Bachelor of Science Honours in Infectious Disease Pathology and Immunology

Purpose

The purpose of the Bachelor of Science Honours in Infectious Disease Pathology and Immunology is to create a learning culture for learners and researchers capable of significantly contributing to the field of Infectious Disease Pathology and Immunology. The qualification offers practical research experience, focusing specifically on research relevant to Africa. The qualification also benefits from collaborations with colleagues in adult infectious diseases, paediatric infectious diseases and infection control. The multidisciplinary approach facilitates research into the prevention and management of infections and infectious diseases in the South African community and regionally.

The qualification is designed to prepare learners for careers in research, teaching, and laboratory practice. The qualification offers a rigorous curriculum that covers the fundamentals of infectious diseases, pathology, and immunology. Learners also have the opportunity to gain practical research experience through a variety of research projects, many of which focus on research relevant to Africa.

Upon completion of the qualification, learners will be able to

• Apply theoretical knowledge in the field of infectious disease pathology and immunology to identify and address new theoretical and practical problems.
• Present results and scientific knowledge in oral and written form.
• Communicate effectively and utilise critical thinking and reflective skills to convince an audience
• Independently gather knowledge relevant to a particular research project through literature searches and the study of textbooks and other sources.
• Apply principles and concepts underpinning the field of study and of its boundaries and limitations.
• Use the scientific method in acquiring scientific knowledge and the skills necessary to perform independent research.

Rationale

The institution's Medical Virology and Medical Microbiology divisions identified a need for medical practitioners specialising in viral and bacterial diagnostics and research in Africa. Providing specific training relevant to these clinical and health system domains will help clinics and hospitals to recruit and retain the health workforce they need.

The qualification forms part of the institution's effort to develop a learning culture for learners and researchers who can make a worthwhile contribution in the field of basic and molecular virology and medical microbiology. The qualification will strengthen the learner's confidence and capability as a general practitioner and equip them with tools for lifelong learning and reflective practice to make a lasting contribution as a professional to the health of communities disproportionately affected by infectious diseases. Learners will be challenged with case studies and diagnostic conundrums to stimulate critical and creative thinking.

The qualification provides hands-on research experience and focuses on topics relevant to Africa, such as HIV/AIDS, SARS-CoV-2, antiviral and antibacterial resistance, and a variety of other aspects. Due to a qualification review and renewal process implemented in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences in 2016, the qualification was developed to allow for a focus on both Medical Virology, Medical Microbiology and Immunology as per current practice standards.

The institution's Regulation for the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Accumulation and Transfer (CAT) is applied in line with the RPL and CAT Guidelines for the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.

Due to the scientific knowledge required, persons working in the field will not be able to do so without at least a bachelor's degree (NQF level 7) in a field of science. Qualifications on lower levels (Diploma's etc.) with workplace experience can therefore not be considered. Additionally, due to the theoretical nature of the scientific underpinning, these areas are usually not dealt with at a Diploma or Advanced Diploma level. Should a relevant Advanced Diploma be introduced in South Africa or elsewhere, a student will have to apply for RPL, and the procedures as identified in the SU policy and the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Guidelines will apply. However, since the introduction of the qualification, no application for admission via RPL has been received.

RPL for access

• Applications for admission to postgraduate qualifications, the normal admission requirements may be waived based on prior learning, subject to the approval of the relevant faculty board.
• The approval must be recorded in the faculty board's communications to the Senate.
• Not more than 10% of a cohort of learners in a qualification should be admitted through an RPL process per intake year, unless exceeding this limit was approved by the Higher Education Quality Committee (HEQC) as part of the programme's accreditation processes.

RPL for exemption of modules

• RPL for exemption of modules is applied on a limited scale at postgraduate level in cases where applicants request that formal-, informal- and/or non-formal learning is recognised in place of modules of a structured postgraduate FMHS programme.
• Exemption from module(s), as RPL can be granted on the strength of short course(s) outside the HEQSF (in other words, non-credit-bearing) completed by the applicant, on condition that the course contents, duration and assessment of the short course are at least equivalent to that of the module(s).
• Exemption and credit transfer may only be granted on a per-module basis, i.e., a complete module of an academic programme is the smallest learning unit for which credits may be exempted or transferred.
• Each credit exempted or transferred must correspond to ten notional study hours.
• A student may only be granted RPL for exemption and/or CAT for a maximum of 50% of the credits of a qualification.

