Bachelor of Medical Science Honours in Physiology

The purpose of the qualification is to provide a high standard of education in Physiology as Medical Science speciality, which will produce quality learners who have acquired key skills, both academic and translational, enabling them to contribute to the field. The qualification aims to produce scientists in Physiology who have the knowledge, understanding and proficiencies required contributing to the delivery and development of a quality provision of educational and research support. The qualification also aims to produce learners who, can independently perform scientific medical research and have the key skills for understanding research, at both Professional and Postgraduate level, to enhance the role of Physiology in not only patient care but also the teaching of Undergraduate and Postgraduate learners in the Medical School and the Allied Health Professions in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the institution.

Rationale

There is a gap in the provision of medical scientists in the marketplace to deliver medical scientific services. There is a strong demand for learners in Physiology from both the clinical and medical science and educational areas. Learners are recruited with either Honours or Higher Degrees (Master of Science, Doctor of Philosophy) in Physiology for employment in higher education institutions, sport science centres, and allied health professions education and research. Physiology learners can precede to a higher qualification, usually a Masters or Doctorate, in a variety of academic departments and research institutes. Various other careers are possible, including research assistants in various related medical science divisions.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

In exceptional cases where applicants do not meet the minimum admission requirements a learner will be considered for access in compliance with the institutional RPL Policy. This includes approval of the faculty committee, on the recommendation of the academic head of department, on the strength of a standard of proficiency determined by means of Recognition of Prior learning (RPL) that is sufficient for the purposes of Postgraduate study, with notification to the Executive Committee of Senate.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Medical Science, National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 7.
• Bachelor of Science, NQF Level 7.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 8 totalling 128 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 128 Credits

• General physiology, 32 Credits.
• Scientific reasoning, 32 Credits.
• Scientific reasoning and protocol, 32 Credits.
• Scientific writing and exposure, 32 Credits.

1. Apply educational knowledge, skills, principles and methods to work as a professional medical scientist in the field of Medical Physiology.
2. Conduct research in medical sciences under supervision.
3. Do routine practical work related to Physiology as a basic medical science.
4. Analyse, interpret and evaluate medical science information in the field of Physiology.
5. Play an important role as specialist scientist in the healthcare team; and make a contribution to expanding the scope and depth of the science.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes

The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be used in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes

• Conduct research under supervision.
• Write a research report.

Integrated Assessment

Assessment occurs as a continuous process, and the final is calculated by proportional marks obtained from progressive assessments as well as marks obtained in the research project. Various methods for assessment are included, as well as a research project of 32 Credits that is appropriate to the field of study. In addition, learners participate in other academic activities vital to the subject and have to complete a research project to consolidate their knowledge and expertise in Physiology to which a large part of the second semester is devoted. The qualification also provides for a Summative Assessment approach. The latter is based on the principles of Integrated Assessment since the assessment activities are focused on the different dimensions of the purpose of the qualification. Where applied competence is required, theory and practice are integrated and aligned with the level descriptors of the qualification. This is evident in that it is expected from learners to apply research methods and techniques and interrogate knowledge relevant to the field. Solving complex or abstract problems and transfer processes or techniques to unfamiliar problems within the subject field and critically review data, present and communicate academic ideas, which are abilities required on this level. In order to determine whether the stated outcomes of the respective modules have been achieved in accordance with set standards and level of cognitive complexity required by the level descriptors, practical work, assignments with written reports, oral seminar presentations, written & oral tests and examinations including research report will be utilised as assessment methods.