Bachelor of Science Honours in Physical Science

Purpose

The qualification is Postgraduate specialisation qualification that serves to consolidate and deepen the student's expertise in Physical Science, and to develop research capacity in the methodology and techniques of that discipline. The qualification will include the conduction and reporting on a research topic under supervision, in a manner that is appropriate to Physical Science.

Rationale

To provide South Africa with significant numbers of Postgraduates in the field of Physical Science in order to ensure that the local leadership base of innovative and knowledge-based economic and scholarly activity is widened.

The qualification will embody aspects of practical training essential for functioning as a professional scientist in a work environment. The qualification will also equip learners with the tools necessary for them to enter a path to be professional academic practitioners in their particular disciplines: again, most South African Universities insist on a Bachelor of Science (BSc) Honours level qualification as the minimum entry standard for further Postgraduate training. Accordingly, the qualification must embody aspects of academic training such as understanding of the scientific literature as well as furtherance of the requirements of literacy, numeracy and computer literacy first introduced in the BSc qualification.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Access to the qualification can also be provided in terms of the university's RPL policy and its admission criteria stipulated by Senate. Students can also undergo a Portfolio Development Course (PDC) to support the student's admission. The PDC will focus on written submission explaining the reasons for the candidates' interest in the discipline as an adjunct to their existing professional competencies and indicating the nature of a possible research project. In addition, an application can be made in terms of rule A.2, the competency rule via Senate.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

A Bachelor of Science (BSc) Degree or a relevant qualification.

This qualification comprises compulsory and elective modules at Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

Stream: Material Science (MATSCI)

Compulsory (select all modules) Credits

Research Module 709, 20.

Applied and Computational Physics 720, 30.

Theoretical Material Science 724, 20.

Applied Material Science 725 20.

Advanced Techniques 726, 30.

Stream: Accelerator and Nuclear Physics (MANUS)

Compulsory (select all modules), Credits

Research Module 709, 20.

Applied and Computational Physics 720, 30.

Accelerator Science 721, 20.

Quantum and Statistical Physics 722, 20.

Nuclear Physics, 30.

A Full-time student must complete the compulsory modules and electives as prescribed within a particular stream. A Full time student must complete the qualification in one year but if the student successfully attained 90 Credits. The student will be allowed to continue to complete the qualification in one additional year.

A Part-time student must complete the compulsory modules and electives as prescribed. A part time student must complete the qualification in two years. If the student successfully attained 90 Credits after two years, the student will be allowed to continue to complete the qualification in one additional year.

1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the ethical and social responsibility and implications of apply knowledge to particular contexts.
2. Demonstrate understanding of the social and ethical implications of applying knowledge to particular contexts and the development of lifelong learning attributes.
3. Possess advanced academic skills to identify information needs and retrieve information; critically analyse and synthesise quantitative and/or qualitative data.
4. Ability to engage with journal articles, scholarly reviews and primary sources; and communicate information through presentation skills, using the full resources of an academic/professional discourse appropriately.
5. Apply logical, critical and creative thinking and solutions in order to be able to deal effectively with a range of concrete and abstract problems.
6. Ability to work in a team environment and to be able to manage a project in this context.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes

• Comprehensive knowledge base in Physical Science (critical understanding of the principles, concepts and theories); and a depth of knowledge in some specialist areas, informed by current developments in the field.
• Demonstrate the ability to engage with multiple sources of knowledge in the area of specialization that includes an understanding and application of the key terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories related to the area of Physical Science.
• Collect, understand, communicate and present an in-depth knowledge of Physical Science.
• Identify and understand prescribed organizational and professional ethical codes of conduct.
• Select an appropriate research approach and topic and conduct research using the prescribed quantitative/qualitative research methods in Physical Science.
• Collect data and use a variety of analytical techniques and information technologies relevant to the area of Physical Science.
• Grasp relevant problems, appropriate theoretical and practical assignments and case studies.

Integrated Assessment

The University adopted a Continuous Assessment System. Assessments consist of number assessment events throughout the year and a variety of assessment instruments are used (for example, tests, essays, practical reports, project reports and oral presentations).