Master of Veterinary Medicine in Pharmacology

Purpose of this qualification is multi-faceted

To gain knowledge and experience in pharmacology that will meet the criteria for registration as a specialist veterinary pharmacologist with the South African Veterinary Council. A learner with this qualification will be able to provide specialist pharmacology knowledge and be a reference source to private practitioners, the veterinary pharmaceutical industry, the Medicines Control Council and the Registrar, Act 36/1947.

To be able to supply skills, knowledge and practical experience in the teaching of pharmacology to both pre-graduate veterinary learners and pre-graduate nursing learners, and to postgraduate honours and masters learners in the theoretical and the practical, clinical application of veterinary pharmacology. A philosophy of an ongoing learning attitude will be engendered, ensuring continued self-development and continued self-motivated education in pharmacology.

To provide an in-depth understanding of research methodology and to gain practical research experience through a guided supervised research project leading to the submission of a dissertation. This will contribute to scientific knowledge in the discipline of veterinary pharmacology and through active research substantiate or add further insight into pharmacological related knowledge in the treatment of animals.

To provide the framework and stimulate interest in further studies leading to a doctoral qualification in the field of veterinary pharmacology.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Veterinary Science, NQF Level 8.

Or

• Bachelor of Veterinary Science Honours, NQF Level 8.

1. Obtain in-depth knowledge in the field of veterinary pharmacology.
2. Apply pharmacology principles to the veterinary care of animals.
3. Add scientific knowledge to the field of pharmacology and demonstrate an ability to initiate, undertake and complete research.
4. Act professionally and ethically.
5. Demonstrate continued interest in new developments and research in the discipline of veterinary pharmacology.

One

• Pass appropriate, stipulated ancillary subjects under the supervision of approved internal and external assessors.
• Demonstrate in-depth knowledge in veterinary pharmacology by passing written and/or oral examinations under the supervision of internal and external assessors.
• Complete a literature study that is up-to-date, and appropriate to the research topic.
• Critically evaluate literature in the light of existing understanding.

Two

• Apply the art/science of pharmaco-therapeutics to evaluate/consider the potential risks as well as possible benefits to a patients well-being (risk: benefit ratio). This will assist in preventing or reducing the incidence of therapy-related disorders (iatrogenic diseases).
• Ability to assess the use of animal health products only when they demonstrably alter the natural course of a disease or alleviate symptoms, with sufficient effectiveness and acceptable toxicity to make their administration worthwhile.
• Knowledge of the effect of animal health products in the multiplicity of species with which the veterinarian is involved. There must be constant alertness to the fact that different species of animals respond differently to certain drugs.

Three

• Publication of research undertaken in a peer reviewed scientific journal. Presentation at a scientific congress is strongly recommended.
• A written dissertation that is acceptable to peer review and internal assessors.

Four

• Take responsibility and treat clinical cases within accepted professional norms.
• Communicate and co-operate with fellow staff members with regard to the welfare of patients.

Five

• Demonstrate ability to debate and perform techniques reported in relevant, appropriate and current literature.

Integrated Assessment

• Portfolios.
• Simulations.
• Work-place assessments.
• Written examinations.
• Oral examinations.

Other

- Portfolio

> A research dissertation acceptable to peer review.

> Experiential training in approved laboratories and/or pharmaceutical facilities/institutions.

> Journal article accepted to a peer reviewed scientific journal.

> Interpretation of two pharmacokinetic and two pharmacodynamic case studies

> Complete 10 case studies on the therapeutic application of pharmacological principles in clinical cases under the supervision of a specialist pharmacologist.

> Seminars based on current research, literature or relevant topics.

> Ancillary subjects are evaluated by means of tests and examinations under the supervision of internal and external examiners.

Formative Assessment

Continual assessment and monitoring of the learner during the study period, under the supervision of a registered specialist pharmacologist

Ongoing feedback is given to the learner.

Summative Assessment

Portfolio work that has been completed and assessed by assessors and moderators.

Written, oral and examinations occur at predetermined intervals and at the end of the period of study. These examinations are set to cover theoretical knowledge and acquired experience.