Master of Science in Physics

The primary purpose of this qualification is to provide qualifying learners with the opportunity to develop and train qualified scientists with intellectual and practical skills to perform scientific research. Through the acquisition of appropriate research and practical competence the learner will be able to make an application of physical science in related research and industry. The learner will be able to reflect upon the application of the research in physical science, the research process and personal value added.

Learners accessing this qualification should demonstrate their ability to use general and technical language and terminology theoretical and Experimental Physics up to level 7 (or equivalent) with great competence and handle instrumentation effectively.

144 credits in Physics on Level 7.

Recognition of prior learning

A learner who claims to have achieved entry requirements through experiential learning will be assessed. If the student is found to be competent the student may gain:

• access,
• advanced placement
• or recognition of degree status will be granted on condition of continuing education.

The learners should be able to demonstrate

1. The ability to identify complex problems of physical science nature, set a working hypothesis, formulate an investigative and experimental program, integrate data with existing information and make logical, sound conclusions to resolve the problem, and formulate and handle theoretical models.
2. The ability to interact with the entire research group during the project.
3. The ability to successfully execute a research project by managing his/her own activities effectively and responsibly.
4. The ability to master skills of collecting, analysing, organising, interpreting and critically evaluation of complex information and experimental data in a specific field in Physics.
5. The ability to communicate through consultations, giving seminars and writing a Dissertation as well as an article on his/her research ready for publication in a scientific journal.
6. The ability to perform complex experimental work requiring working with on the edge technology while being responsible towards the environment.
7. The ability to be continuously exposed to the fact that the world is set of related systems, as physics is the basis of all science and technology.
8. The acquisition of learning skills through exposure to high technology scientific equipment, experimental techniques, complex scientific literature and textbooks.
9. The ability to contribute to the South African society in general and the physical sciences in particular.
10. Since Physics forms the basis of the modern technological world, the learner becomes sensitive to cultural values.
11. During experimental work the learner interacts with complex industrial related problems and thus acquire employment-seeking skills.
12. The ability to realise that the vast majority of modern technology and economic activities are based on physics.

Can the learner

1. Identify complex problems of a physical science nature?

Formulate an appropriate hypothesis?

Plan and carry out a complex experimental program?

Analyse results obtained correctly?

Integrate experimental data with complex existing information, extrapolating it to their

research problem?

Make logical, sound conclusions to resolve a problem?

Formulate and handle complex theoretical models?

1. Display the ability to work in a team?

Display a contribution to meaningful participation in the group?

Display a readiness to accept a responsible part in a group effort?

Contribute to the effectiveness of the group?

1. Present an acceptable project proposal on a topic?

Perform the experiment with skill and accuracy required?

Relate the findings to the aim of the research project and apply to the outcome

independently?

1. Collect relevant information?

Analyse and organise the complex relevant information?

Interpret and critically evaluate the complex information in the specific field?

1. Communicate scientific contents effectively?

Convey his/her results to peers and experts in writing a complete Dissertation?

Write concise summative articles on his/her research that is acceptable to scientific

Journal.

1. Perform complex experimental work, making use of on the edge technology?

Deal with on the edge technology?

Make use of on the edge technology while being responsible towards the environment?

1. Identify various systems in the physical world?

Identify the relation between the various systems?

Identify the different physical principles making up all science and technology?

1. Use the high technology scientific equipment to accumulate scientific data?

Make effective use of experimental techniques in order to obtain data?

Make use of advanced textbooks available to him in the library?

Relate his knowledge to everyday technology and science in general through reading

scientific literature?

1. Communicate his/her acquired knowledge to their communities?

Make responsible use of his acquired knowledge in his/her community?

1. In his/her dealings with other people show sensitivity towards their cultural values?
2. Interact effectively with industrial related problems?

Acquire skills that would make him employable in industry?

1. Relate modern technology to the physics it is based on?

Identify economic activities that are based on physics?

Formative assessment practices that will be implemented

Learners are continuously assessed by presentation to and conversations with the study leader(s) and peer students. Learners have to give a presentation at a conference or a seminar on his/her research.

Summative assessment practices that will be implemented

Integrated assessment, focusing on the achievement of the exit-level outcomes, will be done by means of a written research dissertation in the appropriate field. An article ready for publication must be submitted with the dissertation.