Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Sciences

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to promote the career advancement of learners in the field of Applied Sciences by enabling them to conduct independent, novel research within a specific discipline or in an interdisciplinary manner in applied sciences. This qualification prepares learners for advanced level positions in the field, as well as the opportunity to grow in expert and advisory positions in future. Interdisciplinary research provides the learners the means to solve problems and answer questions that may not be satisfied using a single method or approach within a single discipline.

Interdisciplinary research is transformative as it synthesises disciplinary knowledge in order to produce original and creative ideas. It builds meta-knowledge, which is original in nature and emanates from bodies of knowledge underpinning different disciplines.

Qualified learners will be able to

• Exhibit advanced application of concepts, theories, methods, ethics, and analytical processes in relation to a chosen area of Applied Sciences.
• Demonstrate specialist forefront knowledge and expertise in the chosen field of applied sciences particularly in renewable energy and the competency to apply these creatively within the chosen field.
• Engage in independent applied energy research and generate new scientific knowledge in the form of a research report selecting from a range of appropriate research designs, methods, techniques and technologies in the chosen focus area.
• Access, analyse, transform and critically evaluate existing knowledge.
• Critically analyse and evaluate the outcomes of applied sciences interventions, techniques, strategies, or processes in the sustainable development of the society.
• Access, process, produce and communicate information effectively to colleagues and other groups.
• Demonstrate in-depth understanding of own position in relation to major debates within science and the chosen field of applied sciences and sustainable development.

This qualification will produce the expertise in the emerging areas of Applied Sciences, particularly in renewable energy, space science, nuclear energy as well as material sciences, by developing state-of-the-art knowledge and skills needed in the field for sustainable development of society and the benefits of relevant industries. The development in the knowledge base and the industrial requirements are the main drivers for this qualification. Continuous industrial engagement, with real-life problems, in the area of applied sciences creates a conducive research environment to provide solutions and opportunities to learn to apply theoretical knowledge in the practical environment. The learners of the qualification will interact closely with the peer groups in the area and are encouraged to contribute industrial based real-life research. Moreover, learners would be highly encouraged to publish in peer reviewed journal articles and participate in conferences, seminars and workshops to present their research nationally and internationally.

Rationale

The Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Sciences is designed to provide learners with a qualification that further provides a strong platform to enable them to develop advanced research and development, management and entrepreneurship skills especially in the area of energy.

By leveraging knowledge and skills from a range of disciplines, the interwoven challenges of sustainable development can be resolved. Such challenges, amongst others, are development and adoption of renewable sources of energy, decreasing of waste and pollution and climate change. Meaningful progress requires practical, well-managed policies and programmes that incorporate insights from the engineering, natural sciences and social sciences. These complex challenges demand integrated, cross-disciplinary approaches guided and managed by skilled practitioners. The sectors such as energy, space science, and biotechnology and material science are multidisciplinary in nature and form an integral part of sustainable development. For instance, a transition in the energy sector has taken place in the recent past and still continues due to of the growing dependence on conventional energy resources. The diverse nature of the new and renewable energy resources and the technologies used to exploit the potential of these resources need specialised skilled professionals for ensuring the sustainability of the sector. Doctoral graduates in the applied sciences will be able to respond to the challenges which arise particularly in the energy sector in South Africa. Moreover, applied scientists are not only required in the energy sector but also will be able to support scientific progress in other areas too for example space science, nuclear technology, nanotechnology as well as biotechnology.

Qualified learners may find research, development and managerial career opportunities in energy industries, research and policy institutions such as Department of Energy, Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), and Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, and academic institutions etc.

The government has placed emphasis on broadening electricity supply technologies to include renewable energy resources (biomass, wind, solar and hydro) to meet the country's future needs and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. In 2013 the new Household Electrification Strategy had been approved, this will ensure electricity supply to all households as well as has a goal of including more than 20 000 megawatts of renewable energy and including an increasing share from regional hydro-electricity. Renewable energy has also been recognised as a scarce skill, due to its potential contribution to sustainability of the energy sector and to cope with the climate change issues that are currently taking its toll on the country. Research funding has been made available to all undergraduate, Postgraduate and Doctoral students in pursuit of careers within the applied sciences and energy field. Moreover, energy has been identified as a green occupation in the Department of Higher Education and Training Organising Framework for Occupations (OFO), 2013. At the national, provincial and regional levels there has been a steady increase in the establishment of several Energy engineers, Energy Technologists and Energy Scientists' start-ups that have served as a source of employment for the graduates.

