Bachelor of Science Honours in Biological Sciences

To provide learners with a specialised in-depth knowledge in Biology; to equip them with proficient ability in research methodology and to produce in them the ability to solve problems, exercise creative thinking, assess and organise information, and work independently and in teams. These learners should be good communicators in spoken and written English, to both expert and non-expert audiences.

The qualification is intended to provide the country with learners who have a specialised knowledge in the biological sciences and can therefore serve the community in a variety of important ways, in both the public and private sectors. Inasmuch as expertise in the life and environmental sciences is becoming increasingly important in today's society, the qualification will fulfil a very important social purpose.

Recognise of Prior Learning

In cases where relevant experience or other prior learning is deemed to compensate for lack of formal qualifications, a candidate may be admitted by permission of Senate.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is a

• Bachelor of Science in Biological Science, NQF Level 7.

• Have in-depth knowledge of Biological principles and concepts, with potential specialisation in subdisciplines;
• Understand and be able to apply advanced concepts in Biology;
• Be able to access information from a wide range of sources, integrate, analyse and critically evaluate it;
• Be able to distil a problem into its component parts;
• Be able to consider a range of problems, options and solutions, and implement decisions based on sound academic foundations;
• Be able to solve a problem by building up individual solutions to component parts of the problem in an integrative manner;
• Be able to communicate effectively, both in written and oral presentations to both academic and non-academic forums;
• Develop and exercise responsibly, practical laboratory and/or field-based technical skills applicable to vocational careers;
• Undertake and execute the scientific method through analysing and critically evaluating data and results by undertaking independent research;
• Be capable of collaborative group work;
• Be sensitive to the ethics of working with living organisms;
• Have a well-developed awareness of environmental and social issues and the role biological science should play in these; and
• Have had the opportunity to enhance personal development, particularly in terms of self-directed and self-motivated study and the development of professional attitudes.

Learners will be required to

• Pass the required number of core modules and elective modules of in-depth academic study in Biology. The assessment criteria used will be accuracy and lucidity in answers to examination questions and that clear evidence has been provided that theoretical concepts have been understood.
• Submit an Honours research project that is assessed as satisfactory by internal and external examiners. The criteria will be: understanding of basic principles, accuracy of factual material and of reasoning, ability to relate appropriate parts of the course to the problem under discussion, sensible demonstration of other sources of information, and clarity of presentation.

To demonstrate competence in outcomes 1 -9, a learner must he able to write logical and coherent essays, assignments and research reports, contribute to class discussions, satisfactorily answer examination questions and undertake an independent research project under the supervision of a member of staff.

To show competence in outcome 7, learner's written (e.g. assignments, exam questions, project report) and oral presentations (e.g. formal seminars) must be of an acceptable standard in terms of use of the English language and the structural organisation of the presentations.

Competence in outcome 10 will be demonstrated when a learner works successfully as a member of a group in assigned collaborative assignments and tasks.

It is difficult to state objective criteria for the assessment of outcome 11-13, but general demeanour and etiquette are good indicators. Learners will be expected to show a commitment to their studies and awareness of others with whom they interact.

Integrated Assessment

The two compulsory modules within the qualifications, Research Project and Research Skills and Attitudes integrate all the specific outcome which contribute to the achievements of the exit-level outcomes of the qualifications.

Integrated assessment appropriately incorporated to ensure that the purpose of the qualification is achieved

The University is currently reforming its assessment strategies to include the assessment of applied competence for each qualification. In the meantime, a combination of continuous assessment and traditional written examinations serve to assess the integration of all/most of the learning outcomes for each module in a qualification.