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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Diploma in Freshwater Technology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
97433  Diploma in Freshwater Technology 
ORIGINATOR
University of Venda 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Diploma (Min 360)  Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences  Life Sciences 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Not Applicable  NQF Level 06  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2033-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

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.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of the qualification is to provide technical staff with a practical working knowledge of biological assessment of freshwater resources. The curriculum is designed to address this outcome with the use of different indicators in the freshwater technology assessment.

Freshwater Technology research qualification focuses on developing new technologies for scientific exploration, observation, monitoring, sampling, and forecasting, as well as for conservation, food production, and water treatment. Freshwater technology in relation to the aquaculture systems is used to reduce environmental impacts that may affect the quality of freshwater technology assessment. The School of Freshwater Sciences (SFS) developed the freshwater technology which is integral to exploring the unknown and finding solutions to the world's freshwater problems. Freshwater technology research draws upon engineering, computer science, and other related disciplines.

The qualification will enable a learner to apply bio monitoring, with the use of use of indicators such as invertebrates (SASS and MIRAI), fish (FAII and FRAI), plants (VEGRAI), the geomorphology (Geomorphology index), diatoms (DAI) and algae (NEMP), in order to assess the quality of freshwater.

Upon qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Design effective monitoring programmes for freshwater technologist to use that meet the industry conditions.
  • Understand the technical skills that are necessary for a freshwater biologist when executing information.
  • Understand the various aspects of science that are applicable to freshwater biology.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the water industry and its related industries in order for technicians to function productively.
  • Understand the requirements needed by a freshwater technician in order to function efficiently at an industry level, including work ethics and personal values that associated with a working environment.

    Rationale:
    A review of the current situation in South Africa clearly points out that water, and pertinently water resource management, is increasing in importance. The provision of potable water is of outmost importance to government to enable them to fulfil their mandate. To reach this mandate, water resources have to be managed at the catchment level. Learners have shown that integrated catchment management, at the scale at which government intends only becomes affordable if water quality assessment is done with the use of biological methods. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    This Qualification can be achieved wholly or in part through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and the Qualification may be granted to learners who have acquired the skills and knowledge without attending formal education, providing they can demonstrate knowledge and skills that meet the assessment criteria as stipulated in the qualification and its exit level outcomes.

    An RPL process can also be used to credit learners with modules of the qualification wherein learners can show that they have developed the necessary competence as a result of workplace or experiential learning. RPL may be relevant for applicants who are not in possession of an National Senior Certificate or equivalent qualification, to gain access to the qualification. Learners submitting themselves for RPL should be thoroughly briefed prior to the assessment process, and will be required to submit a Portfolio of Evidence in the prescribed format to be assessed for formal recognition. While this is primarily an occupationally based qualification, evidence from other areas may be considered if pertinent to the exit level outcomes of the qualification.

    Entry Requirements:
    The admission requirements for this qualification are as follows:
  • Senior Certificate (SC) with endorsement.
    Or
  • National Senior Certificate (NSC) passed with diploma studies.
    Or
  • National Certificate Vocational (NCV) at NQF Level 4. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualification consists of compulsory modules at NQF Levels 5, 6 and 7, totalling 360 Credits.

    Modules at NQF Level 5, 112 Credits:
  • Diversity of Life, 16 Credits.
  • Cell Biology, 16 Credits.
  • Ecology, Adaptation and Evolution, 16 Credits.
  • The physico-chemical aspects of water, 16 Credits.
  • Hydrology, 8 Credits.
  • An introduction into research methodology and project planning, 20 Credits.
  • Introductory biometry, 16 Credits.
  • Computer literacy, 4 Credits.

    Modules at NQF Level 6, 120 Credits:
  • Basic Limnology, 20 Credits.
  • Freshwater Biology, 20 Credits.
  • Collection and identification I, 30 Credits.
  • Collection and identification II, 30 Credits.
  • Identification of freshwater organisms, 20 Credits.

