Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmaceutical Sciences

Purpose

The purpose of the Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmaceutical Sciences is to offer specialised training in theories, concepts and research methods appropriate to the emerging field of enquiry. This will contribute to the further development and strengthening of engaged scholarship on issues of great relevance to the health of societies in South Africa and in Africa in particular. In addition, the qualification will build capacity for effective societal responses to social change.

Furthermore, the qualification provides the nation with Doctoral qualifying learners in the Pharmacy in order to ensure that the local leadership base of innovative and knowledge-based economic and scholarly activity and expertise is consolidated, strengthened and widened.

Upon completion, the qualifying learner should be able to

• Critically engage with the key scholarly debates, key theories in the relevant field.
• Understand research methodologies in qualitative and quantitative research design, and the ability to select those appropriate for their own work.
• Identify, analyse, synthesise and undertake independent evaluation of topics relevant to the field.
• Present a well-structured and developed piece of research which is of publishable standards.
• Critically demonstrate the ability to conduct independent research.
• Demonstrate the ability to coherently and logically structure and organise his/her study.
• Critically demonstrate the ability to analytically and conceptually apply research tools to the topic under investigation.
• Demonstrate the ability for critical review and analysis of literature in the field under investigation.

Rationale

The qualification aimed at research, it builds upon knowledge, skills, attitudes and competence gained from an accredited professional Pharmacy degree. Training of pharmacists must comply with the Regulations of the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC). The qualification must produce a well-equipped and skilled pharmacist who can provide the patient with the required optimal high-level pharmaceutical care and can contribute to new areas or emerging areas in Pharmacy.

Recognition of Prior Learning

The institution conducts RPL in terms of the policy and guidelines of the institution in order to recognise other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience. In cases where learners do not comply with the formal admission requirements, the institution applies its RPL policy.

Entry Requirements

The minimum requirement is

• Master of Pharmacy or related Master's Degree, Level 9.

This qualification comprises of a compulsory module at Level 10 totalling at 360 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 10, 360 Credits

• Full Thesis, 360 Credits.

1. Demonstrate expert and critical knowledge and the ability to conceptualise new research initiatives or create new knowledge in the broad field of Pharmaceutical Sciences with sub-areas of specialisation.
2. Initiate and conduct independent research in the chosen area of specialisation.
3. Ability to perform critical reading of scientific research papers and excellent literature analysis skills in the area of specialisation.
4. Ability to identify, address and manage emerging ethical issues, and to advance processes of ethical decision making which will include monitoring and evaluation of the consequences of the decisions where appropriate.
5. Make a creative original contribution by developing new methods, techniques, processes and systems appropriate to the specific area of specialisation.
6. Produce a thesis which meets international standards of scholarly and professional writing.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria applies across all the Exit Level Outcomes

• Prepare a proposal to research a topic related to a specific area in Pharmaceutical Sciences with its sub-areas of specialisation for evaluation.
• Identify, analyse, and formulate a particular problem creatively, ethically, autonomously and responsibly in the proposal.
• Demonstrate skills of critical thinking, problem solving, collection and analysis of data, and effective written communication, which all contribute substantially to knowledge during the supervisory process.
• Conduct advanced literature searches and critique current literature in the form of a review.
• Submit a thesis for external assessment and represent a significant contribution to new knowledge, be presented in a scholarly manner, reveal an ability on the part of the candidate to do independent research of high quality, and indicate considerable experience in using a variety of research techniques.

Integrated Assessment

The learners' knowledge in the area of research will be assessed by the supervisor and faculty members through a formal proposal for PhD research by the end of their first year. This will be assessed by a committee of at least three external professors. Leaners will complete a thesis to be presented to at 3 external assessors of which one should be of international standing.