Doctor of Philosophy in Anatomy

Purpose

The purpose of the qualification is to develop a learner with the following qualities

• An expert with highly specialised scholastic and advanced research skills in the Anatomy discipline and be able to perform complex and highly advanced procedures across the natural science discipline context.
• Have an in-depth knowledge in the complex and specialised area of Anatomy.
• Will be able to process highly abstract information and concepts.
• Evaluate and synthesise responses to abstract problems that expand or redefine existing knowledge.

Rationale

This qualification will appeal to a wide spectrum of learners with an interest in the Anatomical sciences and its specific applications in basic and applied research in the health sciences. The explosive development of new technologies 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 in conducting research and development in specialised fields such as applied and surgical Anatomy, comparative anatomy, physical, preservation techniques, histological technique, laser microdissection; microphotography; and flow cytometry. The Doctor of Philosophy in Anatomy [PhD (Anatomy)] will enable learners to enter the academic environment as a senior medical scientist. There is currently no similar qualification that specifically caters for this niche market.

A significant number of current learners (15 out of a class of 35) have expressed interest in pursuing anatomy as a Postgraduate discipline which has necessitated the institution to develop Postgraduate qualifications in anatomy.

The qualification makes provision for learners with specific learning support requirements and such learners will be identified for extra tutorials and 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 learners are given exposure to the scope of activities and career opportunities in the morphological health sciences.

Anatomy, world-wide, is a highly specialised field, with a myriad of research opportunities, ranging from Physical Anthropology, the Anatomy of human anatomical variation, comparative anatomy, surgical and radiological Anatomy, etc.. Since 2010 the institution has developed partnerships with 12 international manufacturers of surgical equipment (Accumed, Medtronic, Johnson and Johnson, Kyhpomed, Zimmer, Smith and Nephew, Stryker, Storz, Customed, Adcock-Ingram, Bicifix etc) as a venue of preference for cadaver workshops for the weekly retraining of Specialists in Orthopaedics (shoulders, hips, knees, ankles, elbows), Neurosurgery (brain and spinal reconstruction), Obstetrics and Gynaecology (laporoscopic Hysterectomy), Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (skin flap reconstruction of the nose for example). The common denominator in all the workshops is that surgeons need to know their anatomy. Graduates in PhD (Anatomy) are in acute demand by the aforementioned companies and interdepartmental co-operation with clinical departments, e.g. Radiodiagnosis.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution has an Assessment Policy and Recognition of Prior Learning (APRL) policy in place.

The Doctor of Philosophy in Anatomy qualification conforms to the institution's Policy for the Assessment and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) as well as the RPL policy of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.

The policy defines the process that must be followed in the assessment of an application for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) at postgraduate level and provides information pertaining to assessment tools that can be used in the assessment of RPL applications. The RPL process is subjected to the Faculty's quality assurance process.

Entry Requirements

For admission to the Doctor of Philosophy in Anatomy qualification, a learner must hold one of the following qualifications:

• A Master of Science in Anatomy Degree or MBChB equivalent.
• Learners with other major subjects in sciences at Masters level may be admitted based on a motivation and/or successful completion of an admission examination.

This qualification is a Doctoral Degree by dissertation at NQF Level 10, totalling 360 Credits.

1. Independently design a research project, to obtain ethical approval, to obtain funding, to perform such a project, to present the results and conclusions in a scientific format, and to accept the responsibility and accountability for the performed work within the context of the Anatomical sciences.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• A sound and systematic knowledge of the theoretical aspects of the subject matter is defined for the selected research project.
• Independently work on assignments and research projects, which require the appropriate theoretical and practical skills is demonstrated.
• A wide range of basic and complex information is critically evaluated and utilised to solve problems effectively using appropriate methods that are relevant to biomedical sciences and knowledge, findings and potential implications to other people is communicated.
• Basic and advanced technical skills and scientific methods is independently applied using relevant instruments and equipment to conduct sound research that conforms to the relevant legal, safety and bioethical requirements that apply to good practice in the health sciences.

Integrated Assessment

All internal and external assessment and moderation takes place in accordance with the policy document (Regulation for internal and external moderation and the processing of results).

The learners have to complete a research project at the appropriate level - to the satisfaction of the qualification committee.

Monitoring of learner learning in the qualification is performed via a monthly discussion between the qualification committee, supervisor and each individual learner, where the following issues are discussed:

• Objectives for the period under review.
• Candidate's self-assessment of the learning experience.
• Supervisor's assessment of the learning experience.
• Progress with research project.
• Head of Division's comments.
• Learner's activity plan for the next month.
• Matters to carry forward.
• New activities planned.

This process helps to identify specific weaknesses in the learner's knowledge before engaging in a formal assessment process.

The summative assessment is performed by a process of formal internal and external evaluation of the research project. This is performed by Faculty appointed internal and external examiners according to prescribed institutional standards and policy.