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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Medical Science in Physiology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
110244  Bachelor of Medical Science in Physiology 
ORIGINATOR
University of KwaZulu-Natal 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National First Degree  Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Curative Health 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Not Applicable  NQF Level 07  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2021-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2033-06-30  

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:
The qualification involves an in depth study of Human Physiology and the mechanisms by which the human organism survives, reproduces and interacts within the environment in both health and disease states from a molecular, cellular and systemic perspective. Furthermore, the qualification imparts the following to the leaner:
  • A well-rounded, broad education and a knowledge base, theory and methodology related to physiology, anatomy, biochemistry and environmental influences.
  • Initiative and responsibility in an academic or professional context.
  • Research skills in order as preparation for postgraduate study.
  • The ability to seamlessly integrate into the work environment. It emphasises general principles and theory as preparation for entry into general employment or for a postgraduate qualification.

    Human Physiology (as a part of Medical Science) is an ever-expanding corpus of knowledge with well-established foundations, terminology, principles, theoretical frameworks, research methodologies and investigative techniques. Knowledge of Physiology has long been mandatory for all health professions, and in recent years, major progress has been made in increasing societal awareness of the advantages and empowering effect of an individual understanding his /her own body and its functions. Apart from Physiology, the qualification comprehensively addresses all aspects relating to the human body including Pathology.

    Rationale:
    The qualification aims to train scientists and technicians to research, assimilate, apply and propagate knowledge in this field for the betterment of society and the environment. It prepares the learner for a career in Health Sciences and/or Research and inculcates in the learner core scientific principles, which enables engagement in critical thinking, problem-solving and intellectual independence. This qualification addresses an increasing need in medical science by comprehensively addressing Human Biology Physiology and allied fields, and equips the graduate with a knowledge base and expertise, which can translate to various sectors in the Pharmaceutical and Health Industry. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The institution accepts the principle underlying outcomes-based, source-based and life-long learning, in which considerations of articulation and mobility play a significant role, and subscribes to the view that Recognition of Prior Learning, whether acquired by formal education curricula at this or another institution or informally (by experience) is an indispensable element in deciding on admission to and awarding credits in an explicitly selected teaching-learning qualification of the institution.

    A leaner who does not meet the minimum entry requirements but who can demonstrate (through the production of substantial and satisfactory evidence) experiential or work-based learning or a non-formal qualification (or a combination), may be considered for admission and/or for the Recognition of Prior Learning for the achievement of the qualification in part or in full. A leaner who after such assessment, is deemed to have sufficient potential, but is in need of further academic development, must be directed to other suitable learning qualifications prior to admission or to parallel qualifications after admission.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • National Senior Certificate, Level 4, granting access to Bachelor's Degree study with English, Life Orientation, Life Sciences, Mathematics and Physical Science. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework(NQF) Level 7 totalling 384 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 288 Credits:
  • Chemical Reactivity, 16 Credits.
  • General Principles of Chemistry, 16 Credits.
  • Med 1A 2 Human Body: Form/Function, 16 Credits.
  • Mathematics for Natural Sciences, 16 Credits.
  • Intro Physics for Life Sciences & Agriculture, 16 Credits.
  • The Smaller side of Life, 16 Credits.
  • Bioenergetics and Integrated Metabolism, 16 Credits.
  • Cardiorespiratory and Renal Physiology, 32 Credits.
  • Introduction to Biomolecules, 16 Credits.
  • Foundations of Physiology, 32 Credits.
  • Neuroendocrine Physiology, 32 Credits.
  • Human Genetics Applied Physiology, 32 Credits.
  • Metabolic Diseases, 16 Credits.
  • Haematology, 16 Credits.

    Elective Modules, Level, 96 Credits (Choose Six):
  • Academic Writing, 16 Credits.
  • Introductory Biochemistry and Microbiology, 16 Credits.
  • Basic IsiZulu Language Studies A. 16 Credits.
  • Life on Earth, 16 Credits.
  • Introduction to Fungi and Viruses, 16 Credits.
  • Cytology and Introduction to Histology, 16 Credits.
  • Neuroanatomy, 16 Credits.
  • Introduction to Anatomy, 16 Credits.
  • Anatomy of the Head, Neck and Back, 16 Credits.
  • Molecular Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) Technology, 16 Credits.
  • Bacteriology, 16 Credits.
  • Advanced Applications of Fungi and Viruses, 16 Credits.
  • Anatomy of the Upper & Lower Limbs, 32 Credits.
  • Research Project, 16 Credits.
  • Comparative skeletal Anatomy and Laboratory Technician, 16 Credits.
  • Embryology, 16 Credits.
  • Anatomy of the Trunk, 16 Credits.
  • Microbial Processing, 16 Credits.
  • Environmental Microbial Biotechnology, 16 Credits.
  • Advanced Bacteriology, 16 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Understand the Human Biology and Physiology both from an organismal level (systemic) perspective, and the molecular level.
    2. Demonstrate e knowledge of the molecular and cellular basis of mechanisms which drive the survival and environmental interactions of the human organism.
    3. Interrelate the different organ system functions and how the human organism performs as an integrated unit in the face of environmental stresses and pathogenic invasion.
    4. Read, analyse, explain and critically evaluate prescribed readings.
    5. Demonstrate laboratory skills that enable to the setting up, investigation, observation e, analysis e and reporting on various practical exercises pertaining to body function using human, animal and computer models.
    6. Complete a research project using basic research skills and knowledge of research methodology.
    7. Deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively.
    8. Exercise sound judgement in the use of data and information. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Integrated Assessment:
    Formative (in the form of theory and practical tests, assignments, and group projects). The learning outcomes primarily encompass equipping graduates with a knowledge base of both theory and practical aspects relating to Human Physiology and its applications. The testing is appropriate and tests knowledge and research capacity. Testing practical and theoretical competence is integrated using group assignments and mini-projects. Mini projects are research based projects which promotes sharing and teamwork and at the same time inculcating skills such as critical thinking and assimilation of knowledge. 

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Other Countries that offer this type of qualification include Australia, Canada and United Kingdom. This qualification compares favourably with these qualifications and allows similar articulation and has similar exit level outcomes. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Medicine in Clinical Practice, Level 7.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Medical Science Honours in Physiology, Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, Level 8. 
    		•

    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.
     
    NONE 


    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.