Master of Science in Zoology
Purpose:
Source: SAQA official qualification record. Yiba Verified does not own the underlying qualification data shown on this page.
Qualification type
Master's Degree
Credits
180
Sub-framework
HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
Providers listed
1
Qualification snapshot
Official qualification identity fields captured from the qualification record.
Originator
Walter Sisulu University
Quality assurance functionary
CHE - Council on Higher Education
Field
Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences
Subfield
Life Sciences
Qual class
Regular-Provider-ELOAC
Recognise previous learning
N
Important dates
These dates are carried directly from the qualification record.
Registration start
2021-07-01
Registration end
2027-06-30
Last date for enrolment
2028-06-30
Last date for achievement
2031-06-30
Purpose and entry context
Official SAQA text formatted for easier reading.
Purpose and rationale
Purpose
The programme forms part of the university's Programme and Qualification Mix. It meets the national requirements as it is offered at Level 9 and is worth 180 Credits. It serves as a research platform for students who have a keen interest in issues affecting their immediate community and for those who desire to work in a research or higher academic environment. These may include Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry, Medicine, Education, Sociology, Water Quality and the Environment. Graduates may therefore work for Department of Education, Department of Environmental Affairs, Department of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries (SANBI and ARC), Department of Water Affairs, Department of Science and Technology (CSIR), private consultancies, Medical Research Council, municipalities and/or universities.
A Master of Science (MSc) in Zoology is designed to develop the ability to communicate effectively in writing and to present clear and well-illustrated talks as both are crucial to a professional scientist (Zoologist). Students will also learn to make efficient use of the scientific literature related to their research topics and become experts in their chosen areas of specialization. The programme provides guidance and mentoring of the students towards their chosen career path. The rigorous research work offered during the programme provides the students with adequate experiential knowledge and the skills needed for a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) study or workplace environment.
Rationale
A fast track programme for academically able students who aspire to do a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Degree in Zoology/Biology/Science by thesis only. Those who do not wish to study further may take the Degree to provide a stronger qualification that enhances their prospects of a career in Zoology.
Entry requirements and RPL
Entry Requirements
- Bachelor of Science (BSc) Honours or equivalent qualification.
Replacement note
This qualification replaces
Structure and assessment
Qualification rules, exit outcomes, and assessment criteria from the SAQA record.
Qualification rules
This qualification consists of compulsory modules at Level 9.
Modules
- Conference/Congress Participation (ZOO5103) 20 Credits.
- Dissertation (ZOO5102) 120 Credits.
- Approved Proposal (ZOO5101) 40 Credits.
Exit level outcomes
- Understand the title of the dissertation and translate it into a rigorous research plan.
- Undertake research work that contributes to the broad understanding of the field or discipline in which the research work is undertaken.
- Communicate scientific concepts, ideas or findings clearly to a scientific audience through oral presentations or writing research papers.
- Write fluent scientific reports using an acceptable format, proper use of language, clear presentation and organization of results and findings, clear understanding of the scope, limitations and findings of the research work undertaken as well as understanding of the conclusions that may be inferred from the work in advancing science.
- Respond satisfactorily to questions, comments, criticism about his/her research work.
- Participate constructively in a conference/congress in the midst of his/her peers.
Associated assessment criteria
Integrated Assessment
The Degree is based on an approved dissertation.
Progression and comparability
Articulation options
This qualification allows for vertical articulation.
Vertically with
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Zoology or equivalent qualification.
International comparability
On completion of the Degree, students will not only have improved their knowledge of and skills in zoology, but they will also be confident that they will fit in easily with research groups elsewhere and be employable anywhere around the world. Zoology is the branch of natural science that deals with animal biology and is concerned with every level of biological organization from the gene to the ecosystem and with the structure, evolution, physiology, behaviour, genetics, development and distribution of animals in all taxonomic groups. At Walter Sisulu University, it includes six focus areas: (1) General Zoology, (2) Cell and Developmental Biology, (3) Ecology, Freshwater Biology, (4) Conservation/Terrestrial Biology, (5) Physiology and Animal Behaviour and (6) Marine Biology.
Providers currently listed
This reflects provider names published on the official record. It is useful for qualification discovery, but it should not be treated as a substitute for checking the relevant quality body’s latest provider status.
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