Bachelor of Science Honours in Physical Sciences
Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences - Physical Sciences
Purpose and Rationale
Bachelor of Science Honours in Physical Sciences
Purpose:
The rapid development of new technologies during the past few years has created a growing demand in academia, the public sector, the private sector and industry for suitably trained scientists. The purpose of the Bachelor of Science Honours in Physical Sciences is to equip learners with a vast of knowledge in physical sciences which comprises of advances topics in Chemistry, Physics and Geography and incorporation of a research project. The knowledge and skills gained by the learner will serve as a foundation for further studies in higher Degrees of sciences.
Rationale:
South Africa has been a resource-based economy country; with depletion of natural resource and the economic developments in the first world countries South Africa had to move from the resource-based economy and aspire to participate in the knowledge-based economy. The Human Resource Development Strategy Towards 2030 highlights four pillars on which the knowledge-based economy rests on which are namely; innovation and research, education, information infrastructure, economic and institutional infrastructure. The Universities are at the centre of driving the knowledge-based economy by producing graduates and/or Postgraduates that are well trained and specialised in very competitive areas of science. The graduates will be an essential component of the national system of innovation of modern industrialised societies. We believe that such graduates will be equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills that strengthen modern knowledge-economy through innovation and research. The three streams (i.e. Chemistry. Geography and Physics) that have been developed under the physical sciences have been identified as some of the scare skills by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and there is a significant challenge in human capacity development in the relative streams. Therefore, the qualification which will equip learners with deeper knowledge in the field of Chemistry, Physics and Geography. Furthermore, the learner will be exposed to a research project that will enable them to be able to conceptualise ideas and execute them in well-resourced scientific laboratories. The qualification will serve as a vehicle to initiate novel ideas and promote inventiveness within the country by graduates.
Outcomes
- Demonstrate knowledge of the theoretical aspects of the subject content.
- Critically evaluate and utilise a wide range of information to solve scientific problems effectively using scientific methods.
- Identify and apply a range of methodologies to conduct a research problem that conforms to safety requirements pertinent to good laboratory practice in the physical sciences.
- Produce a research project in a scientific format within the context of the physical sciences.
- Communicate advanced scientific knowledge and research findings both orally and in written form.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
- Identify, describe, and explain core concepts and principles of the discipline.
- Demonstrate relationships among core concepts and principles.
- Identify the range and limits of applicability of core concepts and principles.
- Apply core concepts and principles in various areas of research.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- Conduct scientific experiments using appropriate methodologies and produce meaningful results.
- Explain and discuss different approaches/knowledge systems used in the relevant area of study.
- Take into account the variety of contexts.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Engage with literature and develop and utilize an appropriate theoretical framework to guide research.
- Follow ethical procedures as articulated in the School's Ethics Charter.
- Select appropriate methodologies being cognizant of the tenets in both quantitative and qualitative research.
- Follow the proposed methodology as articulated in the research proposal.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- Show evidence of an adequate degree of practical skills appropriate to the discipline.
- Formulate a scientific report on practical or academic work.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
- Communicate acquired specialist knowledge and insight both orally and in written form.
- Provide an insightful review of scientific literature on a specific subject.
- Follow ethical procedures as articulated in the School's Ethics Charter.
- Conduct scientific experiments using appropriate methodologies and produce meaningful results.
- Discuss findings relative to existing scientific literature and present them in the form of a mini-thesis submitted for examination.
Integrated Assessment:
- Aimed at determining achievement of requisite knowledge at this level.
- Ability to use and apply skills obtained in the program.
- Formulate and carry out a research project, report on it, and critically review current literature.
- Assessment methods include formal examination, review of essays, oral presentations, written assignments, fieldwork, and review of a written research project.
- Elements of scientific literacy, numeracy, and computer literacy will be considered.
- Assessments of oral presentation of project results (formative).
Qualification Details
- Type
- Honours Degree
- NQF Level
- 08
- Min. Credits
- 120
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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