Master of Science

Purpose

The qualification aims to develop lifelong learners with a drive for research that will make positive contribution to the South African Science Engineering and Technology (SET) as well as regionally and globally. The qualification will produce research that will address national priorities in SET and address problems that challenge the African continent. It will produce researchers who can contribute to the generation of new knowledge in computer, health, life, physical and mathematical sciences and statistics that will bring solutions to the discipline-specific issues affecting the African continent. This qualification aims to prepare independent researchers in computer, health, life, physical and mathematical sciences and statistics who can contribute to the generation of knowledge at an advanced level by conducting original research that addresses complex context based issues, under the guidance of the research supervisor or supervisory committee. The research project will culminate in the production of a research report in the form of a dissertation in the traditional format or by publication. The qualification aims to provide learners with specialised knowledge and competence in computer, health, life, physical and mathematical sciences and statistics who can contribute to the specific research field and national priorities for growth and development in these fields.

Rationale

This qualification is necessary in order to provide the country with a cadre of researchers in computer, health (molecular aspects of human and animal diseases), life (plant, animal, biochemistry, genetics, microbiology, biotechnology, ecology), physical (physics, chemistry, geography, geology) and mathematical sciences and statistics who are able to chemistry, geography, geology) and mathematical sciences and statistics who are able to provide strategic and evidence informed guidance and contribute in a scholarly way in addressing local, regional and global computer, health, life, physical and mathematical sciences and statistics related issues. The learners from this qualification should contribute in generating and/or broadening the knowledge base in the selected area of study and influence discipline related policies and practices. This qualification will enable them to develop and become effective and skilled researchers in computer, health, life, physical and mathematical sciences and statistics sciences, equipped to become research orientated in their on-going professional development. The Degree will equip the learners with the knowledge and the skills necessary either for employment in computer, health, life, physical and mathematical sciences and statistics (including teaching and research positions) or for further independent research toward the Doctoral Degree.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

• The institution accepts the principle underlying outcomes-based, source-based and life-long learning, in which considerations of articulation and mobility play a significant role, and subscribes to the view that Recognition of Prior Learning, whether acquired by formal education curricula at this or another institution or informally (by experience) is an indispensable element in deciding on admission to and awarding credits in an explicitly selected teaching-learning qualification of the institution.

An applicant who falls outside of the formal qualifications system, but who can demonstrate (through the production of substantial and satisfactory evidence) experiential or work-based learning or a non-formal qualification (or a combination), may be considered for admission and/or for the Recognition of Prior Learning for the achievement of the qualification in part or in full. An applicant who after such assessment, is deemed to have sufficient potential, but is in need of further academic development, must be directed to other suitable learning qualifications prior to admission or to parallel qualifications after admission.

Entry Requirements

• Bachelor of Science Honours, National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 8.

This qualification consists of a compulsory module at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 9 totalling 192 Credits:

• Masters by Research in Biometry, 192 Credits.

1. Apply a critical and evaluative approach to analysing complex issues in the chosen field of research in identifying and conceptualizing a research area.
2. Demonstrate a comprehensive and systematic grasp of the specialist body of theoretical knowledge and its application in the critique of current research or practices in a selected field of study.
3. Utilise a wide range of specialised skills in designing and implementing a research project that address complex issues in the chosen field of study.
4. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the most advanced research methodologies, techniques and technologies applicable to the selected area of study.
5. Undertake independent research in the field of computer, health, life, physical and mathematical sciences and statistics and report on this to reflect independent thinking, originality, critical analysis, ability to defend findings and advanced insight into the chosen field of research.
6. Present research findings to a range of audiences using appropriate media or means to disseminate findings.
7. Identify and manage the ethical issues associated with research and knowledge production in the discipline.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be used in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes

• Demonstrate a comprehensive dissertation, which may be supplemented by an oral presentation of their research findings, and by reports to the supervisor(s). The dissertation is examined by an internal and an external assessor (see section 10 below). General demeanour. Etiquette and professional behaviour are good indicators for the evaluation ofoutcome10.
• Show a commitment to his/her studies and respectful awareness of others with whom they interact.

Integrated Assessment

The achievement of learning outcomes will be assessed through a dissertation in the traditional format or in the format of journal manuscripts that will be submitted for examination on completion of the research project. Process for the examination of dissertations: The examination process is guided by the university policy guidelines on supervision of post-graduate Degrees. The final product is submitted to two independent examiners (who cannot be the supervisor) that includes at least one examiner external to the University as stipulated in the policy. The two examiners reports are reviewed by the School Academic Leader Research and Postgraduate Studies who compiles a coordinating report. The coordinating examination report together with the two examination reports are sent to the College Dean of Research for approval and, in the case of a successful examination outcome, recommendation of the award of the degree, subject to any conditions. The recommendation of the award of the degree, by the School Academic Leader for Research and the Dean and Head of School must be submitted to the College Dean for Research for ratification. In order for the identified assessment purposes to be achieved, dissertation will form part of assessment methods.