Doctor of Philosophy in Life Sciences
The qualification develops research skills with specialisation in either Botany, Zoology, Conservation Biology or Ethnobiology. It provides practical experience and development of skills in all aspects of the scientific method including the identification of a problem, literature review, project planning, data collection and analysis, report writing and oral presentation of results.
Source: SAQA official qualification record. Yiba Verified does not own the underlying qualification data shown on this page.
Qualification type
Doctoral Degree
Credits
360
Sub-framework
HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
Providers listed
1
Qualification snapshot
Official qualification identity fields captured from the qualification record.
Originator
University of Venda
Quality assurance functionary
CHE - Council on Higher Education
Field
Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences
Subfield
Life Sciences
Qual class
Regular-Provider-ELOAC
Recognise previous learning
Y
Important dates
These dates are carried directly from the qualification record.
Registration start
2024-07-01
Registration end
2027-06-30
Last date for enrolment
2027-06-30
Last date for achievement
2029-06-30
Purpose and entry context
Official SAQA text formatted for easier reading.
Purpose and rationale
The qualification develops research skills with specialisation in either Botany, Zoology, Conservation Biology or Ethnobiology. It provides practical experience and development of skills in all aspects of the scientific method including the identification of a problem, literature review, project planning, data collection and analysis, report writing and oral presentation of results.
Entry requirements and RPL
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
- Master of Science in Biological Sciences, NQF Level 9.
Structure and assessment
Qualification rules, exit outcomes, and assessment criteria from the SAQA record.
Qualification rules
This qualification comprises of a compulsory thesis at NQF Level 10 totalling 360 Credits.
Exit level outcomes
- Identify a problem or research topic, to evaluate existing knowledge in the field and to apply existing or new methodology to investigate the problem.
- Select and apply appropriate sampling techniques and to use the computer as a research tool to gather information, analyse data and present results.
- Demonstrate extensive expertise within the specific field of investigation.
- Communicate research results.
Associated assessment criteria
- Plan, conduct and report the results of a scientific investigation in the biological field without supervision.
- Evaluate the quality of the written report (thesis).
Integrated assessment
Examination of the thesis.
Progression and comparability
Articulation options
This qualification allows possibilities for horizontal articulation.
Horizontal Articulation
- Doctor of Philosophy in Human Genetics, NQF Level 10.
International comparability
This qualification compares with the following international qualifications in terms of the range of competencies in the learning content offered.
Providers currently listed
This reflects provider names published on the official record. It is useful for qualification discovery, but it should not be treated as a substitute for checking the relevant quality body’s latest provider status.
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The qualification aims to:
The purpose of the qualification is: - To provide an opportunity for learners to obtain detailed knowledge of the discipline concerned and to create an awareness of the variety of institutional contexts in which it is applied.
Registered-data under construction
The purpose of this qualification is to create and develop technological innovations and to further technological advancements in the field of agriculture. The person achieving this qualification will be competent to complete a specialised independent research project in the field of agricultural technology. The qualifying learner will be an authority on previous research and the latest technology and techniques in the appropriate field of expertise.
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