Bachelor of Medical Science Honours in Medical Microbiology

Purpose

Learners will apply educational knowledge, skills, principles and methods to support research in the medical environment, having the necessary knowledge, skills and critical thinking to pursue their profession as scientists in the field of Medical Microbiology.

Upon successful completion of the Bachelor of Science honours in Medical Microbiology, learners will be able to

• Display knowledge and understanding of the basic principles of Medical Microbiology.
• Understand molecular tests such as Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Molecular line probe assays.
• Have a sound understanding of instrumentation and principles of laboratory techniques.
• Design and execute a research project in the medical sciences under supervision.

Rationale

The Bachelor of Science Honours in Medical Microbiology is designed to provide advanced sound knowledge in medical Microbiology to pursue further training of Master in Medical Microbiology. The qualification will allow the learners to improve their existing learning skills and knowledge, to develop new interests, as well as to improve their prospects for employment.

Learning will be through theoretical and supervised practical experience, with both formative and summative assessments conducted periodically to assess progress and quality of learning achieved in key areas as determined by the curriculum.

The learner will become an intern researcher employable for further training by laboratory service institutions both in public and private sectors such as the National Health Laboratory Services (NHLS) and the Private Medical Laboratories. They will also be employable by academic centres and by research institutions to provide training and to support research in the biomedical field, more specifically in Medical Microbiology.

The qualification focuses on training scientists in the field of Medical Microbiology to alleviate the shortage of researchers in the field, particularly in the disadvantaged areas of the country.

The qualification will contribute to increasing the pool of professionals with the critical intellectual abilities to ensure the future development of Medical Microbiology and to make provision for the country's need for a skilled workforce of the highest calibre and to ensure that the country stays competitive in an era of growing global competition.

The employment of learners with this qualification, at the various institutions mentioned, will contribute to boost the standard of primary health care delivery as well as to strengthen and develop the body of applied research and knowledge generated in the country.

The learners will be able to teach/train other health professionals at a lower level, including laboratory technicians who are currently in laboratory services in rural areas. This will lead to the development of the research capacity in the field. It will also contribute to improving the services for the people in the rural areas who do not have easy access to tertiary or even secondary health services.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL will be offered for learners with previous exposure to Microbiology Laboratory Methods such as those articulating from the field of Medical Technology.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is guided by the institutional policy and is aligned with the objectives of the NQF. Entry into the qualification is possible via RPL as well as indicating advanced standing, provided that it is aligned to the institutional policy and that the learner is evaluated by a qualified RPL assessor in a manner that is free from any form of discrimination. RPL practices also include standard Credit Accumulation and Transfer (CAT) practices of equivalent modules that may have been achieved in the course of the learner's studies.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Science in Medical Sciences, NQF Level 7.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8 totalling 124 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 124 Credits

• Advanced Medical Microbiology, 32 Credits.
• Molecular Microbiology, 16 Credits.
• Readings/Discussions in Molecular Microbiology, 16 Credits.
• Research Project (compulsory), 60 Credits.

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the theories and methods of Medical Microbiology.
2. Critically review information gathering, synthesis and evaluation of data in the context of Medical Microbiology.
3. Identify and address ethical issues arising from the research in Medical Microbiology.
4. Interrogate multiple sources of knowledge in an area of specialisation and to evaluate knowledge and processes of knowledge production.
5. Write a research report following the implementation of an approved proposal.

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

• Apply basic Medical Microbiology knowledge in situational problem-solving.
• Understand microbiology technology effectively.
• Select a Research Theme and produce a sound literature review.
• Complete a research proposal according to scientific norms and ethical principles.
• Communicate effectively using visual, and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion.

Integrated Assessment

Formative assessment includes the regular assignments and seminars conducted as continuous assessment throughout the module which contributes towards 60% of the final mark with the following weighting:

• 20% from seminars and topic reviews.
• 20% from Lab work and teaching participation.
• 20% from test follow up and write-ups.

The summative assessment also includes externalised end-of-module written exams which must be passed with at least 50%. It contributes 40% of the final mark for the module. The computation of final marks consists of 60% continuous assessment and 40% from the written exam.

The integrated assessment of the Research component includes the formative component obtained from the seminar presentations of a research proposal (40%), seminar presentation of research outputs (40%) as well as regular Journal Clubs (20%).

Application of practical Medical Microbiology knowledge and related research skills will be assessed by completing the research project. The research proposal should be approved by the University Human Research and Ethics Committee. Upon completion, the project will be assessed by one internal and one external examiner with the relevant expertise.