Bachelor of Medical Science Honours

Purpose

The qualification is aimed at introducing learners to an academic or research career in a range of related streams in the biomedical sciences and medical physics, pharmacology and radiobiology.

Rationale

The Bachelor of Medical Science Honours degree provides the opportunity for further intensive study in a field of specialisation, such as Applied Anatomy, Bioinformatics, Biological Anthropology, Cell Biology, Human Genetics, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Medical Biochemistry, and Physiology. Pharmacology, Exercise Science and Radiobiology; and training in concepts and research methods to equip the learner with the skills necessary either for employment in a related field or for further study at Masters and Doctoral level in a related subject area.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Learners who have shown by examination or publication or a record of appropriate training that they have reached a level in the subject or a cognate subject of a Bachelor's Degree may apply.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Science, NQF Level 7.

Or

• Bachelor of Clinical Medical Practice, NQF Level 7.

Or

• Bachelor of Medical Science, NQF Level 7.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

• The research project, 30 Credits.
• Coursework, 90 Credits.

1. Demonstrate proficiency in specific contextual research methodologies and technology towards application in a problem-based setting.
2. Acquire science competence with specialist knowledge of selected research areas, computer literacy appropriate to university-level studies, research competence, which includes the ability to define a problem, to formulate a hypothesis; to describe ways to test the hypothesis; to design an experiment that will lead to meaningful results; and to conduct experiments, with reasonable technical competence in a range of techniques appropriate to the disciplines.
3. Recognise the importance of laboratory safety issues and will have the ability to work independently and produce meaningful results.
4. Interpret results at honours level study �and to discuss and integrate data with general scientific literature, as well as be able to present research results to scientific audiences at honours degree level, both orally and in a written dissertation.
5. Understand and be able to apply ethics of animal use in research, if this applies to the discipline concerned, and will understand laws of copyright protection.
6. Take responsibility within your limits of competence.
7. Demonstrate ability to work as a team and to show sensitivity to colleagues and tolerance in the workplace.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria will assess the Exit Level Outcomes in an integrated manner.

1. Critically evaluate scientific literature on specialist topics.
2. Communicate acquired specialist knowledge and insight both orally and in written form.
3. Critically evaluate scientific literature on specialist topics.
4. Access and utilise electronic information in the discipline concerned.
5. Design and conduct research utilising the methods of discipline.
6. Apply the theory and research methods of the discipline to the development of research questions.
7. Produce practical, theoretical and research communications that draw on a range of information bases.

Integrated Assessment

Integrated assessment is designed to collect evidence from the learner to demonstrate that the purpose(s) of the qualification as a whole has been achieved and that the exit level outcomes have been attained. It is often used to assess, at the exit point from a qualification, the integration and application of knowledge, skills (and values/attitudes) learnt from across all the component courses in a qualification. Inevitably, integrated assessment demands a variety of assessment methods such as portfolios, simulations, workplace assessment, written examinations, oral examinations. The combination of these methods provides evidence that the learner has achieved the applied competence at the exit point of a qualification that the qualification claims as its purpose. An integrated assessment of the competence of the learner occurs continually through the course of the Honours qualification. Each module is examinable and the final assessment will be aimed at determining whether the learner has achieved the requisite level of knowledge required at this level, as well as the ability to critically review current literature in selected fields, to apply skills to practical problems towards carrying out a research project, to report on such a project and to present a comprehensive overview of a research project in the form of a written paper and as a platform presentation. Assessment methods will include formal examination, review of essays and oral presentations or other written assignments where appropriate, and a review of a mini-dissertation on the laboratory research module. Integrated assessment will take into account elements of scientific literacy, numeric and computer literacy relevant to the study area. Module examination of a two-hour examination. Two literature reviews (essays) on current topics relevant to the module. Submission of a mini dissertation, e.g. covering the laboratory project, written as a scientific paper, a week before the final examination. An oral examination that will involve questions on the theoretical and practical aspects of the Honours qualification; conducted by three examiners, one of whom is external to the university. The overall pass mark is 50%.

Research that involves human participants or animal use for research or teaching must undergo ethics review, according to faculty-specific guidelines. Review generally entails prior approval of a research proposal by a Research Ethics or Animal Ethics Committee. In cases where prior approval is not appropriate, the research proposal should be subjected to appropriate deliberative procedures, according to faculty-specific guidelines. Research papers or dissertations that involve human participants or animal use may not be submitted for examination if they have not undergone any ethics review process.

The University has a system of external peer review and evaluation of each course. One of the aspects of the system is an evaluation of the standards and assessment practices of the department. The academic staff of the University will be used in a manner which is consistent with the quality assurance system of the University.