SAQA 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.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Demonstrate an understanding of the concept of science 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
7507  Demonstrate an understanding of the concept of science 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Natural Sciences in GET and ABET 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences Life Sciences 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
ABET Level 4  Regular  Level 1  NQF Level 01  2 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

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.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
The purpose of this standard is to provide a general

introduction to the concepts of science. The learner will be able to
explain and describe the:
  • nature and scope of the field of science
  • relative nature of scientific knowledge
  • scientific method
  • application of science in everyday life 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Open
    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria 

    UNIT STANDARD OUTCOME HEADER 
    Describe the various fields of natural sciences 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Describe the various fields of natural sciences. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Various fields of study of the natural sciences are clearly identified and described. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Clear distinctions between the main branches of sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Life Sciences, Earth Sciences) are made in terms of typical subject matter. Two or three branches of each main branch are similarly distinguished and described.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Career paths in the natural sciences are clearly identified. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Natural science and non-natural science fields are distinguished in explaining natural phenomena. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Describe the nature of scientific knowledge. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The dynamic nature of natural science is identified by examples. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Examples to be used should include one from each theme (Earth and Beyond, Energy and Change, Matter and Materials, Life and Living).
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The process of change in knowledge is described using different examples. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Evidence which led to the change is described, as well as the role of research, chance discoveries and the invention of better instruments
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. The processes that led to this change are deduced using different examples. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Examples of change would include (i) the advent of the electron microscope which brought about changes in the understanding of the structure and function of cells; (ii) how views about the earth had changed from being flat and at the centre of the universe; (iii) how progress on operating on the human body had advanced; (iv) personal change in point of view which could include a change from non-scientific (e.g. myths, superstitions) to scientific understanding; etc.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Explain how different perspectives and world-views may influence the development of science. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Examples showing how particular world-views have given rise to particular explanations for natural phenomena are clearly explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    :
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Examples showing how particular world-views have given rise to contested explanations for natural phenomena are clearly explained. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Examples of the influence of different world-views could come from religious, cultural or geographical origins.
    E.g. Religion and its influence on the belief of whether the earth or the sun was the centre of the solar system in the 15th and 16th centuries.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Examples where a particular world view/cultural perspective has either encouraged or limited the development of science are discussed. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Describe the processes and attitudes necessary for scientific investigation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Exploratory processes necessary for a scientific investigation are described. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Processes of investigation are illustrated using selected examples, e.g. data gathering, analysing and concluding.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Focused processes necessary for a scientific investigation are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Different attitudes necessary for a scientific investigation are discussed. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The influence of attitudes on scientific investigation such as of curiosity and questioning are also described.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. The reasons why processes and attitudes are necessary for a scientific investigation are analysed. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    No detailed scientific investigation needs to be done. Attitudes could include: open-mindedness, honesty to report exact findings, objectivity and validity.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Illustrate the significance of science in everday life. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. A range of applications of science to every day life is provided. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The usefulness of science to day-to-day living is clearly illustrated. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Examples are taken from home (electrical appliances), regional (telecommunications), global (satellite, Internet) context and related to the four themes.
     



    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using simple language the use of science in everyday life. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate the contested nature of scientific knowledge in understanding the world in terms of the different religious, cultural and geographical contexts. 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    The unit standards revolves around the four main themes. A brief description of each of the four themes is as follows:

    Life and Living: This theme deals with organisms and their interdependence and interactions within their
    respective environments, how life processes are sustained and how these processes are affected by human activity and other factors.

    Matter and Materials: This theme deals with the nature of matter and its properties, both physical and chemical, their uses and their impact on the environment. Covered within this theme are aspects such as the nature and properties of matter, the change in matter and materials, production of natural and synthetic materials, and properties and uses of materials.

    Energy and Change: This theme deals with the concept of energy which is fundamental to understanding both processes of change and life processes. It deals with the transfer of energy in both biological and physical systems and the resultant changes, including movement as change in those systems.

