Master of Science in Applied Radiation Science

Purpose

The purpose of the qualification is to enable students to acquire specialist and advanced knowledge, critical and innovative thinking skills and advanced research skills in Applied Radiation Science and Technology which are needed in the nuclear industry. The qualification thus aims at producing competent, ethical and professional practitioners who will be able to understand, research and improve the field of applied nuclear science and technology in hospitals, Department of Health and the nuclear industry, and thereby the standing of South African scientists in the field internationally. This qualification will empower students to study further in a Doctor of Philosophy Degree.

Rationale

The first rationale of the qualification is to provide graduates with advanced knowledge, specific skills and applied competence in the field of Applied Radiation that provides opportunities for continued personal intellectual growth, and prepares the graduate for employment and the ability to make rewarding contributions to society.

The second rationale of the qualification is to provide South Africa with experts in the field of Applied Radiation in order to ensure that the national and international leadership base of innovative and knowledge-based scholarly activity is widened. This includes the requirement of high level theoretical engagement, intellectual independence and research, all competencies and skills enabling a Doctor of Philosophy qualification later.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL for access purposes will require the candidate to comply with the admission requirements of the institution. The institution accepts the principle underlying outcomes-oriented, source-based and lifelong learning in which considerations of articulation and mobility play a meaningful role. The institution also underwrites the view that recognition of previous learning, obtained either by formal teaching programmes at any institution, or informally (obtained by experience), is an indispensable element in granting admission or credits with the aim of placing in a specifically chosen teaching-learning programme of the institution.

In recognising previous learning, the institution deals with provable knowledge and learning that the applicant obtained by following formal teaching programmes or by experience. At all times the question will be what level of competence was reached, judged in the context of the exit level skills required for the contemplated teaching-learning programmes (or modules therein) or status for which the applicant is applying and not merely about the experience the applicant can prove. Recognition of previous learning takes place in terms of the relevant skills that the applicant demonstrated in the application with reference to the exit outcomes that should be reached in the chosen qualification.

Entry Requirements

• Bachelor of Science Honours in Applied Radiation.

This qualification comprises compulsory at Level 9, totalling 180 Credits.

• Radioanalytical Applications, 24 Credits.
• Environmental Applications, 24 Credits.
• Radioactive Waste Management, 24 Credits.
• Industrial Applications, 24 Credits.
• Technology Management, 24 Credits.
• Dissertation, 60 Credits.

1. Demonstrate an advanced and in-depth knowledge of existing relevant scientific literature; interpret and debate different opinions and theories in a scientific manner.
2. Demonstrate a thorough insight into the nature and purpose of research in this particular field of study.
3. Choose relevant research methods to solve a research problem in the field of Applied Radiation.
4. Apply those methods in a responsible manner; write a dissertation of high technical quality (with reference to use of language, illustrations, tables, graphs etc.), which demonstrates competence in relevant quantitative and qualitative research methodology and scientific report writing.
5. Carry out appropriate research to solve the identified research problem.
6. Evaluate the results in a scientific manner in the context of the problem statement and communicate the results in a scientifically acceptable format.

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

• Demonstrate a systematic and integrated knowledge and understanding of, and an ability to analyse, evaluate and apply the fundamental terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories.
• Apply appropriate discipline-related methods of scientific inquiry and independently validate, evaluate and manage sources of information.
• Critically reflection on, and understanding and application of, appropriate methods or practices to resolve complex discipline-related problems and thereby introduce change within related practice.
• Demonstrate professional and ethical behaviour within an academic and discipline-related environment, with sensitivity towards societal and cultural considerations.
• Effectively communicate scientific understanding and own opinions/ideas in written or oral arguments, using appropriate discipline-related and academic discourse as well as technology.
• Effectively function as a member and/or leader of a team or a group in scientific projects or investigations, with self-directed management of learning activities and responsibility for own learning progress.

Integrated Assessment

Continuous formative assessment is aimed at determining the student's progress towards attaining the stipulated outcomes of the different modules, and is followed by a summative assessment in the format of a written examination. The student's ability to use and apply specific methodological skills are furthermore evaluated in his/her critical review of current literature in the subject area and the formulation and execution of a research project. The student is to report on it and generate an integrated dissertation of research findings. The dissertation is initiated with a research proposal, which is to be approved by the Committee for Advanced Degrees. The supervisor assesses continuously while the dissertation is being written.

Examination of the dissertation is finally done by at least two examiners of which one is external, all experts in the field of specialisation.