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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Science Honours in Molecular Biology and Human Genetics 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
124245  Bachelor of Science Honours in Molecular Biology and Human Genetics 
ORIGINATOR
Stellenbosch University 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   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
Registered  EXCO 0832/25  2025-06-03  2028-06-03 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2029-06-03   2032-06-03  

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 replaces: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
116095  Bachelor of Science Honours in Molecular Biology  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  120  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of the Bachelor of Science Honours in Molecular Biology and Human Genetics is to equip learners with both a theoretical and practical background in the basic concepts of molecular biology and human genetics. The qualification consists of lecture attendance, participation in discussion of academic journals, writing a literature review, participation in a six-month research project, a research report, a research presentation, and written mid-year and end-of-year examinations.

The qualification will produce scientists who have the knowledge, understanding and proficiencies required to contribute to the field of Human Molecular Biology. The qualification will also produce learners who can independently perform scientific research and have the key skills for understanding research, at both professional and Postgraduate level, to enhance the role of Human Molecular Biology in patient care.

Rationale:
South Africa is currently experiencing a shortage of scientists trained in Molecular Biology. There is a need to provide basic postgraduate training in the use of molecular biology in humans for further postgraduate research or the application of human molecular diagnostics. The qualification will therefore address the country's need for a highly skilled scientific workforce of the highest calibre who can apply their skills to the tasks of answering some of the questions and meeting some of the pertinent needs in the health sector for the benefit of all communities. Indirectly, this impacts people's dignity, as it empowers them through knowledge and improved treatment.

The qualification will broaden and deepen scientific knowledge and skills, with reference to high-burden diseases, especially Tuberculosis (TB) in local South African and African communities, thereby adding to the pool of academics and professionals with the competence and critical intellectual abilities to ensure the future health and advancement of the chosen field or profession.

The potential stakeholders are commercial pathology laboratories, private research laboratories, drug companies involved in research and development, academic research institutions performing molecular biology-based research in humans, as well as companies that supply reagents and equipment targeted to human molecular biology. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
All applicants who wish to enrol for degree purposes must adhere to the admission requirements. Applicants who wish to enrol for non-degree purposes will be reviewed based on prior learning and availability, and admission will only be to specific modules.

Although RPL (both for access and exemption) and Credit Accumulation and Transfer (CAT) are acknowledged processes and procedures that are outlined in both institutional and faculty-specific policies and procedures, it is expected that it would be extremely difficult to consider RPL for access to this qualification. Workplace experience will not necessarily ensure the in-depth theoretical underpinning required for a qualification of this scientific nature.

Applicants who completed a Diploma (NQF 6) will not have the knowledge and skills at the level required for this Honours programme. The only preceding qualification that could be considered, apart from a Bachelor's or Professional Bachelor's degree in a field of molecular biology, medicine or human genetics, could be an Advanced Diploma in Biotechnology, Molecular Biology or Human Genetics with relevant workplace experience (of at least 1 year). Learners considering access via RPL will be required to apply for RPL evaluation as per the faculty procedures below.

The institution's RPL and CAT Regulations and procedures are outlined in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences RPL and CAT Guidelines.

RPL for access:
  • Granting access to undergraduate learners who do not meet the statutory requirements regarding admission to bachelor's degree studies is accomplished by means of the route of the Discretionary Powers of Senate, which entails that the relevant dean submits a proposal to the Vice-Rector (Learning and Teaching) for recommendation to the Matriculation Board. The statutory requirements determined by the DHET entail:
  • Applications for admission to postgraduate programmes, the normal admission requirements may be waived based on prior learning, subject to the approval of the relevant faculty board. The approval must be recorded in the faculty board's communications to the Senate.
  • Normally, not more than 10% of a cohort of learners in a programme should be admitted through an RPL process, unless exceeding this limit was approved by the Higher Education Quality Committee (HEQC) as part of the programme's accreditation processes

    RPL for exemption from modules:
  • RPL for exemption is applied on a limited scale at postgraduate level in cases where applicants request that formal, informal, and/or non-formal learning is recognised in place of modules of a structured postgraduate FMHS programme.
  • Applicant may only be granted RPL for exemption and/or Credit Accumulation and Transfer (CAT) for a maximum of 50% of the credits of a programme, and a maximum of 50% of the credits of a completed qualification may be transferred to another qualification.
  • Faculties may impose further restrictions on the number of credits that may be exempted in years of specific academic programmes.

