Master of Science in Chemical Pathology

Purpose

The Master of Science in Chemical Pathology will enable learners to teach/train other health professionals at a lower level, including laboratory technicians who are currently in charge of laboratory services in rural areas.

Learners will also be able to apply educational knowledge, skills, principles, and methods to support research and service in the medical environment, having the necessary knowledge, skills, professional thinking, behaviour and attitudes to pursue their profession as scientists and educators in the field of Chemical Pathology.

Upon successful completion of the qualification, learners will be able to

• Display knowledge and understanding of the basic principles of Chemical Pathology.
• Have a sound understanding of instrumentation and principles of laboratory techniques.
• Design and execute a research project in the medical sciences.
• Be able to teach Chemical Pathology to other health professions and undergraduate learners.

Rationale

The qualification focuses on training learners in the field of Chemical Pathology to alleviate the shortage of pathologists and to develop the potential for research in the field, particularly in the disadvantaged areas. The qualification will contribute to increasing the pool of academics and professionals with the competence and critical intellectual abilities to ensure the future development of Chemical Pathology and to make provision for the country's need for a skilled workforce and to ensure that the country stays competitive in an era of growing global competition. The qualification will boost the standard of primary health care delivery at local levels which has always been a major pillar of the National/Provincial government integrated rural development strategy. This will lead to the development of the research capacity in the field. It will also contribute to improving the services for the people in the rural areas who do not have easy access to tertiary or even secondary health services.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Science Honours in Chemical Pathology, NQF Level 8.

Or

• Bachelor of Science Honours in Clinical Biochemistry, NQF Level 8.

Or

• Postgraduate Diploma in Chemical Pathology, NQF Level 8.

Or

• Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Biochemistry, NQF Level 8.

Or

• Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, NQF Level 8.

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

• Advanced Lab Management and Quality Control. 40 Credits
• Research Project: 140 Credits.

1. Complete Advanced Lab Management and Quality Control modules successfully.
2. Complete a Mini Dissertation.

Integrated Assessment

Formative assessment includes the regular assignments and seminars conducted as continuous assessment throughout the module which contributes towards 60% of the final mark with the following weighting:

• 20% from seminars and topic reviews.
• 20% from Lab work and teaching participation.
• 20% from test follow up and write-ups.

The summative assessment also includes an external end-of-module written examination for the Advanced Lab Management and Quality Control Module.

The computation of final marks consists of 60% continuous assessment and 40% from the written examination.

The integrated assessment of the Research component includes the formative component obtained from the seminar presentations of a research proposal (40%), seminar presentation of research outputs (40%) as well as regular Journal Clubs (20%).

Application of practical Chemical Pathology knowledge and related research skills will be assessed by the presentation of a mini-dissertation after completing the research project. The research proposal should be approved by the University Human Research and Ethics Committee. Upon completion, the project will be assessed by one internal and two external examiners with the relevant expertise.