University of Johannesburg

Bachelor of Science Honours in Physics

Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences - Physical Sciences

Purpose and Rationale

Qualification Overview

Purpose:

The primary purpose of this qualification is to provide qualifying learners with the opportunity to develop and train as qualified scientists with intellectual and practical skills to analyse, interpret, and apply scientific laws, principles, and methods.

Rationale:

The qualification is a specialisation in the field of Physical Sciences to prepare the learners for research-based postgraduate study. The qualification demands a high level of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence, serving as the initial science postgraduate specialisation qualification providing learners with in-depth scientific knowledge and skills, preparing them for research-based postgraduate science study. Through the acquisition of appropriate research and practical skills, the learner will discover the application of physical science and will be able to reflect upon the application of physical science in the technological environment.

Outcomes

  1. Identify, evaluate and address their own professional and on-going learning needs.
  2. Demonstrate efficient and effective information retrieval and processing skills, using appropriate Information and Communications Technology(ICT).
  3. Demonstrate a comprehensive, systematic and critical knowledge and understanding of the principles, scope, theories and epistemologies of Physical Sciences.
  4. Evaluate their own and others academic work and initiatives against informed criteria.
  5. Present and communicate ideas and texts, offering professional insights, interpretations and solutions to problems and issues appropriate to Physical Sciences.
  6. Use science and technology in complex and challenging contexts and make autonomous ethical decisions on complex professional issues in accordance with recognised professional and/or ethical standards.
  7. Critique current research and advanced scholarship in Physical Sciences and make research methodologies and methods/techniques to research problem/s in Physical Sciences.
  8. Identify, analyse, synthesise and undertake independent evaluation of quantitative and/or qualitative data, and to engage with and evaluate current research and scholarly or professional literature in Physical Sciences.

Assessment Criteria

Associated Assessment Criteria

  • Formulate an appropriate hypothesis, plan, carry out an advanced experimental program and analyse results obtained correctly.
  • Integrate experimental data with advanced existing information.
  • Make logical, sound conclusions to resolve a problem.
  • Formulate and handle advanced theoretical models and 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.
  • Perform the experiment with skill and accuracy required and relate the findings to the aim of the research assignments, and apply to the outcome independently.
  • Analyse, organise and interpret the advanced relevant information and critically evaluate the advanced information.
  • Communicate scientific content effectively and write clear and descriptive experimental reports on research assignments.
  • Deal with edge technology and use the edge technology responsibly in the environment.
  • Identify the relation between the various systems and different physical principles making up all science and technology.
  • Make effective use of experimental techniques in order to obtain data.
  • Make use of advanced textbooks available to him in the library.
  • Relate knowledge to everyday technology and science in general through reading scientific literature.
  • Make responsible use of his acquired knowledge in his/her community.
  • Acquire skills that would make one employable in industry and identify economic activities that are based on physics.

Integrated Assessment

  • Formative assessment: Continuous assessment during modules via informal and formal written tests, experimental reports on research assignments, theoretical assignments, self and peer assessment, and group assignments.
  • Summative assessment: Focus on the achievement of the exit-level outcomes, done through written examinations per module at the end of each module. Research assignments will be evaluated, and practical points will be accumulated.

Qualification Details

Type
Honours Degree
NQF Level
08
Min. Credits
120
SAQA Source
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University of Johannesburg
University of Johannesburg
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Description
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is a public university located in Johannesburg, South Africa. It was established in 2005 through the merger of the Rand Afrikaans University, Technikon Witwatersrand, and the Soweto and East Rand campuses of Vista University. UJ is one of the largest universities in South Africa, with over 50,000 students enrolled across its four campuses. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various fields, including arts, humanities, sciences, engineering, business, and health sciences. UJ is known for its commitment to providing quality education, promoting social justice, and fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.

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.