Master of Medical Pharmacology

The first purpose of the qualification is to provide a physician with further insight (comprehensive, in-depth knowledge) and expertise of the highest standard in the field of clinical pharmacology and applied pharmacological research, thus enabling the qualifier to function as a clinical pharmacologist, (that is comparable to internationally set standards) in practice. The Medical Pharmacology Medical Degree is unique to this institution, as this qualification is primarily clinically orientated.

The second purpose of the qualification is to broaden the learner's possibilities for employment in the pharmaceutical world.

The third purpose of the qualification is to enable the qualifier to apply his/her specialised knowledge and skills to the benefit of patients, industry, medical aids, health manager systems and policy-makers in South Africa, be it private or governmental bodies. This implies that learners should become life-long learners with continued personal intellectual growth.

The fourth purpose of the qualification is to enrich the qualifier with status, recognition and credentials. South African society will gain a cadre of doctors skilled in a speciality which will enable them to develop policies regarding drug therapy in a society where pharmacoeconomic decision-making has become of utmost importance. In this way learners will contribute to the prevention and treatment of disease in the community.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution conducts RPL in terms of the policy and guidelines of the institution 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 entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Medical Science Honours in Pharmacology, NQF Level 8.

1. Identify and solve complex problems in a highly specialised context utilising solid evidence after critically analysing available information.
2. Work effectively with others as a member of a team.
3. Assume leadership, apply negotiation and conflict resolution skills, and motivate others.
4. Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and or language skills in the modes of oral and or written persuasion.
5. Interact effectively within a learning or professional group via engagement in debate.
6. Use and convey available evidence effectively and responsibly to decision-makers, showing responsibility towards the health of the population at large.

The following associated assessment criteria apply across all Exit Level Outcomes

• Demonstrate appropriate in-depth theoretical knowledge.
• Literature study is relevant to the research topic and the information obtained is appropriately analysed and synthesised.
• The research proposal is relevant and applicable.
• An acceptable and feasible protocol is compiled.
• Ethical permission is obtained Observations made are accurately and consistently recorded, and the research process is successfully managed.
• Results are reported according to scientific norms.
• Latest evidence concerning these new drugs is assimilated and analysed.
• Act responsibly and within accepted norms of the profession; be able to justify decisions regarding drug usage.

Integrated Assessment

• This will meet the Institution's guidelines.
• Internal as well as external assessors will be used to evaluate both written and oral examinations, seminars and tutorial sessions.
• Multiple assessment tools will be used, i.e. an interactive group assessment, which will take place on a continuous basis to stimulate constant learning and self-evaluation.
• The department of Statistics will assess the course on Medical Biostatistics.
• Written examinations.
• Oral examinations .
• Written research protocol.
• Completed research project.
• Seminars (oral).
• Tutorials.

Formative assessment (at various points during the course of the program)

The learner studies under the continuous and close supervision of institution lecturers, who assess, monitor and comment on the learner's performance on a continuous basis.

One or more written and oral examinations are set at predetermined intervals during the qualification of modules.

Summative assessment

The research protocol and project that has been compiled and completed is assessed by the assessor(s) and moderator(s).

One or more written examinations are set especially at or close to the conclusion of the prescribed study of medical pharmacology. One or more oral examinations are set. These examinations are set to a high standard and are conducted in a manner which ensures comprehensive and thorough evaluation of the integrated theoretical knowledge, acquired experience and practical skills the learner had acquired over the duration of the completed qualification, i.e. three modules.