Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Engineering
Purpose:
Sources: SAQA official qualification record, SAQA registered qualifications record. Yiba Verified does not own the underlying qualification data shown on this page.
Qualification type
Doctoral Degree
Credits
360
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 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology
Subfield
Engineering and Related Design
Qual class
Regular-Provider-ELOAC
Recognise previous learning
Y
Important dates
These dates are carried directly from the qualification record.
Registration start
2019-07-25
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 qualification is aimed at developing specialist researchers in biomedical engineering, with particular ability to develop new knowledge at the forefront of biomedical engineering technology. They will be able to develop novel, complex Biomedical Engineering systems by integrating the medical and the engineering domains. The qualifying learner will be able to apply these systems to human patients, addressing healthcare needs of South Africa and of global communities.
Rationale
In contrast to the existing Postgraduate Diploma in Engineering, Master of Engineering and Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering qualifications, this qualification provides interdisciplinary education, thus reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of Biomedical Engineering, which the current qualifications do not. It will allow learners from various undergraduate backgrounds to enter into Biomedical Engineering. At present, learners are required to master aspects related to engineering disciplines, but not directly to biomedical engineering, when they cross over between disciplines when transitioning from the undergraduate to the postgraduate qualifications. In spite of these difficulties, there are substantial number of non-engineering undergraduates interested in the qualification. The need for the proposed qualification is thereby demonstrated.
Biomedical engineering is a growing discipline internationally and there is a significant need to develop locally appropriate biomedical devices for South Africa and the developing world. Qualifying learners will be well placed to develop, produce and apply such technologies.
Entry requirements and RPL
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
- Learners that do not meet the normal admission requirements, but have demonstrated through prior learning that they have achieved a similar level of expertise, will be considered for admission through the normal RPL processes.
Entry Requirements
Minimum admission requirements are
- A relevant research-based Master of Engineering.
Or
- A Master of Science.
Replacement note
This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification.
Structure and assessment
Qualification rules, exit outcomes, and assessment criteria from the SAQA record.
Qualification rules
The qualification consists of a compulsory module at Level 10 totalling 360 Credits.
Compulsory Module: 360 Credits
- Full Dissertation, 360 Credits.
Exit level outcomes
- Demonstrate the ability to conduct research and submit a dissertation in Biomedical Engineering.
Associated assessment criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria (AAC)
- Contribute clear and convincing evidence of original work and a significant, novel contribution to knowledge in the field of study concerned.
- Publish work in a professional, peer-reviewed journal.
- Familiarise self with the relevant research literature.
- Use sound research methods and interpret research results.
- Present clear and systematic material and expose logical argument.
- Properly document and support the results of independent research.
- Present acceptable linguistic and stylistic results.
Integrated Assessment
- Final assessment involves the submission of a written dissertation which will be examined by at least three unattached examiners appointed.
- At least two examiners will be external (i.e. not related to the institution) and at least one of the externals will be from outside South Africa. Each of the examiners will submit a written, signed report on the dissertation. The examiners will also question the learner during an oral examination before finalising their decision. At the oral examination, the learner's supervisor(s) must also stipulate that two papers suitable for submission to research journals were completed by the learner.
Progression and comparability
Articulation options
This qualification allows for horizontal articulation possibilities.
Horizontal Articulation
- Doctor of Engineering, Level 10.
- Doctor of Philosophy, Level 10.
International comparability
Country: United States of America.
Institution: University of Toronto.
Qualification: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Biomedical Engineering.
Doctoral learners at the University of Toronto, Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering (IBBME) have an opportunity to immerse themselves in the discipline of Biomedical Engineering. With courses and a strong research thesis component, learners emerge from the program ready to pursue careers in academia, medicine, industry and government which is similar to this qualification.
Doctoral learners with a particular interest in conducting Biomedical Engineering research with a primary clinical focus may pursue a concentration in clinical engineering within the Biomedical Engineering PhD program.
Qualification objectives at the PhD level are
- To integrate the study of biology/medicine with the physical and engineering sciences.
- To transform biological perspectives into an analytical engineering form.
- To provide the skills, philosophy and values to enable students to reach the forefront of leadership in biomedical engineering and have a direct impact on health care through the mentorship of world-class faculty who shape the cutting edge of research.
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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