Master of Science in Microbiology

Purpose

Learners with a Master of Science in Microbiology will be able to

• Provide more specialist and focused training in a specific sub-discipline of Microbiology;
• Aims to enhance specific research-related skills in Microbiology;
• Demonstrate an understanding of research- and topic-related concepts, principles and acquired knowledge in Microbiology;
• Demonstrate innovative problem-solving skills to answer the question(s) or prove or disprove the research hypotheses stated in the problem statement or motivation by analysing data collected using quantitative and qualitative methods;
• Demonstrate effective oral and written modes of communication in English by:
• Presenting results at conferences, research seminars or through journal papers;
• Preparation of a written dissertation, with recognition of intellectual property rights;
• Demonstrate the use of Microbiological principles and technology effectively and critically;
• Demonstrate the ability to transfer the application of knowledge and skills across contexts by using existing studies and knowledge applied to the particular question/s or hypotheses stated in the research project.
• Demonstrate the ability to work in a team effectively, considerately and responsibly, through effective collaboration with their supervisor(s) and other members of the research team;
• Demonstrate the necessary applied thinking, learning and research skills, for the project to be a success;
• Demonstrate learning independence through effective project management skills - for example, time-management, resource management and people management.

Rationale

The qualification is a research-based that aims to provide learners with competences, skills and knowledge within the biochemistry subject area, with an individually chosen specialisation centred on an independent, experimental research project. It is needed to improve the skills and qualifications of BSc (Hons) Microbiology learners primarily originating in the Eastern Province region but also to all other learners as well. There is a dire need in the Province to increase the skill levels of the learners to support and improve the economy of the region and the country. Learners of the qualification will be able to be innovative and have problem-solving abilities. They would be able to think and act independently yet be part of a larger team to help solve some of the region's economic and socio-economic problems. Learners will be more highly trained and skilled in Microbiological techniques and procedures and be adequately prepared for working in the industry. Learners will be employable in the food, water and beverage industries, in the biotechnology laboratory and related medical industries and the animal and agricultural sectors.

The Master of Science in Microbiology is designed to

• Provide more specialist and focused training in a specific sub-discipline of Microbiology;
• Aims to enhance specific research-related skills in Microbiology;
• Provide learners with access vertically towards a PhD in Microbiology.

Learners who have completed a BSc (Hons) in Microbiology are eligible for entry into the qualification. Learners will be assessed by a panel composed of Biochemistry and Microbiology academic and research staff. Specific Microbiology-based outcomes and skills that are essential for the success of the intended project are discussed to evaluate whether the learner would have a reasonable chance of completing the qualification.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Science Honours in Microbiology, NQF Level 8.

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

1. Conduct relevant research in the Microbiology discipline.
2. Write a research report in the form of a formal dissertation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Provide a suitable motivation for the need for the research.
• Plan, design, and develop a suitable research strategy with a reasonable chance of success.
• Develop and write-up of a defensible research proposal.
• Conduct well-formulated research experiments under laboratory settings (wet lab work).
• Collect, collate and assess experimental data.
• Implement the research plan.
• Properly and adequately interpret the data.
• Defend the data/results/conclusions that were obtained/arrived at.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Produce a type-written dissertation of the project undertaken (results, interpretations of the data, discussions of the findings, etc.).

Integrated Assessment

Assessment is ongoing throughout the research. It takes the form of defence of a written research proposal and oral conference presentations once or twice a year at a conference held within the Department. Assessment may also include presentation/s of research results at national and international conferences. At such presentations, learners are expected to defend their research results, findings and conclusions that they may have derived during their study. Furthermore, the written research dissertation is subjected to national and international examination by a minimum of two (2) Science Faculty approved examiners.