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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Science in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
111170  Master of Science in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology 
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
Master's Degree  Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences  Information Technology and Computer Sciences 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  180  Not Applicable  NQF Level 09  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2019-08-16  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

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 
Purpose:
The Master of Science in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology is composed of a research project in Bioinformatics. The research project represents novel research that contributes to the advancement of the field of bioinformatics. The research will contribute to the following outcomes:
  • Scope of knowledge.

    Preparation for the research and the undertaking of the research will put the learner in continual contact with the relevant literature and academic discussions on the research topic. This will enable the learner to assess similar research, and engage in scholarship in the specialised field:
  • Knowledge literacy.

    Performing the research project will train the learner in the methodology of research in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology.
  • Method and procedures.
    The learner will be trained to identify and apply the most appropriate methods to the research question in order to achieve the aim of the bioinformatics research.
  • Problem solving.
    The learner will continually be confronted with intellectual questions and problems and will be trained to use gained knowledge to identify the best approach to generate a solution to a bioinformatics problem.
  • Ethics and professional practice.
    It will be expected of the learner to be conversant in the ethics and professional conduct of scientific enquiry.
  • Accessing, processing and managing information.
    As part of the research, the learner will have to perform a review of the literature that is directly relevant to the research question. This will require the learner to demonstrate a skill to find, access, retrieve and systematically store published information and the associated references to such bioinformatics studies. The learner will also need to demonstrate the systematic organisation and storage of information generated by the research and a system that can retrieve appropriate sections of the information for analysis.
  • Producing and communicating information.
    The learner will need to prepare a thesis to communicate the results of the research project. Although not forming part of the summative assessment of the learner, it will be expected of the learner to present progress talks, and a seminar on the literature review. These activities will require the learner to demonstrate effective communication skills in specialist bioinformatics topics.
  • Context and systems.
    The learner will receive training in intervention of systems, and in dealing with the results of such interventions.
  • Management of learning.
    The learner will be guided in the development of a scholastic attitude and continued learning.
  • Accountability.
    The learner will be expected to take ownership and responsibility for his/her work.

    Rationale:
    The qualification is inter-disciplinary, reflecting the inter-disciplinary nature of bioinformatics. It will allow learners with backgrounds in Bioinformatics, Biochemistry, Genetics, Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science and related disciplines to enter into Bioinformatics. At present, learners are required to master aspects related to Computer Science or to Biochemistry or to Genetics, without integration across these disciplines. The interest in an inter-disciplinary approach to the analysis of large experimental datasets in Biology justifies the need for the proposed qualification. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The Institution endorses the Regulation for the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Accumulation and Transfer (CAT). Learners may apply to be accepted to the M.Sc. program in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology by the RPL or CAT route. The application will be considered according to the RPL policy and procedures and may assess non-formal or informal learning against the knowledge required to successfully complete the requirements of the M.Sc. Degree. A recommendation will be communicated to the learner.

    Entry Requirements.
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Level 8. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of a compulsory module at Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

    Compulsory Module:
  • Research project and thesis, 180 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate specialist knowledge to choose an appropriate process of enquiry for the area of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology.
    2. Use a wide range of specialised skills in identifying, conceptualising, designing and implementing methods of enquiry to address complex and challenging problems within the field of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology and understand the consequences of any solutions or insights generated within a specialised context.
    3. Use the resources of academic and professional or occupational discourses to communicate and defend substantial ideas that are the products of research development in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Identify relevant areas and integrate into own work as appropriate.
  • Take responsibility for progression of own research through independent selection and application of new methods to address the selected problem.
  • Discuss literature critically and academically and engage with fellow learners and academics at presentations and discussions.
  • Effectively use multiple sources of information.
  • Review data critically.
  • Apply learning strategies and take responsibility for work.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Apply bioinformatics skills to solve challenging bioinformatics problems.
  • Identify any negative and positive consequences arising from the application.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Effectively use multiple sources of information.
  • Review data critically.
  • Apply learning strategies and take responsibility for work.
  • Use a range of advanced and specialised skills and discourses appropriate to the discipline to communicate with a range of audiences with different levels of knowledge or expertise.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The qualification is assessed by examination of a submitted thesis, i.e. summative assessment. There are no formative assessment modules.

    The examination of the thesis is performed by one unattached, internal (academic associated with the Center for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, but not the supervisor) and one external examiner and with whom there has been no collaborative project undertaken in the 5-year period preceding the examination. The nominated examiners must be approved.

    The internal and external examiners will read the thesis, and prepare a report. The report will be a critical assessment of the thesis and will typically include an assessment of the scientific merit of the work as specified. The examiners will indicate whether the thesis should be accepted as is, accepted with minor or major (typically additional research) modifications, or rejected. If there is a significant difference in the assessment by the two examiners (for instance accept and reject), the the assessment of a third examiner may be requested.

    After the examination reports of the examiners have been received the learner must present a seminar on the contents of the thesis. The learner may be asked to discuss issues raised in the reports of the examiners during general discussions directly after the presentation. External examiners who cannot attend the seminar may submit questions with acceptable answers that must be asked during the discussion. These questions will be asked by the internal examiners or designated questioner. External examiners may participate via video technology. The seminar must be of an academic quality and represents an oral examination. If the seminar is not of an acceptable quality, the learner may be asked to do another presentation. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The University of Manchester also presents a Master of Science in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology over a 1-year period and the minimum entrance requirements is an Honours degree which is similar to this qualification. The qualification has compulsory modules of 60 credits and two research projects of 60 credits each making this a 180-Credit qualification. This qualification has no theoretical modules and only one project. The qualification is an integration of the Biological-, Medical-, Physical- and Computer Science fields as is this MSc qualification.

    The University of Edinburgh offers a MSc in Bioinformatics over one year. The qualification includes a dissertation of 60 credits and elective modules of 60 Credits. The credit load of this qualification is less than the Master of Science in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology and the credit value of the research project is three times less. The research project is done at a selection of two schools and nine Institutes under the supervision of a researcher in the field.

    The Oxford University has a MSc in Computer Science with Bioinformatics and Computational Biology as a second qualifier.

    University College Cork, Ireland offers a MSc in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology that runs over one year when done full time. Students enrolled for the course do a three- month research project at the Institute or at an external university or research institute and 12 theoretical modules. The qualification has a modular structure and despite the research projects are most of the credits assigned to the modules. This qualification also integrates Microbiology Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Biochemistry, Cell Biology and Computer Science.

    ETH Zurich offers a MSc in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology in association with the University of Basel and the University of Zurich. Enrolled learners must attend lectures in Biology, Computer Science and Mathematics to gain relevant practical experience in various research projects. This qualification enables learners to be creative and efficient problem solvers in computational biology and bioinformatics which equip them with advanced methodological and conceptual knowledge, similar to the Master of Science in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology.

    The Technical University of Denmark has a qualification where the disciplines of molecular biology, genetics, computer science, mathematics and statistics are integrated. The qualification has 120 Credits that are divided into four categories namely General Competencies, Technological Specialisation, Electives and the thesis. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Science in Biostatistics, Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Science and Technology Studies, Level 10.
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Level 10. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    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 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.