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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Bachelor of Medical Science Honours in Immunology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
111302  Bachelor of Medical Science Honours in Immunology 
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
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 091/21  2021-07-01  2023-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

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 
The purpose of the qualification is to apply educational knowledge, skills, principles and methods to conduct professional research in any immunology laboratory, as well as laboratories where immunological techniques play an important part. Immunology lies at the heart of the diagnosis, pathogenesis, laboratory monitoring, and treatment of many disorders including Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), autoimmune disorders and cancer. Learners will also be able to take part in routine diagnostic testing.

Rationale:
Learners who have completed this qualification will be able to apply for experiential training as Medical Science interns. On completion of that training they can apply for registration as professional medical scientists. The qualification is a specialist qualification preparing learners for further Postgraduate studies in Medical and Clinical Sciences. 

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, 120 Credits:
  • Immunohematology, 30 Credits.
  • Immunology Project, 30 Credits.
  • Laboratory and Clinical Immunology, 30 Credits.
  • Humoral and Cellular Immunology, 30 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Carry out routine and more complex diagnostic testing in an immunology laboratory.
    2. Detect and interpret immunological abnormalities.
    3. Critically appraise the theory and application of the scientific principles of good laboratory practice and quality control.
    4. Practice basic medical research methods and apply these to immunology.
    5. Carry out research projects under guidance of a professional medical researcher.
    6. Evaluate research findings; write research reports; and communicate in medical, scientific, laboratory and basic statistical terminology, and in immunology.
    7. Apply diagnostic laboratory methods and good laboratory practice and basic quality control measures. 

    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 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, practical work, assignments with written reports, oral seminar presentations, written and oral tests and examinations and research report will form part of the 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 Medical Immunology, Level 9.
  • Master of Medicine in Medical Virology, Level 9.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Medical Immunology, Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Medical Virology, 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.