Bachelor of Science Honours in Genetics

Health Sciences and Social Services - Preventive Health

Purpose and Rationale

Qualification in Genetics

The qualification in Genetics is designed to equip learners with analytical reasoning, communication, and computer literacy skills necessary to enter the ever-expanding arena of Genetics research and Genetics business.

Learners are encouraged to develop a holistic approach to the identification and strategic solution of real-life problems, recognizing the interdisciplinary nature of most of the challenges facing Genetics.

As applied scientists, learners find employment as specialists in government departments, education, private consultancies, large-scale plant and animal production and improvement operations, biotechnological companies, research operations, and their own business.

While the learners will practice as professional Geneticists; a strong emphasis is also placed on the development of metacognitive and entrepreneurial skills in the qualification to produce learners that are life-long learners equipped to meet the research and development needs in a changing research, industrial, and economic environment.

Outcomes

Communicate effectively with peers in a variety of modes on Genetics and Applied Genetics###
Demonstrate responsible and effective time-management and organisation of projects and research meeting personal objectives and negotiated deadlines###
Manage data and information through their collection, storage, analysis, synthesis, presentation and critical evaluation using a variety of valid and reliable methods and instruments###
Exhibit a detailed knowledge and understanding of a range of discipline-specific theories and can identify ad define specific genetic problems, use critical analysis and appropriate methodology and theory to devise several responsible and creative problem-solving strategies###
Reflect on the processes of learning and problem-solving, challenging assumptions made, testing for contingency in reasoning and redefining hypothesis###
Work independently and as a member of a team###
Demonstrate technical competence in the laboratory and or demonstrate competence in the use of various software packages and World Wide Web-based techniques to generate and analyse genetic data.

Assessment Criteria

Exit Level Outcomes Assessment Criteria

Primary Research Publications: Selecting primary research publications, critically evaluating, discussing, and debating the content with peers and lecturers.
Understanding and Criticising Research Content: Assessing the learner's ability to understand and criticise the content of recent research publications through an oral presentation. This includes identifying the primary reason for the research, briefly addressing the content, disclosing an understanding of the research strategy, and critically discussing and debating the research results.
Participation in Critical Evaluation: Participating in the critical evaluation of all research presented by fellow research learners in the School.

Integrated Assessment

Purpose of Qualification: Ensuring the purpose of the qualification is achieved through integrated assessment strategies.
Assessment of Applied Competence: The institution is in the process of reforming assessment strategies to include the assessment of applied competence for each qualification.
Assessment Methods: Using a combination of continuous assessment and traditional written examinations to assess the integration of learning outcomes for each module.
Project Seminars: All fourth-year learners are required to participate in project seminars. These seminars serve as an integrated assessment of the learner's problem-solving abilities in a real-world situation. The review of literature covers theory, applications of techniques, and interpretation of findings, ensuring that learners have simultaneously attained the assessment criteria.

Qualification Details

Type: Honours Degree
NQF Level: 08
Min. Credits: 120
SAQA Source: More Information

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University of KwaZulu-Natal

The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is a public research university located in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It was formed in 2004 through the merger of the University of Natal and the University of Durban-Westville. UKZN is one of the top-ranked universities in South Africa and is known for its excellence in teaching, research, and community engagement. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, health sciences, and business. The university has multiple campuses spread across the province, including Durban, Pietermaritzburg, and Westville. Each campus has its own unique character and facilities, providing students with a diverse and vibrant learning environment. UKZN is committed to producing graduates who are academically competent, socially responsible, and globally competitive. It strives to promote innovation, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills among its students. The university also actively engages with local communities through various outreach programs and initiatives. Overall, the University of KwaZulu-Natal is a prestigious institution that offers high-quality education and research opportunities to students, contributing to the development and advancement of South Africa and the African continent as a whole.

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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.