    Modules at NQF Level 7, 128 Credits:
  • Sampling technology, 20 Credits.
  • Introduction to water resource management, 20 Credits.
  • Biomonitoring technology, 20 Credits.
  • Water sampling, 34 Credits.
  • Biomonitoring, 34 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Design effective monitoring programmes for freshwater technologist to use that meet the industry conditions.
    2. Understand the technical skills that are necessary for a freshwater biologist when executing information.
    3. Understand the various aspects of science that are applicable to freshwater biology.
    4. Demonstrate knowledge of the water industry and its related industries in order for technicians to function productively.
    5. Understand the requirements needed by a freshwater technician in order to function efficiently at an industry level, including work ethics and personal values that are associated with a working environment. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Sampling process is used according to the design process.
  • The employer's brief is used and the problem definition is interpreted and prepared.
  • Research is effectively done on freshwater technology designs.
  • Competence in the conceptualising and development of a research hypothesis within the context of the employers' needs (problem definition) is demonstrated.
  • The scientific approach in solving freshwater problems is identified and defined.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Relevant software is used efficiently to produce full reports.
  • A thorough knowledge of sampling approaches and assumptions of methods in order to prepare a report is possessed and used.
  • Conceptualisation and effective practical application of theoretical knowledge to solve problems and produce effective visual communication is applied.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Statistics is used effectively when calculating probability and the results are effectively used when evaluating the findings.
  • Scientific information regarding knowledge and understanding of freshwater biology is communicated.
  • Knowledge of trends, philosophy and the critical issues pertaining to social and cultural impacts on freshwater aquatic ecosystems is explained.
  • Reports, results and projects are competently evaluated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • A thorough knowledge of how the water and its related industries are structured is explained.
  • Knowledge of ecosystem management is integrated in the conservation of freshwater.
  • Health and safety considerations as well as environmental implications are incorporated into their sampling protocols designs.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Time-management, self-management and collaboration in teams are demonstrated.
  • A project is managed from concept to successful completion including site supervision.
  • Technicians and personnel relevant to the industry on all levels are confidently collaborated in an ethical manner.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Two forms of assessment will be conducted during the offering of this qualification, namely; formative and summative. Formative assessment will be conducted using tutorials, assignments, seminars, tests, practical performance. The summative assessment will entail written and practical examinations, long essays, and portfolio of works as detailed in the various modules. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Comparability studies were conducted on similar international qualifications to enhance quality and international standing of this qualification. It has proven to compare very well with similar qualifications offered in other countries.

    It has become vital to ensure high quality management of water as a natural resource and concerns has been raised global about water conservation.

    The Institute for Infrastructure and Environment at Heriot-Watt University in the United Kingdom offers a Water and Environmental Management Diploma. The qualification is primarily designed for learners in engineering, earth and environmental sciences or other related disciplines looking to extend their technical expertise, gain further learning to meet their desire for professional development or to advance their employment opportunities. The aim of the qualification is to provide a multi-disciplinary understanding of water resources and environmental issues through the development of knowledge and skills necessary for the planning and management of these resources to meet the needs of society and the environment within the context of climate change.

    Ngee Ann Polytechnic in Australia offers a Diploma in Environmental and Water Technology this diploma equips learners with a firm grounding in the key areas of water technology, waste management and resource conservation, as well as pollution monitoring and control. The qualification introduces learners to basic concepts of environmental science, engineering and technology with modules such as noise monitoring and control, computer aided design and hydraulics.

    During the first year, learners are introduced to basic concepts of environmental science, engineering and technology with modules such as noise monitoring and control, computer aided design and hydraulics. In the second and third year of study, learners move on to in-depth modules in various aspects of environmental engineering and water technology such as air and water quality monitoring & control.

    Learners then apply the concepts learnt earlier in the final year to work on an environmental innovation and research project and go on a four-month internship. Learners may opt for hands-on learning opportunities at our Centre of Innovation in Environmental and Water Technology (COI-EWT) and work alongside research engineers and scientists on industry-based projects.

    Conclusion:
    The results of the comparability studies conducted reveal that this qualification is comparable with those from other countries. Both these qualifications seek to equip learners with the knowledge and skills to be able to manage and monitor freshwater using equipment available in doing so. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification articulates vertically and horizontally as follows:
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • National Diploma in Water Care, at NQF Level 6.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Science in Hydrology and Water Resources Management, at NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Science in Environment and Water Science, NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    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. University of Venda 


    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.