Master of Philosophy in Cardiology

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is

• To ensure that learners acquire a high level of theoretical knowledge as well as practical skills and experience in the field of Clinical Cardiology, via appropriate assimilation and analysis of new information, the ability to find workable solutions to problems and challenges, as well as practical application of knowledge accrued.
• To prepare such learners for a career as clinical cardiologists.
• To ensure that learners acquire the necessary skills to identify key research opportunities, initiate well-structured research studies, complete such studies, and apply the results thereof.
• To prepare learners who aspire to move to a higher level of academic research work for Doctoral Studies and to promote an approach based on academic integrity and professional ethics.
• To contribute to the pool of academics and professionals with the competence and critical intellectual abilities to ensure advancement in the field of Cardiology and to make provision for the country's needs in a skilled scientific workforce of the highest calibre.
• To prepare learners who can apply their skills to the task of answering the relevant questions and meeting the critical needs of the country.

The purpose and outcomes of the qualification would be reached by means of the curriculum, as learners are supervised, guided and assisted by properly qualified individuals and they are required to perform a research project at the appropriate level.

Rationale

The world-wide pandemic of risk factors for cardiac disease (e.g. smoking, obesity, diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidaemia) and established cardiac disease (e.g. hypertensive heart disease, ishcaemic heart disease, valvular heart disease, cardiomyopathies and pericardial disease) has made appropriate training and research in this field a priority. South Africa is no exception and the prevalence of the conditions listed above has now reached staggering proportions. Not only are skilled cardiologists, providing patient care for a growing number of patients with heart disease, required, but more clinical research on the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, risk factors, prevention and appropriate management of heart disease has become a priority.

This qualification addresses the need to properly train clinicians with a thorough understanding of and experience in clinical research in the field of cardiology. Similar to all the subspecialty qualifications in Medicine, learners need to be qualified physicians whom have obtained their Master of Medicine or FCP (SA) Degree.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The Institution has an Assessment and Recognition of Prior Learning (PRL) policy in place.

The Master of Philosophy in Cardiology qualification conforms to the Institution's Policy for the Assessment and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) as well as the RPL 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 RPL applications. The PRL process is subjected to the Faculty's quality assurance process. Unsuccessful applicants may appeal according to the relevant appeal procedures as stated in the University's General Calendar Part 1.

Entry Requirements

The entry-level qualification is a specialist degree in Medicine and registration as specialist physician. For admission to the Master of Philosophy in Cardiology, a learner must hold a Fellowship of the College of Physicians of South Africa [FCP (SA)] or equivalent Degree.

The qualification consists of compulsory modules at NQF Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

Modules

• Clinical module, 135 Credits.
• Research module, 45 Credits.

1. Select appropriate research topic and use relevant research methodology for a study.
2. Function as a clinical cardiologist and adequately take care of patients with a variety of cardiac disorders.
3. Develop communication, efficient personal organisation and self-management skill to ensure independence at an advanced level.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Clear, answerable research questions as they pertain to the discipline of cardiology are formulated.
• Most appropriate methodology to address the research question(s) is decided on.
• Relevant information, including research and review articles, textbooks and guidelines, are found by accessing internet databases and employing appropriate search strategies.
• Relevant literature is critically evaluated and an appropriate literature review is written.
• Study is conducted and logical, evidence-based conclusions are drawn from the data.
• Results of the research are presented and defended in an acceptable scientific format.
• Familiarity with the opportunities, challenges, requirements and ethical principles that apply to research and good practice in the health science professions at an advanced level is demonstrated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• A high level of theoretical knowledge about common (e.g. valvular heart disease, hypertensive heart disease, ischaemic heart disease and its risk factors) as well as less common (e.g. hereditary cardiomyopathies and congenital heart disease in the adult), cardiovascular disorders is demonstrated.
• Practical skills and experience in clinical cardiology are applied so as to assess patients clinically.
• Necessary laboratory tests are requested and interpreted.
• Necessary special investigations are interpreted and/or performed.
• Appropriate prophylactic and/or curative treatment is prescribed for the patients.
• The ability to critically assess existing literature, clinical data, laboratory data, echocardiograpy and other imaging data (e.g. CT and MRI images) is demonstrated.
• Data is collected in the cardiac catheterisation laboratory including angiography images, in order to solve complex or unusual clinical.
• Cardiovascular problems are identified and recommendations are made based on a thorough understanding.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Personal self-development with emphasis on insight, responsibility, accountability, continued learning, self-criticism, acceptance of criticism from others, and the ability to work independently is developed.
• Effective communication through competent presentation of information and data is performed by means of oral, audio-visual and written skills.
• Appropriate graphical, statistical, linguistic and computer proficiency at a high level is demonstrated.
• A holistic approach to problem solving within the context of respect and sensitivity for other people, the community, and the environment is developed and demonstrated.
• The importance and the potential applications of health sciences in general and cardiology in particular to the community through the communication of knowledge and results are demonstrated.

Integrated Assessment

Formative assessments are performed on a continuous basis. This is done via monitoring procedures and helps to identify specific weaknesses in the learner's knowledge before engaging in a formal assessment process.

The summative assessment of a learner is performed by a process of formal internal and external examination of the two programme modules.