Bachelor of Science Honours in Physical Sciences

Purpose

The rapid development of new technologies during the past few years has created a growing demand in academia, the public sector, the private sector and industry for suitably trained scientists. The purpose of the Bachelor of Science Honours in Physical Sciences is to equip learners with a vast of knowledge in physical sciences which comprises of advances topics in Chemistry, Physics and Geography and incorporation of a research project.

The knowledge and skills gained by the learner will serve as a foundation for further studies in higher Degrees of sciences.

Rationale

South Africa has been a resource-based economy country; with depletion of natural resource and the economic developments in the first world countries South Africa had to move from the resource-based economy and aspire to participate in the knowledge-based economy. The Human Resource Development Strategy Towards 2030 highlights four pillars on which the knowledge-based economy rests on which are namely; innovation and research, education, information infrastructure, economic and institutional infrastructure.

The Universities are at the centre of driving the knowledge-based economy by producing graduates and/or Postgraduates that are well trained and specialised in very competitive areas of science. The graduates will be an essential component of the national system of innovation of modern industrialised societies. We believe that such graduates will be equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills that strengthen modern knowledge-economy through innovation and research.

The three streams (i.e. Chemistry. Geography and Physics) that have been developed under the physical sciences have been identified as some of the scare skills by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and there is a significant challenge in human capacity development in the relative streams. Therefore, the qualification which will equip learners with deeper knowledge in the field of Chemistry, Physics and Geography. Furthermore, the learner will be exposed to a research project that will enable them to be able to conceptualise ideas and execute them in well-resourced scientific laboratories. The qualification will serve as a vehicle to initiate novel ideas and promote inventiveness within the country by graduates.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

A learner who cannot provide formal proof of compliance with the prescribed admission requirements for a specific curriculum, but with prior learning and relevant work experience may be admitted to honours Degree studies 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 institution and the context of faculty requirements.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Science with appropriate modules, NQF Level 7.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at NQF Level 8 totalling 120/136 Credits.

Specialisation 1: Chemistry.

Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 120 Credits

• Advanced Organic Chemistry, 16 Credits.
• Advanced Inorganic Chemistry, 16 Credits.
• Polymer Chemistry/Nanotechnology, 16 Credits.
• Analytical Chemistry, 16 Credits.
• Advance Physical Chemistry, 16 Credits.
• Research Project, 40 Credits.

Specialisation 2: Geography.

Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 120 Credits

• Advanced GIS and Remote Sensing, 20 Credits.
• Applied Geomorphology, 20 Credits.
• Applied Urban Geography, 20 Credits.
• Environmental Science, 20 Credits.
• Research Project, 20 Credits.

Specialisation 3: Physics.

Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 120 Credits

• Classical and Statistical Mechanics, 16 Credits.
• Quantum Mechanics, 16 Credits.
• Classical Field Theory, 16 Credits.
• Solid State Physics, 16 Credits.
• Research Project, 40 Credits.

Elective Modules, Level 8, 16 Credits (Choose modules totalling 16 Credits)

• Mathematical and Computational Physics, 16 Credits.
• Nuclear Physics, 8 Credits.
• Astro Physics, 8 Credits.

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the theoretical aspects of the subject content.
2. Critically evaluate and utilise a wide range of information to solve scientific problems effectively using scientific methods.
3. Identify and apply a range of methodologies to conduct a research problem that conforms to safety requirements pertinent to good laboratory practice in the physical sciences.
4. Produce a research project in a scientific format within the context of the physical sciences.
5. Communicate advanced scientific knowledge and research findings both orally and in written form.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Identify, describe and explain the core concepts and principles of the discipline.
• Demonstrate the relationships among the core concepts and principles.
• Identify the range and limits of applicability of the core concepts and principles.
• Apply the core concepts and principles in various areas of research.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Conduct scientific experiments using appropriate methodologies and produce meaningful results.
• Explain and discuss the different approaches/knowledge systems used in the relevant area of study and take into account the variety of contexts.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Engage with literature and develop and utilise an appropriate theoretical framework to guide the research.
• Follow the ethical procedures as articulated in the School's Ethics Charter.
• Select appropriate methodologies being cognisant of the tenets in both quantitative and qualitative research.
• Follow the proposed methodology as articulated in the research proposal.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Show evidence of an adequate degree of practical skills appropriate to the discipline.
• Formulate a scientific report on practical or academic work.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Communicate acquired specialist knowledge and insight both orally and in written form.
• Provide an insightful review of scientific literature on a specific subject.
• Follow ethical procedures as articulated in the School's Ethics Charter.
• Conduct scientific experiments using appropriate methodologies and produce meaningful results.
• Discuss the findings relative to the existing scientific literature and present them in the form of a mini-thesis that is submitted for examination.

Integrated Assessment

The assessment will be aimed at determining that the learner has achieved the requisite level of knowledge required at this level, as well as the ability to use and apply skills obtained in the programme, and in most cases to formulate and carry out a research project, to report on it, and to critically review current literature in the subject area.

Assessment methods will normally include formal examination, review of essays and/or oral presentations or other written assignments or fieldwork where appropriate, and some form of a review of a written research project, taking into account elements of scientific literacy, numeracy and computer literacy since these are appropriate to the study area. Assessments of oral presentation of project results (formative).