Master of Science

Purpose

The purpose of the qualification is to provide qualifying learners with a depth of knowledge and the competencies in research to significantly advance their career prospects within the academic field and in specialised sectors of industry. The qualification equips learners with skills to conduct advance research, engage with the disciplinary area at large and to provide a knowledgeable critique on the subject area.

Rationale

The National Development Plan (NDP) of South Africa has identified science, technology and innovation as a crucial weapon in the arsenal to free South Africans from poverty, underdevelopment and unemployment. In order to foster the plan, the Department of Science and Technology (DST) seeks to boost socio-economic development in South Africa through research and innovation. In order to advance the National Development Plan, South Africa requires a cadre of qualifying learners with the knowledge, skills and competencies to engage with science, technology and innovation in order to meet these objectives. The institutions' Master of Science qualification equips qualifying learners with the skills in research in order for them to engage with advance knowledge in the specific discipline, critique knowledge that has already been produced, and use appropriate enquiry and research methods to contribute towards the body of science to find solutions for Africa.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may be used to access the qualification where the Undergraduate Degree obtained does not relate directly to the disciplinary area. Appropriate assessment tasks and tools are designed to assess individual candidates against the module/course outcomes on a case-by-case basis, with detailed records maintained.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor Honours, Level 8.

This qualification consists of the following elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

Elective Modules, 180 Credits (Choose/Select one)

• Master of Science Chemistry, 180 Credits.

Or

• Master of Science in Geology, 180 Credits.

Or

• Master of Science in Physics, 180 Credits.

Or

• Master of Science in Geography and Environmental Science, 180 Credits.

Or

• Master of Science in Aquaculture, 180 Credits.

Or

• Master of Science in Biochemistry, 180 Credits.

Or

• Master of Science in Botany, 180 Credits.

Or

• Master of Science in Microbiology, 180 Credits.

Or

• Master of Science in Physiology, 180 Credits.

Or

• Master of Science in Zoology, 180 Credits.

Or

• Master of Science in Applied Mathematics, 180 Credits.

Or

• Master of Science in Computer Science, 180 Credits.

Or

• Master of Science in Mathematics, 180 Credits.

Or

• Master of Science in Statistics, 180 Credits.

1. Access, extract and synthesise scientific information from multimedia sources.
2. Interpret and evaluate published scientific information critically.
3. Plan and conduct a research project, including written and verbal presentations of the research proposal and research report.
4. Show appreciation for the environmental and social responsibilities associated with planning, conducting and communicating scientific research results.
5. Use a scientifically ethical approach to the collection, analysis, presentation and publication of research results.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Formulate, analyse and interpret scientific problems in terms of the underlying theory.
• Discern the relevance and value of various sources accessed through appropriate means.
• Provide a logical, balanced and comprehensive viewpoint on a topic at hand using information provided by a wide range of resources accessed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Use a comprehensive understanding of the scientific subject to provide a critical analysis of the topic.
• Provide a reasonable opinion on a scientific topic by evaluating various sources of literature, and be able to defend the opinion in various forms of scientific engagement.
• Formulate a relevant research question based on an observed gap in the literature that will advance the knowledge of science.
• Make logical conclusions that can be scientifically motivated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• From the viewpoint of a relevant research question, research literature to formulate a relevant research plan to conduct enquiry to provide a reasonable answer to the question.
• Evaluate various research methods available to discern the best methods to use for a particular research problem, and be able to defend the use of the methods appropriately.
• Plan for and conduct relevant statistical methods in order to present data collected in an appropriate and unbiased way.
• Present the research conducted in a format that is acceptable to the scientifically community in which it is to be read.
• Present data, opinion and conclusions drawn in an appropriate and logical manner to various forms of audience.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Appreciate that field of specialty science is part of a broader context of systems whereby others may be affected by the interpretations of the data and results presented.
• Conduct research in a manner that protects the environment and society at large.
• Approach communities in which research is to be conducted in a manner acceptable and appreciated by the community using appropriate discourse and discussion to ensure understanding of the relevance and purpose of the research conducted.
• Use all resources effectively, preserving and conserving samples appropriately to advance scientific exploration in the future.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Undertake to conduct all research and investigations within the ethical boundaries of the institution and the discipline at large.
• Treat all samples/resources humanely and with respect, ensuring optimal use.
• Accept responsibility for decisions made within the confines of the study undertaken.
• Relevant referral is made and opinions are sought where protocol dictates for the expertise of professionals from other disciplines.

Integrated Assessment

Assessment is concerned with the judgement of the learning in relation to the exit level outcomes of the qualification. Such judgement includes integrated assessment, which assesses the learners' ability to integrate the larger body of knowledge, competencies and attitudes that are represented by the exit-level outcomes, as a whole through the Dissertation produced on the research.