UNISA

Bachelor of Science Honours in Physics

Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences - Physical Sciences

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Purpose and Rationale

Bachelor of Science Honours in Physics

Purpose:
The primary purpose of the Bachelor of Science Honours in Physics is to provide graduates with the knowledge, specific skills, and applied and theoretical competence in the field of Physics to provide opportunities for continued personal intellectual growth, gainful economic activity, and valuable contributions to society. Qualifying learners will be equipped with the knowledge, skills, applied competence, ability for continued growth, and professional attitude to enable them to use their expertise as competent practicing Physicists in various sectors.

Rationale:
The qualification addresses the national, regional, and international shortage of Physicists by increasing the pool of specialized Physicists. Increased scientific capacity is needed to meet the demand from the "data revolution": increasing demand for better data and evidence-based decisions as well as the increase in available data. Physicists are needed in the industry, commerce, medicine, NGOs, government departments, as well as in research and Higher Education institutions. This qualification will provide graduates who will be able to continue their studies at higher levels, thus contributing to the academic sector and scholarly activity and knowledge creation within Physics. This qualification will provide South Africa (and other countries) with graduates in Physics to ensure that the leadership base of innovative and knowledge-based economic and scholarly activity is widened. The qualification will also provide South Africa (and other countries) with people who can perform a constructive role they need to play as intellectual leaders in their society.

Outcomes

  1. Illustrate in-depth knowledge of the relevant theory, concepts and methods and ability to learn new concepts and methods by independent study.
  2. Solve Physics problems at an advanced level using physics concepts, laws, principles and methods.
  3. Design and conduct, and physics research in real-life situations and communicate the results.

Assessment Criteria

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

  • Analytical and Critical Thinking:

    • Show evidence of analytical and critical thinking skills.
    • Ability to apply and analyze relevant physics theories, concepts, methods, and principles.

  • Scientific Inquiry and Information Skills:

    • Demonstrate relevant methods of scientific inquiry.
    • Skills in finding, validating, and critically analyzing information.

  • Research Proposals and Reports:

    • Critically analyze research proposals and reports based on scientific methodology.

  • Evaluation of Theoretical Standpoints:

    • Critically evaluate various theoretical standpoints and compare them to personal views.

  • Support Views:

    • Offer evidence to support views from theoretical knowledge base, experiential base, etc.

  • Analysis of Community:

    • Analyze the global, national, and local community in terms of problems, needs, and opportunities.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

  • Use of Physics Concepts:

    • Use physics concepts, laws, principles, and methods critically and correctly.

  • Prior Knowledge and Experience:

    • Demonstrate prior knowledge and experience relevant to the discipline.

  • Application of Theory:

    • Connect abstract knowledge of theory to the reality of contexts.

  • Interdisciplinary Solutions:

    • Look beyond traditional disciplinary boundaries for possible solutions.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

  • Research Conduct:

    • Conduct research using appropriate ethical considerations, professional attitude, and methodology.

  • Communication Skills:

    • Communicate results and conclusions using appropriate language for specialist or non-specialist audiences.

Integrated Assessment:

  • Formative Assessment:

    • Tasks involve calculations, interpretation of computational outputs, written proofs, software analysis.

  • Summative Assessment:

    • Written examinations and research project reports.

  • Assignment/Examination Ratio:

    • 20/80 for theory modules, 40/60 for research project module.

  • Research Project Assessment:

    • Summative assessment includes a research project.

Qualification Details

Type
Honours Degree
NQF Level
08
Min. Credits
120
SAQA Source
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Description
UNISA, short for the University of South Africa, is a distance education institution based in South Africa. It is the largest university on the African continent and offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various fields of study. UNISA provides flexible learning options, allowing students to study at their own pace and from anywhere in the world. The university is known for its commitment to providing accessible and affordable education to a diverse student population. UNISA also conducts research and collaborates with other institutions to contribute to the development of knowledge and skills in South Africa and beyond.
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This page includes information from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) . Builtneat Pty Ltd trading as Study Start, has modified all or some of this information. SAQA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.