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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Education Honours in Science Education 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
99606  Bachelor of Education Honours in Science Education 
ORIGINATOR
University of Limpopo 
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 05 - Education, Training and Development  Schooling 
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:
The Bachelor of Education Honours in Science Education has the aim of using classroom- based research to address contemporary issues in teaching and learning. The primary purpose of this qualification is to consolidate and deepen the teachers' expertise in Science Education, and to develop their research capacity in the methodology and techniques of Science, so as to produce quality Science teachers, who will be competent in Science Education and Classroom Research.

Rationale:
The World Economic Forum reported that the current status of Science and Mathematics education in South Africa requires urgent attention. To improve the performance of learners in Science and Mathematics there is a need for quality teacher education qualifications in the fields of Science, Mathematics and Technology education. The qualification therefore provides an opportunity to improve the quality of Science and Mathematics education in South Africa.

The qualification will contribute to the scientific knowledge on the 'what' and 'how' of Science knowledge for teaching by ensuring teachers are engaged in substantive, on-going research about Science education. This will also deepen the knowledge base of research, policy and practice in the area of science education and teaching and develop appropriate/relevant pedagogies for teaching and learning of science in multilingual contexts. The aim of the qualification are to develop teachers to use learning opportunities outside the classroom as effectively as possible. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
This qualification may be achieved in part through the recognition of relevant prior learning and experience as per the University RPL policy. Appropriate assessment tasks and tools are designed to assess individual candidates against the module/course outcomes on a case by case basis, with detailed records maintained.
RPL may be used to grant:
  • Access to the qualification to learners who do not meet the minimum entry requirements.
    Or
  • Exemption from modules.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum admission requirements for the Bachelor of Education Honours (Science Education) Degree, is:
  • A Bachelor of education, Level 7(in Senior phase and/or Further Education Training phase teaching).
    Or
  • A general Bachelor's Degree, Level 7 and a recognised professional teaching qualification (in Senior phase and/or FET phase teaching) in Physical or Life Science education. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualification comprises compulsory modules at NQF Level 8 totalling 180 Credits.
  • Philosophy and Nature of Science Education.
  • Research Approaches in Mathematics Science Technology Education (MST).
  • Teaching, Learning and Assessment in Science Education.
  • Contemporary Issues in Science Education.
  • Research Project in Science Education. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. A research inquiry is planned and conducted by choosing an appropriate research design, methods, techniques and technologies for the specific research problem.
    2. Analyse and evaluate scientific investigation processes that contribute meaningfully to the classroom practice.
    3. Demonstrate a critical understanding of concepts and approaches in Science Education to deepen knowledge in the discipline.
    4. Review historical developments in Science Education. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Plan, conduct and reflect on Science Education Research.
  • Exhibit understanding of different research methodologies.
  • Critically analyse and evaluate relevant and current literature on a selected topic.
  • Communicate findings through a presentation (visual) and in a written report.
  • Write a research report on Science Education.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Provide sound arguments science teaching processes.
  • Provide rigorous interpretation of theories, principles and phenomena in their appropriate context.
  • Interpret and link theory to classroom practice.
  • Identify issues that can be scientifically investigated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Synthesise written scientific material succinctly and accurately.
  • Provide well-founded interpretations based on a deep conceptual understanding and different approaches in Science Education.
  • Construct mind and concept maps to link scientific concepts together.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Critically reflect on historical developments in the field of Science.
  • Analyse philosophical bases on which scientific achievements were made.
  • Analyse and evaluate the implications of scientific developments in the fields of Physics, Chemistry and Life Science.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Learning and assessment will be integrated across Exit Level Outcomes within the qualification to ensure a well-structured cohesive qualification. Assessments will be based on formative assessments, which are in place to ensure continuous learning and feedback to candidates. Summative assessments will be used for assessing of the attainment of the Exit Level Outcomes.

    Assessments should assess the candidate's ability to integrate the larger body of knowledge, competencies and attitudes that are represented by the Exit-Level Outcomes, either as a whole or as components of the qualification. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Qualifications from Australia and United States of America were considered for this comparability exercise.

    The Bachelor of Teaching (Science) (Honours) offered at the University of Newcastle Australia is a first Degree that incorporates honours level studies in the fourth year. Thus only the fourth year has been used in the comparability exercise. The qualification covers topics that include Quality Teaching and Professional Practice, Research Design and Methods and a research Project and the writing of a Thesis.

    Walden University in United States of America (USA) offers a Graduate Certificate in Science The qualification is meant to deepen teachers' interest in science as they develop their own understanding of key scientific concepts. The certificate involves active participation in the scientific process to explore unifying themes in Environmental Science, Ecology, and the Physical Universe. Applying the tools of scientific inquiry, learners discover how to create exciting learning experiences for the learners and how best to assess them. Learners also explore the latest issues in Science and Science Education, including critical social concerns surrounding Genetic Engineering, Biotechnology and the environment.

    This qualification lacks a research component; however it has a similar focus to our qualification.

    Conclusion:
    The qualification compares favourably with the above-cited international qualifications in terms of purpose however it differ with one some in terms of its research focus. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification offers specific articulation opportunities with the following qualifications offered by the University of Limpopo. They are:

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Education Honours, Level 8 (ID 79124).

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Education, Level 9 (ID 79137).

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Education Honours in Natural Sciences: General and FET, Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Science Education, Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Education, Level 9.
  • Master of Education in Technology Education 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 Limpopo 


    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.