Master of Science in Botany

Programme Objective

Entry Requirements

The purpose of this qualification is to provide MSc graduates: • with specialized research knowledge, skills and applied competence in the field of botany or plant sciences that will assist them to further develop to be recognized natural scientists and as part of a vocational training for professional scientists in South Africa and abroad. • in the field of natural sciences that will ensure that the local leadership base of innovative and knowledge based economic and scholarly activity in the Eastern Cape region is widened. • with a clear and continuously growing understanding of the methods and progress in the natural sciences prior to acquiring specific postgraduate teaching qualifications who will be competent natural resources managers ready to network and forge partnerships with various people and organizations or departments such as Environmental Affairs, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Conservation South Africa, The National biodiversity and utilization of plants for drug discovery. Others will join the education sector and make a significant contribution in increasing awareness about the value and management of natural resources at various scales • apply the skills acquired from the Honours programme to analyse and address problems and contribute to sustainable development through research.

Entry is by selection. A Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Botany, Geography, Zoology or equivalent qualification and an average pass mark of 60% is required. Students who do not meet this requirement but interested will have to undergo a departmental assessment to establish their potential to undertake the programme. Evidence of prior learning will be assessed through the formal RPL processes. Candidates will be required to submit a Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) in the prescribed format. While the courses to be assessed are primarily university-based, in addition to bachelor’s or diploma qualification evidence from other areas of learning may be introduced if pertinent to any of the Exit Level Outcomes (ELOs) as stipulated in section 1.7 The RPL Screening Process of the WSU General Prospectus. Note: Each case will be evaluated on its own merit by the HoD in consultation with the relevant Lecturers