Bachelor of Science in Medicine

Purpose

The purpose of the qualification is to enable registered, achieving MBChB learners who wish to interrupt their MBChB studies to focus on a significant course that interests them, for one year. Having obtained the BSc (Medicine) Degree, they usually return to the MBChB or exit to enter clinical sciences professions. It also allows MBChB learners who wish to return to MBChB, the opportunity to do so with additional knowledge.

Rationale

The qualification aims to develop clinical scientists as opposed to specialists, and this Degree assists MBChB learners to enter the clinical medical science career track.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

As the Degree is only available to MBChB learners, RPL is not applicable.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 with endorsement.

Or

• National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 granting access to Bachelor's studies.

Or

• National Certificate Vocational, NQF Level 4 granting access to Bachelor's studies.

The BSc (Medicine) shall have at least 360 Credits, of which a minimum of 120 Credits shall be at HEQSF Level 7 (third-year level) and a maximum of 96 credits at HEQSF Level 5 (first-year level).

Learners will receive credit for courses in chemistry, physics and biomedical sciences they have completed in MBChB years 1, 2 and 3, and they then complete at least one major at third-year BSc level which builds on one of the biomedical sciences courses they had completed as part of the MBChB degree. The structure allows three options: Selected MBChB courses plus three third-year level courses (a major in third-year Molecular Medicine and two third-year level courses in Physiology from the Faculty of Science), Or selected MBChB courses plus one significant in third-year Molecular Medicine as well as two second-year level courses in molecular cell biology and metabolism; Or selected MBChB courses plus two half courses in physiology at third-year level plus two second-year level courses in molecular cell biology plus metabolism. The credits in all cases meet the minima for a Bachelor's Degree.

1. Identify and solve problems, in which responses display that critical and creative thinking, have been involved.
2. Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.
3. Communicate effectively, using visual, mathematical and language skills in oral and written modes.
4. Use science and technology effectively and critically.
5. Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.
6. Reflect on and explore a variety of strategies to learn more effectively.
7. Specialist knowledge and appropriate research competence.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria will assess the Exit Level Outcomes in an integrated manner.

• Demonstrate specialist knowledge of selected research areas.
• Define a research problem.
• Formulate a hypothesis.
• Describe ways to test the hypothesis.
• Design an experiment that will lead to meaningful results.
• Conduct experiments, with reasonable technical competence in a range of techniques appropriate to the disciplines.
• Recognise the importance of lab safety issues.
• Work independently and produce meaningful results.
• Interpret results.
• Discuss and integrate data with general scientific literature.

Integrated Assessment

Formative Assessment

• Class tests, assignments, practicals.

Summative Assessment

• Theoretical and practical examinations.