Doctor of Philosophy in Ethnobotany

Purpose

The Doctor of Philosophy in Ethnobotany educates and trains learners to become researchers who can contribute to the development of knowledge at an advanced level. Learners can demonstrate knowledge and understanding of supervised planning and implementation of a research project. They can demonstrate the ability to develop new methods, techniques, processes, systems or technologies in original, creative and innovative ways appropriate to specialised and complex contexts.

The learner will demonstrate the ability to produce substantial, independent, in-depth and publishable work which meets international standards, is considered to be new or innovative by peers, and makes a significant contribution to the field of ethnobotany.

At the end of this qualification, a learner presents evidence of advanced learning and research in the form of a thesis which will place his/her research under national and international intellectual scrutiny.

Rationale

The study of Ethnobotany looks at the relationship between plants and people, particularly the role of plants in human culture and practices, how humans use and epitomise plants in their systems of knowledge. The field of ethnobotany focuses on the use of indigenous plants in cooking, healing, hunting, building and wearing, as well as ceremonial purposes. The rationale behind the qualification in a Doctor of Philosophy in Ethnobotany is that the South African government has committed itself to the involvement of traditional healers in official healthcare services and, thus, taken steps towards the official recognition and institutionalisation of African Traditional Medicine. This qualification will provide scientific evidence on the use of plants in healthcare practices, to bridge a gap between biomedical and traditional health practitioners.

A qualification in ethnobotany contributes to the strategic goals of the South African Bio-economy. The bio-economy strategy calls for industry, science councils, government departments and academia to work together to ensure that biotechnology and bio-innovations are market relevant and find easier application in South Africa. There is, therefore, a need to train the learner to develop the ability to manufacture drugs, vaccines and other biologics locally, to improve the health sector's bio-economy and to help the country achieve its public health goals.

At the Doctoral level, learners receive practical training in mixed methods and conduct interdisciplinary research in Ethnobotany, in preparation for a career in related fields.

Most ethnobotany jobs are in academia or working at botanical gardens. Ethnobotanists also find jobs in public health, research and development companies or herb companies. Some develop their career niche working with medical offices, regulators or nature groups.

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Master of Science Degree in Botany, NQF Level 9.

Or

• Master of Science Degree in Ethnobotany, NQF Level 9.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory module at National Qualifications Framework Level 10 totalling 360 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, 360 Credits

• Thesis, NQF Level 10.

1. Plan and do research independently and to report the results.
2. Produce substantial, independent, in-depth and publishable work which meets international standards, is considered to be new or innovative by peers.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria will assess the Exit Level Outcomes in an integrated manner

• Choose a research title and identify research questions.
• Conduct a literature search.
• Design the research project to be conducted, identify, modify and develop research techniques and procedures to be used.
• Present the evidence of advanced learning and research in the form of a thesis under national and international intellectual scrutiny.
• Present his/her research findings in front of an audience in national and internal conferences.
• Publish results in accredited and peer-reviewed international journals.

Integrated Assessment

The learners receive the assessment from three external examiners based on a submitted thesis. The thesis must make a substantial contribution to the scientific knowledge and insight of a selected subject, as well as provide evidence of individual and original scientific thought.