Master of Science

Purpose

The qualification will include disciplines such as Agriculture, Natural science and Conservation.

The purpose of the Master of Science is to provide qualifying learners with a deep understanding of the natural and environmental sciences and the ability to undertake original and independent research that will provide some of the answers to the challenges that face humanity. The fundamental purpose of the qualification is to provide learners with an opportunity to undertake independent and original primary research under supervision and contribute to the development of knowledge at an advanced level. Whilst undertaking the research project, learners will gain the first-hand experience of all aspects of the research process. On completion of the qualification, learners will be able to undertake further independent research and contribute to the generation of new knowledge.

Qualifying learners will be able to

• Conduct research.
• Engage critically with current research in a field of specialisation.
• Critically evaluate and select appropriate processes to use in research.
• Select, apply and modify research methods including experimental design, data collection, data analysis and statistics to address a particular research question.
• Conceptualise a research question, design and undertake a research project to address the problem.
• Draw appropriate conclusions and propose interventions at a policy or management level.
• Identify any ethical considerations associated with research in a field of specialisation and propose solutions.
• Use science and technology effectively and critically.
• Manage, collate, critically evaluate and synthesise information from a range of sources as relevant to a field of specialisation.
• Communicate effectively and efficiently.
• Work independently and take full responsibility for allocated resources.

Rationale

The qualification will include disciplines such as agriculture, natural science and conservation. It is becoming increasingly important to address the competing demands for land, being demands from people for land for settlement, for agriculture, for conservation and mining. This pressure on the available land is further exacerbated by climate change. The decisions and choices that must be made must be evidence-based and the evidence will come from original research.

The qualification is designed to contribute to the provision of qualified learners with a deep understanding of the natural and environmental sciences and the ability to undertake original and independent research that will provide some of the answers to the challenges that face humanity.

It is expected that qualified learners will work for governmental and non-governmental organisations as research scientists or continue to doctoral studies with employment possibly in academia.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution's policy on Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) will be followed. RPL is central to the notion of life-long learning and provides alternative access, admission or progress to this qualification and plays a role in redress of past inequities. RPL is the process through which informal learning is measured, evaluated and translated into perceived formal equivalents for recognition across different contexts.

RPL is available for access to the Master of Science. However, RPL for credits is not applicable since all 180 credits are allocated to the research thesis.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• A Bachelor of Science Honours, NQF Level 8.

Or

• A 4-year qualification at NQF Level 8 in Sciences, NQF Level 8.

Or

• Postgraduate Diploma in an appropriate field, NQF Level 8.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory module at NQF Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

Compulsory Module, Level 9

• Research project and Thesis, 180 Credits.

1. Undertake independent research and report on this to reflect independent thinking, originality, critical analysis, ability to defend findings and advanced insight into the chosen field of research.
2. Demonstrate specialist knowledge and an ability to engage critically with current research in a field of specialisation.
3. Understand the nature, strengths and limitations of science.
4. Use appropriate research methods to address the research question, justify clearly and apply correctly.
5. Conduct original independent research.
6. Make recommendations in the thesis, consider any possible negative outcomes, and propose mitigation.
7. Ability to expose ethical concerns, or the lack thereof, and where ethical issues exist, clearly indicate how they have been dealt with.
8. Demonstrate an understanding of the need to use science responsibly.
9. Manage, collate, critically evaluate and synthesise information from a range of sources as relevant to a field of specialisation.
10. Communicate effectively and efficiently with audiences using appropriate language, academic discourse and technology.
11. Demonstrate responsible and effective personal organisation skills, and work independently.

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

- Report the outcome of original research completed under supervision and include the following steps

> The project question and scope are identified and justified.

> The literature review draws from multiple sources and materials are carefully evaluated.

> A range of methods, including statistical methods, are considered and the appropriate ones are chosen.

> Ethical issues are identified and approval sought if necessary.

> Data are collected, collated and analysed.

> Data are interpreted and discussed in the context of the available information gathered in the literature review.

> Recommendations are formulated.

> The thesis is prepared according to the prescribed format, is written in appropriate academic language, and includes no plagiarism.

Integrated Assessment

Formative assessment will occur through the on-going learner/supervisor relationship and the assessment of submitted work including the project proposal, literature review, research journal, final seminar and drafts of the thesis.

All 180 Credits for the MSc by the thesis are allocated to the research thesis and effectively integrates the assessment of all Exit Level Outcomes.