RPL for credit

• Credit transfer may only be granted on a per-module basis, i.e., a complete module of an academic programme is the smallest learning unit for which credits may be transferred
• Learners may only be granted RPL for credits for a maximum of 50% of the credits of a completed qualification may be transferred to another qualification.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Science: Biochemistry, Chemistry and Microbiology, NQF Level 7.

Or

• Bachelor of Science in Genetics, NQF Level 7.

Or

• Bachelor of Science in Human Physiology, Genetics and Psychology, NQF Level 7.

Or

• Bachelor of Science in Microbiology, NQF Level 7.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8, totalling 120 credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 120 Credits

• Infectious Disease Pathology and Immunology Theory, 60 Credits.
• Practical Research Project, 60 Credits.

1. Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the working and application of a range of applicable scientific equipment, advanced investigative techniques/ procedures and experimental approaches.
2. Apply theoretical knowledge in the field of infectious disease pathology and immunology to identify and address new theoretical and practical problems.
3. Demonstrate the ability to present results and scientific knowledge in oral and written form.
4. Communicate effectively and utilise critical thinking and reflective skills to convince an audience.
5. Independently gather knowledge relevant to a particular research project through literature searches and the study of textbooks and other sources.
6. Demonstrate a confident, systematic and deep knowledge of the theoretical aspects of the subject matter in the chosen area of specialisation and an awareness of a variety of contexts in which it may apply.
7. Demonstrate an understanding of the principles and concepts underpinning the field of study and its boundaries and limitations.
8. Demonstrate an understanding of the scientific method in acquiring scientific knowledge and the skills to perform independent research.
9. Demonstrate continuous professional development and the importance of research in the broader context of Health Sciences.
10. Demonstrate familiarity with the opportunities, challenges, demands and code of conduct within the Health Sciences context.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Accurately analyse, synthesise and evaluate a wide range of information.
• Identify and select the appropriate scientific equipment, advanced investigative techniques/ procedures and experimental approaches for a given research question.
• Plan and conduct basic research using appropriate methods for problem-solving, even in unfamiliar contexts.
• Make sound theoretical judgements and evaluations.
• Perform supervised research on a relevant research topic.
• Use advanced investigative techniques/ procedures and experimental approaches to collect and analyse data.
• Interpret data correctly and accurately and draw conclusions from research findings
• Present research findings in oral and written form.
• Communicate research results effectively.
• Independently gather sources relevant to the research project and conduct literature searches in the Medical Virology field.
• Accurately operate and maintain scientific equipment safely and effectively.
• Thoroughly and accurately discuss the principles and concepts in infectious disease pathology and immunology.
• Identify and solve problems in the field of infectious disease pathology and immunology.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Identify and apply relevant theoretical concepts to new practical and theoretical problems in the infectious disease pathology and immunology field.
• Accurately identify and define the infectious disease pathology and immunology key concepts to demonstrate a deep understanding of the subject.
• Critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of different theoretical approaches in infectious disease pathology and immunology.
• Identify and define new problems in infectious disease pathology and immunology.
• Apply novel and creative concepts to real-world problems.
• Generate and evaluate potential solutions to infectious disease pathology and immunology problems.
• Successfully implement solutions to infectious disease pathology and immunology problems.
• Effectively communicate infectious disease pathology and immunology problems to a variety of audiences, including peers, supervisors, and the general public.
• Write clear and concise reports on infectious disease pathology and immunology problems.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Clearly and concisely present research findings to an audience of peers and experts
• Answer research questions in a clear and confident manner.
• Use appropriate visual aids to support presentations.
• Write clear and concise research reports that follow the conventions of the scientific community.
• Logically and coherently organise thoughts and ideas.
• Use appropriate language and terminology to communicate the findings.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Communicate ideas in a clear, concise, and persuasive manner.
• Use appropriate language, terminology and tailor communication to the audience.
• Identify and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the work and identify areas of improvement.
• Convince the audience of the validity of the findings and present the research in an informative and engaging way, and clearly and confidently answer questions about the work.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Accurately identify and clearly define the fundamental concepts of the research topic in infectious disease pathology and immunology.
• Locate and critically evaluate relevant literature in infectious disease pathology and immunology.
• Synthesise information from multiple sources to develop a research topic in infectious disease pathology and immunology
• Conduct a literature search to identify relevant research articles.
• Critically evaluate the research articles to determine their relevance and quality.
• Summarise the key findings of the research articles in a clear and concise manner.
• Integrate the information from the research articles and apply knowledge of the research topic to develop a comprehensive understanding.
• Communicate findings to peers and instructors in a clear and concise manner.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Clearly and concisely define and explain the key concepts within the infectious disease pathology and immunology field.
• Correctly apply the key concepts to real-world problems within the infectious disease pathology and immunology field.
• Discuss the causes, pathogenesis, and treatment of infectious diseases.
• Critically evaluate the research literature in the infectious disease pathology and immunology field.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Correctly and concisely define and explain the infectious disease pathology and immunology key concepts.
• Accurately identify and apply the key principles and theories to the pathogenesis and treatment of infectious diseases.
• Correctly apply the infectious disease pathology and immunology key principles and theories to real-world problems.
• Correctly identify the limitations of infectious disease pathology and immunology, such as the lack of funding, the complexity of the diseases, and the ethical challenges.
• Communicate knowledge in a clear and concise manner, both orally and in writing.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8

