Master of Science

This qualification includes the various specialisations in Science. Please refer to "Notes" for details on the specialisations.

To equip the student with a sound, in depth, theoretical knowledge in the area of the chosen field of study and to train students to acquire such knowledge from primary publications and original source material.

To ensure that students have a mastery of the subject so that they have the ability to manage complexity to put forward a defendable viewpoint and to find workable solutions to problems and challenges.

To acquire a rigorous training in research techniques and methodology at a high level and to be able to communicate their findings in a scholarly and scientifically coherent manner.

To train students who aspire to the highest level of academic work and to promote an approach based on sound academic integrity and professional ethics.

To contribute to the national pool of scientists who have sufficient technical competence and critical intellectual ability to ensure the future of science based economic activity and scientific endeavour.

Senior Certificate with Matriculation Exemption or equivalent university admission qualification.

BSc, BTech

Bsc Hons, BTech Hons to complete MSc in minimum of 1 year

Cross field outcomes

a) to be self-educators who can teach themselves from original source material.

b) To be able to solve problems in a way that displays creativity and responsibility.

c) To demonstrate sensitivity to people, animals and environmental issues.

d) To be able to organise and manage their activities responsibly and effectively.

e) To use visual, oral and written skills to communicate effectively (including the use of computer technology).

General outcomes

f) Have a comprehensive, in-depth, theoretical knowledge in the field of study.

g) Mastery of the theory and its application to the field of study.

h) Possess well-developed research skills.

i) To critically evaluate literature and evidence, to cope with contradictions and make defendable judgements.

j) To understand the value and limitations of scientific observations, data and knowledge.

k) Have competence in the application of a number of techniques to conduct a scientific investigation in such a way that results obtained are able to be interpreted in a scientifically sound manner.

l) To have a appreciation of the importance of the scientific knowledge base to research and to be able to place the subject and the results of a research investigation in the context of previously acquired knowledge.

The assessment used meets the standard and level of achievement for NQF level 8a.

a) a variety of assignments, exercises, seminars, written tasks, written and oral examinations (as appropriate) are used to demonstrate a,b,f,g,h,i,j and l.

b) activities such as assignments, essays, reports and discussions are monitored to assess (c) and lack of sensitivity corrected or debated.

c) compliance with deadlines without sacrificing quality of work is used to show competence in (d)/

d) the presentation of seminars and projects/research reports supported by the use of appropriate computer technology for graph drawing, calculations etc, are used to demonstrate skills described in e).

e) all MSc students are required to produce a project/research report(s) that must demonstrate competence in generic outcomes and especially outcomes (f), (g), (h), (i), (j), (k) and (l), including the ability to carry out scientific research work (eg to use proper controls and statistics where appropriate), not to over- or under interpret results, to be objective and to report findings with integrity.