Master of Science in Pathology

Purpose

This programme will appeal to a wide spectrum of graduates with an interest in the scientific basis of the respective pathology disciplines and the specific applications thereof in basic and applied research in the health sciences. The explosive development of new technologies and scientific applications during the past few years created a growing demand in academia, the public sector, the private sector, and industry for suitably trained scientists who are skilled to conduct research and development in specialized fields in pathology. The MScMedSc in Pathology will equip students for doctoral studies towards a professional and/or academic career as a medical scientist. Currently, no specific programme caters for this niche market.

The programme will provide an essential step in the training of medical scientists as outlined by the Health Professions Council of South Africa: Medical and Dental Professions Board (HPCSA) in the proposed guide policy on Registration, Education and Training of Medical Scientists. This policy specifically includes scientists in the sub-disciplines of Biological Science, namely Hematological Pathology; Anatomical Pathology (histopathology); Chemical Pathology; Microbiology; Immunology; Analytical Chemistry and Molecular Biology (molecular pathology).

The target group will include suitably qualified HonsBSc graduates (or equivalents) who wish to pursue a career as medical scientist in one of the pathology disciplines.

Rationale

This programme will appeal to a wide spectrum of graduates with an interest in the scientific basis of the respective pathology disciplines and the specific applications thereof in basic and applied research in the health sciences. The explosive development of new technologies and scientific applications during the past few years created a growing demand in academia, the public sector, the private sector, and industry for suitably trained scientists who are skilled to conduct research and development in specialized fields in pathology. The MScMedSc in Pathology will equip students for doctoral studies towards a professional and/or academic career as a medical scientist. Currently, no specific programme caters for this niche market.

The programme will provide an essential step in the training of medical scientists as outlined by the Health Professions Council of South Africa: Medical and Dental Professions Board (HPCSA) in the proposed guide policy on Registration, Education and Training of Medical Scientists. This policy specifically includes scientists in the sub-disciplines of Biological Science, namely Hematological Pathology; Anatomical Pathology (histopathology); Chemical Pathology; Microbiology; Immunology; Analytical Chemistry and Molecular Biology (molecular pathology).

The target group will include suitably qualified HonsBSc graduates (or equivalents) who wish to pursue a career as medical scientist in one of the pathology disciplines.

The initiative by the HPCSA to define distinct career paths for medical scientists in the pathology disciplines will create a new demand for training programmes that have been specifically designed and accredited for this purpose.

The National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), who in terms of the NHLS Act is responsible for the training of scientists in pathology, previously indicated their willingness to create and fund training posts for medical scientists. This step will certainly encourage students to consider the pathology disciplines as a desirable career path. There is currently a window of opportunity to create suitable programmes to accommodate the expected students and to make a positive and substantial contribution to the intellectual, technological and health science capacity in South Africa. The changing face of pathology services will increase the global demand for medical scientists in pathology disciplines and it is envisaged that this programme will also appeal to students from African countries. The introduction of the said programme will address an obvious need and will certainly enjoy the support of the NHLS as a parastatal organization, as well as the private pathology practices and industry.

The entry-level Qualification is a suitable Honors Bachelors Degree that has the appropriate number of credits at NQF Level 8. For admission to the MScMedSc in Pathology programme, a student must hold one of the following qualifications from the Stellenbosch University or from another acknowledged institution for tertiary education:

• Honours Bachelors degree with Pathology, or Morphological Sciences, or Anatomy, or Physiology, or Histology, or Chemistry, or Biology, or Genetics; or Microbiology; or another Qualification approved by the Senate.
• Applicants with other major subjects in biological sciences at honours level may be admitted based on an adequate motivation and/or successful completion of an admission examination. Depending on the field of study, additional work and/or proof of competency may also be required.
• Students with a BTech qualification may be admitted on condition that such students fullfill the requirements for 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.

Recognition of Prior Learning

The University of Stellenbosch has an Assessment Policy and Recognition of Prior Learning (APRL) policy in place. http://sun025.sun.ac.za/portal/page/portal/Administrative_Divisions/SOL/sharing/Institutional_assessment_policy.pdf.

The MScMedSc in Pathology programme conforms to 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.

http://sun025.sun.ac.za/portal/page/portal/Administrative_Divisions/SOL/Sol%20Tuisblad/Beleid%20en%20.

Riglyndokumente/AEVL%20Dokumente%20teks/Fakulteit_Gesondheidswetenskappe.doc.

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 Assessment and Recognition of Prior Learning process is subjected to the Faculty's quality assurance processes. Unsuccessful applicants may appeal according to the relevant appeal procedures as stated in the University's General Calendar Part 1.

Access to the Qualification

The entry-level Qualification is a suitable Honors Bachelors Degree that has the appropriate number of credits at NQF Level 8. For admission to the MScMedSc in Pathology programme, a student must hold one of the following qualifications from the Stellenbosch University or from another acknowledged institution for tertiary education:

• Honours Bachelors degree with Pathology, or Morphological Sciences, or Anatomy, or Physiology, or Histology, or Chemistry, or Biology, or Genetics; or Microbiology; or another Qualification approved by the Senate.
• Applicants with other major subjects in biological sciences at honours level may be admitted based on an adequate motivation and/or successful completion of an admission examination. Depending on the field of study, additional work and/or proof of competency may also be required.
• Students with a BTech qualification may be admitted on condition that such students fullfill the requirements for 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.

Level, Credits and learning components assigned to the Qualification.

Exit level of programme: NQF Level 8/NQF Level 9.

