be given special attention.
  • A stream in zoology will have many applications in animal health, nature conservation and agriculture.
  • A stream in botany will focus on the medicinal use of plants and on ethnobotany. The latter, which is the study of the use of plants by local people, is an emerging field of study in South Africa and has roots in indigenous Knowledge. The use of plants or plant-based material as medicaments is widespread in South Africa and the rest of Africa. Apart from medicine, indigenous plants are also used as foods and drinks, building and craft materials, and in health and beauty.


    Rationale:
    The developing world and Africa in particular, is currently faced with numerous challenges in regard to sustainable livelihoods and economic growth. Not least of these is the presence of infectious diseases, particularly those for which there is currently no cure or which have developed a resistance to conventional treatments. Diseases such as Malaria, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), avian influenza, and swine influenza are some of the epidemics that continuously cause high levels of morbidity and mortality in developing countries, with resultant negative socio-economic effects. Therapeutic treatments for these diseases are not always available, or when they are, many are not affordable for the majority of people. At the same time, while the battle against infectious diseases continues, lifestyle diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes have also been shown to be on the increase in the developing world.

    Exacerbating the effects of disease and poverty is the degradation of the natural environment that can be observed in many instances in the developing world. Biodiversity and environmental health are threatened in numerous areas, highlighting the need for environmentally sustainable methods of food production and agriculture in general.

    The key to addressing challenges of this nature lies in developing and applying specialist knowledge in the Life Sciences. To achieve this, the ability to conduct research in this field is essential. Ultimately, research in the Life Sciences can serve as the most powerful tool in addressing socio-economic and health-related challenges, and in sustaining biodiversity.

    The qualification is aimed at developing learners who will be able to work and conduct research in the Life Sciences in order to address the challenges that impact on sustainable livelihoods, and to improve the well-being of individuals and communities.

    Graduates with a BSc Honours Degree in Life Sciences are needed in various sectors, depending on the chosen field of specialisation, as evidenced by numerous career opportunities advertised in national newspapers and other media. The following sectors are all potential employers of such graduates: government departments, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, national parks, nature reserves, national and private laboratories, and universities. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    Recognition of Prior Learning will be applied in line with regulations of the Council on Higher Education and the Recognition of Prior Learning Policy and procedures of the institution.

    Learners will be given RPL for individual modules if they can produce a portfolio of evidence or undergo an assessment that will determine whether they have the necessary competencies needed by the qualification. Thus they may be awarded credits towards a qualification, whereby learners will beawarded up to 50% of the credits.

    Learners who do not meet the minimum entry requirements may be admitted through RPL.

    Entry Requirements:
    Access is open to learners with:
  • A Bachelor of Science, Level 7.
  • A relevant Advanced Diploma, Level 7. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualification comprises compulsory and elective modules at NQF Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, 48 Credits
  • Research methodology in Life Sciences, 12 Credits.
  • Research project in Life Sciences, 36 Credits.

    Elective Modules (select three), 72 Credits:
  • Molecular techniques, 24 Credits.
  • Advanced plant taxonomy and nomenclature, 24 Credits.
  • Current concepts in Biochemistry, 24 Credits.
  • Advanced laboratory techniques, 24 Credits.
  • Current concepts in Genetics, 24 Credits.
  • Advanced Medical Microbiology, 24 Credits.
  • Advanced Physiology, 24 Credits.
  • Entomology: Insects and Arachnids, 24 Credits.
  • Advanced Animal Parasitology, 24 Credits.
  • Exploring Molecular Interactions, 24 Credits.
  • Health, Lifestyle and Diseases, 24 Credits.
  • Medicinal plant use, 24 Credits.
  • Advanced Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology, 24 Credits.
  • Proteins, Integral to Cellular Function, 24 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Evaluate and apply subject-specific knowledge, methods and procedures in a specific field.
  • The subject field depends on the stream that is elected and may be genetics, microbiology, botany, physiology, biotechnology, biomedical sciences, zoology or biochemistry.
    2. Study and critique research and scholarship in the field of specialisation.
  • The field of specialisation involved depends on the stream that is elected and may be genetics, microbiology, botany, physiology, zoology or biochemistry.
    3. Conduct a research project in the field of Life Sciences. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Subject-specific concepts, principles, theories, methods and procedures are identified and correctly applied.
  • Abstract or complex problems in the field of specialisation are identified, analysed and interpreted, and where relevant feasible suggestions are made for addressing the problem, drawing from the body of knowledge and methods in the field.
  • Analytical and experimental techniques are correctly implemented within a laboratory context, with regard to the required health and safety procedures.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Relevant research articles and scholarship in the field of specialisation are correctly identified.
  • Relevant research articles and/or reports are interrogated, accurately summarised and critiqued.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • A research proposal is produced that includes the following:
    > A clear description of a problem situation.
    > A well-formulated research problem.
    > An appropriate, practical and attainable research design.
  • Appropriate literature is reviewed and used to inform the research.
  • Data is collected as specified in the research design and analysed using appropriate data analysis techniques.
  • A research report is produced that includes the following:
    > A clear description of the problem situation and the research problem.
    > A meaningful exposition of relevant literature.
    > A clear explanation and justification of the research design and research methods.
    > Valid and reliable research findings.
    > Reasonable conclusions that are drawn from the data.
    > Where relevant, meaningful and practicable recommendations for further action.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Applied competence will involve integration of theory and practicals in the chosen/selected stream. Reflective competence will be assessed in a variety of ways during the course of the qualification. For example, learners will be asked to propose practical solutions to analytical problems and to evaluate their own solutions and their learning in the process, thus involving knowledge, the application of knowledge, as well as reflection.