    RPL for credits:
  • In the case of application for CAT (formal learning), the applicant's full study record must be included and must reflect the marks/results attained for the module(s) for which the applicant seeks recognition.
  • For RPL for exemption (recognition of informal or non-formal learning), a full motivation should be submitted to the programme committee with the relevant supporting documents or evidence of competency.
    RPL for exemption and/or CAT will be accorded per module. Modules will be recognised where the curriculum, outcomes, credits and NQF level of the relevant module broadly match those of the required module in the programme for which the applicant wishes to enrol.
  • Recognition will also be accorded to modules where the content included additional work that exceeds the requirements of the envisaged programme, but not less than what the envisaged programme requires.
  • Applicant may only be granted RPL for credits for a maximum of 50% of the credits of a qualification, and a maximum of 50% of the credits of a completed qualification may be transferred to another qualification.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Science: Biochemistry, Chemistry and Microbiology, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Science in Human Life Sciences, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Science in Genetics, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Science in Microbiology, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8, totalling 120 credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 120 Credits:
  • Molecular Biology and Human Genetics Theory, 45 Credits.
  • Molecular Biology and Human Genetics Research Project, 75 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate confident and systematic knowledge of the theoretical aspects of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics.
    2. Manage, evaluate information and communicate knowledge and research findings to others orally and in writing.
    3. Use scientific methods, practical skills and a wide range of scientific apparatus available to perform sound biomedical research.
    4. Work independently on prescribed tasks which require responsible application to use the medical and scientific literature and scientific databases on the World Wide Web to continually and independently broaden and deepen the theoretical and practical knowledge.
    5. Apply biotechnology to the advancement of community healthcare by working cooperatively in a research team or group to complete a research project in molecular biology and human genetics. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Accurately make judgements on differentiation in theoretical considerations of molecular biology and human genetics
  • Describe the principles and concepts in the field of molecular biology and human genetics in depth, utilising applicable theory and research.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Conduct scientific exercises in the field of molecular biology and human genetics
  • Provide written material that outlines the planned procedures.
  • Accurately and correctly design, plan and apply technology in the laboratory for the purpose of molecular biology and human genetics experiments or tests.
  • Interpret experimental results conducted accurately.
  • Prepare comprehensive scientific reports on completed experiments or procedures related to molecular biology and human genetics.
  • Demonstrate awareness of safe laboratory practice.
  • Identify and solve problems in the field of molecular biology and human genetics.
  • Analyse community needs related to research, laboratory practice and theory related to molecular biology and human genetics.
  • Comfortably communicate laboratory results, reports and findings to a wide audience, irrespective of their medical background.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Carry out comprehensive literature searches in the field of molecular biology and human genetics.
  • Identify and write a short research proposal on a research question related to biomedical research in molecular biology and human genetics.
  • Accurately identify and comprehensively describe the procedures to be followed to address the research problem
  • Conduct accurate and comprehensive laboratory research related to a research question in molecular biology and human genetics
  • Accurately interpret experimental and/or laboratory results
  • Present research findings in written and oral form.
  • Prepare a written submission in the form of a thorough and accurate research report.
  • All written submissions must be void of unnecessary editorial errors and must be supported by relevant theory and research.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Master the principles and concepts in the field of molecular biology and human genetics.
  • Develop and prepare materials and conduct scientific exercises in the field of molecular biology and human genetics.
  • Design, plan and apply technology in the laboratory.
  • Interpret experimental results.
  • Prepare scientific reports.
  • Carry out literature searches in the field of molecular biology and human genetics.
  • Present findings in written and oral form.
  • Demonstrate awareness of safe laboratory practice.
  • Identify and solve problems in the field of molecular biology and human genetics.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Attend divisional research meetings and research group meetings.
  • Host "teach-back sessions" on the optional advanced sub-modules, namely Human Genetics, Immunology, Mycobacteriology and Data Science, to give an overview of the content of these modules to each other.
  • Collaborate with peers from the Division of Clinical Anatomy via the "Features of Science" module and participate in group work and a group presentation to the department.

    INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT
    All assessments will be conducted in line with the institution's Assessment Policy. Assessments will be utilised for both formative and summative purposes.

    Formative assessment:
    Formative assessment will occur regularly via utilising learning technologies or during synchronous interactions and will be followed by constructive feedback from lecturers and, where applicable, peers.

    Care will be taken for constructive alignment within each of the modules (micro level) and the programme (macro level), to align the assessment opportunities with the outcomes. Throughout each of the module's formative assessment opportunities, such as project presentations, teach-back sessions and submitting a grant proposal, will be used to test learners' understanding and encourage peer learning.

    Learners will often be required to work in groups so that they can benefit from each other's knowledge and experiences. The final presentation of the research project will be evaluated by their supervisors and guest academic staff on the programme

    Summative assessment:
    The summative assessment opportunities will incorporate a flexible assessment approach, with assessments staggered throughout each module to enhance learning. The assessment methods will include written examinations, a written review article, a written research report and an oral presentation of the research procedures and findings. The assessment plan for each module varies and is clearly communicated with all registered learners at the onset of each module.

    For the research assignment, each student will be allocated a supervisor to support him/her during the entire research process. As the modules included in the programme are all at the exit level of the programme, internal and external moderation will occur for the assessments in all the modules, according to the Regulations for Internal and External Moderation.

    The learners will be required to fulfil the following criteria:
  • Obtained at least 50% for the assignments for each module during the year
  • Regular meetings with the research supervisor for the research project, to ensure that the student is supported throughout the research process, and feedback is understood and discussed thoroughly to enable the student to use feedback to improve his/her future submissions.

    The assessment plan consists of the following:
    For the theory module:
  • Two written examinations.
  • At least one review article.

    For the research project:
  • A research report identifying the research question, describing the research procedures to be followed and discussing the findings/conclusions.
  • Presentation of the research findings. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification is comparable to the following international qualifications:

    Country: United Kingdom
    Institution: University of West London
    Qualification Title: Bachelor of Science (Hons) Human Genetics with foundation year
    Duration: Three years full-time or four years with foundation
    Entry Requirements:
  • A Levels at grade B, B and C, or above
  • BTEC Extended Diploma with Distinction, Merit, Merit
  • Access to HE Diploma
  • International Baccalaureate
  • T Levels

    Purpose/Rationale:
    Human genetics is central to health, medicine, and pharmacology, and this BSc (Honours) Human Genetics degree is designed to provide learners with a comprehensive grounding in this ever-evolving subject.

    Recent advances in biology have led to a better understanding of how genetic variations affect genome function, influence traits, which, in turn, has led to increased job opportunities for graduates with skills in human genetics.

    The qualification will introduce learners to the study of molecular biology and explore the fundamentals of:
  • evolution and its impact on genetic differences
  • medical microbiology
  • biochemistry
  • genetics of diseases.

    Throughout the qualification, learners will acquire the knowledge, skills and behaviours to excel in research, industry and academia. Learners who select the placement year will help develop employability skills and enhance professional development and career prospects. The module requires undertaking 45 weeks of full-time employment relevant to Biomedical Sciences. The industrial placement year aims to enhance your employment prospects by developing industry-related skills in a real work environment. It also aims to enhance and develop your personal and interpersonal skills, knowledge and practical abilities through an individually negotiated portfolio of activities.

    Structure:
    Compulsory Modules:
  • Final Year Research Project
  • Genetics and Disease
  • Genome Biology
  • Proteins and Enzymes
  • Genetics, Genomics and Bioinformatics: Practical Methods
  • Chromosomal and Genomic Basis of Disease

    Elective Modules:
  • Bioinformatics Basis for Systems Biology
  • Cell Metabolism
  • Computational Statistics for Biologists
  • Developmental Biology
  • Human Anatomy and Physiology

    Similarities:
  • The modules for the University of West London (UWL) and the South African (SA) qualifications are comparable, such as the background to the fundamental principles of molecular biology, an introduction to bioinformatics, as well as a significant focus on the application of molecular biology and genetics knowledge.
  • Both qualifications include research projects in Molecular Biology and Human Genetics.
  • The UWL and SA qualifications are assessed through written examinations and coursework (practical reports, field course reports, essays, problem sheets, online exercises and tests).

