SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Engineering 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
110090  Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Engineering 
ORIGINATOR
Stellenbosch University 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Doctoral Degree  Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology  Engineering and Related Design 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Not Applicable  NQF Level 10  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2019-07-25  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
This qualification is aimed at developing specialist researchers in biomedical engineering, with particular ability to develop new knowledge at the forefront of biomedical engineering technology. They will be able to develop novel, complex Biomedical Engineering systems by integrating the medical and the engineering domains. The qualifying learner will be able to apply these systems to human patients, addressing healthcare needs of South Africa and of global communities.

Rationale:
In contrast to the existing Postgraduate Diploma in Engineering, Master of Engineering and Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering qualifications, this qualification provides interdisciplinary education, thus reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of Biomedical Engineering, which the current qualifications do not. It will allow learners from various undergraduate backgrounds to enter into Biomedical Engineering. At present, learners are required to master aspects related to engineering disciplines, but not directly to biomedical engineering, when they cross over between disciplines when transitioning from the undergraduate to the postgraduate qualifications. In spite of these difficulties, there are substantial number of non-engineering undergraduates interested in the qualification. The need for the proposed qualification is thereby demonstrated.

Biomedical engineering is a growing discipline internationally and there is a significant need to develop locally appropriate biomedical devices for South Africa and the developing world. Qualifying learners will be well placed to develop, produce and apply such technologies. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
  • Learners that do not meet the normal admission requirements, but have demonstrated through prior learning that they have achieved a similar level of expertise, will be considered for admission through the normal RPL processes.

    Entry Requirements:
    Minimum admission requirements are:
  • A relevant research-based Master of Engineering.
    Or
  • A Master of Science. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualification consists of a compulsory module at Level 10 totalling 360 Credits.

    Compulsory Module: 360 Credits:
  • Full Dissertation, 360 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate the ability to conduct research and submit a dissertation in Biomedical Engineering. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria (AAC):
  • Contribute clear and convincing evidence of original work and a significant, novel contribution to knowledge in the field of study concerned.
  • Publish work in a professional, peer-reviewed journal.
  • Familiarise self with the relevant research literature.
  • Use sound research methods and interpret research results.
  • Present clear and systematic material and expose logical argument.
  • Properly document and support the results of independent research.
  • Present acceptable linguistic and stylistic results.

    Integrated Assessment:
  • Final assessment involves the submission of a written dissertation which will be examined by at least three unattached examiners appointed.
  • At least two examiners will be external (i.e. not related to the institution) and at least one of the externals will be from outside South Africa. Each of the examiners will submit a written, signed report on the dissertation. The examiners will also question the learner during an oral examination before finalising their decision. At the oral examination, the learner's supervisor(s) must also stipulate that two papers suitable for submission to research journals were completed by the learner. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Country: United States of America.
    Institution: University of Toronto.
    Qualification: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Biomedical Engineering.

    Doctoral learners at the University of Toronto, Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering (IBBME) have an opportunity to immerse themselves in the discipline of Biomedical Engineering. With courses and a strong research thesis component, learners emerge from the program ready to pursue careers in academia, medicine, industry and government which is similar to this qualification.

    Doctoral learners with a particular interest in conducting Biomedical Engineering research with a primary clinical focus may pursue a concentration in clinical engineering within the Biomedical Engineering PhD program.

    Qualification objectives at the PhD level are:
  • To integrate the study of biology/medicine with the physical and engineering sciences.
  • To transform biological perspectives into an analytical engineering form.
  • To provide the skills, philosophy and values to enable students to reach the forefront of leadership in biomedical engineering and have a direct impact on health care through the mentorship of world-class faculty who shape the cutting edge of research. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows for horizontal articulation possibilities.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Doctor of Engineering, Level 10.
  • Doctor of Philosophy, Level 10. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. Stellenbosch University 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.