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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Medical Science Honours in Medical Biochemistry 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
110336  Bachelor of Medical Science Honours in Medical Biochemistry 
ORIGINATOR
University of KwaZulu-Natal 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Honours Degree  Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Curative Health 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  180  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  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   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 aims to improve the initiative, problem-solving ability, communication skills and technical expertise of the learner and to provide leaners with advanced knowledge and competence in Medical Biochemistry. It also aims to develop independent researchers in health sciences who can contribute to the generation of knowledge at an advanced level by conducting original research that addresses complex context based issues, under the guidance of the research supervisor.

Rationale:
This qualification extends the knowledge and understanding of Medical Biochemistry to an advanced level and introduces the leaner to the research milieu of the life sciences. This qualification will enable leaners to develop and become effective and skilled researchers in health sciences, equipped to become research orientated in their on-going professional development. The qualification will equip the leaner with the knowledge and the skills necessary for employment in pharmaceutical and biological research laboratories, the food and beverage industry, and in tertiary institutions (including teaching and research positions).The qualification is thus necessary to provide the country with a cadre of researchers in health sciences who are able to provide strategic and evidence informed guidance and contribute in a scholarly way in addressing local, regional and global health related issues. 

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.

An applicant who falls outside of the formal qualifications system, 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. An applicant 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:
  • Bachelor of Science, National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 7. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 8 totalling 128 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules,128 Credits:
  • Advanced Principles of Metabolic Diseases, 16 Credits.
  • Environmental Toxicology, 16 Credits.
  • Lab-Based Research Project. 64 Credits.
  • Research Methodology, 16 Credits.
  • Molecular Mechanisms of Disease, 16 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate advanced knowledge and competence in Medical Biochemistry, initiative, problem-solving ability, communication skills (written and oral) and technical expertise.
    2. Demonstrate an understanding in research methodology, techniques and technologies applicable to Medical Biochemistry research.
    3. Utilise at least 3 specialised skills in designing and implementing a research project that address complex issues in Medical Biochemistry research.
    4. Ensure good and safe laboratory practice.
    5. Carry out experimental work, record data and evaluate results.
    6. Generate a scientific paper that reflects independent thinking, critical analysis, ability to defend findings and insight into Medical Biochemistry research.
    7. Present research findings to a range of audiences using appropriate media or means to disseminate findings.
    8. Demonstrate an understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which environmental toxicants influence human health.
    9. Demonstrate an understanding of integrated metabolic pathways and how the presence of various stresses (especially disease states such as diabetes or malnutrition) results in altered metabolism.
    10. Understand the biochemical processes involved in the pathogenesis of various diseases. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
  • Submit a scientific paper.
  • Present work and defend an oral presentation on completion of the research project.
  • Assess the understanding and application of key concepts.
  • Assess critical thinking ability, problem-solving skills and practical knowledge.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The achievement of learning outcomes for the laboratory based research project will be assessed during weekly research meeting, submission of ethics and proposal applications and presentation of preliminary results. On completion of the research project, a scientific paper must be submitted and the work presented and defended at an oral presentation. For the theory modules, tests and examinations will assess understanding and application of key concepts. Critical thinking ability and problem-solving skills will be assessed using assignments, tutorials and/or case-studies Mini-projects will assess practical knowledge and skills. The research project will culminate in the production of a research report in the form of a scientific paper. It is envisaged that the leaners of this qualification will, through further study, contribute to the field and national priorities for growth and development in health sciences. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification is comparable with similar qualifications offered in various higher education institutions internationally. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

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

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Science in Biochemistry, Level 9. 
    		•

    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.