Master of Science in Physiological Sciences

Purpose

The Master of Science in Physiological Sciences is aimed at providing applied research skills in physiology for learners with Honours in Physiology and Allied Sciences to be able to pursue further training in physiology and other medical sciences. On successful completion of the Master of Science in Physiological Sciences, 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.
• Express ideas effectively and communicate 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.

Additionally, the qualification is designed to provide learners with an understanding of theoretical and practical aspects of the integrated functioning of physiological systems namely endocrine and reproduction, respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal systems including other selected aspects of human systems physiology. Effects of extreme environmental conditions on whole-body physiology and dysregulation as in disease states are also covered.

Rationale

In the qualification, emphasis is on applied research as it is applicable to common clinical conditions that affect the communities of South Africa especially relevant conditions in the rural areas of the Eastern Cape.

The qualification is evidence-based and develops key subject specific and generic knowledge and skills. It aims to produce learners who are knowledgeable, confident and enthusiastic about their environment and about physiology. The qualification prepares learners for further Postgraduate study and a range of other careers. Non-medical learners will be eligible to register for the internship scientist with Health Professional Council of South Africa for future accreditation as researchers.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Bachelor of Science Honours in Human Physiology or any other Basic Medical Sciences with a strong component in human Systems Physiology.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Science Honours in Human Physiology.

Or

• Any other Basic Medical Sciences with a strong component in human Systems Physiology.

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

• Research Project, 120 Credits.
• Readings/Discussions in Physiology, 60 Credits.

1. Demonstrate substantial and comprehensive knowledge of key and extended scientific principles underpinning physiology.
2. Critically evaluate current research from a wide range of sources applicable to physiology and be able to defend reasoned conclusions.
3. Critically evaluate key methods and techniques used in physiological research.
4. Plan, design and execute a potentially publishable hypothesis-driven experimental/research project in physiology.
5. 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.
6. Effectively and objectively communicate research project findings to specialists and other professionals. Be suitably prepared for further postgraduate study.
7. Critically evaluate study designs and methods, analyse data and interpret results within the context of selected scientific methods within physiology.
8. Demonstrate awareness of and application of principles relating to scientific integrity and ethical issues in physiology.

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

• Apply advanced 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 the 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.
• 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 the 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 the annual Physiology Society of Southern Africa (PSSA) conference to present their work for national and regional peer feedback and to participate in the annual Wyndham (oral) and Johnny van der Walt (poster) 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 level prior to external examiner assessment of the project. The average marks of both internal and external examiners contribute towards the final research project mark.

Projects are supervised by the Physiology academic staff whose research expertise are in the following niche areas and complimented by research facilities in the Department of Human Biology (disciplines of Anatomy, Biochemistry and Physiology):

• Gastrointestinal Physiology.
• HIV & Cardio Vascular parameters.
• Metabolic syndrome (prevention, treatment, epigenetics, the microbiome).
• Preeclampsia and CVS changes (endothelial function/arterial stiffness).
• Medical education research.
• Reproductive Physiology.
• Medicinal plants research for various common diseases.

Readings/ Discussions in Physiology

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