Duration (years): 2 full time, 3 part time.

Total Credits: 180 Credits.

Core: NQF Level 9; 180 Credits.

Total Credits: 180 Credits.

Generic outcomes

On completion of this research programme, graduates will achieve the following generic outcomes

1. 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.
2. Efficient and responsible application of basic and advanced scientific methods and technology.
3. Efficient management of the collection, organisation, analysis, evaluation, integration and application of information from various sources, including advanced databases.
4. Competent and efficient personal organisation and self-management to ensure independence at an advanced level.
5. 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.
6. The 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. Understanding the importance and the potential applications of health sciences in general and laboratory medicine in particular to the community through the communication of knowledge and results and the transfer of relevant technology.
10. Familiarity with the opportunities, challenges, requirements and ethical principles that apply to research and good laboratory practice in the health science professions at an advanced level.

Specific outcomes

The student will have

1. The ability to independently design a research project, to obtain ethical approval, to obtain funding, to perform such a project within a group, 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 concerned pathology discipline(s) (Anatomical Pathology; Chemical Pathology; Hematology; or Immunology).
2. A sound and systematic knowledge of the theoretical aspects of the subject matter as defined for the selected research module (project) in pathology (Anatomical Pathology; Chemical Pathology; Hematology; or Immunology).
3. The ability to work independently on assignments and research projects, which require the appropriate theoretical and practical skills that apply to the relevant elected module (Anatomical Pathology; Chemical Pathology; Hematology; or Immunology).
4. The ability to critically evaluate and utilise a wide range of basic and complex information to solve problems effectively using appropriate methods that are relevant to the concerned pathology discipline(s), and to communicate knowledge, findings and potential implications to other people.
5. The ability to 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 bioethical requirements that apply to good laboratory practice in the health sciences.

Integrated assessment

The University of Stellenbosch requires of MScMedSc students to follow a programme that had been approved by the University with set outcomes pertaining to knowledge and skills. The assessment of students in this programme has an internal aspect as well as an external aspect.

Internal assessment

Internal assessment will be conducted in line with the University of Stellenbosch policy on assessment practices ("Assessment policy and practices at Stellenbosch University").

http://academic.sun.ac.za/sol/Hulpbronne/Policy.htm.

The programme coordinator is responsible to ensure that assessment practices are explicit, valid and reliable, in line with the policy (Quality Assurance of learning and teaching programmes at faculty level: Duties and responsibilities of Programme Committee Chairs and Programme Coordinators).

http://academic.sun.ac.za/sol/Hulpbronne/Policy.htm.

Assessments are internally moderated to ensure that they are aligned with the outcomes of the program and that they monitor each student's progress according to specified criteria and standards.

External assessment

External assessment and moderation are done by an external examiner who will be appointed by the Faculty of Health Sciences.

The thesis will be assessed by Faculty appointed internal and external examiners according to prescribed University standards and policy.

Criteria to be satisfied by the student include the following

• The student will have completed two calendar years (full time) or three calendar years (part time) as a registered student for the MScMedSc (Pathology).
• The student has mastered at least 75% of the outcomes as outlined for this programme. Students should keep a logbook of their practical work (research project) and will be required to present such logbook for inspection as part of the final assessment.
• The student will submit a portfolio of all relevant activities during the training period.
• The student will submit a thesis and give an oral presentation on completion of the research project. Successful completion and assessment of the thesis according to University standards through a process of internal and external examination is a prerequisite for the award of the degree. Such a thesis and presentation of the research project must provide proof that the student is capable of:

> Independent initiation and planning of research.

> Applying a literature study to the research.

> Analyse the research results.

> Applying statistical principles.

> Arriving at a meaningful conclusion.

> Completing a research project.

• The student will participate in an assessment of the practical skills obtained by the student.
• The student will present a portfolio on the learning activities and skills obtained, including a summary of the laboratory logbook.

The pass mark will be 50% and a mark of 75% or more is regarded as a distinction. The final examination mark will be made up of a weighted average of the marks for each component. The weightings will be as follows:

• Portfolio presentation 10%.
• Research project oral presentation 5%.
• Research assignment 85%.

Where a candidate fails to achieve an overall mark of 50% for the examination, the examiners may recommend that the student be exempted from repeating one or more of the following sections in future attempts, provided that the student has passed such section(s) at the current attempt, that the student wishes this and that the student attempts the examination at the next available opportunity:

• The portfolio presentation.
• Oral presentation of the research project.

In such cases, the marks for the exempted sections must be carried forward to the next attempt and a distinction may not be awarded at that attempt. If the candidate is still unsuccessful (i.e. aggregate mark is still <50%) then the entire examination must be re-taken at the following attempt.

The Academic Planning Committee monitors the accuracy of the levels of the academic programmes presented at the University of Stellenbosch. No academic programme is finally entered into the yearbook before full accreditation is received.

The senate decision that all programmes be re-evaluated and improved on a yearly basis is implemented at all levels. The programme coordinator is responsible for initiating this process and needs to report to the Faculty's Postgraduate Committee. The evaluation process includes:

• Internal programme evaluation processes.
• External programme evaluation process.
• Self-evaluation process.

The policy for External and Internal Moderation regulates the practices and procedures around moderation in programmes. Details pertaining to these practices are available in the document Quality Assurance of Learning and Teaching Programmes at Faculty Level: Duties and responsibilities of Programme Committee Chairs and Programme Coordinators. http://academic.sun.ac.za/sol/Hulpbronne/Policy.htm.