Bachelor of Science Honours in Genetics

The qualification in Genetics is designed to equip learners with analytical reasoning, communication and computer literacy skills necessary to enter the ever-expanding arena of Genetics research and Genetics business. Learners are encouraged to develop a holistic approach to the identification and strategic solution of real-life problems, recognising the interdisciplinary nature of most of the challenges facing Genetics. As applied scientists, learners find employment as specialists in government departments, education, private consultancies, large-scale plant and animal production and improvement operations, biotechnological companies, research operations and their own business.

While the learners will practice as professional Geneticists; a strong emphasis is also placed on the development of metacognitive and entrepreneurial skills in the qualification to produce learners that are life-long learners equipped to meet the research and development needs in a changing research, industrial and economic environment.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution conducts RPL in terms of the policy and guidelines of the institution to recognise other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience. In cases where learners do not comply with the formal admission requirements, the institution applies its RPL policy.

Entry requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Science in Genetics, NQF Level 7.

1. Communicate effectively with peers in a variety of modes on Genetics and Applied Genetics;
2. Demonstrate responsible and effective time-management and organisation of projects and research meeting personal objectives and negotiated deadlines;
3. Manage data and information through their collection, storage, analysis, synthesis, presentation and critical evaluation using a variety of valid and reliable methods and instruments;
4. Exhibit a detailed knowledge and understanding of a range of discipline-specific theories and can identify ad define specific genetic problems, use critical analysis and appropriate methodology and theory to devise several responsible and creative problem-solving strategies;
5. Reflect on the processes of learning and problem-solving, challenging assumptions made, testing for contingency in reasoning and redefining hypothesis;
6. Work independently and as a member of a team;
7. Demonstrate technical competence in the laboratory and or demonstrate competence in the use of various software packages and World Wide Web-based techniques to generate and analyse genetic data.

The following associated assessment criteria apply across all Exit Level Outcomes

• Select primary research publications, the critical evaluation, discussion and debate of the content with peers and lectures.
• Understand and criticise the content of a recent research publication will be assessed through an oral presentation by the learner in which the primary reason for the research is identified, the content briefly addressed, and understanding of the research strategy disclosed and the research results critically discussed and debated.
• Participate in critical evaluation of all research presented by fellow research learners in the School.

Integrated assessment

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

The institution 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.

All learners in their fourth year have to do project seminars. The project is an integrated assessment of the learner`s problem-solving abilities in a real-world situation while the seminar is a review of the literature covering theory and applications of techniques and interpretation of findings. These two assessment methods ensure that learners have simultaneously attained the assessment criteria.