Bachelor of Science Honours

Purpose

The Bachelor of Science Honours is a Postgraduate specialisation in Science which prepares learners for further research-based Postgraduate studies. The qualification provides learners with a specialisation in, and advanced knowledge of a particular science discipline building on the knowledge acquired from an undergraduate qualification. Learners will have skills, proficiencies, attitudes, dispositions and values required for further research and learning, and for employment in the particular disciplinary area studied.

Rationale

The qualification

• Expands the learner's knowledge in relevant Science fields;
• Trains learners to conduct research in relevant Science fields;
• Assists learners to plan basic research projects, surveys and data collection.

In the context with the National Development Plan 2030, Science and Technology continue to revolutionise the way goods and services are produced and traded. South Africa needs to use its knowledge and innovative products to compete. Increased competencies in the science and technology areas advance the National Development imperatives and sustain the environment, develops the niche areas of Science and Technology and advancing a sustainable economy. Qualifying learners provide the essential bridge between Bachelor graduates and those continuing to higher qualifications such a Masters and Doctorates. This qualification provides learners with the required academic qualification to register with the South African Council for Scientific Professions at a Professional level and can take accountability and contribute towards scientific initiatives, reports and research.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may be used for access to the qualification. This qualification may be achieved in part through the recognition of relevant prior learning and experience as per the institution 's RPL policy. Appropriate assessment tasks and tools are designed to assess individual learners against the module/course outcomes on a case by case basis, with detailed records maintained.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Science, NQF Level 7.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at NQF Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

Stream 1: Information Technology

Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 40 Credits

• Research Project (Computer Science), 40 Credits.

Elective Modules, 80 Credits (Choose four)

• Speech Technology, 20 Credits.
• Databases, 20 Credits.
• Computer Networks, 20 Credits.
• Compiler Construction Theory, 20 Credits.
• Artificial Intelligence, 20 Credits.
• Advanced Operating Systems, 20 Credits.
• Software Engineering, 20 Credits.
• Switching and Finite Automata Theory, 20 Credits.
• Computer Security, 20 Credits.

Stream 2: Statistics

Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 80 Credits

• Research Project (Statistics), 40 Credits.
• Probability Theory, 20 Credits.
• Statistical Inference, 20 Credits.

Elective Modules, 40 Credits (Choose two)

• Nonparametric Statistical Inference, 20 Credits.
• Multivariate Analysis, 20 Credits.
• Advanced Time Series Analysis, 20 Credits.
• Sampling Theory, 20 Credits.
• Biostatistics, 20 Credits.
• Stochastic Processes, 20 Credits.
• Categorical Data Analysis, 20 Credits.
• Methods of Operations Research, 20 Credits.
• Advanced Mathematical Programming, 20 Credits.

Stream 3: Chemistry

Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 120 Credits

• Research Project (Chemistry), 40 Credits.
• Advanced Organic Chemistry, 20 Credits.
• Advanced Inorganic Chemistry, 20 Credits.
• Advanced Physical Chemistry, 20 Credits.
• Advanced Analytical Chemistry, 20 Credits.

Stream 4: Physics

Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 120 Credits

• Research Project (Physics), 40 Credits.
• Quantum Mechanics, 20 Credits.
• Statistical Mechanics, 20 Credits.
• Electrodynamics, 20 Credits.
• Solid State Physics, 20 Credits.

Stream 5: Geology

Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 120 Credits

• Research Project (Geology), 40 Credits.
• African Geology and Ore deposit Genesis, 20 Credits.
• Advanced Petrology and Petrography, 20 Credits.
• Prospecting and Reserve Evaluation, 20 Credits.
• Ore Mineralogy, Microscopy and Genesis, 20 Credits.

Stream 6: Biochemistry

Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 120 Credits

• Research Project (Biochemistry), 40 Credits.
• General Separation and Analytical Techniques, 20 Credits.
• Advanced Molecular Biology, 20 Credits.
• Advanced Industrial Biotechnology, 20 Credits.
• Bioinformatics and Special Topics, 20 Credits.

Stream 7: Microbiology

Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 120 Credits

• Research Project (Microbiology), 40 Credits.
• General Separation and Analytical Techniques, 20 Credits.
• Advanced Molecular Biology, 20 Credits.
• Advanced Industrial Biotechnology, 20 Credits.
• Bioinformatics and Special Topics, 20 Credits.

Stream 8: Physiology

Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 120 Credits

• Research project (Physiology), 40 Credits.
• Chronic diseases of Lifestyle and Target Organ Toxicology, 20 Credits.
• Occupational Hygiene, 20 Credits.
• Reproductive and Sexual Health, 20 Credits.
• Occupational Health, 20 Credits.

Stream 9: Botany

Compulsory Modules, Level 8,120 Credits

• Research Project (Botany), 40 Credits.
• Plant Micropropagation and its Application, 20 Credits.
• Plant Transformation, 20 Credits.
• Savannah Ecology, 20 Credits.
• Plant responses to environmental and climate change, 20 Credits.

Stream 10: Zoology

Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 120 Credits

• Research Project (Zoology), 40 Credits.
• Parasitology, 20 Credits.
• Wildlife Management in Arid Regions, 20 Credits.
• Biological Systematics, 20 Credits.
• Freshwater Ecosystems, 20 Credits.

Stream 11: Applied Mathematics

Compulsory Modules, 116 Credits

• Research Project (Applied Mathematics), 32 Credits.
• Mathematical Modelling with Differential Equations I, 12 Credits.
• Stochastic Differential Equations, 12 Credits.
• Advanced Numerical Analysis, 12 Credits.
• Mathematical Modelling with Differential Equations II, 12 Credits.
• Hydrodynamic Stability, 12 Credits.
• Financial Mathematics, 12 Credits.
• Numerical Solution of Partial Differential Equations, 12 Credits.

