Bachelor of Science Honours in Bioinformatics

This qualification follows upon an appropriate Bachelor's Degree or equivalent qualification and has the purpose to: provide knowledge, understanding and competence in applied science and engineering science to learners having non-engineering prior qualifications.

Provide additional depth and specialisation in a number of applied science and engineering science disciplines to learners having non-engineering prior qualifications. It also serves as preparation for engagement in master's or other technology-related research programmes.

Access may be gained to the qualification through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

Entry Requirements

A relevant Bachelor of Science Degree, Level 7.

Learning Outcomes

The Bachelor of Science (B Sc) Honours (Hons) graduate is competent to

1. Application of knowledge of mathematics, basic science and applied science to solve advanced and complex technological problems related to the specific discipline.
2. Creatively and innovatively perform design and synthesis tasks.
3. Use technological methods, skills, tools and information technology.
4. Understand and appreciate the impact of technological activity on society and the environment.
5. Work effectively in multidisciplinary environments.
6. Engage in lifelong learning through well-developed learning skills and to understand the need to maintain continued competence and to keep abreast of up-to-date tools and techniques.

Critical cross-field outcomes

The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) critical cross-field outcomes are addressed in the bachelor's degree programme exit level outcomes, which is a prerequisite for this programme.

1. Application of fundamental and specialist knowledge, involving the following performances (in this qualification the primary emphasis is on item 1): Bring mathematical, numerical analysis and statistical knowledge and methods to bear on technological problems by using an appropriate mix of:

• Formal analysis and modelling of technological components, systems or processes.
• Communicating concepts, ideas and theories with the aid of mathematics.
• Reasoning about and conceptualising technological components, systems or processes using mathematical concepts.
• Dealing with uncertainty and risk through the use of probability and statistics.
• Use physical laws and knowledge of the physical world as a foundation for the applied.

sciences and the solution of technological problems by an appropriate mix of

• Formal analysis and modelling of technological components, systems or processes using principles and knowledge of the basic sciences.
• Reasoning about and conceptualising technological problems, components, systems or processes using principles of the basic sciences.

Use the techniques, principles and laws of applied science at a fundamental level to

• Identify and solve open-ended technological problems.
• Identify and pursue technological applications.
• Work across engineering disciplinary boundaries through cross disciplinary literacy and shared fundamental knowledge.

1. Application of technological skills and knowledge in the design of components, systems, works, products and processes.
2. Assignments and learning activities throughout the programme are formulated as such to also develop the following skills in an integrated manner:

• Use of appropriate technological methods, skills and tools and assessment of the results they yield.

Use of computer packages for computation, modelling, simulation, and information handling, involving

• Assessment of the applicability and limitations of the package.
• Proper application and operation of the package.
• Critical testing and assessment of the end-results produced by the package.
• Use of computers and networks and information infrastructures for accessing, processing, managing, and storing information to enhance personal productivity and teamwork.
• Creation of computer applications as required by the discipline.

4. Throughout the programme the learner is sensitised in respect to

• The impact of technological activity on society and the environment.

The need to bring into technological analysis and design considerations of

• The impact of technology on society.
• The personal, social, cultural values and requirements of those affected by technological activity.

1. Multidisciplinary skills are developed by the incorporation of modules related to other technological disciplines, management and economics into a specific programme.
2. The teaching philosophy and learning activities throughout the programme are aimed at the development of thinking skills like the understanding of concepts, scientific logic and innovation, rather than memorising, which creates an attitude and ability of inquisitiveness and lifelong learning.

Integrated Assessment

• Written examinations.
• Oral examinations.
• Other.
• Assignments and Presentations.
• Formative and summative assessment is performed continuously and at the conclusion of each module. The final mark is compiled from assignments, presentations, tests and a final examination.