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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Medical Science Honours in Medical Physics 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
111286  Bachelor of Medical Science Honours in Medical Physics 
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
19735  Bachelor of Medical Science Honours in Medical Physics  Level 7  NQF Level 08  136  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
The purpose of the qualification is to provide a high standard of education in Medical Physics, which will produce quality learners who have acquired key skills, both academic and translational, enabling them to contribute to the field of Medical Science. The qualification aims to produce scientists who have the knowledge, understanding and proficiencies required to contribute to the delivery and development of a quality, accredited Medical Physics service and relevant tests, i.e. the application of physics concepts, theories and methods to medicine or healthcare. 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 Medical Physics in patient care. This further aims to develop an understanding of the scientific principles underlying the main areas of medical physics research and radiation protection, specifically an awareness of the consequences of ionising radiation interactions and radiobiological effects. Learners should attain competencies in relation to foundational material, both in terms of concepts as well as problem-solving skills needed for continuing success as a professional medical Physicist as well as preparing the learner for further Postgraduate research.

Rationale:
There is a strong demand for learners in Medical Physics from the pharmaceutical, chemical, and biotechnology industries. Learners are recruited with either Honours or higher qualifications (Master of Science, Doctor of Philosophy) in Medical Physics for employment including provincial and private hospitals, universities, medical companies and with specialist physicians. Medical Physics learners can precede to a higher qualification, usually a Masters or Doctorate, in a variety of academic departments and research institutes. Various other careers are possible, including research assistants in Radiotherapy, the iThemba Laboratory, National Accelerator Centre, Medical Research Council, Eskom and the Department of Health also employ medical physicists. 

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 176 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 176 Credits.
  • Medical Phys. for Diagnostic Radiology, 16 Credits.
  • Quantum Mechanics, 16 Credits.
  • Electronics, 16 Credits.
  • Digital Image Processing, 16 Credits.
  • Semiconductors, 16 Credits.
  • Modalities for Radiotherapy, 16 Credits.
  • Radiotherapy Planning, 16 Credits.
  • Medical Phys. for Nuclear Medicine, 16 Credits.
  • Radiation Physics, 16 Credits.
  • Research in Medical Physics and Radiation Protection, 32 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    The learner will be able to:
    1. Apply research methods and evaluate research results.
    2. Solve a range of medical problems confronting Medical Scientists and the solutions developed for their recognition and investigation.
    3. Do diagnostic testing and research under supervision.
    4. Analyse, interpret and evaluate medical science information in the specific area. 

    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.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The qualification provides for a Continuous and Summative 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, research report, assignments, diagnostic tests, formal written tests, exams and seminar presentation/oral will be utilised. 
    		•

    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 Medical Science in Medical Physics, Level 9.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Physics, 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.