Bachelor of Science Honours in Anatomy

Purpose

This qualification will provide successful graduates with highly specialised knowledge and skills in a broad field of human anatomy which will enable them to practice in various areas dealing with human anatomy, e.g., clinical investigation and research, general and specialised surgery, the design and manufacture of orthotics and prosthetics, forensics and anthropology.

Human Anatomy, world-wide, is a highly specialised field, with a myriad of research opportunities, including, inter alia, physical anthropology, the anatomy of human anatomical variation, comparative anatomy, surgical anatomy and radiological anatomy.

Successful completion of this qualification gives entry to further research and specialisation opportunities in various areas of medical and allied sciences, such as applied and surgical anatomy, comparative anatomy, physical anthropology, preservation techniques, histological techniques, laser micro-dissection; micro-photography and flow cytometry.

Rationale

The rapid development of new technologies during the past few years has created a growing demand in academia, the public sector, the private sector and industry for suitably trained scientists. The Bachelor of Science Honours: Human Anatomy (BSc Hons: Human Anatomy) will equip graduates for further studies in professional and/or academic medical sciences. A significant number of students has expressed interest in pursuing Human Anatomy as a Postgraduate discipline, which has necessitated the development of this qualification in Human Anatomy.

Globally there is a shortage of appropriately qualified Anatomists. Since 2010, the University of Stellenbosch (Division of Anatomy and Histology) has developed partnerships with 12 international manufacturers of surgical equipment for the provision of weekly cadaver workshops for the retraining of practicing Specialists in Orthopaedics (shoulders, hips, knees, ankles and elbows), Neurosurgery (brain and spinal reconstruction), Obstetrics and Gynaecology (laparoscopic hysterectomy), Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (skin flap reconstruction, e.g., the nose). The common denominator arising from all the workshops is that surgeons need to know their anatomy.

This qualification will appeal to a wide spectrum of graduates with an interest in the anatomical sciences and its specific applications in basic and applied research in the health and allied sciences.

It is assumed that learners entering this qualification are able to communicate, read and write in the language of tuition at an academic level equivalent to NQF Level 7, have competency in the use of computers and have an understanding of the basics of research methodology.

Recognition of Prior Learning

The Bachelor of Science Honours in Human Anatomy conforms to the institutional Policy for the Assessment and Recognition of Prior Learning (ARPL) as well as the ARPL policy of the Faculty of Health Sciences.

This allows for entry to the qualification for those who do not meet the minimum entry requirements and for the awarding of credits towards the qualification.

The policy defines the process that must be followed in the assessment of an application for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) at Postgraduate level and provides information pertaining to assessment tools that can be used in the assessment of RPL applications. The APRL process is subject to the Faculty's quality assurance process.

Access to the Qualification

For admission to the Bachelor of Science Honours (Human Anatomy) an applicant must hold

• A MBChB Degree or verified equivalent.

Or

• A BChD Degree or verified equivalent.

Or

• A Bachelor's Degree with Anatomy as a major, together with Zoology, or Physiology, or Histology as major subjects; or another qualification approved by the Senate. Applicants with other completed major subjects, such as Genetics, Biochemistry and/or Microbiology, may be admitted on the basis of an adequate motivation and/or successful completion of an admission examination. Depending on the field of study, additional work and/or proof of competency may also be required.

Or

• A Bachelor of Technology Degree.

The qualification comprises compulsory modules totalling 80 credits and elective modules, chosen from the given selection, totalling at least 40 credits. A minimum of 120 credits is required to be awarded the BSc Hons: Human Anatomy.

Compulsory Modules

• Anatomical techniques, 10 Credits.
• Gross Systemic Anatomy, 20 Credits.
• Legal and Ethical Aspects, 5 Credits.
• Research Assignment, 30 Credits.
• Use of Animals in Research, 5 Credits.
• Laboratory Practice, 10 Credits.

