Master of Health Sciences in Occupational Hygiene

Purpose

The primary purpose of this Master's qualification by coursework and mini-dissertation is to educate and train researchers who can contribute to the development of knowledge in the field of Occupational Hygiene at an advanced level. Learners train to reflect critically on theories, applications and principles of occupational hygiene. They learn to systematically and creatively deal with complex issues within the field. Learners design and critically appraise research, make sound judgement using data and information at their disposal and communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences.

Rationale

The rationale for developing this qualification is mainly to provide to the country's need for scientists in the field of Occupational Hygiene; professionals in possession of relevant theoretical expertise, practical skills and professional attitudes and behaviours, enabling them to function as occupational hygienists and specialist researchers at a highly qualified level in the field of the health sciences and industry. The Master's qualification in Occupational Hygiene is the only one of its kind in South Africa and therefore is of great value in the training field of the health sciences. Consideration of national and regional needs occurred in developing this qualification. In composing the curriculum, consideration of career possibilities and workforce needs also took place.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Where applicants do not meet the minimum admission requirements, RPL may be used to grant access to the qualification. The application of RPL is according to the Recognition of Prior Learning, Credit Accumulation and Transfer, and assessment (CHE 2016) and the institution's RPL policy.

• The Faculty of Health Sciences ensures the implementation of quality assurance processes in the RPL process (including applications, assessment, and reporting and management systems). It also ensures that administrative and support systems, both before and after RPL assessment, are in place.
• Learners' assessment is against NQF Level 8 competencies.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor Honours in Occupational Hygiene, NQF Level 8.
• A relevant Postgraduate Diploma, NQF Level 8.
• A relevant Bachelor's qualification, NQF Level 8.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at NQF Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

Achievement of this qualification is through either the research Master's qualification by dissertation; or structured by coursework and dissertation.

Coursework Variant: 180 Credits.

• Mini-dissertation: Occupational Hygiene, 96 Credits.
• Occupational Hygiene Monitoring B, 24 Credits.
• Personal Protection Equipment and Radiation, 20 Credits.
• Occupational Hygiene Legislation, 20 Credits.
• Vibration, Thermal environment and Ergonomic factors, 20 Credits.

OR

Dissertation Variant: 180 Credits.

• Dissertation, 180 Credits.

1. Demonstrate specialist knowledge of the field of Occupational Hygiene and the ability to engage with and critique current research or practice in this field.
2. Identify a relevant research question within the field of Occupational Hygiene, and to analyse, evaluate and then choose appropriate enquiry methods and processes for the study of this problem
3. Demonstrate critical knowledge and understanding of the ethical and legal considerations applicable to research and the consequences of interventions on individual, group and industry level.
4. Design and apply appropriate and creative quantitative and qualitative research methodology, techniques and procedures to investigate practical and theoretical problems in the field of Occupational Hygiene.
5. Interpret research findings in a scientifically-correct manner and write a detailed research report to record the design and findings.
6. Develop and sustain independent learning, as well as academic and professional development.
7. Practice acceptable social sensitivity in their relationship with others and work effectively in a team by implementing the relevant theory and reflect on the implementation thereof.
8. Deliver high quality and cost-effective services as part of the Occupational Health- and Safety team.
9. Demonstrate critical oral and written communication skills to communicate effectively with employees and employers from the industry.
10. Be motivated to stay up to date with current research in the field of Occupational Hygiene and thereby commit to becoming a lifelong learner.
11. Utilise appropriate technology (computer, e-mail) (technological and environmental literacy).
12. Explore different effective learning strategies to acquire the different capabilities of a practitioner in the field of Occupational Hygiene.
13. Promote responsible citizenship and application of effective business management in the practice of Occupational Hygiene.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be used in an integrated manner across Exit Level Outcome

• Utilise the subject terminology correctly in assignments.
• Show mastery of the literature by producing publishable work which meets international standards.
• Plan, resource and manage aspects of research processes within the field of Occupational Hygiene.
• Generate and display critical knowledge and theoretical understanding in a specialised area within the field of Occupational Hygiene.
• Apply advanced research skills, knowledge and research methodologies to the solution of unfamiliar problems in the field of Occupational Hygiene.
• Use relevant mathematical and statistical relationships to explain and defend the findings of an Occupational Hygiene investigation.
• Successfully use the correct procedure for the measurement of all the relevant stressors in practice.
• Communicate in writing or verbally with a variety of audiences to explain and defend insights, technologies, problems and solutions.
• Evaluate workplace scenarios and use knowledge of legislation to make recommendations to employers to protect the health of workers and to comply with legislation.
• Participate in a group discussion on the comparison of the two Occupational Health and Safety Acts.
• Make the basic principles of Occupational Hygiene control applicable to a variety of industries.
• Collect knowledge relevant to a specific exposure problem and apply it to a variety of industries.
• Use goodness of fit tests for a variety of personal protection equipment to provide effective and sufficient protection to every individual in the workforce.
• Successfully prescribe effective protection measures to a workplace with a complex exposure scenario.

Integrated Assessment

Calculation of the final mark: 50% modules where a pass mark of 50% for each module is required; and 50% research module. The coursework section makes use of continuous formative assessment aimed at determining the learner's progress towards attaining the stipulated outcomes of the different modules and is followed by a summative assessment in the format of a written examination. The evaluation of the learner's ability to use and apply specific methodological skills occurs in his/her critical review of current literature in the subject area. The supervisor continually assesses the research execution and the writing of the (mini-) dissertation. Two examiners adjudicate the (mini-)dissertation, one of which is external, all experts in the field of specialisation.