Bachelor of Science Honours in Botany
Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences - Life Sciences
Purpose and Rationale
Qualification Overview: Botany BSc Honours Degree
Purpose:
South Africa needs ethically educated botanists capable of natural resource planning and sustainable utilization. This qualification aims to produce BSc Honours level learners prepared for industry entry or future studies in botany-related fields. The learners will:
- Confidently apply theoretical and practical knowledge
- Formulate ideas based on scientific literature and data
- Share knowledge from research projects
- Engage in scientific discussions using evidence-based reasoning
- Maintain curiosity, asking investigative questions and seeking truth based on scientific proof
Rationale:
Botany is essential for understanding the complex interactions between the environment and ecosystems, crucial for sustainable use of natural resources. It forms the basis for biological training and other fields like zoology, agriculture, and environmental sciences. The qualification equips learners for practical applications in conservation, genetics, crop production, and phyto-pharmacology, preparing them for various occupations such as nature reserve managers, plant breeders, scientists, and consultants in environmental and pharmaceutical industries.
Potential Occupations:
- Nature reserve managers
- Ecologists for conservation agencies
- Municipal conservation managers
- Environmental impact consultants
- Plant breeders
- Pharmaceutical researchers
- Academic scientists
Benefits:
- Society: Ethically educated decision-makers promoting sustainable natural resource use
- Economy: Innovative discoveries in medicine and agriculture, employment opportunities in environmental consultancy and eco-tourism
The qualification opens pathways for employment across a range of organizations or the opportunity to start an independent consultancy firm, contributing to the overall benefit of society and the economy.
Outcomes
- Share the theoretical knowledge that they have acquired (both orally and in scientific written format).
- Apply the theoretical knowledge that they have acquired (both orally and in scientific written format).
- Share the practical techniques they have acquired (both orally and in scientific written format).
- Apply the practical techniques they have acquired (both orally and in scientific written format).
- Formulate their ideas on the scientific literature they have read and supported those ideas with scientific data and case studies (both orally and in scientific written format).
- Partake in scientific discussions, always basing arguments on scientific questioning and testing as the basis for reasoning.
- Always be curious in their search for knowledge.
- Always keep asking difficult and investigative questions, no matter how uncomfortable.
- Always seek the truth based on scientific proof.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
- Demonstrate excellent presentation skills at departmental presentations.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- Write the introduction correctly and review the relevant literature.
- Explain and discuss results properly.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Conduct presentation at departmental presentations, faculty symposium, and national and international conferences properly.
- Write project report correctly.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- Demonstrate the mastery of presenting materials and methods as well as data analysis.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
- Discuss results properly in comparison with other related studies and give reasoning of every finding.
- Conclude the results and give recommendations for future research.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
- Present the research project accurately and answer the questions from the audience.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
- Show awareness of the need for different ways of learning and assimilation of knowledge by electronic calculation and retrieval systems, libraries, and personal contact at meetings.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
- Suggest possible changes in the proposal should certain aspects not turn out as expected.
- Show an awareness of the need for continued study to remain always up to date.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
- Use the latest referencing regarding the related studies.
Integrated Assessment:
- Assessment across the qualification forms an integral part of the teaching and learning process.
- In achieving the learning outcomes, learners are required to comply with the minimum assessments set for the level of the qualification, as per the Institution's Assessment Policy.
- Assessments vary depending on the module and the outcomes of the module; however, all modules are conducted through formative and summative assessments.
- The assessment of theoretical modules is usually in the form of assignments, practicals, and written tests or examinations.
Qualification Details
- Type
- Honours Degree
- NQF Level
- 08
- Min. Credits
- 120
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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University of KwaZulu-Natal
Applications are open
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.