Bachelor of Science Honours in Molecular Biology and Human Genetics

Purpose

The purpose of the Bachelor of Science Honours in Molecular Biology and Human Genetics is to equip learners with both a theoretical and practical background in the basic concepts of molecular biology and human genetics. The qualification consists of lecture attendance, participation in discussion of academic journals, writing a literature review, participation in a six-month research project, a research report, a research presentation, and written mid-year and end-of-year examinations.

The qualification will produce scientists who have the knowledge, understanding and proficiencies required to contribute to the field of Human Molecular Biology. The qualification will also produce learners who can independently perform scientific research and have the key skills for understanding research, at both professional and Postgraduate level, to enhance the role of Human Molecular Biology in patient care.

Rationale

South Africa is currently experiencing a shortage of scientists trained in Molecular Biology. There is a need to provide basic postgraduate training in the use of molecular biology in humans for further postgraduate research or the application of human molecular diagnostics. The qualification will therefore address the country's need for a highly skilled scientific workforce of the highest calibre who can apply their skills to the tasks of answering some of the questions and meeting some of the pertinent needs in the health sector for the benefit of all communities. Indirectly, this impacts people's dignity, as it empowers them through knowledge and improved treatment.

The qualification will broaden and deepen scientific knowledge and skills, with reference to high-burden diseases, especially Tuberculosis (TB) in local South African and African communities, thereby adding to the pool of academics and professionals with the competence and critical intellectual abilities to ensure the future health and advancement of the chosen field or profession.

The potential stakeholders are commercial pathology laboratories, private research laboratories, drug companies involved in research and development, academic research institutions performing molecular biology-based research in humans, as well as companies that supply reagents and equipment targeted to human molecular biology.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

All applicants who wish to enrol for degree purposes must adhere to the admission requirements. Applicants who wish to enrol for non-degree purposes will be reviewed based on prior learning and availability, and admission will only be to specific modules.

Although RPL (both for access and exemption) and Credit Accumulation and Transfer (CAT) are acknowledged processes and procedures that are outlined in both institutional and faculty-specific policies and procedures, it is expected that it would be extremely difficult to consider RPL for access to this qualification. Workplace experience will not necessarily ensure the in-depth theoretical underpinning required for a qualification of this scientific nature.

Applicants who completed a Diploma (NQF 6) will not have the knowledge and skills at the level required for this Honours programme. The only preceding qualification that could be considered, apart from a Bachelor's or Professional Bachelor's degree in a field of molecular biology, medicine or human genetics, could be an Advanced Diploma in Biotechnology, Molecular Biology or Human Genetics with relevant workplace experience (of at least 1 year). Learners considering access via RPL will be required to apply for RPL evaluation as per the faculty procedures below.

The institution's RPL and CAT Regulations and procedures are outlined in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences RPL and CAT Guidelines.

RPL for access

• Granting access to undergraduate learners who do not meet the statutory requirements regarding admission to bachelor's degree studies is accomplished by means of the route of the Discretionary Powers of Senate, which entails that the relevant dean submits a proposal to the Vice-Rector (Learning and Teaching) for recommendation to the Matriculation Board. The statutory requirements determined by the DHET entail:
• Applications for admission to postgraduate programmes, 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.
• Normally, not more than 10% of a cohort of learners in a programme should be admitted through an RPL process, unless exceeding this limit was approved by the Higher Education Quality Committee (HEQC) as part of the programme's accreditation processes

RPL for exemption from modules

• RPL for exemption 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.
• Applicant may only be granted RPL for exemption and/or Credit Accumulation and Transfer (CAT) for a maximum of 50% of the credits of a programme, and a maximum of 50% of the credits of a completed qualification may be transferred to another qualification.
• Faculties may impose further restrictions on the number of credits that may be exempted in years of specific academic programmes.

RPL for credits

• In the case of application for CAT (formal learning), the applicant's full study record must be included and must reflect the marks/results attained for the module(s) for which the applicant seeks recognition.
• For RPL for exemption (recognition of informal or non-formal learning), a full motivation should be submitted to the programme committee with the relevant supporting documents or evidence of competency.

RPL for exemption and/or CAT will be accorded per module. Modules will be recognised where the curriculum, outcomes, credits and NQF level of the relevant module broadly match those of the required module in the programme for which the applicant wishes to enrol.

• Recognition will also be accorded to modules where the content included additional work that exceeds the requirements of the envisaged programme, but not less than what the envisaged programme requires.
• Applicant may only be granted RPL for credits for a maximum of 50% of the credits of a qualification, and 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 in Biochemistry, NQF Level 7.

Or

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

Or

• Bachelor of Science in Human Life Sciences, NQF Level 7.

Or

• Bachelor of Science in Genetics, NQF Level 7.

Or

• Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, NQF Level 7.

Or

• Bachelor of Science in Microbiology, NQF Level 7.

