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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Medical Science Honours in Human Molecular Biology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
111284  Bachelor of Medical Science Honours in Human Molecular Biology 
ORIGINATOR
University of the Free State 
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  Promotive Health and Developmental Services 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  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 replaces: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
9769  Bachelor of Medical Science Honours in Human Molecular Biology  Level 7  NQF Level 08  120  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
The purpose of the qualification is to provide a high standard of education in Human Molecular Biology, which will produce quality learners who have acquired key skills, in human molecular biology, genetics and/or molecular biology who are interested in pursuing further Postgraduate studies in Human Molecular Biology. The qualification aims to produce Scientists who have the knowledge, understanding and proficiencies required to contribute to the field of Human Molecular Biology. The qualification also aims to produce learners who, can independently perform scientific research and have the key skills for understanding research, at both professional and Postgraduate level, to enhance the role of Human Molecular Biology in patient care.

Rationale:
There is currently a shortage of Scientists trained in Molecular Biology in South Africa. There is a need to provide basic Postgraduate training in the use of molecular biology in humans for further Postgraduate research or the application of human molecular diagnostics. There is great interest in the application of molecular biology in human research and diagnostics in learners that are not interested in pursuing a qualification in medicine but who are interested in working in a molecular laboratory doing research and diagnostics on humans. The potential stakeholders are commercial pathology laboratories, private research laboratories, drug companies involved in research and development, academic research institutions performing molecular biology based research in humans as well as companies that supply reagents and equipment targeted to human molecular biology. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
In exceptional cases where applicants do not meet the minimum admission requirements a learner will be considered for access in compliance with the institutional RPL Policy. This includes approval of the faculty committee, on the recommendation of the academic head of department, on the strength of a standard of proficiency determined by means of recognition of prior learning (RPL) that is sufficient for the purposes of Postgraduate study, with notification to the Executive Committee of Senate.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Medical Science, National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Science, 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 120 Credits.
    Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 72 Credits.
  • Research: Literature study, 24 Credits.
  • Research Project, 32 Credits.
  • Research Techniques, 16 Credits.

    Elective Modules, Level 8, 48 Credits (Choose THREE Modules):
  • Capita Selecta, 16 Credits.
  • Applications of Molecular Biology in Hemostasis, 16 Credits.
  • Applications of Molecular Biology in Immunology, 16 Credits.
  • Diagnostic Molecular Biology, 16 Credits.
  • Capita Selecta, 16 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    The learner will be able to show evidence of:
    1. A consolidated and deepened expertise in human molecular biology.
    2. A research capacity in the methodology and techniques of human molecular biology.
    3. An achieved competency on a high-level of theoretical engagement in human outcomes molecular biology.
    4. An intellectual independence evident in his/her ability to think and reason on the theoretical aspects of human molecular biology. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes:

    The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be used in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes:
  • Conduct research under supervision.
  • Write a research report.
  • Develop research capacity in the methodology and techniques of the discipline.
  • Integrate the knowledge and skills acquired and to be a professional research scientist in Human Molecular Biology who will function effectively in any Human Molecular Biology laboratory.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The qualification provides for a Continuous Assessment approach. The latter is based on the principles of integrated assessment since the assessment activities are focused on the different dimensions of the purpose of the qualification. In order to determine whether the stated outcomes of the respective modules have been achieved in accordance with set standards and level of cognitive complexity required by the Level Descriptors, practical work, assignments with written reports, oral seminar presentations and written and oral tests and examinations including research report will be used as assessment methods. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This Honours qualification is comparable to other qualifications both nationally and internationally in the Medical Sciences field. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows for both vertical and horizontal articulation options:

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Science in Cell Biology, Level 9.
  • Master of Science in Biological Sciences, Level 9.
  • Master of Medicine in Medical Microbiology, Level 9.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Microbiology, Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Medical Microbiology, Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Cell Biology, Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Biology, Level 8. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced 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.