Bachelor of Consumer Science Honours

Purpose

The qualifying students will be able to

• Apply knowledge and conduct research in various fields of Consumer Science such as Food and Nutrition, Hospitality Management and Clothing and Textiles.
• Demonstrate an in-depth content knowledge and research skills.
• Demonstrate a acquired skills will enable students to disseminate knowledge gained to the relevant stakeholders.

Rationale

The purpose of the qualification is to support young scientists and professionals in strategic, basic and applied research with the intention to promote innovation in the field of study (foods, clothing and textiles, nutrition or hospitality services). The qualification aims to strengthen their curriculum vitae and subsequently improve their prospects of employment nationally as well as globally. Due to the high level of unemployment and poverty in South Africa there is a need for qualified scientists and professionals to work towards the upliftment and economic development of communities nationally as well as globally. Learners will be able to work as scientists and consumer advisors in a variety of situations within the specialised area of choice, using the knowledge, skills and attitude acquired, guiding others' decision making in the best use of resources according to scientific principles.

The qualification is therefore important to empower families and communities to make informed nutrition-related decisions, through advocacy regarding household food security, multisector collaboration and effective nutrition education. Furthermore, the qualification will produce scientist and professionals that understand the science of food availability, food preparation and nutrition that are urgently needed to address these devastating situations in a scientific but applied manner.

This qualification will benefit the hospitality sector to focus on getting the right people in the right jobs to reflect well on South Africa as a tourist destination. In addition, this qualification will support the clothing and textile industries by training highly skilled professionals is therefore important for future job creation in South Africa.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Recognition of Prior Learning will be conducted according to University of South Africa (UNISA's) RPL policy. Prior learning acquired in the workplace or informal study, company/industry based-training, working with experts, or life experience will be evaluated. Learners will be accredited for specific module in the Bachelor Consumer Science Honours if their prior learning meets the prescribed learning outcome requirements, or can undergo any other recognised means of assessment that shows that they meet outcomes and associated assessment criteria.

Entry Requirements

The minimum requirement is

• A Bachelor's Degree in Consumer Science.

This qualification comprises of compulsory and elective modules at NQF Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

Group A: Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 72 Credits

• Research Methodology (CSR4801), 12 Credits.
• Advanced Consumer Science (CSR4802), 24 Credits.
• Research Project (CSR4803), 36 Credits.

Group B: Elective Modules, Level 8, 48 Credits

• Contemporary Food Studies (CFS4801), 24 Credits.
• Contemporary Hospitality Management (CHM4801), 24 Credits.
• Apparel Theories (CLO4801), 24 Credits.
• Clothing and Textiles Product Development (CTP4801), 24 Credits.
• Strategic Management (MNG4801), 24 Credits.
• Advanced Nutrition (NUT4801), 24 Credits.

1. Demonstrate a comprehensive and systematic grasp of the discipline's body of knowledge, with specialised knowledge in the area of specialisation.
2. Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of research methodologies, technologies and techniques, pertaining to the area of specialisation.
3. Demonstrate mastery of the application of research methods technologies and techniques.
4. Undertake a study of literature and current research in the area of specialisation.
5. Effectively present and communicate research findings.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Subject- specific concepts, theories, principles will be identified and correctly applied.
• Advanced specific and contextualised understanding and knowledge of the chosen field will be demonstrated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Research methodologies, technologies and techniques of specific disciplines will be identified and critiqued.
• An appropriate, practical and attainable research design will be developed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Application of various research methodologies, technologies and techniques of specific disciplines will be identified and Critiqued.
• Theory and practice in the chosen field of study will be integrated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Literature and current research of various disciplines will be discussed and summarised.
• Relevant research articles and reports of various disciplines will be interrogated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• A well-formulated research problem will be constructed.
• Research findings of various research projects will be presented and critiqued.
• Planning, outlining and implementing of research programmes and projects will be discussed.
• Valid and reliable findings to be presented in conferences and symposia.
• Problem identification, problem solving and creative thinking.
• Organising and managing oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively.
• Work effectively with others as a member of a team, groups, organisation, and community.
• Collecting, analysing, organising and critically evaluating information.
• Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation.
• Using science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.
• Contributing to the full personal development of the learner and the economic development of the community.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem solving contexts do not exist in isolation.
• Be culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts.
• Develop entrepreneurial opportunities.

Integrated Assessment

The Integrated Assessment will be done through applied competence involving theory and practical's in various disciplines. Reflective competence will be assessed in a variety of ways during the course of the programme, for example students will be asked to propose practical solutions to analytical problems and to evaluate their own solutions in their learning in the process, thus involving knowledge, application of knowledge, as well as reflection content learned. In the various modules of the qualification, students will be required to provide evidence of integrated knowledge, skills and values. A variety of either formative and summative or continuous assessment will be used during the course of the programme, including written assignments, practical activities, examinations and projects/portfolios. Furthermore, students are required to complete a research project for integrated assessment based on an approved topic in an area of specialisation. The research project will integrate a variety of knowledge and skills acquired of the programme.