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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Science Honours in Astrophysics 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
99091  Bachelor of Science Honours in Astrophysics 
ORIGINATOR
University of the Western Cape 
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  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:
Learners graduating with this qualification will be equipped to conduct research in the field of Astrophysics.

The qualification is aimed at developing the following:
  • Integrated knowledge of and engagement with concepts and issues in the field of Astrophysics.
  • Using computers and writing computer programmes for Astrophysics applications by drawing systematically on knowledge and appropriate technology in the field of Astronomy.
  • Designing, selecting and applying appropriate and creative methods to solve problems and to engage and critique current research practices and techniques.

    Rationale:
    This qualification has been designed to allow graduates to participate fully in the South African Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project in South Africa. This engagement will enable South African Astrophysicists to answer some of the major questions in and about the universe. In order for South Africa to add value to this project, well-qualified astrophysicists are required to be effective partners in building and contributing to the development and maintenance of this project. The Bachelor of Science Honours in Astrophysics promotes postgraduate studies and its associated research activities. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    Recognition of Prior Learning will be applied to candidates who do meet the minimum entry requirements and to candidate(s) who are transferring from one discipline to another and do not possess the necessary research skills.

    If applicants do not meet the minimum entry requirements they may be required to complete the Portfolio Development Programme. The Faculty concerned will then assess the portfolio and recommend it to the Senate for entry to the qualification.

    If applicants are transferring from one discipline to another, their research skills will be assessed by means of a submitted research paper or the completion of a research project or a departmental admission test.

    Alternatively applicants may be assessed in the following ways:
  • The Exit Level Outcomes of the most recent modules or study programmes passed by the applicants will be assessed to determine whether the applicant can pursue their studies at the University.
  • Scholarly and/or non-academic publications and conference papers that have been completed by the applicant may be used as indices of competence.
  • Applicants could provide details of conferences, seminars and colloquiums they have attended to demonstrate their engagement with the relevant subject matter, provided that copies of papers they may have presented are submitted to the department for consideration.
  • Faculties may also report on the applicants' work experience and how it relates to the qualification the learner has applied for. Where necessary, Faculties/departments may also request specific input from employers to ascertain whether the work experience would be relevant to the qualification the applicant wishes to enrol for.

    Entry Requirements:
    Access is open to learners who have completed a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physics, Level 7. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

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

    Compulsory modules, 100 Credits:
  • Physics, 10 Credits.
  • General Astrophysics, 10 Credits.
  • Computational Methods in Astronomy, 20 Credits.
  • Stellar Physics, 10 Credits.
  • Advanced topics in Physics, 10 Credits.
  • Geospace, 10 Credits.
  • Research Project, 30 Credits.

    Elective modules (select one with 20 Credits or two with 10 Credits):
  • General Relativity, 10 Credits.
  • Observational Techniques, 10 Credits.
  • Space Science, 20 Credits.
  • Advanced topics in Astrophysics, 20 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate knowledge of and engagement in the field of Astrophysics.
    2. Use computers and write computer programmes for Astrophysics applications by drawing systematically on knowledge and appropriate technology in the field of Astronomy.
    3. Design, select and apply appropriate and creative methods to solve problems and to engage and critique current research practices and techniques. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • The characteristics of Geospace are explained and the physical parameters relevant to Geospace are calculated.
  • The Atomic properties and the statistical distributions related to the stars are calculated.
  • The general ideas of Electromagnetic theory are applied.
  • Maxwell's equations are applied and calculated.
  • The different types of galaxies, galaxy evolution, and the distance scales used in cosmos are discussed.
  • Einstein's theory of relativity known as General Relativity is applied and the Gravitational Waves are calculated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Relevant principles and laws are identified when dealing with problems and the necessary approximations to obtain solutions are explored.
  • Programmes are written to solve astrophysical problems.
  • Computer programmes about astronomic ideas and difficult concepts are communicated.
  • Astronomical telescopes/instruments are used and astronomical data is reduced using modern computational methods.
  • Knowledge in astrophysical situations is applied using computer programmes.
  • How space crafts are designed, their principles of operation, and their use to access and explore space and how telescopes (operating at various wavelengths) are designed, their principles of operation, and their use in astronomy and astrophysics research are discussed.
  • Mathematical techniques and analysis are used to model computer programmes within the field.
  • Textbooks, literature, databases, and interaction with colleagues are used to investigate and develop appropriate solutions to complex problems.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Appropriate methodologies are selected, accurate and relevant data is collected, recent literature is evaluated and the results are discussed and presented.
  • Theoretical predictions are compared with published data to evaluate the significance of the results in context.
  • The implications of the findings on the problem under consideration are reflected upon.
  • Results of an experiment or investigation are analysed and valid conclusions are drawn and the level of uncertainty in these results and expected outcomes are evaluated.
  • Recommendations related to this problem are proposed.
  • Analytical ability is used to manipulate precise and intricate ideas to construct logical arguments.

    Integrated Assessment:
    In line with the University's Assessment and Moderation Policy, Formative and Summative Assessment will be used to monitor learner progress via the Continuous Assessment strategy. The following formative tasks will be used to assess the learners' understanding and progress in the qualification:
  • Assignments.
  • Tests.
  • Group tasks.
  • Presentations.
  • Work portfolios.

    Summative assessment will occur at the end of each module, at the end of a semester.. This form of assessment will cover the work done in a semester and determine the learners' progression from one level to the other. The learners' promotion will be determined by the number of credits they have accumulated over a year period as stated in the promotion rules and also by the prerequisites of each module.

    All assessment at Honours level will be moderated both internally and externally to ensure that the quality is maintained and that the Exit Level Outcomes are appropriately tested. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The University of Kent in the United Kingdom offers a BSc (Hons) in Astronomy, Space Science and Astrophysics.

    The qualification seeks to:
  • Provide knowledge and its application in different contexts.
  • Provide a balanced foundation of physics knowledge and practical skills and an understanding of scientific methodology.

    The subjects for this qualification continually evolve and change every year based on discoveries by researchers around the world.

    The College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences at the Australian National University offers a Bachelor of Honours Astronomy and Astrophysics. The Astronomy and Astrophysics Honours specialisation is intended for learners who have a foundational knowledge of the field and are interested in taking specialist qualifications and undertaking an independent research project under the direction of a supervisor. The qualification focuses on research training, in-depth analysis of current concepts in the field as well as on a substantial research project culminating in the production of a thesis.

    Conclusion:
    The qualification compares favourably in terms of purpose and research focus with international qualifications as outlined in the comparison conducted. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification offers specific vertical articulation opportunities with the following qualifications offered by the University of the Western Cape:
  • Master of Science in Physics (ID 21629), Level 9.
  • Master of Philosophy in Physics (ID 23699), Level 9.

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

    Horizontally Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Physics, at NQF Level 8.

    Vertically Articulation:
  • Master of Philosophy in Astronomy, Level 9.
  • Master of Science in Astronomy in Research, 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 the Western Cape 


    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.