Bachelor of Science Honours in Statistics
Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences - Mathematical Sciences
Purpose and Rationale
Purpose:
The purpose of this Honours qualification in Statistics is to equip a student with scientific knowledge and expertise at the forefront of the field, enabling innovative problem-solving from a value-driven perspective, continued personal intellectual development, value-added economic activity, and rewarding contributions to the community. Students will understand the complexities of research methods, methodologies, and skills to select, apply, and transfer appropriate procedures, processes, and techniques to solve unfamiliar and abstract problems. They will learn to critically review the information-gathering process, synthesize data, and develop creative responses to problems and issues.
Furthermore, this qualification aims to stimulate and prepare students for further academic study and research by providing the required knowledge, skills, and insights to develop as researchers at a high academic level. Most South African Universities require a Bachelor of Science (BSc) Honours level qualification as the minimum entry level for postgraduate study. Therefore, the program must include academic training aspects such as understanding scientific literature and developing research requirements in the field of Statistics.
Rationale:
There is a recognized shortage of well-trained, critically thinking scientists in South Africa's natural sciences, capable of independent, high-quality research. This qualification aims to address this by producing graduates in the natural sciences who can undertake advanced research under expert guidance, acquiring necessary research skills and tools in Statistics. These young scientists will contribute to broadening the local leadership base of innovative and knowledge-based economic and scholarly activity.
The second rationale is to equip students with the knowledge, specific skills, applied competence, and a professional attitude in Statistics to enable continued personal intellectual growth, gainful economic activity, and rewarding contributions to society.
Outcomes
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge of Statistics and such an in-depth understanding of the relevant theories, research methodologies, methods and techniques to be able to apply it to solve statistical problems.
- Interrogate multiple sources of knowledge in Statistics and as individual and/or in teams evaluate knowledge and processes of knowledge production.
- Use a range of specialised skills to identify, analyse and address complex or abstract problems drawing systematically on the body of knowledge and methods appropriate to Statistics.
- Critically review information gathering, synthesis of data, evaluation and management processes in specialised contexts in order to develop creative responses to problems and issues.
- Produce, present and communicate academic and professional information or occupational ideas and texts to a range of audiences, offering creative insights, meaningful interpretations and solutions to problems and issues appropriate to the field of Statistics.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the role of natural sciences in society, appreciate the fundamentals of lifelong learning and understand both the professional and ethical basis of scientific enquiry.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria:
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Knowledge and Understanding: Demonstrating a systematic and integrated knowledge and understanding of fundamental terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules, and theories.
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Scientific Inquiry: Applying appropriate discipline-related methods of scientific inquiry and independently validating, evaluating, and managing sources of information.
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Problem-solving: Demonstrating critical reflection on, understanding and application of appropriate methods or practices to resolve complex discipline-related problems and introducing change within related practice.
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Professional and Ethical Behavior: Demonstrating professional and ethical behavior within an academic and discipline-related environment with sensitivity towards societal and cultural considerations.
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Communication: Effectively communicating scientific understanding and own opinions/ideas in written or oral arguments, using appropriate discipline-related and academic discourse as well as technology.
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Teamwork and Leadership: Demonstrating effective functioning as a member and/or leader of a team or group in scientific projects or investigations, with self-directed management of learning activities and responsibility for own learning progress.
Integrated Assessment:
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Formative Assessments: Include written and practical assignments, class and semester tests to ensure continuous feedback and improvement.
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Summative Assessments: Include written and practical examinations to assess the application of learned skills and evolution of theory into effective practice.
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Project Assessment: Some outcomes of related specializations are assessed through a project, evaluating discipline-specific knowledge and skills, writing and communication skills, computer literacy, critical analysis, and problem evaluation. Report-writing and oral presentations of research findings are key components of this assessment method.
Qualification Details
- Type
- Honours Degree
- NQF Level
- 08
- Min. Credits
- 120
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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