Bachelor of Science Honours in Botany

Purpose

The primary purpose of this qualification is to provide highly qualified scientists who can identify, evaluate and address problems associated with the biological and/or earth sciences in South African and International context at high levels. Through the acquisition of appropriate competence and research ability they will be able to enter a range of professional and entrepreneurial opportunities. These could include positions as research officers or educators with a range of possible employers in industry or tertiary institutions or allow them to establish enterprises of their own in a variety of plant-related areas of endeavour as entrepreneurs or advisors.

Rationale

The qualification is a specialisation in the field of Botany to prepare the learners for research based postgraduate study. The qualification serves to consolidate and deepen the learner's expertise in Botany and to develop research capacity in the methodology and techniques of Botany. This qualification demands a high level of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence.

Recognition of Prior Learning(RPL)

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is done in accordance with the institution RPL Policy. In cases of students not complying with the formal entry requirements, RPL will be determined in accordance with the policy and guideline of the University concerning the recognition of other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience. Recognition takes place only where prior learning corresponds to the required National Qualifications Framework(NQF) Level, and in terms of applied competencies relevant to the content and outcomes of the qualification. Through Recognition of Prior Learning(RPL), learners may gain access on condition that they continue their studies at the institution.

Entry Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in Botany; National Qualifications Framework(NQF) Level 7.

This qualification comprises of compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework(NQF) Level 8 totalling to 150 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 8,150 Credits

• Plant Biotechnology, 24 Credits.
• Plant Systematics & Molecular Evolution, 24 Credits.
• Project, 30 Credits.
• Scientific methods, 24 Credits.
• Advanced Plant Taxonomy and Economic Botany, 24 Credits.
• Post-Harvest Physiology, 24 Credits.

1.Identify, interpret, analyse and address complex problems, using both routine and advanced skills, conceptual and/or evidence-based enquiry and theory-driven arguments.

2.Work effectively with others in a team by being answerable for their own work and the work of others.

3.Identify, evaluate and address their own professional and on-going learning needs.

4.Demonstrate efficient and effective information retrieval and processing skills, using appropriate Information and Communications Technology (ICT).

5.Demonstrate a comprehensive, systematic and critical knowledge and understanding of the principles, scope, theories and epistemologies of Botany.

6.Evaluate their own and others academic work and initiatives against informed criteria.

7.Present and communicate ideas and texts, offering professional insights, interpretations and solutions to problems and issues appropriate to Botany.

8.Use science and technology in complex and challenging contexts and make autonomous ethical decisions on complex professional issues in accordance with recognised professional and/or ethical standards.

9.Critique current research and advanced scholarship in Biochemistry and make sound theoretical judgements based on evidence.

10.Identify, select and apply a range of research methodologies and methods/techniques to research problem/s in Botany.

11.Identify, analyse, synthesise and undertake independent evaluation of quantitative and/or qualitative data, and to engage with and evaluate current research and scholarly or professional literature in Botany.

The Associated Assessment Criterion highlighted below will be integrated within the Exit Level Outcomes.

• Display a thorough knowledge of the field of enquiry.
• Formulate an appropriate hypothesis.
• Plan and carry out an appropriate experimental program.
• Analyse results obtained correctly.
• Cooperate with fellow learners, contribute meaningfully to group efforts to work on a problem and accept a responsible part in a group effort.
• Display a mastery of subject material by independent study.
• Work on a project successfully and produce a project or progress report.
• Present a suitable project proposal on a topic, motivate the reasoning behind the proposal satisfactorily.
• Perform the actions required to complete the collection of information relate the information obtained to that which is known.
• Display knowledge of current information retrieval systems and processes.
• Demonstrate a mastery of the use of technical and professional language and terminology.
• Demonstrate awareness and recognition of the need for careful and correct statistical techniques.
• Use appropriate technology correctly, safely and responsibly.
• Present a project proposal in which all the appropriate aspects relating to the broad social and environmental considerations are addressed.
• Suggest possible changes in the proposal should certain aspects not turn out as expected.
• Show awareness of the need for different ways of learning and assimilation of knowledge by electronic calculation and retrieval systems, libraries, and personal contacts at meetings.
• Show an awareness of the need for continued study so as to remain constantly up to date.
• Demonstrate awareness of the importance of making valid conclusions from experimental data.
• Demonstrate awareness of where the chosen field of study impinges on society and where further studies may be done. This includes medicinal, industrial, recreational and aesthetic considerations.
• Demonstrate the ability to relate the field of study to society and thus know where those skills are likely to be required.
• Demonstrate the knowledge of what the chosen field of study involves and how it can be used for entrepreneurial activity.
• Show an understanding of how the field of study impinges on society.

Integrated Assessment

The qualification is coherently aligned in that all teaching, learning and assessment activities are linked to module and qualification outcomes. Assessment methods are varied and includes summative and formative assessment to enhance applied competence from learners and facilitate authentic assessment and learning. Assessment will not only be used to determine whether outcomes were achieved, but also to generate data for grading and provide feedback in order to improve the curriculum. For all the assessment purposes to be achieved, essays, computer-based assessments, theory tests, cases and open problems, practical and interpretative skills evaluation, reporting on practical and applications, presentations, analysis and problem solving assessment in the specific field of Botany as assessment methods.