Bachelor of Science Honours in Pathology
Purpose:
Source: SAQA official qualification record. Yiba Verified does not own the underlying qualification data shown on this page.
Qualification type
Honours Degree
Credits
120
Sub-framework
HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
Providers listed
1
Qualification snapshot
Official qualification identity fields captured from the qualification record.
Originator
Stellenbosch University
Quality assurance functionary
CHE - Council on Higher Education
Field
Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services
Subfield
Curative Health
Qual class
Regular-Provider-ELOAC
Recognise previous learning
Y
Important dates
These dates are carried directly from the qualification record.
Registration start
2024-07-01
Registration end
2027-06-30
Last date for enrolment
2028-06-30
Last date for achievement
2031-06-30
Purpose and entry context
Official SAQA text formatted for easier reading.
Purpose and rationale
Purpose
This programme will appeal to a wide spectrum of graduates with an interest in the scientific basis of the respective pathology disciplines and the specific applications thereof in basic and applied research in the health sciences. The rapid development of new technologies and scientific applications during the past few years created a growing demand in academia, the public sector, the private sector, and industry for suitably trained scientists who are skilled to conduct research and development in specialized fields such as histopathology (and its various branches such as electron microscopy; immunohistochemistry); morphometry, laser microdissection; microphotography; and flow cytometry; basic and applied immunology; Hematology; and chemical pathology. The HonsBScMedSc in Pathology will equip students for further studies towards a professional and/or academic career as a medical scientist. Currently, no specific programme caters for this niche market.
The programme will provide an essential step in the training of medical scientists as outlined by the Health Professions Council of South Africa: Medical and Dental Professions Board (HPCSA) in the proposed guide policy on Registration, Education and Training of Medical Scientists. This policy specifically includes scientists in the sub-disciplines of Biological Science, namely Haematological Pathology; Anatomical Pathology (histopathology); Chemical Pathology; Microbiology; Immunology; Analytical Chemistry and Molecular Biology (molecular pathology).
The target group will include suitably qualified BSc or MBChB graduates (or equivalents) who wish to pursue a career as medical scientist in one of the pathology disciplines.
Rationale
The current initiative by the HPCSA to define distinct career paths for medical scientists in the pathology disciplines will create a new demand for training programmes that have been specifically designed and accredited for this purpose. Such programmes are currently not in place in South Africa. Existing programmes are limited to Medical Microbiology (including Immunology) and Medical Virology, but they have not been specifically designed to equip students for further specialized MSc and PhD studies towards a career as a medical scientist in one of the pathology disciplines.
The National Health Laboratory Services (NHLS), who in terms of the NHLS Act is responsible for the training of scientists in pathology, have already indicated their willingness to create and fund training posts for medical scientists. This step will certainly encourage students to consider the pathology disciplines as a desirable career path. There is currently a window of opportunity to create suitable programmes to accommodate the expected students and to make a positive and substantial contribution to the intellectual, technological and health science capacity in South Africa. The changing face of pathology service will increase the global demand for medical scientists in pathology disciplines, and it is envisaged that this programme will also appeal to students from African countries. The introduction of the said programme will address an obvious need and will certainly enjoy the support of the NHLS as a parastatal organization, as well as the private pathology practices and industry.
The programme makes provision for students with specific learning support requirements and such students will be identified for extra tutorials, devoted personal attention, and relevant support in learning and writing skills and in computer literacy.
Specific outreach activities including an interactive museum for morphological sciences, public awareness projects, and recruitment and marketing strategies have been initiated so that learners and under-graduate students are given exposure to the scope of activities and career opportunities in the respective pathology disciplines. These outreach activities are not only aimed at undergraduate students from the Stellenbosch University, but also at other institutions to attract more disadvantaged students in the future.
Entry requirements and RPL
The HonsBScMedSc in Pathology programme will appeal to graduates with an interest in the diagnostic laboratory-based health sciences and its specific applications in basic and applied research in the health sciences. The programme will equip students for further studies towards a professional and/or academic career as a medical scientist and requires that the student has obtained prior learning in one or more relevant discipline(s) (Anatomy, or Physiology, or Histology, or Chemistry, or Biology, or Genetics; or Microbiology; or Virology) or in another discipline that can relate to the pathology disciplines.
Recognition of Prior Learning
The University of Stellenbosch has a comprehensive policy for the recognition of prior learning.
Access to the Qualification
Admission
For admission to the HonsBScMedSc (Pathology) a student shall hold
The MBChB degree of this University or an equivalent qualification deemed adequate by the University.
or
The BChD degree or an equivalent qualification deemed adequate by the University.
or
A Baccalaureus Degree with Anatomy, or Physiology, or Histology, or Chemistry, or Biology, or Genetics; or Microbiology as majors; or another qualification approved by the Senate. Students with other major subjects in the biological sciences at third year level may be admitted based on an adequate motivation and successful completion of an admission examination. Depending on the field of study, additional work and/or proof of competency may also be required.
BTech degree on condition that students fulfill the requirements as defined by the University of Stellenbosch. Depending on the field of study, additional work and/or proof of competency may also be required.
Structure and assessment
Qualification rules, exit outcomes, and assessment criteria from the SAQA record.
Qualification rules
Level, Credits and Learning components assigned to the qualification.
Exit Level of Programme; NQF Level 7.
Duration (years); 1 year full-time; 2 years part-time.
Total Credits 120
Learning Components
Fundamental
- NQF Level 7; No Credits.
Core
- NQF Level 7; 93 Credits.
Elective
- NQF Level 7; 27 Credits.
Total 120.
120 = total credit value of qualification.
Exit level outcomes
N/A
Associated assessment criteria
Integrated Assessment
- Student learning is assessed in the programme via a monthly discussion between the lecturers and each individual student.
- Students have to complete and submit a research report pertaining to the research project to the Head of the Department or Discipline.
Progression and comparability
Articulation options
- At the Exit Level: MSc
International comparability
N/A.
Notes
As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2009; 2012; 2015.
NOTES
N/A
Providers currently listed
This reflects provider names published on the official record. It is useful for qualification discovery, but it should not be treated as a substitute for checking the relevant quality body’s latest provider status.
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