Postgraduate Diploma in Biomedical Technology

Purpose

The Postgraduate Diploma in Biomedical Technology aims to equip learners to cope with the changing needs, markets and the latest technology use in the Biotechnology industry. This qualification focuses on providing learners with skills not only to become specialised health professionals playing an integral role in the healthcare of society but also add significant value to the academic and much-needed research development of the country. The qualification contains elements to include the latest advances in scientific knowledge and technology in Molecular Biology, focusing on specialised techniques. Theoretical research methodologies gained in the Advanced Diploma can be applied through conducting a research project, equipping learners to become researchers within their specialised fields and promote life-long learning opportunities. Learners will be able to do research grounded in an in-depth knowledge of the subject area and based on sound scientific principles. The outcomes of the qualification comply with statutory requirements including quality, ethics and safety.

Rationale

Qualified Medical Laboratory Scientists are specialised health professionals who play an integral role in the healthcare of the society by providing vital information about the patient's state of health. Their input is necessary for the diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of diseases. The analytical and diagnostic services provided by the Medical Laboratory Scientists require in-depth scientific knowledge, good reasoning ability, and empathy for humanity.

There is a high demand for highly skilled and suitably qualified medical laboratory scientists as a health care resource, and there is currently a critical shortage in South Africa. This qualification has been structured to meet that need through the development of higher-level competencies. With BTech qualifications that are phasing out, this new qualification will help learners to articulate from the Advanced Diploma to the relevant Postgraduate Diplomas or Honours Degrees.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Biomedical Technology is a new qualification. The qualification is unique within comparison to other universities in South Africa because this qualification focuses on specific niche areas in the field of Biomedical Technology. This qualification has been structured to meet the need for the development of higher-level competencies associated with the Postgraduate Diploma. Medical Laboratory Scientists who have completed the Postgraduate Diploma will not only become specialised health professionals playing an integral role in the healthcare of society but adds significant value to the academic and much-needed research development of the country.

Furthermore, the qualification equips learners with tools to become fully competent medical laboratory and business unit managers. Therefore, the qualification provides learners with operational competencies as well as management skills, including supervision, mentoring and leadership. The flexibility of career path for medical laboratory scientists, both vertically and horizontally, is possible through personal growth and job advancement within and across the health sector.

Benchmarking has been carried out at a global level. This qualification compares favourably with some international universities. The advisory committee/board and other stakeholders (Pathologist, Health Care entities, Research labs) in the Biomedical Technology discipline made inputs, therefore meeting the needs of industry.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The details of the Faculty RPL policy are as follows, presuming prior accredited learning has taken place

• Learner applies for RPL against the module, or part/full qualification at the relevant department.
• An exemption form is completed for the RPL of modules or part/full qualification.
• Credits are awarded for relevant, approved prior learning (RPL).
• Only then may the prospective learner continue with full registration.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Science in Biomedicine, NQF Level 7.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules NQF Level 8, 120 Credits

• Epidemiology and Biostatistics, 20 Credits.
• Integrated Pathophysiology, 20 Credits.
• Management in Biomedical Environment, 20 Credits.
• Research Project in Medical Laboratory Science, 30 Credits.
• Advanced Molecular Biology, 30 Credits.

1. Execute problem-solving in management, research and advanced molecular biology.
2. Demonstrate advanced knowledge in the fields of molecular biology, medical laboratory science-related research topic, as well as management of the biomedical environment.
3. Perform procedural and non-procedural design of ill-defined components, systems or processes to meet desired needs normally within applicable standards, codes of practice and legislation.
4. Demonstrate the ability to conduct advanced investigations and experiments of ill-defined problems within the fields of molecular biology, medical laboratory science research, as well as management of the biomedical environment.
5. Apply integrated knowledge of specialised methods, utilising competencies in the fields of molecular biology, medical laboratory science research, as well as management of the biomedical environment.
6. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with audiences and the affected parties.
7. Demonstrate integrated knowledge, understanding and application of acquired principles as a member or a leader in a diverse team.
8. Engage in independent and life-long learning through well-developed learning and critical thinking skills.
9. Comprehend and apply ethical principles and commit to professional ethics, responsibilities and norms of practice within own limits of competence.

The following Associated Assessment criteria will be used in an integrated manner across Exit Level Outcomes.

• Integrate the fundamental principles of statistics into analysis in medical laboratory sciences.
• Assess different sample size calculation equations to justify the suitable equation for determining the correct sample size required for accurate estimates.
• Evaluate the application of different statistical inferences.
• Analyse findings reported epidemiological literature.
• Design and conduct a study that adheres to the principles and methods of an epidemiological study.
• Interpret results from an epidemiological study (descriptive analysis, observational analytical studies (case-control and cohort), and randomised clinical trials).
• Critique the calculations and interpretation of measures of disease frequency and associations.
• Differentiate between association versus causation in the interpretation of results.
• Evaluate chance, bias, confounding and effect modification.
• Select the most suitable regression, estimate and test the regression coefficient.
• Evaluate regression coefficients of continuous and categorical predictors.
• Justify the analysis of variance models and their correspondence with regression models.
• Critically analyse (Fit, evaluate, and interpret) binary data models arising from epidemiological studies, clinical trials, or other application areas.
• Evaluate the application of statistical methods (Kaplan-Meier survival curve, log-rank, Poisson regression, Cox regression, Laplace regression) for survival analysis.
• Argue which statistical methods are most suitable to determine the survival probabilities, survival percentiles, and rates.
• Assess modelling strategies include flexible modelling of quantitative predictors and interactive analysis.
• Defend causal concepts (casual effect and confounding factors) using potential outcomes and counterfactuals.
• Discuss anatomy + physiological characteristics of the systems affected by the diseases of the liver, pancreas, lungs; endocrine kidney, heart, immune system evaluated reproductive system, skin and blood-borne diseases.
• Evaluate the pathophysiological condition as presented in a case study of each of the diseases indicated systems (liver, pancreas, lungs, endocrine kidney, heart, immune system, reproductive system, skin and blood-borne diseases) identified.
• Discuss the effects of the pathophysiological conditions on other physiological systems evaluated.

Integrated Assessment

Assessment of modules in the qualification is following the assessment policy of the institution. The learning guides for the modules contain the module intended outcomes and assessment criteria which must be satisfied to pass.

- Formative and summative assessment

> Both formative and summative assessment are integral components of all modules within the qualification and have an application to continuous assessment, ensuring overall applied competence.

> Formative assessment will be mainly through.

> Group discussions.

> Practical exercises and feedback.

> Presentation of assignments.

> Written reports.

• Summative assessment practices will be implemented to assess the achievement of outcomes.

> Assignments.

> Observations.

> Assessment of practical tasks.

> Continuous Assessment modules a portfolio of evidence.