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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Science Honours in Forensic Genetics 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
99631  Bachelor of Science Honours in Forensic Genetics 
ORIGINATOR
University of KwaZulu-Natal 
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  128  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 the qualification is to develop capacity in and train practitioners of Forensic Genetics. Learners who complete this qualification will have the laboratory skills to carry out contemporary human Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) profiling procedures and the analytical skills to interpret DNA profiles. They will have exposure to procedures and processes involved in setting up an accredited DNA profiling laboratory and the communication skills required to present their findings both orally and in writing. The aim of this qualification is to alleviate the shortage of such personnel in South Africa and allow for greater capacity in the processing of DNA profiles, providing for greater efficiency in investigative and judicial processes. In addition, learners will have carried out a research project in Forensic Genetics, which will prepare them for research-based Postgraduate study in the field of Forensic Genetics.

Rationale:
There is a serious shortage of Forensic Geneticists in South Africa, leading to a considerable backlog in the processing of forensic evidence for presentation at court. Ultimately this impedes the administration of justice and infringes the rights of citizens to the fair and timeous administration of justice. This qualification is designed to further address the shortage of Forensic Geneticists by training forensic practitioners competent in Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) profiling. It is anticipated that this qualification will lead to further studies, which will produce scientists further qualified in this field. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The university's policy on RPL stipulates the following principles on which prior learning will be recognised:
  • Assessment must recognise learning from experience.
  • Assessment of learning must be based on evidence.
  • The learning assessed must be related to the purpose for which the recognition is required.
  • Learning must be assessed against the exit learning outcomes (and not primarily the content) of specific qualifications and/or modules.
  • Quality assurance procedures will guarantee the integrity and credibility of the assessment.

    Using these principles, learners seeking to enter the Postgraduate qualification must demonstrate their prior learning experience:
  • In an interview with the qualification director/qualification team.
  • By presenting a portfolio of their work experience.
  • And/or writing a formal entrance test.

    RPL may be used to grant:
  • entry to the qualification for learners who do not meet the minimum entry requirements,
    And/Or
  • module exemptions.

    Entry Requirements:
    Learners accepted into the qualification would need to be in possession of:
  • A Bachelor of Science in the field. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualification consists of compulsory modules at NQF Level 8 totalling 128 Credits.

    Modules:
  • Principles of DNA Typing in Forensic Genetics, 16 Credits.
  • Forensic Genetics: Analysis and Interpretation, 16 Credits.
  • Forensic Genetics Research Project, 48 Credits.
  • Professional Communication in Forensic Genetics, 16 Credits.
  • Biology/Ecology Tools and Skills, 16 Credits.
  • Quality assurance in Forensic Laboratories, 16 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Create Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) profiles in a modern laboratory using current technology.
    2. Analyse DNA profiles in relation to their likelihood of occurrence in the general population.
    3. Communicate scientific understanding in writing, orally and using visual, symbolic and/or other forms of representation.
    4. Carry out a research project and a variety of practical and theoretical exercises which require him or her to generate scientific information. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Complete laboratory practicals and carry out a research project involving: Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) isolation, real time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), standard PCR, fragment analysis, data analysis and interpretation and other applicable techniques.
  • Master laboratory techniques associated with DNA fingerprinting, DNA isolation, real time PCR, standard PCR, fragment analysis, data analysis and interpretation.
  • Solve assigned problems relating to DNA fingerprinting which require analysis, synthesis and evaluation of DNA fingerprinting data.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Analyse and interpret information relating to DNA fingerprinting.
  • Carry out projects which require analysis, synthesis and evaluation of DNA fingerprinting data.
  • Understand processes, standards and policies relating to quality assurance in forensic laboratories.
  • Solve problems and write reports dealing with processes, standards and policies relating to quality assurance in forensic laboratories.
  • Carry out laboratory practical investigations as part of teams.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Demonstrate effective Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills.
  • Present data logically in oral form.
  • Present data logically in written form.
  • Assess situations, make presentations and write reports relating to the responsible and ethical use of science and technology.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Collect and analyse technical literature accurately.
  • Apply the appropriate methodology of scientific research.
  • Demonstrate understanding of the methodology of scientific research by formulating hypotheses, designing a research project, preparing a research proposal and generating and analysing research results.
  • Formulate research questions.
  • Design experiments to answer research questions.
  • Formulate research questions as part of the research project.
  • Design experiments to answer the research questions formulated as part of the research project.
  • Demonstrate a range of scientific reasoning skills by solving problems and analysing research data relating to DNA fingerprinting.

    Integrated Assessment:
    This qualification makes use of formative, summative and integrated assessment to ensure that the NQF Level 8 descriptors and critical cross-field outcomes are assessed to a suitable breadth and depth. The aim is to achieve competence that is grounded and coherent in relation to the purpose of the qualification.

    A range of theoretical and task-oriented assessments are used to assess both practical and theoretical disciplinary knowledge. Task-oriented assessments include creation and analysis of DNA profiles, both in formal lab situations and in greater breadth and depth as part of an integrative research project. Theoretical knowledge is assessed in a variety of ways, in assignments, tests and project reports. The assessments include marked assignments, seminars, project proposals and project drafts which are formative, and tests, final project reports and seminars which are summative.

    The capstone module of this qualification, the 48 Credits research project, is integrative, as it assesses all aspects of the core purpose of the qualification, and the competencies embodied in NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification combines the principles and requirements for NQF Level 8 with internationally accepted knowledge in Forensic Genetics.

    The Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology in Ireland offers a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Forensic Science and Analysis. The four year fulltime qualification equips learners with skills on how a crime scene is investigated and how to collect and analyse crime scene evidence. They learn about ethical computer hacking, Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) analysis, etc. There is a large practical and project component to the qualification and learners learn skills such as project management, time management, decision making and laboratory practical skills. The qualification similarities are; its focus on DNA analysis, even though the duration is longer than our qualification its focus compares well with ours.

    The University of Ontario Institute of Technology in Canada also offers an Honours Degree in Forensics at NQF Level 8. The Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Forensic Science is distinguished by a strong scientific foundation in Biology and Chemistry. The qualification notes that Forensic Biology spans a multitude of applications of biological evidence, such as blood and other body fluids, hairs, botanical remains, microbes and insects, to criminal, civil and regulatory law investigations and prosecutions. Biological evidence is particularly valuable to the justice system due to the presence of DNA and the ability to associate such evidence with an individual or species, and to do so with a statistically relevant degree of reliability. Therefore qualification prepares forensic biologists who analyse DNA using technologies such as real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) quantitation, Short Tandem Repeat (STR) analysis and Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) analysis, and assess the weight of evidence referring to principles of Statistical Analysis and Population Genetics.

    Conclusion:
    The structure of the qualifications may differ from the local qualification because the offering of a separate Honours Degrees is not a usual practice internationally. However, the fourth year of a four-year Bachelor's Degree contains Honours level learning and can be compared with our Honours degrees. The Bachelor of Science Honours in Forensic Genetics compares favourably with the cited qualifications in terms of purpose, content and learner group. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification offers specific articulation opportunities with the following qualifications offered by the University of KwaZulu-Natal:

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma: Forensic Health Care, Level 8 ID 78495.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Medicine in Forensic Pathology, Level 9 ID 81315.

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Forensic Medicine, Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Medicine in Forensic Pathology, Level 9.
  • Master of Technology: Forensic Investigation, 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 KwaZulu-Natal 


    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.