• Accurately define and explain the scientific method in acquiring scientific knowledge.
• Correctly identify and formulate a research question in infectious disease pathology and immunology.
• Design a feasible experiment to test and answer the identified research question.
• Accurately and objectively collect and analyse data relevant to infectious disease pathology and immunology.
• Draw accurate and authentic conclusions from collected data supported by the findings
• Design an experiment feasible to answer the research question.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9

• Carefully identify and articulate the need for continuous professional development in the field of infectious disease pathology and immunology.
• Identify and describe the different ways infectious disease pathology and immunology professionals can engage in continuous professional development.
• Coherently explain the importance of research in infectious disease pathology and immunology
• Identify and describe the different research methods used to improve the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases.
• Clearly explain the importance of staying abreast of the latest research in infectious disease pathology and immunology
• Identify and participate in opportunities for professional development, such as conferences, workshops, and online courses.
• Correctly apply the knowledge and skills they learn through professional development to their own research and practice.
• Communicate the importance of research to others, such as patients, colleagues, and the public.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10

• Correctly identify and thoroughly describe the opportunities available to professionals in the field of infectious disease pathology and immunology.
• Correctly identify and thoroughly describe the challenges faced by professionals in the field of infectious disease pathology and immunology, such as the ever-changing nature of infectious diseases, the ethical dilemmas that can arise in clinical practice, and the high demands on time and energy.
• Correctly identify and thoroughly describe the demands placed on professionals in the field of infectious disease pathology and immunology, such as the need for lifelong learning, the need to work with a variety of people from different backgrounds, and the need to maintain confidentiality.
• Correctly identify and thoroughly describe the code of conduct expected of professionals in the field of infectious disease pathology and immunology, such as the need to act in the best interests of patients, the need to maintain objectivity, and the need to respect the privacy of patients.

INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT

The qualification is aligned with the flexible assessment policy of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.

Assessment of the theoretical module is done by means of

Formative Assessment

• Seminars (5% of the final mark).
• Five block tests (20% of the final mark).

Summative Assessment

• A final examination (20% of the final mark).
• An oral examination (5% of the final mark).

The practical research module is assessed by means of

Formative Assessment

• The study activity portfolio, rotation and project workbooks (5% of the final mark);
• Assignments (10% of the final mark).

Summative Assessment

• A mini-thesis on the research project (35% of the final mark).
• Learners must obtain a subminimum of 50% for each module to pass the degree.