Master of Medicine in Medical Genetics

Purpose

Genetics is a subject which is integrated into all the areas of medicine and health care. With expanding knowledge of the genome and its application in health care, the interpretation of laboratory tests and effective treatment of patients is of utmost importance. With increased knowledge, more genetic illnesses will be treated. Internationally this is a key focus area. A basic knowledge of Genetics is important and specialised knowledge has become vital for the health care practitioner. People who can share their knowledge and expertise in the treatment of genetic illnesses are important for South Africa.

Because of the lack of trained people in South Africa and to align ourselves with international trends, the decision was made on a national level (by all the qualified South African medical geneticists at a meeting in January 2008) to change the course from a sub-speciality to a speciality.

This decision was made on a national level and all the universities that have been approved for training will start their programmes in January 2009. Because of a lack of people to train others, a part of the programme will probably be delivered at a national level for the first and second intakes.

According to international standards there should be one medical geneticist for every million people; currently there are only thirteen in South Africa, some of whom are already retired or nearing retirement age. There is thus a need which must be addressed as a matter of urgency.

Rationale

Genetics is a subject which is integrated into all the areas of medicine and health care. With expanding knowledge of the genome and its application in health care, the interpretation of laboratory tests and effective treatment of patients is of utmost importance. With increased knowledge, more genetic illnesses will be treated. Internationally this is a key focus area. A basic knowledge of Genetics is important and specialised knowledge has become vital for the health care practitioner. People who can share their knowledge and expertise in the treatment of genetic illnesses are important for South Africa.

Because of the lack of trained people in South Africa and to align ourselves with international trends, the decision was made on a national level (by all the qualified South African medical geneticists at a meeting in January 2008) to change the course from a sub-speciality to a speciality.

This decision was made on a national level and all the universities that have been approved for training will start their programmes in January 2009. Because of a lack of people to train others, a part of the programme will probably be delivered at a national level for the first and second intakes.

According to international standards there should be one medical geneticist for every million people; currently there are only thirteen in South Africa, some of whom are already retired or nearing retirement age. There is thus a need which must be addressed as a matter of urgency.

MBChB and must have completed internship and community service. Candidates must be registered for independent practice and in good standing with the HPCSA. This is in line with university policy.

Six months of experience in each of the following disciplines will be an advantage: Pediatrics, Internal medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology. A good academic record is required.

Recognition of Prior Learning

The University of Stellenbosch has an Assessment Practices and Recognition of Prior Learning (APRL) policy in place.

The MMed (Medical Genetics) conforms to the University's policy as well as the Assessment Practices and Recognition of Prior Learning policy of the Faculty of 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 Recognition of Prior Learning applications. The Assessment Practices and Recognition of Prior Learning process is subjected to the Faculty's quality assurance processes. Unsuccessful applicants may appeal according to the relevant appeal procedures as stated in the University's General Calendar Part 1.

Basic degree from a recognized institution is an absolute requirement for entry to the course.

Access to the Qualification

MBChB and must have completed internship and community service. Candidates must be registered for independent practice and in good standing with the HPCSA. This is in line with university policy.

Six months of experience in each of the following disciplines will be an advantage: Pediatrics, Internal medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology. A good academic record is required.

Level, Credits and learning components assigned to the Qualification.

Exit Level of programme: NQF Level 8a.

Duration (years): 4 Years.

Total Credits: 480 Credits.

Credits: NQF Level 5; NQF Level 6; NQF Level 7; NQF Level 8; NQF Level 9

• Fundamental.
• Core: 480 Credits; NQF Level 8.
• Elective.
• Total Credits of Qualification: 480 Credits.

Generic outcomes

On completion of this programme, graduates will achieve the following generic outcomes

1. Identification of complex problems and solving of problems through critical and innovative thinking, responsible and independent decision-making and application of basic and advanced scientific methods.
2. Efficient and responsible application of basic and advanced scientific methods and technology to the field of medical genetics.
3. Efficient management of the collection, organisation, analysis, evaluation, integration and application of information from various sources, including advanced databases.
4. Competent and efficient personal organisation and self-management to ensure independence at an advanced level.
5. Personal self-development with emphasis on insight, responsibility, accountability, continued learning, self-criticism, acceptance of criticism from others, and the ability to work independently at a high level.
6. The ability to work as part of a team and to add value to the larger group through constructive collaboration, cooperation and self-initiated new actions.
7. Effective communication through competent presentation of information and data by means of oral, audiovisual and written skills and by demonstrating appropriate graphical, statistical, linguistic and computer proficiency at a high level.
8. Development and demonstration of a holistic approach to problem solving within the context of respect and sensitivity for other people, the community, and the environment.
9. Understanding the importance and the potential applications of health sciences in general and medical genetics in particular to the community through the communication of knowledge and results and the transfer of relevant technology.
10. Familiarity with the opportunities, challenges, requirements and ethical principles that apply to research and good medical genetic practice in the health science professions at an advanced level.

