Bachelor of Science Honours in Entomology
Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences - Life Sciences
Purpose and Rationale
Bachelor of Science Honours in Entomology
Purpose
The main purpose of the Bachelor of Science Honours in Entomology is to prepare learners for research-based postgraduate studies in Entomology. The qualification provides learners with a sound understanding of the research process and the philosophical foundations necessary to comprehend how scientific knowledge is created. It also offers an opportunity to conduct entomological research under supervision. Graduates will be equipped to apply advanced theory and methodologies to discuss and address environmental, agricultural, and medical problems related to entomology. The qualification aims to provide learners with theoretical, analytical, and practical knowledge to foster professional and academic growth in various careers such as Environmental Consulting, Law Enforcement, Plant Protection, Agriculture, Taxonomy, Biodiversity Conservation, Medical Science, and academia. Graduates will be able to contribute constructively to industry and society, and pursue employment as consultants or salaried workers in companies or government. Additionally, the qualification aims to develop lifelong independent learners capable of conducting original research to contribute to knowledge and society. Upon completion, learners will be able to:
- Evaluate and apply general principles, theories, and methodological approaches in entomology.
- Explore spatial and temporal changes in the natural environment and understand the complexity of relationships within it.
- Reflect on various approaches to knowledge generation, including Indigenous Knowledge Systems.
- Analyze techniques for collecting entomological information and select appropriate research methods.
- Conduct independent and original research in entomology from problem identification to research report preparation.
Rationale
Entomology plays a crucial role in addressing ecological challenges such as urbanization, sustainability, food security, disease management, and climate change. The discipline is highly applicable across various sectors, making entomologists in high demand. By producing graduates in entomological sciences, the qualification aims to bolster the nation's leadership in innovative economic and scholarly activities. The program will equip South Africa with entomological experts capable of leadership and problem-solving in the field. Biological scientists, which include entomologists, are designated as scarce skills, highlighting the need for skilled professionals in this domain. The qualification aligns with the National Development Plan and benefits society at large by contributing to addressing entomological issues. Graduates will have opportunities in government, environmental consulting, law enforcement, agriculture, biodiversity conservation, and more. The institution aims to enroll a select number of learners based on employment needs and opportunities. Developed in collaboration with the Entomological Society of Southern Africa, the qualification serves as a bridge to further postgraduate studies, where graduates can contribute research-based solutions to societal challenges, particularly those relevant to the local context.
Outcomes
- Demonstrate an advanced and current understanding of the general principles, theories and methodological approaches underpinning the scientific study of entomology.
- Demonstrate critical insight into the nature and causes of spatial and temporal change within the natural environment and the complexity of the reciprocal relationships among the individual elements of the natural environment.
- Critically reflect on the diversity of approaches to the generation of knowledge and understanding deriving from the experience of the epistemologies of the natural and social sciences and humanities, including Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS).
- Critically consider and reflect on the diversity of techniques and approaches involved in collecting entomological information including instrumentation, laboratory work, field surveying, observation, and the use of textual and archival approaches in a range of familiar and unfamiliar scenarios.
- Demonstrate mastery of techniques and approaches involved in collecting and analysing entomological information, including field and laboratory techniques, qualitative and quantitative techniques with a critical assessment of their strengths and weaknesses.
- Conduct independent and original research in entomology starting from identifying a research problem, collecting data, analysing the data, through to completion of the research and preparation of the research report.
- Demonstrate an advanced understanding of professional ethics in entomology and identify and apply ethical rules and conduct in practice within a South African context. Take decisions and act ethically with integrity and accountability for their work, decisions, and actions.
- Access information from a diverse range of sources to address a range of familiar and unfamiliar complex entomological problems and issues, evaluate the sources and the information, and prepare a logical response or a solution for the problem.
- Communicate and share their conclusions and views, and the entomological knowledge and rationale underpinning these, to specialist and non-specialist audiences clearly and unambiguously using appropriate discourse, suitable audio-visual tools and technology, as well as appropriate referencing conventions.
- Apply their knowledge and understanding of entomological principles, practices and methodologies, and problem-solving abilities in complex natural environmental systems and can handle complexity, integrate different knowledge perspectives and interests, accommodate multiple views of reality and manage creative tension.
- Undertake highly autonomous and well-organised learning and time management to achieve consistent proficiency and sustained achievement, and work in a group as a member or leader, take full responsibility for own work, and, where appropriate, that of fellow learners.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
- Critically review and use theories, specialised principles, procedures, and practices in entomology.
- Apply theories, principles, procedures, and practices in selected sub-fields of entomology in assignments, research reports, and examinations.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- Analyse the nature and causes of change in the natural environment with reference to current literature and entomology examples.
- Review the significance of climate change on sustainable food production, insect conservation, and disease control.
- Display an appreciation of temporal-spatial variation and change in written and oral submissions.
- Examine the importance of spatial and temporal scale in studying insect effects.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Demonstrate critical awareness of relevant philosophies and research paradigms.
- Evaluate and apply perspectives from different disciplines and IKS.
- Justify research topics and methods in entomology with an appropriate research paradigm.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- Select and apply appropriate research methods in an entomology research topic.
- Identify and apply relevant sampling and analytical techniques.
- Review and critique research design and methods in published papers.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
- Analyse and apply routine and specialised entomological methods.
- Evaluate dichotomous keys and other identification methods.
- Apply standard methods of forensic entomology.
- Assess strengths and weaknesses of entomological methods.
- Apply a range of data analysis approaches.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
- Formulate and present the project question and scope.
- Conduct a comprehensive literature review.
- Identify appropriate methods and ethical issues.
- Collect, analyse, and interpret data.
- Formulate recommendations and present the research report without plagiarism.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
- Identify and address ethical issues in entomology.
- Obtain ethical approval for research.
- Analyse ethical issues in the introduction of insects as biological control agents.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
- Critically evaluate information from various sources.
- Review existing knowledge in the field.
- Manage contradictory information, consider alternative viewpoints, and reach balanced conclusions.
- Cite references and assess their validity.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
- Communicate research results to various audiences effectively.
- Present oral arguments convincingly.
- Use appropriate language and technology.
- Use standard referencing style and avoid plagiarism.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:
- Address complex entomological problems through advanced knowledge and skills.
- Apply a systems thinking approach and manage conflicting viewpoints.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 11:
- Submit assignments on time.
- Reflect on the learning process in the research journal.
- Incorporate feedback effectively.
- Execute responsibilities in group work successfully.
Qualification Details
- Type
- Honours Degree
- NQF Level
- 08
- Min. Credits
- 120
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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