Bachelor of Science Honours in Botany

The programme aims to produce graduates who have developed the appropriate basic knowledge and applied skills to meet the requirements for international academic recognition and/or appropriate national professional registration in the specializations of botany. Graduates will be able to contribute positively to future vocational and/or academic needs both locally (Southern Africa) and internationally through their ability to apply scientific methods in supervised research and/or problem solving, and communicate and/or implement investigative research findings effectively in a diversity of fields within the botanical sciences, for example, as botanists, environmental consultants and environmental managers.

• An adequate exposure to physical science or biology.
• An adequate level of development of knowledge and skills in mathematics.
• Adequate literacy skills in English.
• Continuation in, or access into, programmes at Level 7 or above pre-supposes completion of the exit-level requirements at level 6 at the required standard. These can be demonstrated in a number of ways:

o Matriculation exemption with at least 40% at Higher Grade or at least 60% at Standard Grade for Mathematics and at least 40% at Higher Grade or at least 60% at Standard Grade for Biology or Physical Science.

o Alternative access programmes such as the Science Foundation Programme (SFP).

• The SFP provides access to students who do not have a formal or adequate matric exemption.

Recognised prior learning

Students who have completed a diploma at an Agricultural College or Technikon may be admitted, provided they meet the criteria above.

• Proficiency in understanding of fundamental scientific principles and conceptual issues relevant to the subject matter applicable in each stream, and in the context.
• Understanding of the inter-relatedness of cells, tissues, organs and control systems in plant functioning (plant molecular biology, physiology and ecology), the evolutionary relationships of plants (taxonomy and systematics), the holistic, biotic and abiotic components of operational ecosystems, and the aesthetics/use/sustainable development of the natural environment (ethnobotany) with appropriate emphases according to each stream, recognizing the context of these systems in a world view.
• Practical ability to use scientific methods, relevant sampling and analytical techniques, equipment, instrumentation and other relevant tools (numerical,. statistical, computational) to collect, analyse, interpret, and synthesize data.
• Ability to conceptualise, critically evaluate and communicate existing or new findings
• Competence in critical thinking, ability to evaluate and apply scientific data and information (I).
• Ability to communicate effectively with the broader scientific community and/or NGO's and private companies (both orally and in writing) (5).
• Ability to work both co-operatively (2) and independently, thereby developing personal organizational (3), vocational and/or academic capacities, awareness of and involvement in, issues of broader societal relevance (8).
• In addition to the above, learners will have fulfilled the exit-level outcomes of the Physical, Mathematical and Life Sciences B Sc programme.

• Supervised research project(s);
• Formal examination of contextual knowledge and conceptual understanding at the appropriate level of module-specific subject matter,
• Specialized modules relating to specific techniques and methods required for each stream; and,
• A review essay and seminar(s).

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

The University of Natal 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.

Capstone modules mentioned in Assessor Criteria are specifically designed to assess the learner's integration of knowledge and skills learnt throughout the programme and to demonstrate competence in the critical learning outcomes. At level 7 the assessment is based on:

• Research project proposal (Oral) 10% of 64 credits
• Research project outcome report (Written) 10% of 64 credits
• Research project outcome report (Oral) 70% of 64 credits
• Integrative review essay (Written) 10% of 64 credits
• Research project proposal (Written) 100% of 8 credits