Master of Science in Baromedical Sciences

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is

• To ensure a high level of knowledge in the field of Baromedical Sciences via a high level of analysis of new information, the ability to deal with complexity and to find workable solutions to problems and challenges.
• To contribute to the pool of academics and professionals with the competence and critical intellectual abilities to ensure advancement in the field of Baromedical Sciences and to make provision for the country's needs in a skilled scientific workforce of the highest caliber.
• To prepare learners who can apply their skills to the task of answering the relevant questions and meeting the critical needs of the country.
• To educate and train individuals who are able to independently perform research and who can contribute to the development of knowledge in this field of study at an advanced level.
• 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.

Rationale

The field of baromedical sciences ("pressure medicine") is relatively young when compared to other medical disciplines. There is a lot of research that needs to be addressed in this field of science, but there is also a lack of individuals who can perform the research, especially in South Africa, and this programme would provide the means by which high-level researchers in this field are developed. This is not only a local need, but has been identified internationally as a priority for this field of medicine.

The BSc Medical Science (Honours) qualifications that were implemented have successfully trained a number of health professionals in the past few years, of which a number of learners were international. Master's programmes similar to this one are implemented internationally to train healthcare professionals in this highly technical field of study. This programme would thus ensure that the competencies can be developed locally. There is a similar MSc programme in existence at the University of Pretoria, but their research abilities are limited due to the fact that they are not situated at sea level (which is the reference point for pressure internationally).

There are thirteen indications for hyperbaric medicine practice that have been approved in the USA and that are recommended in Europe, but many more need research and investigation. Research that is specific to the African (especially South African) population is sorely needed. Researchers from the USA, Australia and Europe have already visited the University of Stellenbosch to investigate the possibility of performing collaborative research that would benefit the South African and international populations. The division has already acquired the technical pressure equipment to perform these studies and a number of pieces of equipment have been sponsored by the USA. One such collaborative research project (involving the Division of Urology) is already approved by the Committee for Human Research and is due to start soon.

There is a need to develop the local capacity of researchers specifically in this field of science. The programme makes provision for learners with specific learning support requirements and such learners will be identified for extra tutorials, devoted personal attention, and relevant support in learning and writing skills and in computer literacy.

It is assumed that learners are competent in the research skills required to complete research at NQF Level 8 and in the language of teaching and learning of the institution so as to be able to write a report/dissertation/thesis on the research carried out.

Recognition of Prior Learning

The MSc (Baromedical Sciences) complies with the University's Policy for the Assessment and Recognition of Prior Learning (ARPL) as well as the ARPL 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 APRL process is subjected to the Faculty's quality assurance process.

Access to the Qualification

For admission to the MSc (Baromedical Sciences) programme, a learner must hold one of the following qualifications from Stellenbosch University or from another acknowledged institution for tertiary education:

• The Bachelor of Science: Medical Science Honours (Underwater Medicine).
• The Bachelor of Science: Medical Science Honours (Hyperbaric Medicine).
• Another qualification approved for such purposes by Senate. Alternatively the learner shall otherwise have attained a standard of competence deemed adequate for such purpose by Senate.

Applicants with other major subjects in sciences at honours level may be admitted based on a motivation and/or successful completion of an admission examination. Learners may be admitted on condition that such learners fulfill the requirements of admission as defined in the Yearbook of the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stellenbosch. Depending on the field of study, additional work and/or proof of competency may also be required.

To achieve this qualification, learners are to submit a thesis covering their research and give an oral presentation on completion of the research project.

1. Conduct research into a specific sub-field or area in the field of Baromedical Science.- Research Processes include: Independently design a research project, obtain ethical approval, obtain funding, perform such research, present the results and conclusions in a scientific format, and accept responsibility and accountability for the performed work within the context of the baromedical sciences.
2. Demonstrate a sound and systematic knowledge of the theoretical aspects of the subject matter as defined for the selected research project.
3. Work independently on assignments and research projects, which require the appropriate theoretical and practical skills.
4. Critically evaluate and utilise a wide range of basic and complex information to solve problems effectively using appropriate methods that are relevant to baromedical sciences and to communicate knowledge, findings and potential implications to other people.
5. Independently apply basic and advanced technical skills and scientific methods using relevant instruments and equipment to conduct sound research that conforms to the relevant legal, safety and bio-ethical requirements that apply to good practice in the health sciences.

Critical Cross-Field Outcomes

• 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.
• Efficient and responsible application of basic and advanced scientific methods and technology.
• Efficient management of the collection, organisation, analysis, evaluation, integration and application of information from various sources, including advanced databases.
• Competent and efficient personal organisation and self-management to ensure independence at an advanced level.
• 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.
• A 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Understand the importance and the potential applications of health sciences in general and baromedicine in particular to the community through the communication of knowledge and results and the transfer of relevant technology.
• 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.