Master of Philosophy in Paediatric Neurology

Purpose

The purpose of the Master of Philosophy in Paediatric Neurology (MPhil (Paediatric Neurology)) is

• To ensure that learners acquire a high level of theoretical knowledge as well as practical skills and experience in the field of Clinical Paediatric Neurology, 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 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 Paediatric Neurology 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 Exit Level Outcomes of the qualification would be reached by means of the curriculum, as learners are supervised, guided and assisted by lecturers and they are required to conduct a research project at the appropriate level.

Rationale

Paediatric neurology has a burden of both diseases of poverty, as well as complex neurological conditions. South Africa has a poor paediatric neurologist to patient ratio with only 14 paediatric neurologists employed in the state sector. Not only is more patient care required, but much more clinical research on the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, risk factors, prevention and appropriate management of neurological conditions affecting children has become essential. Therefore, there is a need to generate unique African knowledge and solutions to unique African healthcare problems.

This qualification aims to address the need for properly trained clinicians with a thorough understanding of and experience in clinical research in the field of paediatric neurology. Similar to all the subspecialty qualifications in Medicine, learners will be physicians whom have obtained their Master of Medicine in Paediatrics/Further Certificate in Paediatrics (SA) or equivalent qualification.

Thus, the qualification will prepare learners for a career as Clinical Paediatric Neurologists.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The MPhil (Paediatric Neurology) qualification conforms to the University's Policy on the Regulation for the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Accumulation and Transfer (CAT).

In the case of RPL for exemption and CAT for transfer

• Exemption and credit transfer may only be granted on a per-module basis, i.e. a complete module of an academic qualification for which credits may be exempted or transferred.
• The time since the learning was completed may be taken into account, since learning that occurred too long ago may not be relevant at the time of application.
• A specific set of learning on the grounds of which admission to any postgraduate qualification is granted under RPL.
• Exemption from module(s), as RPL, can be granted on the strength of short course(s) outside the Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework (HEQSF) (in other words, non-credit-bearing) completed by the learner, on condition that the course contents, duration and assessment of the short course are at least similar to that of the module(s).
• Each credit exempted or transferred, must correspond to ten notional study hours.

In the case of RPL for access

• Applications for admission to postgraduate qualifications, the normal admission requirements may be waived based on prior learning, subject to the approval of the relevant faculty board.

The qualification committees are at liberty to make use of one or more of the following assessment instruments, or of similar assessment instruments, when considering applications:

• Admittance assessment instruments (for example, entrance or placement tests, and special examinations, especially those that are assessed quantitatively).
• Learning portfolios (for example, the learner may present a comprehensive set of documents and/or other evidence to illustrate his/her prior learning - such documentation will have evaluated qualitatively by the academic staff).
• "Conditional" admittance (for example, a learner may be accepted as a special learner and then be allowed to "perform himself or herself into" a learning qualification).
• Prior supplementary work (for example, a learner may be provisionally admitted to a learning qualification on condition that he/she completes supplementary work that meets set requirements before being formally entered into the learning qualification).
• Supplementary work during the learning qualification (for example, a learner may be admitted on condition that he/she successfully completes supplementary work during the course of a learning qualification).
• Recognition of formal learning in the form of parts or the whole of learning qualifications which were offered or completed at other institutions (for example, relevant Diplomas or Degrees).
• Recognition of formal learning completed in the form of professional short courses or in-service training courses (for example, learning that is not certified as a qualification, or part thereof, by another institution of higher learning).
• Recognition of non-formal or informal learning (for example, learning that took place in the workplace or in another appropriate environment on the initiative of the individual).

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Master of Philosophy in Paediatric Neurology, NQF Level 9.

Or

• Master of Medicine in Paediatrics, NQF Level 9.

And

• Further Certificate in Paediatrics (SA),

And

• Registration as a specialist paediatrician.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

Compulsory modules, 180 Credits

• Clinical Paediatric Neurology, 135 Credits.
• Research project, 45 Credits.

1. Demonstrate a sound and systematic knowledge of the theoretical aspects of the subject matter as defined in the clinical syllabus and the ability to function as a Clinical Paediatric Neurologist and to adequately take care of children with a variety of neurological and developmental disorders.
2. Independently design a clinical (or basic science) research project, to obtain ethical approval, to obtain funding, to perform such a project, to present the results and conclusions in a scientific format, and to accept the responsibility and accountability for the performed work within the context of the discipline of paediatric neurology.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level 1

• Identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking.
• Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community.
• Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively.
• Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.
• Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion.
• Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.
• Reflect on and explore a variety of strategies to learn more effectively.
• Participate as responsible citizens in the life of local, national and global communities.
• Demonstrate culturally and aesthetically sensitivity across a range of social contexts.
• Explore education and career opportunities.
• Develop entrepreneurial opportunities.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level 2.

• Formulate clear, answerable research questions as they pertain to the discipline of paediatric neurology.
• Decide on the most appropriate methodology to address the research question(s).
• Find all relevant information, including research and review articles, textbooks and guidelines, by accessing Internet databases and employing appropriate search strategies.
• Critically evaluate the relevant literature.
• Write an appropriate literature review.
• Formulate and write a research protocol.
• Conduct the study and analyse the data.
• Draw logical, evidence-based conclusions from the data.
• Present and defend the results of the research in an acceptable scientific format.

Integrated Assessment

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

• Module I: Clinical competency is evaluated by a formal national written examination and clinical assessment, set and marked by the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa.
• Module II: The Mini Research Assignment is assessed by two independent examiners, one of whom should be an external examiner. Examiners (preferably 3) may be proposed by the supervisor, but must be appointed by the Postgraduate Committee of the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health. The Mini Research Assignment, together with a copy of the guidelines for assessment and a copy of the standard (pro forma) report form, must be submitted by the Postgraduate Committee (and not the supervisor) to the examiners for assessment. The examiners must return the completed standard report form to the PGC together with a more detailed report.