    Differences:
  • The UWL qualification is offered over three years full-time or four years with a foundation year, whereas the SA qualification is offered over one year full-time.
  • The SA qualification requires applicants who have completed a bachelor's degree in a cognate field, while the UWL qualification requires applicants who have completed the high school qualifications or equivalent.
  • The UWL qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules, whereas the SA qualification consists of compulsory modules and no elective modules
  • Although the SA qualification is comparable to the UWL, the SA qualification is distinctive in that it offers training in Basic Laboratory Practice, Molecular Biology (genomes, chromosomes and gene expression; methods in functional studies), Immunology (innate and adaptive immune systems and their roles in pathology; development of diagnostic tests), Biostatistics and Study Design (applied statistics and data management) and Bioinformatics (computational processing and analysis of genetic and proteomic data). This is followed by the selection of the following advanced sub-modules, namely Human Genetics, Immunology, Mycobacteriology and Data Science. It also allows for interaction with BSc Hons learners from Clinical Anatomy and Physiology in the faculty via the "Features of Science" module.

    Country: United States of America
    Institution: George Washington University
    Qualification Title: Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences (BSHS) in Medical Genetics and Molecular
    Credits: 120 US Credit hours
    Duration: 24 Months (Hybrid or 100% Online)
  • Associate degree.
  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 and science GPA of 2.5. (For GAA applicants, a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 and a science GPA of 2.5 are required)

    Purpose:
    The BSHS in Medical Genetics and Molecular Biology is a robust molecular biology degree for undergrads who recognise the impact and opportunity that genetic testing methods and molecular diagnostic techniques have in the future of health care solutions. This molecular biology degree provides theoretical knowledge and practical skills for positions in diagnostic clinical laboratories, public health laboratories, biotechnology companies, government and law enforcement agencies, and research institutes.

    Program Outcomes:
    Upon successful completion of the qualification, learners will be able to:
  • Explain the methods of collection, transport and handling of various specimen types for molecular and genetic analysis.
  • Apply molecular and genetic testing for laboratory utilisation and clinical decisions for patient/client outcomes.
  • Implement preventive and corrective maintenance programs for equipment and assays, as well as troubleshoot and evaluate appropriate actions for problem resolution.
  • Apply knowledge of molecular and genetic theory and principles as they relate to human disease diagnosis and clinical genetics.
  • Analyse molecular and genetic data and patient results to determine test validity and quality using advanced genetic testing methods.
  • Apply ethical decision making to issues related to molecular and genetic laboratory practice, including molecular diagnostic techniques and clinical genomics.

    Structure:
    Compulsory Modules:
  • Independent Research in Biomedical Laboratory Science
  • Medical genetics and molecular biology Capstone
  • Medical genetics and molecular biology Practicum
  • Molecular Biology
  • Molecular Techniques
  • Human Genetics

    Similarities:
  • The George Washington University (GWU) and the South African (SA) qualifications accept applicants who have completed an undergraduate qualification in a cognate field.
  • The GWU and SA qualifications have 120 credits.
  • Both qualifications consist of similar modules.
  • Both qualifications share a similar purpose and learning outcomes.
  • The GWU and SA qualifications articulate vertically into a master's degree in the related field.

    Difference:
    The GWU qualification consists of work-integrated learning (WIL), whereas the SA qualification does not include WIL. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Biochemistry, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Genetics, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Human Cell Biology, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Microbiology, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Medical Science Honours in Medical Microbiology, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Medical Science Honours in Human Molecular Biology, NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Science in Biochemistry, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Science in Biology, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Science in Medical Microbiology, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Medicine in Medical Microbiology, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Science in Medical Biochemistry, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Medicine in Medical Genetics, NQF Level 9.

    Diagonal Articulation
    There is no diagonal articulation for this qualification. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced 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.
     
    NONE 


    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.