This qualification has been designed taking into account these needs, especially with the thrust for applied scientists to be competent in 'green skills' required in the renewable energy and energy efficiency industries.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL will be used for access into this qualification. The assessment of an applicant's previous non-formal, informal learning and experience to determine the extent to which this meets the required learning outcomes, competency outcomes, or standards for entry or access into a Doctoral level study will be applied. The relevance, depth and extent of an applicant's prior learning will be evaluated by a panel of peers and educators. The department's RPL process will be aligned to the Institution's Recognition of Prior Learning Policy.

The purpose of the Institution RPL policy is to

• Provide a framework for the implementation of Recognition of Prior Learning procedures within the Institution.
• Facilitate access and admission to qualifications within education and training and career paths.
• Accelerate redress of past unfair discrimination in education, training and employment opportunities.
• Promote and facilitate lifelong learning.
• Outline general procedures relating to the processing of RPL applications at the Institution.

Entry Requirements

• An appropriate Master's Degree in the relevant field of Applied Sciences or engineering e.g. Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Electronics, Mechanical etc.

This qualification consists of a Thesis module totalling 360 Credits.

1. Exhibit advanced application of concepts, theories, methods, ethics and analytical processes in relation to a chosen area of Applied Sciences.
2. Demonstrate specialist forefront knowledge and expertise in the chosen field of applied sciences particularly in renewable energy and the competency to apply these creatively within the chosen field.
3. Engage in independent applied energy research and generate new scientific knowledge in the form of a research report selecting from a range of appropriate research designs, methods, techniques and technologies in the chosen focus area.
4. Access, analyse, transform and critically evaluate existing knowledge.
5. Critically analyse and evaluate the outcomes of applied sciences interventions, techniques, strategies, or processes in the sustainable development of the society.
6. Access, process, produce and communicate information effectively to colleagues and other groups.
7. Demonstrate in-depth understanding of own position in relation to major debates within science and the chosen field of applied sciences and sustainable development.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Demonstrate expertise and critical knowledge in the field of Applied Sciences.
• Exhibit intellectual independence, research leadership, management of research and research development in an ethical and accountable manner within the chosen area of Applied Sciences.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Apply specialist knowledge and theory in critically reflexive, creative and novel ways to address complex practical and theoretical problems in Applied Sciences.
• Apply new methods, techniques, processes, systems or technologies in original, creative and innovative ways appropriate to specialised and complex contexts within Applied Sciences.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Produce substantial, independent, in-depth and publishable research work that meets international standards within an applied energy context.
• Publish scientific knowledge considered to be new or innovative by peers, and makes a significant contribution to applied sciences in the form of a research report in a chosen focus area.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Critically evaluate existing knowledge within the chosen focus area.
• Analyse and transform critically evaluated existing knowledge into a contextualised approach for the chosen focus area.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Critically analyse outcomes of applied sciences interventions, techniques, strategies, or processes in the sustainable development of the society.
• Critically develop recommendations based on findings and in accordance with the given focus area.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Conceptualise and implement new research initiatives.
• Create new knowledge or practice in the field of applied sciences.
• Disseminate information to relevant groups or colleagues in a scientifically coherent and effective manner.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Understand and demonstrate focus area of research by way of presentations or publications in peer reviewed journals.
• Critique and valid new knowledge generated in reviews performed by peers, colleagues or society.

Integrated Assessment

The candidate may choose one of two options for assessment

Through a thesis, in which the student is expected to present integrated research findings, interpreted and linked to the existing literature but with a level of novelty, across the entire area of investigation.

Or

Learners may submit a thesis containing five or more published outstanding original peer-reviewed articles based on the research project.

Both these routes of assessment will be conducted in accordance with Institution's assessment policies, procedures and rules.