Master of Science in Medical Sciences

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to train learners in the following aspects

• Production of inquisitive and intuitive information analysis.
• Development of research projects.
• Development of research operational plan.
• Development of research monitoring and evaluation plan.
• Use of research to generate clarification of medical problems.

The qualifying learner will have the competency to do independent scientific research, analysis and interpretation of scientific information, as well as to communicate, promote and advance medical sciences information, in both the private and public sectors. These competencies are crucial for development in the Medical Sciences sector.

Rationale

The National Development Plan of South Africa aims to eliminate poverty and reduce inequality by 2030. One of its objectives to meet the plan is to ensure sufficient health care professionals to service all communities. Medical Scientists play a key role in investigating human diseases and conditions with the goal of improving human health. Through research, the Medical Scientist determines the causes of diseases and then develops ways to prevent or treat them. Graduates will be able to provide leadership to advance the profession and contribute to understanding health related problems, and argue for solutions. Medical Scientists graduating with this qualification will be qualified for a research-related career in a wide range of public and private healthcare settings and in universities. This qualification also provides research training to learners that want to pursue an academic career and continue with a Doctoral qualification.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Based on the national transformation goals to redress past inequities in training and education Recognition of Prior Learning will be considered for access to those applicants without the required formal recognised qualification or specialisation; in this way we ensure that access to higher education is promoted. This will be applied as per institutions' Policy on the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), and be subject to a comprehensive portfolio of evidence being received which undergoes an approved assessment process, using relevant trained RPL practitioners. Appropriate assessment tasks and tools are designed to assess individual learners against the admission requirements on a case-by-case basis, with detailed records maintained.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Science in Medical Sciences, NQF Level 8.

This qualification consists of the following elective modules at NQF Level 9 totalling 180 Credits

• Chemical Pathology, 180 Credits.

Or

• Haematology, 180 Credits.

Or

• Immunology, 180 Credits.

Or

• Chemical Pathology, 180 Credits.

Or

• Medical Genetics, 180 Credits.

1. Demonstrate the ability to assess, critically review and apply relevant scientific information, in order to identify research needs.
2. Master the skills of critical thinking, problem solving, collection and analysis of information and effective professional written and oral communication.
3. Assess, critically review and apply relevant information, in order to identify research needs.
4. Initiate, undertake and participate in all aspects of the research process.
5. Communicate effectively regarding topics with the medical sciences, particularly the field of specialisation.
6. Make decisions on ethical values and practices, work within the ethical norms of the Medical Science field of specialisation and be accountable for all decisions made.
7. Engage in lifelong learning for the development and advancement of the field of specialisation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Be familiar with contemporary philosophical and theoretical issues in a specialised field of Medical Sciences.
• Develop specialised knowledge in a critical and comparative manner, depending on the particular field of focus within the disciplinary area.
• Be competent in the usage of computers for assessing, processing and retrieving data and literature.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Debate complex issues orally and in writing using facts, theories and advances within the specific discipline of choice in the medical sciences.
• Competently defend opposing views, bringing forth valid solutions and theories.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing, on a professional and academic level through the accurate reporting of information and publication.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Ability to plan and write a composite literature review on a topic using relevant and contemporary resources.
• Study the literature to identify a research problem.
• Pose the identified problem in a relevant manner.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Develop a research proposal and conduct the research under minimum supervision.
• Select the appropriate research design for the research problem.
• Use appropriate methodologies with accuracy and care in order to generate data.
• Validate data collection tools.
• Capture, clean, organise, evaluate and analyse research data.
• Use basic statistical procedures required for a particular problem.
• Critically discuss the findings of the study and to be able to compare them with similar studies.
• Evaluate the results of a research study and be able to translate them into appropriate and feasible recommendations.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Communicate research to a variety of audiences in different formats such as: article, oral presentation or poster.
• Reasoning skills should include the ability to express own opinions clearly and coherently, justify a position and present it logically, systematically using properly substantiated arguments.
• Communication should show an awareness of audience, and capability in using different modes of communication (oral and written) and discipline-specific conventions, and utilisation of different techniques and strategies for communicating results.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Use knowledge critically to make sound ethical judgements without prejudice and to the benefit of mankind and the environment.
• Take accountability for all decisions taken and implemented.
• Be aware of the necessity regarding ethical and professional conduct within the medical science profession and adhere to such conduct at all times.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Accumulate knowledge through self-directed work within the discipline.
• Stay abreast of important innovations in the field of medical science by means of continuous education.

Integrated Assessment

Assessment is conducted via research dissertation only. Learning and assessment will take place across all exit level outcomes to ensure that the graduate meets all expectations of an NQF Level 9 Graduate, as well as meeting the expectations of a Medical Sciences professional with this qualification.