On completion of this programme the graduate has

1. A comprehensive and spesialised knowledge of Medical Genetics.
2. Mastered the basic subjects of embryology, laboratory techniques, anatomy, physiology, genetic counseling, and basic elements of genetics.
3. Mastered advanced theory of Medical genetics and its application.
4. Mastery of advanced technical and procedural skills necessary for independent practice of Medical Genetics familiarity with the literature and state of research of Medical Genetics.
5. Mastered ability to do research.

A graduate who will be able to

• Perform independent analysis of new data and clinical problems using a wide range of methods and techniques appropriately.
• Critically evaluate, interpret and apply relevant literature.
• Extrapolate implications beyond given data where applicable.
• Review evidence supporting conclusions critically.
• Identify and define complex problems and apply knowledge and skills appropriately for their solution.
• Plan, execute, interpret and publish research related to Medical Genetics.
• Challenge orthodox theory and make value judgments.
• Interact and engage in constructive debate with peers.
• Produce detailed and coherent clinical reports.
• Take initiative, negotiate effectively and manage conflict.
• Has the inclination and ability to be an independent learner and has the responsibility for lifelong continuous professional development.

A graduate will demonstrate

• Capacity for independent study: Also via completion of a assignment and/or publication during the final year of study.
• Understanding and application of appropriate academic and professional values.
• Ability to take appropriate calculated risks.
• Self: Reflexivity and adaptability.

Integrated assessment

The University of Stellenbosch requires of students to follow a programme that had been approved by the University with set outcomes pertaining to knowledge and skills. The assessment of students in this programme has an internal aspect as well as an external aspect.

Internal assessment

Internal assessment will be conducted in line with the University of Stellenbosch policy on assessment practices ("Assessment policy and practices at Stellenbosch University").

http://academic.sun.ac.za/sol/Hulpbronne/Policy.htm.

The programme coordinator is responsible to ensure that assessment practices are explicit, valid and reliable, in line with the policy (Quality Assurance of learning and teaching programmes at faculty level: Duties and responsibilities of Programme Committee Chairs and Programme Coordinators).

http://academic.sun.ac.za/sol/Hulpbronne/Policy.htm.

Assessments are internally moderated to ensure that they are aligned with the outcomes of the program and that they monitor each student's progress according to specified criteria and standards.

External assessment

External assessment and moderation are done by an external examiner who will be appointed by the Faculty of Health Sciences.

The assignment will be assessed by Faculty appointed internal and external examiners according to prescribed University standards and policy.

Criteria to be satisfied by the student to obtain the degree include the following

• The student will have to do part I of the examination within 18 months preferably and definitely completed by 2 years (College requirements 3 years) and completed Part II at four calendar years as a registered student for the MMed (Medical Genetics) in a HPCSA accredited post.
• Students should keep a logbook of their practical work and will be required to present such logbook for inspection and as part of the final assessment before writing the College of Medicine of South Africa national examination for Medical Genetics. The log book has to contain standard information on at least 300 patients seen in 4 different categories as stated with preferably 25% in each group, but the least of 10% and not more than 30% per group. (see attachments).
• The student will submit a portfolio of all relevant activities during the training period, especially information about presentations in the division, at workshops or congresses/symposia.
• The student will submit an assignment and give an oral presentation on completion of the project. Successful completion and assessment of the assignment according to University standards through a process of internal and external examination is a prerequisite for the award of the degree. Such an assignment and presentation of the project must provide proof that the student is capable of:
• Independent initiation and planning of research.
• Applying a literature study to the research.
• Analyse the research results.
• Applying statistical principles.
• Arriving at a meaningful conclusion.
• Completing a research project/assignment.

The pass mark will be 50% and a mark of 75% or more is regarded as a distinction. The final examination mark will be made up of a weighted average of the marks for each component. The weightings will be as follows:

For the MMed Medical Genetics: 25% for assignment and 75% made up of total mark obtained in the National College of Medicine SA examination which is weighted as follows:

• Written examination {40%}; Practical examination {50%}; OSCE {10%} and an oral to the discretion of the examiners.( See attachment).

The Academic Planning Committee monitors the accuracy of the levels of the academic programmes presented at the University of Stellenbosch. No academic programme is finally entered into the yearbook before full accreditation is received.

The senate decision that all programmes be re-evaluated and improved on a yearly basis is implemented at all levels. The programme coordinator is responsible for initiating this process and needs to report to the Faculty's Postgraduate Committee. The evaluation process includes:

• Internal programme evaluation processes.
• External programme evaluation process.
• Self-evaluation process.