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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Science Honours in Physiology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
99648  Bachelor of Science Honours in Physiology 
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  Life Sciences 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  126  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 will be able to identify, evaluate and solve physiological problems. The learner will also develop applied competence in the analysis, interpretation and application of physiological principles and concepts in the appropriate environment. Furthermore, the learner will be able to make strategic decisions related to physiology and to assess any internal or external factors impacting on the physiological environment. Lastly the learner will also be able to reflect on his/her scientific decisions and applications to assess their effect in the holistic context of physiology as a practice.

Rationale:
The Bachelor of Science Honours in Physiology will provide an opportunity to learners to register as a Professional Natural Scientist with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP). This qualification will provide learners with the opportunity to advance their research skills and strengthen their knowledge regarding the fundamental concepts of Physiology as well as the practical application thereof.

The Bachelor of Science Honours in Physiology enables qualified graduates to enter a range of professional and entrepreneurial opportunities which include positions such as researchers and consultants in tertiary institutions and industry. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The Institution and the Faculty of Science accept Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) as an integral part of education and academic practice. It is acknowledged that all learning has value and prior learning will be assessed and credited according to well established procedures and guidelines according to the institutions RPL policy. RPL may be used to grant admission to the qualification to learners who do not meet the minimum entry requirements and to grant advanced standing to learners through the granting of exemptions.

Entry Requirements:
Bachelor of Science with Integrated Physiology or an appropriate NQF Level 7 qualification. 

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
Y 

QUALIFICATION RULES 
The qualification comprises compulsory modules at NQF Level 8, totalling 126 Credits.
  • Laboratory Skills, 8 Credits.
  • Philosophy and Research Methodology, 8 Credits.
  • Cell Physiology, 8 Credits.
  • Morphometrics, 8 Credits.
  • Neuro and Endocrinology, 16 Credits.
  • Cardiorespiratory Physiology, 16 Credits.
  • Nervous System Mechanisms and Integration with Drugs, 16 Credits.
  • Environmental Physiology, 16 Credits.
  • Research Project, 30 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Interpret, make inferences and recommendations and critically assess physiological and eco-physiological problems.
    2. Identify, locate, evaluate and consolidate literature on projects, seminars and study course material and analyse and evaluate experimental data relating to health, biological, eco-physiological and environmental issues.
    3. Analyse visual and mathematical data statistically and present results in the form of written research reports and oral presentations using terminology correctly and informatively. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The Associated Assessment Criteria are applicable across the range of Exit Level Outcomes and may be considered in an integrated way.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes:
  • Generate, identify and collect experimental data with respect to physiological and eco-physiological environmental problems.
  • Collect and identify physiological and environmental samples in groups and individually.
  • Plan, manage and execute the results using both oral and written communication methods.
  • Identify, locate, evaluate and consolidate literature.
  • Analyse and evaluate obtained or supplied experimental data relating to health, biological, eco-physiological and environmental issues.
  • Use scientific and technological knowledge and skills effectively and critically in analysing issues of a physiological nature.
  • Identify and resolve problems in a specific eco-region and reflect on the socio-economic impact that this specific eco-region has on the many interrelated systems in the biosphere.
  • Explore, reflect on and use a variety of learning/cognitive strategies, including critical and analytical thinking, in order to manage information regarding physiological issues.
  • Participate in and take responsibility for the monitoring and maintenance of the biotic and abiotic environment locally and nationally.
  • Show sensitivity towards the conservation of the environment and be mindful of the anthropogenic, cultural and aesthetic influences on the environment.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Assessment of the qualifications forms an integral part of the teaching and learning process of the Honours qualification. The assessment of all modules is in line with the university's teaching and learning policy, including assessment guidelines. The course-work aspect of this qualification will include formative and summative assessment opportunities including assignments, assessments, presentations and other assessment opportunities that include a number of on-line evaluations.

    A final summative evaluation for each module will be conducted at the end of the semester.

    Formative and summative assessment:
    In terms of the research component of the qualification, the supervisor will be responsible for the diagnostic and formative assessments of the product in order to provide feedback in terms of the final evaluation criteria. Teaching and learning of research methodology topics are promoted in this manner and is also a way of monitoring the learner's progress. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Honours qualification has been compared with the curriculum of international qualifications from the following countries:

    The University of Sydney in Australia offers a Bachelor of Applied Science (Exercise Physiology) Honours. Which is a four year qualification that incorporates both an undergraduate programme and an honours programme delivered in the fourth year. The qualification deals with a narrow aspect of physiology, namely exercise physiology but has a substantial research focus in the Honours component that aligns well with the research required in the Bachelor of Science Honours in Physiology. The qualification equips learners with the knowledge and practical skills needed to utilise and produce high quality research. They also learn how to plan, conduct and write up a research project and how to write up and present their research findings. The Honours qualification culminates in a presentation and the submission of a thesis for examination. The key area of comparability is the research focus of the qualification.

    The University of Otago in New Zealand offers a Bachelor of Science with Honours (BSc(Hons)) in Physiology. The aim of the Degree is to develop advanced theoretical and research skills and in so doing to provide a platform for an advanced professional or academic career. The content of the qualification focuses on its dissertation-Systematic Physiology, Nuerophysiology and Cellular Physiology. The purpose of the qualification has the same focus as this qualification.

    Conclusion:
    The Bachelor of Science Honours in Physiology is comparable to the above cited qualifications in terms of equipping learners to pursue an independent research project in Physiology under the supervision of an academic staff member. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification does not offer specific articulation opportunities within the University of Johannesburg. However, 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 Medical Sciences Honours: Physiology, Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Human Physiology, Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Medical Science: Physiology, Level 9.
  • Master of Science: Physiology: 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 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.