Bachelor of Science Honours in Medical Sciences

The programme is research-orientated and aims

1. To consolidate and deepen what has been learned in the first degree (BSc, MBChB or other approved qualification)
2. To provide advanced study in the chosen field of specialisation, broadening and deepening the knowledge base and generating new insight
3. To provide the necessary basis for students who would like to proceed to Master's or Doctoral level study in the specific field
4. To provide insight and competence on the molecular, cellular and applied level of the specific field of study and to establish a proper base for undertaking independent research through the acquisition of the necessary research skills and tools
5. To develop the basic scientific and research capacity of candidates in preparation for a professional career doing independent medically oriented research
6. To stimulate interest in academic study and research and to ensure a supply of well-equipped medical scientists: professionals, critical thinkers and socially aware people for both the public and private sector, who can make a contribution to medical research in South Africa and ensure that the country's health needs are addressed

Senior Certificate with Matriculation Exemption or equivalent university admission qualification

First degree

An appropriate BSc degree or MBChB or another qualification approved by Senate for this purpose. Depending on the chosen field of study, additional work and/or proof of competency may be required

Specific additional requirements

Students are admitted if they have achieved an above-average result in their BSc degree. Candidates with a lower average may be admitted on the basis of an adequate motivation and successful completion of further study and admission examination

1). GENERIC / CRITICAL CROSS FIELD OUTCOMES

The HonsBScMedSc graduate should be able to

1. Think critically and creatively, apply the scientific method and make responsible decisions in problem identification and solving
2. Work effectively and co-operatively in collaboration with individuals and groups
3. Be self-critical and accept the criticism of others
4. Work independently and organise and manage himself and his/her activities responsibly and effectively
5. Collect, organise, analyse, evaluate and synthesise data effectively, on a continuous basis
6. Communicate effectively in written and spoken presentations, showing graphical, statistical and language skills and computer literacy
7. Apply scientific and technological knowledge responsibly with respect to others and to the environment
8. View the world holistically, demonstrating knowledge and problem solving in a systemic context
9. Show evidence of self-development and an interest in the betterment of the community (effective learning strategies, responsible participation in life, exploration of educational and career opportunities, development of cultural and aesthetic sensitivity, application of knowledge and skills to the benefit of the community, development of entrepreneurial opportunities)

2). GENERAL OUTCOMES

The HonsBScMedSc graduate will have

1. Confident, systematic and deep knowledge of the theoretical aspects of the subject matter in the chosen area of specialisation and awareness of a variety of contexts in which it may apply
2. Understanding of the principles and concepts underpinning the field of study and of its boundaries and limitations
3. An overview of recent, relevant and cutting-edge research in the chosen field
4. Understanding of the use of the scientific method in the acquisition of scientific equipment, advanced investigative techniques/procedures and experimental approaches
5. Knowledge of the working and application of a range of applicable scientific equipment, advanced investigative techniques/procedures and experimental approaches
6. The ability to apply all this knowledge to identify and address new theoretical and practical problems
7. Ability to communicate scientific knowledge clearly in written and verbal form
8. Familiarity with the opportunities, challenges, demands and code of conduct of the profession(s) associated with the field of specialisation

The HonsBScMedSc graduates will be able to

1. Analyse, synthesise and evaluate a wide range of information
2. Plan and conduct basic research, using appropriate methods for the solving of problems
3. Justify and explain conclusions within the epistemology of the discipline
4. Argue critically and convincingly
5. Solve problems in both familiar and unfamiliar contexts
6. Effectively select and apply knowledge in a professional context
7. Communicate effectively in a form appropriate to the profession or discipline
8. Relate theory to practice and vice versa
9. Recognise hierarchies in systemic relationships and analyse organisational principles underpinning a system
10. Make sound theoretical judgements and evaluations

3). SPECIFIC OUTCOMES

The HonsBScMedSc graduate will

Have successfully followed presented study programme, worked independently on prescribed tasks and have participated fully in a research project within the ambit of the interests of the department, in which technical skills, the application of the scientific method and cooperation are fostered

1).

1. The supervisor evaluates the student on the basis of his efforts to work as part of a research team and to complete an independent research project
2. A project write-up and oral presentation, as well as successful completion of written examinations, give the student the opportunity to display the other applicable abilities

2).

1. The assessment used for this qualification ensures that the purpose of the qualification is achieved
2. A range of formative and summative assessment methods such as literature reviews, journal article presentations, laboratory supervisor assessments, written and oral examinations are used
3. The required range of modalities is used integratively to assess whether the specified outcomes have been achieved, i.e. successful completion of the products mentioned in (b) will indicate that the student has achieved the required standard
4. From the assessment of samples generalising to a domain takes place in a judicious and planned way in order to ensure reliability
5. The assessment used meets the standard and level of achievement for NQF level 7

The HonsBScMedSc graduate will demonstrate

1. Capacity for independent study via the satisfactory completion of papers and/or assignments (not expected to meet the criteria for publication, but showing potential for this)
2. Ability to think epistemologically, that is, to evaluate the foundations of thought and knowledge, accept relativity and the fact that some positions are more valid than others in a given frame of reference
3. Professional working relationships within the profession or discipline

3).

The HonsBScMedSc graduate will

pass, with a minimum of 50% earned in written examinations, an oral / visual presentation followed by questioning of their research, a satisfactory written presentation of their research, a satisfactory written presentation of their research, an acceptable literature review and a score based on the continuing evaluation of the project supervisor and other lecturers