Bachelor of Science Honours in Applied Radiation Science

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to further develop the knowledge, skills and values of the student for the Nuclear Industry. The programme will thus provide students with the competence to apply knowledge of the core subjects in the curriculum to understand and investigate certain phenomena in the Nuclear industry and to solve problems related to this field of study showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others and understanding the debates concerning environmental and Nuclear management.

The programme will equip students with advanced knowledge and skills to undertake postgraduate studies in one of the core subjects in this qualification. The students will be provided with the ability to obtain scientific knowledge and information from various sources; use mathematical, statistical and analytical skills for problem solving; identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made; collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information; communicate research findings effectively using visual, mathematical and language skills in oral and written presentations and work effectively with others as a member or leader of a team.

Rationale

This qualification was developed in response to a shortage in South Africa of well-trained, critically thinking scientists who are capable of proceeding towards independent, high quality research in Radiation Science. The first rationale is to provide South Africa with significant numbers of graduates who are able to undertake advanced research under guidance of an expert, through the acquisition of the necessary research skills and tools in the field of Radiation Science, in order to ensure the broadening of the local leadership base of innovative and knowledge based economic and scholarly activity.

The second rationale is to provide students with the necessary knowledge, specific skills, applied competence and professional attitude in the field of Radiation Science in order to utilise the opportunities for continued personal intellectual growth, gainful economic activity and rewarding contributions to society.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

An applicant who cannot provide formal proof of compliance with the prescribed admission requirements for the Bachelor of Science Honours in Applied Radiation, but with prior learning and relevant work experience may be admitted to the Honours Degree study after the procedure for Recognition of Prior Learning in terms of the institution's RPL policy has been completed successfully.

Such recognition is within the sole discretion of the institution and within the context of faculty requirements. This qualification requires that the entrant will already have a Bachelor of Science (BSc) or an equivalent standard qualification in the field of Radiation Science and Technology or Physics at the institution or equivalent institution. The institution subscribes to the principles underlying outcomes-based, source-based and lifelong learning. In this context, considerations of articulation and mobility play an important role. The institution endorses the view that Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) constitutes an essential element in deciding on admission to and awarding credits in an explicitly selected teaching-learning programme at honours level. RPL does not only imply assessment to determine the level of skills and knowledge comparable to Level 7 the candidate already possesses, but also the skills and knowledge the candidate has to master additionally prior to being accepted for the honours qualification. The assessment processes involved with RPL are the same as those followed for awarding credits in the formal graduate setting. An RPL candidate seeking credits for previously acquired skills and knowledge, must still comply with all the requirements as stated for modules, programmes and qualifications. The difference lies in the route of the assessment, since RPL assessment may be holistic in nature taking the context of the qualification as well as the prior knowledge and experience of the person who is being assessed into account.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement is

• Bachelor of Science with majors in two of the following disciplines: Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics.

This qualification consists of compulsory modules at Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

Modules

• Radiation and Environment, 24 Credits.
• Radioactive Waste Minimisation and Management, 24 Credits.
• Nuclear Physics, 24 Credits.
• Nuclear Chemistry, 24 Credits.
• Research Project, 32 Credits.

1. Identify and evaluate convergent and divergent problems in the discipline of Radiation Science and Technology and solve them in a creative and innovative manner by using skills appropriate to this specific field of study.
2. Ulan and execute studies and experiments using scientific modelling techniques, and thereafter analyse information from data, interpret it and make inferences from it.
3. Use of computers, networks and information infrastructure for evaluation, processing, management and storage of information, as well as the use of the basic techniques and knowledge of business management, health and safety and environmental preservation personal to Nuclear Industrial applications.
4. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with researchers and the community, using appropriate structure, style, graphics and electronic support and provide information for use by others, especially in the world of natural sciences and economic sciences.
5. Demonstrate a critical awareness of the impact scientific activity has on the community and the environment, and the need to take into consideration the impact of technology on society and the personal, social and cultural values and expectations of those who are affected by scientific activities.
6. Work effectively as an individual, in teams and in multidisciplinary environments and take leadership roles.
7. Demonstrate an understanding of the necessity of ensuring continued competence and remaining up to date with innovations in technology and techniques, through well-developed learning skills, thus ensuring lifelong learning.
8. Demonstrate critical awareness of the need to act professionally and ethically and to accept responsibility own actions, and be able to perform judgements in relation to own knowledge and experience.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be assessed in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes.

• Demonstrate a systematic and integrated knowledge and understanding of, and an ability to analyse, evaluate and apply the fundamental terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories.
• Apply appropriate discipline-related methods of scientific inquiry and independently validate, evaluate and manage sources of information.
• Demonstrate critical reflection on, and understanding and application of, appropriate methods or practices to resolve complex discipline-related problems and thereby introduce change within related practice.
• Demonstrate professional and ethical behaviour within an academic and discipline-related environment with sensitivity towards societal and cultural considerations.
• Effectively communicate scientific understanding and own opinions/ideas in written or oral arguments, using appropriate discipline-related and academic discourse as well as technology.
• Demonstrate effective functioning as a member and/or leader of a team or a group in scientific projects or investigations, with self-directed management of learning activities and responsibility for own learning progress.

Integrated Assessment

Formative or continuous assessment serves as a monitoring instrument to enable learners to determine their progress in the learning process and to enable lecturers to determine the effectiveness of their teaching. This will also enable lecturers to make timeous adjustments to ensure that the teaching and learning process is more effective. Summative assessment serves to determine whether the students have achieved the different module and Exit Level Outcomes.

Formative Assessment

Class tests, homework, written assignments, report writing, practicals, class discussions, semester tests.

Summative assessment serves to determine whether the students have achieved the different module and Exit Level Outcomes.

Summative Assessment

Written exam papers and oral presentations.