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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Science Honours: Applied Plant Physiology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
90670  Bachelor of Science Honours: Applied Plant Physiology 
ORIGINATOR
Stellenbosch University 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Honours Degree  Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Promotive Health and Developmental Services 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  SAQA 1141/23  2021-07-01  2024-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2025-06-30   2028-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
The Bachelor of Science Honours: Applied Plant Physiology (BSc Hons: Applied Plant Physiology) has been designed for graduates with Bachelor of Science Degrees in related plant or biological sciences who are interested in postgraduate studies in areas of Horticulture.

The qualification aims to strengthen knowledge in the discipline of Horticultural Sciences, with emphasis on plant physiological, biochemical and molecular mechanisms. These mechanisms are relevant to production and quality systems in horticultural crops.

Students will engage in research methodology and also expand their writing and presentation skills.

Rationale:
A cadre of knowledgeable horticulturists is essential for successful food production in any country with a growing population and limited, if not shrinking, available arable land for crop cultivation.

The qualification aims to attract both national and international graduates with appropriate three year Bachelor of Science Degrees. Within the qualification there is a high level of theoretical engagement in horticultural principles which will enable successful postgraduates to take up advisory and/or research positions within the relevant areas of crop cultivation or food production. Furthermore, such skills will enable further studies at Master's and subsequently, Doctoral, levels in Horticulture. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Communication and language skills equivalent to NQF Level 7.
  • Learners should be able to manage their own study schedules and be able to read, speak and write in the language of tuition.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:
    Recognition of prior learning (RPL) is provided in accordance with the RPL policy of the institution and the relevant Faculty.

    The process facilitates a variety of assessment techniques, such as access and placement evaluation, examinations and/or tests, submission of learning portfolios to qualified members of staff for evaluation, conditional admission with identified learning goals which are discussed with applicants, assessment of prescribed additional work, recognition of formal learning at other institutions, recognition of informal learning resulting from work experience.

    RPL allows for the admission to the qualification of learners who do not meet the minimum entry requirements and for the awarding of credits towards the qualification.

    Access to the Qualification:
    For admission to the Bachelor of Science Honours: Applied Plant Physiology, an applicant must hold a Bachelor of Science Degree, with majors in Botany, Biochemistry, Genetics or Plant Biotechnology. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualification comprises seven compulsory modules at NQF Level 8 and a Research project. All modules must be successfully completed to be awarded the qualification.

    Modules:
  • Ecophysiology of Horticultural and Agronomical crops, 16 Credits.
  • Applied Plant Physiology and Tree Architecture, 16 Credits.
  • Postharvest Physiology and Technology, 16 Credits.
  • Nutrition of Horticultural and Agronomical Crops, 16 Credits.
  • Advanced Plant Physiology, 16 Credits.
  • Research Methodology, 10 Credits.
  • Research Project, 30 Credits.

    Total Credits: 120. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Explain plant physiology with specific reference to the principles and management strategies required for successful horticultural practice.
    2. Discuss the management of crop production according to the requirements and needs of the product.
  • Range: Ethical practice; commercial harvesting; methods of handling, packaging, storage and transport; marketing.
    3. Critically evaluate a wide range of information from proven or known reliable sources to understand and apply the philosophy and ethics of research within the field.
    4. Produce a research project in a scientific format within the context of applied plant physiology.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:
    All the Critical Cross-Field Outcomes are addressed in this qualification. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following Assessment Criteria are applied in an integrated way to the Exit Level Outcomes:
  • A holistic understanding of the field of applied plant physiology and the ability to relate this knowledge to production processes in Horticultural crops is demonstrated.
  • A holistic understanding of the field of eco-physiology of Horticultural crops is demonstrated.
  • A holistic understanding of the field of nutrition of Horticultural and Agronomical crops is demonstrated.
  • A holistic understanding of the field of post-harvest physiology and technology of Horticultural crops is demonstrated.
  • Understanding of scientific research methodology pertaining to Horticulture is demonstrated and presentations are made.
  • Practical work is conducted using accepted laboratory practices and procedures.
  • A written research report is compiled and oral presentations made, which presentations inlcude the research methodology followed, the results obtained and the conclusions drawn.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Formative and summative assessments are done as applicable for each module. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    International Comparability

    Plymouth University in the United Kingdom offers a Bachelor of Science (Honours): Applied Biosciences: Plant Sciences, which is presented full-time over one year.

    Compulsory modules:
  • Crop Production and Protection.
  • Plant Exploitation.

    Optional modules:
  • Environmental physiology.
  • Contemporary land use and conservation.
  • Biological electron microscopy.

    A research paper on a relevant topic of the student's choice must also be submitted.

    The University of Otago, New Zealand offers a Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Plant Biotechnology, over one academic year. This qualification builds on an undergraduate Science Degree. The Diploma encompasses both papers and a research topic, and can be taken full-time or part-time. It provides entry to the Master of Science (MSc) degree by thesis only.

    Modules:
  • Research Project.
  • Special Topics.
  • Plant Physiology and Biotechnology.
  • Plant and Environment.

    Conclusion:
    The Bachelor of Science: Applied Plant Physiology compares favourably in both content and format with the international examples given. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal articulation:
    This qualification articulates horizontally with any Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in the following areas of specialization: Botany, Biochemistry, Genetics and Plant-biotechnology, at NQF Level 8.

    Vertical articulation:
    This qualification articulates vertically with a Master's Degree: Applied Plant Physiology (Horticultural Science), at NQF Level 9. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    The institution uses a system of external evaluation and moderation. External examiners evaluate and assess the final evaluation (examination assignment) to ensure fair grades and to contextualise the final assessment within the goals and outcomes of the module outline.

    All final examinations, whether oral or written, are subjected to internal and external moderation.
    Moderators are appointed and approved by the Faculty of AgriSciences. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    All assessors must be in possession of a relevant qualification at least one NQF Level higher than that of this qualification.
    Assessors should be in a current, relevant, lecturing post.
    Preferably, all assessors should have practical experience in the areas being assessed. 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. Stellenbosch University 


    All qualifications and part qualifications submitted for public comment, or registered on the National Qualifications Framework, are public property. Thus, the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction: it is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.