Total Credits: 80.

Elective Modules (Choose a combination for at least 40 Credits)

• Cell Biology, 10 Credits.
• Clinical and Surgical Anatomy, 10 Credits.
• Comparative Anatomy, 10 Credits.
• Developmental Anatomy, 10 Credits.
• Human Anatomical Variation, 10 Credits.
• Microscopic Anatomy and Histological Technique, 20 Credits.
• Physical Anthropology, 10 Credits.
• Radiological Anatomy, 10 Credits.

Total Credits: 40.

1. Explain the theoretical aspects of the core and relevant elective subject matter.
2. Apply the relevant theoretical and practical skills in completing a chosen research project.

• Range of possible research areas: Applied Anatomy; Immuno-histochemistry; Morphometry, Laser Microdissection and Microphotography; Flow Cytometry, Physical Anthropology.

1. Critically evaluate and utilise a wide range of information to solve problems effectively using appropriate methods that are relevant to the morphological health sciences and communicate knowledge and findings to other people.
2. Apply technical skills and scientific methods using relevant instruments and equipment to conduct sound research that conforms to the legal, safety and bioethical requirements pertinent to good laboratory practice in the health sciences.
3. Produce a research project in a scientific format within the context of the morphological health sciences, with results and conclusions that are presented to a group.

Critical Cross-Field Outcomes

Critical Cross-Field Outcomes are integrated into the various teaching and learning components of the modules and will ensure that graduates are able to:

• Identify complex problems and solve problems through critical and innovative thinking, responsible and independent decision-making and application of basic and advanced scientific methods.
• Apply basic and advanced scientific methods and technology efficiently and responsibly.
• Efficiently manage the collection, organisation, analysis, evaluation, integration and application of information from various sources.
• Organise and manage self competently and efficiently to ensure independence.
• Develop self with emphasis on insight, responsibility, accountability, continued learning, self-criticism, acceptance of criticism from others and the ability to work independently.
• Be able to work as part of a team and to add value to the larger group through constructive collaboration, cooperation and self-initiated new actions.
• Communicate effectively through presentation of information and data by means of oral, audiovisual and written skills and by demonstrating appropriate linguistic and computer proficiency.
• Demonstrate a holistic approach to problem solving within the context of respect and sensitivity for other people, the community, and the environment.
• Show understanding of the importance and the potential applications of health sciences in general and anatomical and histological sciences in particular to the community through the communication of knowledge and results and the transfer of relevant technology.
• Apply or utilise the opportunities, challenges, requirements and ethical principles that apply to research and good practice in the health science professions.

Associated Assessment Criteria

The following Assessment Criteria are applied in an integrated manner to the Exit Level Outcomes

• Knowledge and insight regarding the theoretical and practical aspects of relevant subject matter is shown in written texts and essays.
• A dissection demonstrating a lack of bilateral symmetry in a selected region of the human body is successfully completed.
• Presentations on the legal and ethical aspects of the use of human material are made during the weekly journal club meetings.
• A portfolio is compiled and an oral presentation made on a practical assignment which requires successful harvesting of human tissue, fixation, processing, cutting on a microtome, mounting on a slide, differentially staining of the tissue and morphometric assessment.

Integrated Assessment

Learning is assessed via a monthly individual discussion between lecturer and learner, where the following issues are discussed:

• Learning objectives for the period under review.
• Activities that are planned, including the research project.
• Major learning outcomes envisaged.
• Learner's self-assessment of the learning experience.
• Assessment of the learning experience by the Head of Department or Discipline.
• Learner's learning plan for the next month.
• Matters to carry forward.
• New activities planned.

These discussions generate progress reports, which reflect the achieved outcomes and deficits in the knowledge and skills basis of the learner. Learners have to complete and submit a research report pertaining to the research project.

The final written and practical moderation and assessment will be overseen by an external examiner who has been approved for this purpose by the Senate of the institution.