    In the various modules of the qualification, learners will be required to provide evidence of integrated knowledge, skills and values. A variety of formative and summative assessments will be used during the course of the qualification, including written assignments, practical activities, examinations and projects/portfolios. Furthermore, learners are required to complete a research project for integrated assessment based on an approved topic in an area of specialisation. The research project will integrate a variety of knowledge and skills acquired during the rest of the qualification. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Many of these international institutions offer four-year qualifications and the fourth year is similar to the honours level in South Africa. Thus only the fourth year study of the qualifications was considered in the comparability studies.
  • University of Namibia.
  • University of Otago (New Zealand).
  • University of Waikato (New Zealand).
  • University of Canterbury (New Zealand).
  • University of Adelaide (Australia).
  • University of Melbourne (Australia).
  • University of Tasmania (Australia).
  • University of Nairobi (Kenya).
  • Egerton University (Kenya).
  • Maseno University (Kenya).

    The University of Namibia offers a four-year Bachelor of Science (BSc) Degree with the following compulsory modules: Instrument analysis and Research projects.

    The University of Otago, New Zealand offers a BSc Honours Degree which compares favourably with the qualification and covers the following:
    Anatomy.
  • Biochemistry.
  • Botany.
  • Ecology.
  • Genetics.
  • Human Nutrition.
  • Microbiology.
  • Neuroscience.
  • Physiology.
  • Plant Biotechnology.
  • Zoology.

    The University of Waikato in New Zealand offers a BSc Honours Degree in Biological Sciences, which incorporates the major traditional biological disciplines of botany, microbiology and zoology with the interdisciplinary subjects of biochemistry, physiology, genetics, ecology and behaviour.
    The University of Canterbury in New Zealand offers a BSc Honours Degree in streams listed below:
  • Biochemistry.
  • Biological Sciences.
  • Biotechnology.
  • Cellular and Molecular Biology.
  • Ecology.
  • Evolutionary Biology.
  • Microbiology.
  • Plant Biology.
  • Zoology.

    A number of Australian universities offer Degrees at Honours level in health, environmental or related sciences. All of these include a research project, generally in a specific field of the learner's choice, as a part of the Degree or the full Degree. For example, the University of Adelaide offers an Honours Degree in Health Sciences that includes coursework and a research component. The Honours degree at the University of Tasmania consists of a research methodology module plus a research project, while the Degree at the University of Melbourne involves a research project only.

    The Universities of Nairobi, Egerton and Maseno in Kenya all offer four-year Bachelor qualifications rather than Honours Degrees. All four years consist of coursework with some practical, rather than research, components. However the various fields of study offered are similar to those in the qualification, e.g. agriculture, food science, biochemistry and environmental sciences.

    Conclusions:
    The BSc Honours Degree is similar to other national and international qualifications at the same level in different institutions. The work that will be covered will provide learners with the necessary knowledge to succeed in different career opportunities. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification offers the following vertical articulation options with qualifications offered by the University of South Africa:

    Vertical Articulation
  • Master of Arts: Social Science, Level 9 (ID5429).
  • Master of Science, Level 9 (ID 6095).

    The qualification offers systemic articulation possibilities with qualifications offered by other institutions, provided the learner meets the minimum entry requirements. They are:

    Vertical Articulation
  • Master of Philosophy: Botany, Level 9.
  • Master of Philosophy: Microbiology, Level 9.

    Horizontal articulation:
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Biodiversity and Conservation Biology, Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Science Honours: Botany, Level 8. 
    		•

    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 South Africa 


    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.