    Planet Earth and Beyond: This theme deals with the planet earth from its core, through to its crust and into its upper atmosphere. It deals with physical features of the earth as well as processes that take place in and on the earth`s surface and it`s atmosphere. In addition, the theme deals with the position of the earth within the universe and covers the planet, moon and the stars in relationship to the earth. 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  24153   General Education and Training Certificate: Adult Basic Education and Training  Level 1  NQF Level 01  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2008-09-13  Was ETDP SETA until Last Date for Achievement 
    Core  48495   General Education and Training Certificate: Water Services  Level 1  NQF Level 01  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  EWSETA 
    Fundamental  22971   General Education and Training Certificate: Conservation  Level 1  NQF Level 01  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2012-06-30  CATHSSETA 
    Fundamental  58267   General Education and Training Certificate: Mining and Minerals Processes  Level 1  NQF Level 01  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MQA 
    Fundamental  23253   National Certificate (GETC): Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Activities  Level 1  NQF Level 01  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MERSETA 
    Fundamental  14891   National Certificate: Agricultural Machinery Technician  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2007-10-18  Was AgriSETA until Last Date for Achievement 
    Fundamental  48804   National Certificate: Occupational Safety, Hygiene and Environment  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2008-11-26  Was HW SETA until Last Date for Achievement 
    Fundamental  49014   National Certificate: Rockbreaking: Underground Hard Rock  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2007-08-16  Was MQA until Last Date for Achievement 
    Elective  71751   General Education and Training Certificate: Adult Basic Education and Training  Level 1  NQF Level 01  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 
    Elective  73249   General Education and Training Certificate: Adult Basic Education and Training: Academic Curriculum  Level 1  NQF Level 01  Reregistered  2028-06-30  UMALUSI 
    Elective  22865   National Certificate: Chemical Operations  Level 1  NQF Level 01  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Registered"     		 2005-10-09  Was CHIETA until Last Date for Achievement 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    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. ADCORP TECHNICAL TRAINING (PTY) LTD 
    2. ALLOYS HEAD OFFICE 
    3. ASSMANG (PTY) LTD 
    4. ASSMANG BEESHOEK MINE 
    5. Aubrey Nyiko Business Enterprise cc 
    6. BAFOKENG RASIMONE MANAGEMENT SERVICES PTY LTD 
    7. BANA BA THARI MINING TRANING AND DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY 
    8. BARBERTON MINES (PTY) LTD 
    9. College of Cape Town - Athlone Campus 
    10. CONCOR PROJECTS PTY LTD 
    11. ERGO BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY NPC 
    12. EXXARO COAL (PTY) LTD 
    13. FALSE BAY TECHNICAL VOCATIONAL EDUCATION & TRAINING COLLEGE 
    14. FINSCH DIAMOND MINE(PTY) LTD 
    15. FOSKOR (PTY) LTD 
    16. GLENCORE OPERATIONS SOUTH AFRICA PTY LTD 
    17. HARMONY GOLD MINING CO LTD 
    18. IMPALA PLATINUM SERVICES LTD 
    19. KUMBA IRON ORE (SISHEN) 
    20. Kumba Sishen HRD Centre 
    21. Leronsa Trading Enterprise 
    22. LYNAZY RESOURCES 
    23. MARULA PLATINUM PTY LTD 
    24. MATHOME TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT (PTY) LTD 
    25. MODIKWA MINING PERSONNEL SERVICES PTY L TD 
    26. MURRAY & ROBERTS CEMENTATION (PTY)LTD 
    27. NORTHAM PLATINUM LTD 
    28. Northlink College 
    29. NWK Beperk 
    30. PALABORA COPPER (PTY) LTD 
    31. People Upliftments t/a POPUP Upliftment 
    32. PPC Ltd 
    33. Professional Development and Training Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    34. PROGRESSIVE TRAINING DEVELOPMENT AND PROJECTS (PTY) LTD 
    35. RCL Foods-Sugar & Milling (MP) 
    36. RICHARDS BAY MINING PTY LTD 
    37. SENZEKO EXECUTIVE RISK CC 
    38. SEOPOSENGOE TRAINING CONSULTANCY CC 
    39. SIBANYE GOLD ACADEMY PROPRIETARY LIMITED 
    40. SIBANYE RUSTENBURG PLATINUM MINES PTY LTD 
    41. South Cape Public FET College - George Campus 
    42. Tembe Service Providers 
    43. THUNGELA OPERATIONS (PTY) LTD 
    44. TWO RIVERS PLATINUM (PTY) LTD 


    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.