Or

• Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, NQF Level 8.

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

Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 120 Credits

• Molecular Biology and Human Genetics Theory, 45 Credits.
• Molecular Biology and Human Genetics Research Project, 75 Credits.

1. Demonstrate confident and systematic knowledge of the theoretical aspects of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics.
2. Manage, evaluate information and communicate knowledge and research findings to others orally and in writing.
3. Use scientific methods, practical skills and a wide range of scientific apparatus available to perform sound biomedical research.
4. Work independently on prescribed tasks which require responsible application to use the medical and scientific literature and scientific databases on the World Wide Web to continually and independently broaden and deepen the theoretical and practical knowledge.
5. Apply biotechnology to the advancement of community healthcare by working cooperatively in a research team or group to complete a research project in molecular biology and human genetics.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Accurately make judgements on differentiation in theoretical considerations of molecular biology and human genetics
• Describe the principles and concepts in the field of molecular biology and human genetics in depth, utilising applicable theory and research.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Conduct scientific exercises in the field of molecular biology and human genetics
• Provide written material that outlines the planned procedures.
• Accurately and correctly design, plan and apply technology in the laboratory for the purpose of molecular biology and human genetics experiments or tests.
• Interpret experimental results conducted accurately.
• Prepare comprehensive scientific reports on completed experiments or procedures related to molecular biology and human genetics.
• Demonstrate awareness of safe laboratory practice.
• Identify and solve problems in the field of molecular biology and human genetics.
• Analyse community needs related to research, laboratory practice and theory related to molecular biology and human genetics.
• Comfortably communicate laboratory results, reports and findings to a wide audience, irrespective of their medical background.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Carry out comprehensive literature searches in the field of molecular biology and human genetics.
• Identify and write a short research proposal on a research question related to biomedical research in molecular biology and human genetics.
• Accurately identify and comprehensively describe the procedures to be followed to address the research problem
• Conduct accurate and comprehensive laboratory research related to a research question in molecular biology and human genetics
• Accurately interpret experimental and/or laboratory results
• Present research findings in written and oral form.
• Prepare a written submission in the form of a thorough and accurate research report.
• All written submissions must be void of unnecessary editorial errors and must be supported by relevant theory and research.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Master the principles and concepts in the field of molecular biology and human genetics.
• Develop and prepare materials and conduct scientific exercises in the field of molecular biology and human genetics.
• Design, plan and apply technology in the laboratory.
• Interpret experimental results.
• Prepare scientific reports.
• Carry out literature searches in the field of molecular biology and human genetics.
• Present findings in written and oral form.
• Demonstrate awareness of safe laboratory practice.
• Identify and solve problems in the field of molecular biology and human genetics.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Attend divisional research meetings and research group meetings.
• Host "teach-back sessions" on the optional advanced sub-modules, namely Human Genetics, Immunology, Mycobacteriology and Data Science, to give an overview of the content of these modules to each other.
• Collaborate with peers from the Division of Clinical Anatomy via the "Features of Science" module and participate in group work and a group presentation to the department.

INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT

All assessments will be conducted in line with the institution's Assessment Policy. Assessments will be utilised for both formative and summative purposes.

Formative assessment

Formative assessment will occur regularly via utilising learning technologies or during synchronous interactions and will be followed by constructive feedback from lecturers and, where applicable, peers.

Care will be taken for constructive alignment within each of the modules (micro level) and the programme (macro level), to align the assessment opportunities with the outcomes. Throughout each of the module's formative assessment opportunities, such as project presentations, teach-back sessions and submitting a grant proposal, will be used to test learners' understanding and encourage peer learning.

Learners will often be required to work in groups so that they can benefit from each other's knowledge and experiences. The final presentation of the research project will be evaluated by their supervisors and guest academic staff on the programme

Summative assessment

The summative assessment opportunities will incorporate a flexible assessment approach, with assessments staggered throughout each module to enhance learning. The assessment methods will include written examinations, a written review article, a written research report and an oral presentation of the research procedures and findings. The assessment plan for each module varies and is clearly communicated with all registered learners at the onset of each module.

For the research assignment, each student will be allocated a supervisor to support him/her during the entire research process. As the modules included in the programme are all at the exit level of the programme, internal and external moderation will occur for the assessments in all the modules, according to the Regulations for Internal and External Moderation.

The learners will be required to fulfil the following criteria

• Obtained at least 50% for the assignments for each module during the year
• Regular meetings with the research supervisor for the research project, to ensure that the student is supported throughout the research process, and feedback is understood and discussed thoroughly to enable the student to use feedback to improve his/her future submissions.

The assessment plan consists of the following

For the theory module

• Two written examinations.
• At least one review article.

For the research project

• A research report identifying the research question, describing the research procedures to be followed and discussing the findings/conclusions.
• Presentation of the research findings.