SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications 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.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Apply basic concepts and principles in the natural sciences 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
7509  Apply basic concepts and principles in the natural sciences 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Natural Sciences in GET and ABET 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences Life Sciences 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
ABET Level 4  Regular  Level 1  NQF Level 01 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 
2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

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 unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
The purpose of the standard is enabling the learner to apply basic concepts and principles to explain natural phenomena. A candidate credited with this Unit Standard will be able to define, explain and explore concepts and principles in natural sciences through investigative methods and by interpreting evidence. Candidates will also be able to apply concepts to explain events. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
The following competencies is assumed to be in place: The ability to construct and use tables and graphs to organise and interpret information at ABET level 3. The ability to measure and estimate length, volume, mass and time using simple measuring instruments and to communicate the measurements at ABET level 2. The ability to solve simple equations by changing subjects. 

UNIT STANDARD OUTCOME HEADER 
Define concepts and principles in the natural scie 

Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
Define concepts and principles in the natural sciences. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
1. Fundamental concepts and principles in each theme are defined (Earth and Beyond, Life and Living, Energy and Change, Matter and Materials). 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
2. Examples of the applications of concepts and principles to each field are given. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
At least two examples from each theme, and the basic concepts within each concept should be dealt with. No detailed understanding or technical knowledge is required at this level.
Examples could include the following:

Energy and Change: Energy (energy transformation and energy transfer), force, velocity, etc.
Matter and material: Kinetic theory (including rain, wind in earth and states of matter, etc.
Atoms, electrons and charge (electricity, chemistry of life, minerals and Periodic Table of elements); etc.
Earth and Beyond: Continental Drift (Plate Tectonics) processes on earth surface, (weathering, erosion, weather, and geographical regions). Processes in the solar system etc.
Life and Living: What is life? the cell, heredity and change, etc.
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
3. Examples of the importance of concepts and principles to each field are given. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
Demonstrate a concept or principle in natural science. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
1. A demonstration to illustrate a concept or principle is clearly outlined. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
Demonstration of concepts could include: role-play, models and model building, projects, displays encompassing the 4 themes.
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
2. The demonstration is executed according to plan. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
3. The limitations of the demonstration are explained. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
4. Recommendations to improve on the demonstration are made. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
Interpret scientific evidence to build up the concept or principle. 
OUTCOME RANGE 
This specific outcome has particular significance for concepts that cannot be investigated directly, for example Volcanic Eruption, where learners derive a concept from information. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
1. Appropriate scientific evidence related to the concept or principle is selected. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
2. The evidence is analysed. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
3. The evidence is interpreted to deduce concepts and principles. 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
Apply knowledge and skills in order to explain phenomena. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
1. Explanations of familiar phenomena are given using scientific concepts and principles. 
ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
Examples should be drawn from learner's world (work, home).
 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
2. Explanations of unfamiliar phenomena are given using scientific concepts and principles. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
3. Mathematical reasoning based on concepts and principles is used to solve problems where applicable. 

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
4. Problems are solved through the application of both theoretical knowledge and practical investigation. 



Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
Identify and solve problems by applying basic scientific concepts and principles. 

UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation and community to demonstrate scientific concepts and principles in explaining scientific phenomena. 

UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
Organise and manage oneself and one`s activities responsibly and effectively. 

UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information to explain a scientific. 

UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
Communicate effectively using basic scientific concepts and principles. 

REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
Life and Living: This theme deals with organisms and their interdependence and interactions within their respective environments, how life processes are sustained and how these processes are affected by human activity and other factors.

Matter and Materials: This theme deals with the nature of matter and its properties, both physical and chemical, their uses and their impact on the environment.

Covered within this theme are aspects such as the nature and properties of matter, the change in matter and materials, production of natural and synthetic materials, and properties and uses of materials.

Energy and Change: This theme deals with the concept of energy, which is fundamental to understanding both processes of change and life processes. It deals with the transfer of energy in both biological and physical systems and the resultant changes, including movement as change in those systems.

Planet Earth and Beyond: This theme deals with the planet earth from its core, through to its crust and into its upper atmosphere

It deals with physical features of the earth as well as processes that take place in and on the earth`s surface and it`s atmosphere. In addition, the theme deals with the position of the earth within the universe and covers the planet, moon and the stars in relationship to the earth. 

QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
  ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
Core  24153   General Education and Training Certificate: Adult Basic Education and Training  Level 1  NQF Level 01  Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 
2008-09-13  Was ETDP SETA until Last Date for Achievement 
Fundamental  22971   General Education and Training Certificate: Conservation  Level 1  NQF Level 01  Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 
2012-06-30  CATHSSETA 
Fundamental  49753   General Education and Training Certificate: General Technical Practice  Level 1  NQF Level 01  Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 
2023-06-30  EWSETA 
Fundamental  58267   General Education and Training Certificate: Mining and Minerals Processes  Level 1  NQF Level 01  Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 
2023-06-30  MQA 
Fundamental  23253   National Certificate (GETC): Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Activities  Level 1  NQF Level 01  Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 
2023-06-30  MERSETA 
Fundamental  14891   National Certificate: Agricultural Machinery Technician  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 
2007-10-18  Was AgriSETA until Last Date for Achievement 
Fundamental  49014   National Certificate: Rockbreaking: Underground Hard Rock  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 
2007-08-16  Was MQA until Last Date for Achievement 
Elective  71751   General Education and Training Certificate: Adult Basic Education and Training  Level 1  NQF Level 01  Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 
2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 
Elective  73249   General Education and Training Certificate: Adult Basic Education and Training: Academic Curriculum  Level 1  NQF Level 01  Reregistered  2028-06-30  UMALUSI 


PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
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. ADCORP TECHNICAL TRAINING (PTY) LTD 
2. ALLOYS HEAD OFFICE 
3. ASSMANG (PTY) LTD 
4. ASSMANG BEESHOEK MINE 
5. Aubrey Nyiko Business Enterprise cc 
6. BAFOKENG RASIMONE MANAGEMENT SERVICES PTY LTD 
7. BANA BA THARI MINING TRANING AND DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY 
8. BARBERTON MINES (PTY) LTD 
9. College of Cape Town - Athlone Campus 
10. CONCOR PROJECTS PTY LTD 
11. ERGO BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY NPC 
12. EXXARO COAL (PTY) LTD 
13. FALSE BAY TECHNICAL VOCATIONAL EDUCATION & TRAINING COLLEGE 
14. FINSCH DIAMOND MINE(PTY) LTD 
15. FOSKOR (PTY) LTD 
16. GLENCORE OPERATIONS SOUTH AFRICA PTY LTD 
17. HARMONY GOLD MINING CO LTD 
18. IMPALA PLATINUM SERVICES LTD 
19. KGWEBISWANO SUPPLIES & SERVICES 
20. KUMBA IRON ORE (SISHEN) 
21. Kumba Sishen HRD Centre 
22. Leronsa Trading Enterprise 
23. LYNAZY RESOURCES 
24. MARULA PLATINUM PTY LTD 
25. MATHOME TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT (PTY) LTD 
26. MINTEK 
27. MODIKWA MINING PERSONNEL SERVICES PTY L TD 
28. MURRAY & ROBERTS CEMENTATION (PTY)LTD 
29. NORTHAM PLATINUM LTD 
30. Northlink College 
31. NWK Beperk 
32. PALABORA COPPER (PTY) LTD 
33. People Upliftments t/a POPUP Upliftment 
34. PPC Ltd 
35. Professional Development and Training Institute (Pty) Ltd 
36. PROGRESSIVE TRAINING DEVELOPMENT AND PROJECTS (PTY) LTD 
37. RCL Foods-Sugar & Milling (MP) 
38. RICHARDS BAY MINING PTY LTD 
39. SENZEKO EXECUTIVE RISK CC 
40. SEOPOSENGOE TRAINING CONSULTANCY CC 
41. SIBANYE GOLD ACADEMY PROPRIETARY LIMITED 
42. SIBANYE RUSTENBURG PLATINUM MINES PTY LTD 
43. South Cape Public FET College - George Campus 
44. Tembe Service Providers 
45. THUNGELA OPERATIONS (PTY) LTD 
46. TWO RIVERS PLATINUM (PTY) LTD 
47. Ursivox Interactive Systems 
48. WESTERN CHROME MINES 



All qualifications and part qualifications 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.