Master of Philosophy in Infectious Disease and HIV Medicine

Purpose

• To provide qualifiers with the necessary knowledge, specific skills and applied competence such that they will meet the requirements for sub specialisation in infectious disease of the College of Medicine of South Africa. This includes a minimum period of supervised experiential learning and success in the College of Medicine examination for the Certificate in Infectious Diseases. Further to provide qualifiers with the necessary foundation to conduct and present an independent research project.
• To provide South Africa with sufficient numbers of well-trained competent infectious diseases sub-specialists to serve the community and a smaller number who have begun to contribute to scholarly activity in the field.

Rationale

This qualification forms part of the credentialing process for registration as sub-specialists in infectious diseases registered as such by the Health Professions Council of South Africa.

Entry Requirements

A candidate shall not be admitted to the programme, unless he/she (a)submits proof that he/she, prior to commencing with education and training in the relevant subspecialty, has complied with all the requirements for registration as specialist in the primary or one of the primary specialities listed against the relevant subspecialty; (b) has been registered as a specialist in that field; and (c) has been appointed against an Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA)-approved training number.

This qualification comprises two focus areas namely

• Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Infectious Diseases and HIV Medicine Part 1 Level 9, 120 Credits.
• MPhil in Infectious Diseases and HIV Medicine Part 2 Level 9, 60 Credits.

Graduates will be able to

1. Identify and solve problems using critical and creative thinking.
2. Use science and technology appropriately.
3. Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
4. Work as a team member. Be able to demonstrate sensitivity to the individual and community.
5. Organise and manage one's activities responsibly and effectively.
6. Collect, analyse and critically evaluate information. Be able to identify and solve problems using critical and creative thinking.
7. Use science and technology appropriately.
8. Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
9. Work as a team member and demonstrate sensitivity to the individual and community.
10. Demonstrate ability to assess and diagnose infectious disease problems.
11. Demonstrate ability to manage infectious disease problems.
12. Demonstrate knowledge regarding physiology and pathogenesis of adult infectious diseases.
13. Demonstrate knowledge of management and investigations relevant to adult diseases.
14. Assess, diagnose, investigate and manage infectious diseases problems.
15. Conduct and present independent research.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome

• Demonstrate required knowledge and procedural skills as per the curriculum of the relevant College of Medicine.

In the case of candidates who opt also to complete a dissertation

• Demonstrate advanced scholarship or research in the subspecialty field.

Integrated Assessment

The examination consists of two parts. The examination in Part I consists of one or more written paper(s) and/or such practical and/or oral examinations as the examiners may require. The examination in Part 2 (for those candidates who wish to obtain the degree) consists of a dissertation.