Elective Modules, 30 Credits (Choose one)

• Advanced Mathematical Programming, 8 Credits.
• Mathematical Biology, 8 Credits.
• General Theory of Relativity, Credits.

Stream 12: Mathematics

Compulsory Modules, 104 Credits

• Research Project (Mathematics), 32 Credits.
• Structures of Groups, 12 Credits.
• General Topology, 12 Credits.
• Measure Theory and Integration, 12 Credits.
• Functional Analysis, 12 Credits.
• Category Theory, 12 Credits.
• Rings, Fields and Galois Theory, 12 Credits.

Elective Modules, 16 Credits (Choose two)

• Complex Analysis, 8 Credits.
• Approximation Theory, 8 Credits.
• Graph Theory, 8 Credits.
• Combinatorics, 8 Credits.
• Number Theory, 8 Credits.
• Potential Theory, 8 Credits.

Stream 13: Geography

Compulsory Modules, 60 Credits

• Research Project (Geography), 40 Credits.
• Development of Philosophy and Methodology in Geography, 20 Credits.

Elective Modules, 60 Credits (Choose three)

• Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Applications, 20 Credits.
• Demographic Studies, 20 Credits.
• Natural Resource Ecology, 20 Credits.
• Sustainable Resource Development, 20 Credits.
• Elements of Environmental Management, 20 Credits.
• Land Degradation, 20 Credits.
• Tourism Development, 20 Credits.

Stream 14: Aquaculture

Compulsory Modules, 120 Credits

• Research Project (Aquaculture), 40 Credits.
• Fish biology and principles of aquaculture, 20 Credits.
• Fish nutrition and fish diseases, 20 Credits.
• Fish genetics and breeding, 20 Credits.
• Research Methodology and Statistics, 20 Credits.

1. Provide a conceptual critique of specialised knowledge within a particular field of interest.
2. Research the literature and other available resources to gain a better insight into the topics at hand
3. Synthesise information from relevant sources and apply them to real problems.
4. Identify a relevant research question and attempt to answer this through planning an appropriate research protocol.
5. Make an informed decision on the types of methods and techniques available to execute, analyse and report on a research topic within their field of specialisation.
6. Make decisions on ethical values and practices within their field of specialisation.
7. Communicate effectively regarding topics with their field of specialisation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

Disciplinary knowledge is

• Reflect in the correct use of the terminology, concepts, principles and theories in written and oral communication;
• Participate in the critical appraisal of the relationship among concepts and principles of the specialised disciplines;
• Demonstrate a depth of comprehension of advanced and contemporary topics;

And

• Propose solutions to well-structured and practical problems (both concrete and abstract).

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Source relevant information through access to various kinds of information resources, such as the library, Internet, and primary and secondary sources related to the core discipline.
• Reflect on the diversity, complexity and multi-dimensionality of a context and how that affects the particular work being undertaken.
• Identify the strengths, weaknesses and opportunities of the context pf extracted information for addressing specific problems.
• Describe relevant factors about the context and performance(s) in these contexts and how they affect the particular work being undertaken.
• Identify critical factors impacting on practical problems for investigation from the perspective of the discipline.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Structure of a literature survey by showing understanding of the question and indicating the direction of the answer through laying out the subsections of the essay and their linkages with the overall theme.
• Clearly, state the context in which the basic concepts and assumptions of the research question are to be evaluated in the literature survey.
• Develop logically coherent arguments as well as citing and discussing illustrative examples.
• Draw a conclusion that is consistent with the arguments raised in the literature survey and suggest possible alternatives.
• Present the literature survey/research report according to appropriate and/or recommended word processing and referencing protocol.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Identify a valid research question after reviewing relevant literature sources and pose it in a coherent yet succinct manner.
• Review various methodologies that could be used to attend to the research question and validate the use, or not, thereof to solve the problem.
• Under the guidance of a supervisor draft a coherent research plan, taking into account resource availability, statistical approaches used, and ethical protocols that are required to be observed, and ensuring the safety of life and the environment.
• Draft a research protocol in the acceptable format for approval at a research approval committee.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Apply experimental or computational procedures identified from the research protocol accurately, conserving resources and with due diligence to the sensitivity of equipment, consumables and safety.
• Collect and record appropriate data truthfully and in the appropriate format.
• Analyse results using relevant methods and interpret them accordingly.
• Argue persuasively about such analyses and interpretations and draw a valid conclusion.
• Present the research orally/or in written format using appropriate discourse and presentation techniques, considering the audience.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Discuss the ethical implications of various kinds of research and be able to act accordingly.
• Work within the specifications of the discipline and be able to refer work appropriately.
• Actively engage in ethical debate providing a balanced view using theories and evidence previously provided in the specialised area.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Express own opinions clearly and coherently, justify a position and present it logically, systematically using properly substantiated arguments.
• Communication should show an awareness of audience, and capability in using different modes of communication (oral and written) and discipline-specific conventions, and utilisation of different techniques and strategies for communicating results.

Integrated Assessment

This qualification integrates learning and assessment. The continuous formative assessment ensures that learners get feedback on their progress towards the achievement of specific learning outcomes. Assignments designed to meet the requirements of integrated assessment and to achieve the exit-level outcomes. The integrated assessment demonstrates that learners achieved the purpose of the qualification as a whole, either in to or in the stated modules.

Summative assessment is concerned with the judgement of the learning about the exit level outcomes of the qualification. Such judgement includes integrated assessment which assesses the learner's ability to integrate the larger body of knowledge, competencies and attitudes.