Bachelor of Science Honours in Biology

Purpose

The purpose of this honours qualification is to provide a student who has already attained a first degree in the field of Biology with further expertise in this particular field, so that he/she will find opportunities for continuing personal intellectual development, value-added economic activity and awarding contributions to the community.

The qualification is also aimed at stimulating and preparing learners for further academic study and research by the provision of the required knowledge, skills and insight to develop as researchers on a high academic level.

Accordingly, the qualification must embody aspects of academic training such as understanding of the scientific literature as well as furtherance of the requirements of research in the field of Biology.

Rationale

It is widely accepted that South Africa suffers a shortage of well-trained, critically thinking natural scientists, who are capable of independent, high quality research. This qualification is aimed at providing South Africa with significant numbers of graduates in the natural sciences who have the necessary research skills and tools to undertake advanced research in the field of Biology under the guidance of an expert. These scientists will ensure the broadening of the local leadership base for innovative and knowledge based economic and scholarly activity.

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

The qualification will also equip learners with the tools necessary for them to enter a path to be professional academic scientists in the field of Biology. Most professional scientific bodies in South Africa take a Bachelor of Science (BSc) Honours or equivalent as the minimum qualification for registration as a scientist. Thus, the programme will embody aspects of practical training essential for functioning as a professional natural scientist in the work environment.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

An applicant who cannot provide formal proof of compliance with the prescribed admission requirements for the Bachelor of Science (BSc) Honours in Biology, 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 University and within the context of faculty requirements. This qualification requires that the entrant will already have a BSc or an equivalent standard qualification in the field of Biology 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 programme 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 Biology passed at Level 7 with at least 60%.

This qualification consists of compulsory modules at Level 8 totalling 128 Credits.

Modules

• Postgraduate Honours Project, 32 Credits.
• Higher Plant Taxonomy and Systematics, 24 Credits.
• Further High Plant Taxonomy and Systematics, 24 Credits.
• Conservation of Natural Resources, 24 Credits.
• Further Conservation of Natural Resources, 24 Credits.

1. Demonstrate integrated and advanced knowledge of and engagement in Biology and understand the theories, research methodologies, methods and techniques relevant to this field of study as well as be able to apply this knowledge to research in the forefront of Biology.
2. Demonstrate the ability to interrogate multiple sources of knowledge in Biology and as an individual and/or in teams evaluate knowledge and processes of knowledge production and integration.
3. Use a range of specialised skills to identify, analyse and address complex or abstract problems drawing systematically on the body of knowledge and methods appropriate to this field of study.
4. Critically review information gathering, synthesis of data, evaluation and management processes in specialised contexts in order to develop creative responses to problems and issues.
5. Produce and communicate information by effectively presenting and communicating academic and professional or occupational ideas and texts to a range of audiences, offering creative insights, meaningful interpretations and solutions to problems and issues appropriate to Biology.
6. Demonstrate an understanding the role of the natural sciences in society, appreciate the fundamentals of lifelong learning and understand both the professional and ethical basis of scientific enquiry.

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 students 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.

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.