Master of Science in Medical Biochemistry

Purpose

The Master of Science in Medical Biochemistry is aimed at providing the learner with applied research skills in Biochemistry so that learners with Honours in Medical Biochemistry, Chemical and Allied Sciences are able to pursue further training in Biochemistry and other medical sciences.

On successful completion of the Master of Science in Medical Biochemistry, a learner will be able to

• Apply skills of critical analysis to real world situations within the South African and international contexts.
• Demonstrate a high Degree of professionalism characterised by taking initiative, creativity, motivation and self-management.
• Critically evaluate scientific literature express ideas effectively and communicate scientific information appropriately and accurately using a range of media (written, spoken and ICT).
• Develop working relationships using teamwork and leadership skills, recognising and respecting peers and accepting different ideas.
• Ownership and management of their professional development, ability to reflect on progress and taking appropriate corrective action as necessary.
• Find, evaluate, synthesise and use appropriate and relevant information from a variety of sources.
• Awareness of the social and community contexts within their field of study.

Rationale

In this qualification, the emphasis is on applied research as applicable to common clinical conditions that affect the communities of South Africa especially relevant conditions in the rural areas of the Eastern Cape. Thus, the qualification equips the learners with theoretical and practical skills in Biochemistry and related fields that are applicable in major sectors of the economy namely, health, agriculture and industry. It trains skilled personnel to undertake research and academic responsibilities in institutions of higher learning in the field of Biochemistry and related disciplines. It enhances the capacity of the learners to exploit and conserve the rich biodiversity available within the South African ecosystem. Non-medical learners will be eligible to register for an internship scientist with the Health Professional Council of South Africa for future accreditation as researchers.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Bachelor of Science Honours in Biochemistry, Chemical Sciences or any other Basic Medical Sciences with a strong component in Medical Biochemistry, Molecular Biology (including Cell Biology, Genetics and Proteomics), and Biotechnology.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

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

Or

• Any other basic Medical Sciences with a strong component in Medical Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biotechnology or Molecular Biology.

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

• Research Project, 120 Credits.
• Discussions and Seminars in Biochemistry, 60 Credits.

1. Demonstrate substantial and comprehensive knowledge of key and extended scientific principles underpinning Biochemistry.
2. Critically evaluate current research from a wide range of sources applicable to Biochemistry and be able to defend reasoned conclusions.
3. Critically evaluate key methods and techniques used in Biochemistry research.
4. Critically evaluate study designs and methods, analyse data and interpret results within the context of selected scientific methods within Biochemistry.
5. Plan, design and execute a potentially publishable hypothesis-driven experimental/research project in Biochemistry.
6. Demonstrate awareness of and application of principles relating to scientific integrity and ethical issues in Biochemistry.
7. Assimilate, interpret and evaluate research results through comparison and contrasting with published literature and use an understanding of the limits of accuracy of experimental data to inform the planning of future work.
8. Effectively and objectively communicate research project findings to specialists and other professionals.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be assessed in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes.

• Apply physiology concepts to solve a given physiological scenario/problem.
• Critically analyse current scientific publications on selected current research concepts, student presentation and discussion.
• Critically analyse current scientific publications employing new/unique research methodologies.
• Assess designs, methods, statistics and conclusions drawn in analysis of methodology.
• Design, plan and present research for constructive criticism.
• Oral and writing communication skills are developed.
• Articulate ethical issues in the proposal.
• Communicate, interpret, discuss and execute the proposed research project.
• Highlight Research limitations and recommendations for future work.
• Orally present final results.

Integrated Assessment

Research Project

Learners are required to design and execute a research project (mini-dissertation). A research proposal is submitted through Faculty of Health Sciences Research Innovation and Higher Degrees Committee for review of science. If the science is deemed acceptable for this level of study, the proposal is sent to the Research Ethics Committee for ethical clearance.

Formative assessment

Proposal and results presentations of the research work at Departmental and Faculty level. Peer presentation platform also contributes to formative assessment. Learners are encouraged to attend local scientific conferences to present their work and for peer feedback and to participate in competitions. Where funding is available, attendance to regional and international conferences is encouraged.

Summative assessment

Research projects are evaluated by one internal examiner and two external examiners. The final results seminar is presented at the Faculty prior to external examiner assessment of the project. The average marks of both internal and external examiners contribute towards the final research project mark.

Discussions and Seminars in Biochemistry

Scheduled presentations of theoretical content, current research methodologies and project proposal form formative assessment contributing towards Discussions and Seminars in Biochemistry. There is no summative assessment in this module. For presentations, key staff members in that area of expertise are invited to assess. Supervisor gives written assignment relevant to area of study. All these marks are computed to give the final formative mark.