Bachelor of Science in Physics
Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences - Physical Sciences
Purpose and Rationale
Bachelor of Science in Physics
Purpose:
The Bachelor of Science in Physics aims to provide learners with a strong foundation in physics and mathematics. Upon completion of the qualification, learners will be equipped to analyze physics and mathematics-related problems and offer effective solutions, improve processes in work environments, operate physics-related equipment, and provide support services as needed. The qualification also fosters independent thinking, literature search, numeracy, computer literacy, language skills, self-motivation, and self-reliance.
Rationale:
Situated in an impoverished area of the Eastern Cape, the institution recognizes the need to prepare learners who can understand and address challenges stemming from poverty. The qualification is designed to enable learners to conduct introductory research, pursue careers as physicists, and excel in various work environments. Aligned with guidelines from the South African Institute of Physics (SAIP), the qualification caters to learners with national school certificates and average to above-average subject symbols. Graduates are well-prepared for employment in companies like ESKOM, SASOL, CSIR, NRF, educational institutions, mining sectors, and government departments. The analytical skills acquired empower learners for potential self-employment and job creation. The qualification supports lifelong learning, democracy, and social justice, while also preparing learners for further academic pursuits such as a Bachelor of Science Honours in Physics. Graduates are equipped to tackle societal issues through research, contributing to community well-being and economic development.
In summary, the Bachelor of Science in Physics offers a comprehensive education in physics and mathematics, preparing learners for diverse career opportunities and impactful contributions to society.
Outcomes
- Demonstrate competency in understanding physics through laboratory experiments.
- Recognise that scientific knowledge and understanding are changeable.
- Demonstrate key scientific reasoning skills.
- Demonstrate knowledge of Newton's laws of motion in situations where the resultant force on an object is given.
- Demonstrate the use of calculus-based methods to determine displacement, velocity and acceleration information on the applied force.
- Analyse oscillatory motion in different media using Newton's second law of motion.
- Demonstrate knowledge of wave motion by considering coupled oscillators.
- Demonstrate knowledge of thermal behaviour in material media.
- Demonstrate knowledge of electrical and magnetic behaviour.
- Demonstrate understanding of limitations of classical physics and remedies provided by quantum mechanics.
- Demonstrate understanding of condensed matter.
- Communicate scientific understanding in writing, orally and using visual, symbolic or other forms of representation.
- Demonstrate effective Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills.
- Access, evaluate and synthesise physics information for optimal applications.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
- Conduct, collect data, and analyze laboratory experiments to show a clear understanding of physics concepts.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- Describe and explain examples of changes in knowledge and understanding in physics.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Demonstrate logical thinking and identify naive and flawed scientific reasoning.
- Discriminate inductively and deductive reasoning.
- Discern cause-effect relations in the face of uncertainty.
- Demonstrate the capacity to judge problem-solving adequately.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- State Newton's laws of motion.
- Solve problems on dynamics in situations with known applied force.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
- Determine displacement, velocity, and acceleration in given force functions.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
- Analyse oscillatory behavior using Newton's second law.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
- Derive the wave equation from the behavior of coupled oscillators.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
- State laws of thermodynamics.
- Derive and apply thermodynamic relations to various problems.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
- State and apply laws of electricity and magnetism in different contexts.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:
- Discuss classical physics limitations and use quantum mechanics for experimental findings.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 11:
- Analyze the behavior of solids based on atomic structure.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 12:
- Use scientific language for coherent written documents and verbal presentations.
- Follow appropriate scientific conventions and referencing.
- Use non-verbal forms of representation correctly.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 13:
- Perform basic computer literacy tasks.
- Assess ICT solutions for physics problems.
- Use appropriate ICT for computational applications, simulation, data management, etc.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 14:
- Utilize library, internet, and data storage for information retrieval.
- Synthesize information from contradictory sources.
Integrated Assessment:
- Follow institution guidelines for assessment.
- Continuous assessment for each module with a final examination.
- Assess laboratory work through written reports.
Qualification Details
- Type
- National First Degree
- NQF Level
- 07
- Min. Credits
- 360
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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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.