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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Postgraduate Diploma in Biomedical Technology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
112244  Postgraduate Diploma in Biomedical Technology 
ORIGINATOR
Vaal University of Technology 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Postgraduate Diploma  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  2019-09-18  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:
The Postgraduate Diploma in Biomedical Technology aims to equip learners to cope with the changing needs, markets and the latest technology use in the Biotechnology industry. This qualification focuses on providing learners with skills not only to become specialised health professionals playing an integral role in the healthcare of society but also add significant value to the academic and much-needed research development of the country. The qualification contains elements to include the latest advances in scientific knowledge and technology in Molecular Biology, focusing on specialised techniques. Theoretical research methodologies gained in the Advanced Diploma can be applied through conducting a research project, equipping learners to become researchers within their specialised fields and promote life-long learning opportunities. Learners will be able to do research grounded in an in-depth knowledge of the subject area and based on sound scientific principles. The outcomes of the qualification comply with statutory requirements including quality, ethics and safety.

Rationale:
Qualified Medical Laboratory Scientists are specialised health professionals who play an integral role in the healthcare of the society by providing vital information about the patient's state of health. Their input is necessary for the diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of diseases. The analytical and diagnostic services provided by the Medical Laboratory Scientists require in-depth scientific knowledge, good reasoning ability, and empathy for humanity.

There is a high demand for highly skilled and suitably qualified medical laboratory scientists as a health care resource, and there is currently a critical shortage in South Africa. This qualification has been structured to meet that need through the development of higher-level competencies. With BTech qualifications that are phasing out, this new qualification will help learners to articulate from the Advanced Diploma to the relevant Postgraduate Diplomas or Honours Degrees.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Biomedical Technology is a new qualification. The qualification is unique within comparison to other universities in South Africa because this qualification focuses on specific niche areas in the field of Biomedical Technology. This qualification has been structured to meet the need for the development of higher-level competencies associated with the Postgraduate Diploma. Medical Laboratory Scientists who have completed the Postgraduate Diploma will not only become specialised health professionals playing an integral role in the healthcare of society but adds significant value to the academic and much-needed research development of the country.

Furthermore, the qualification equips learners with tools to become fully competent medical laboratory and business unit managers. Therefore, the qualification provides learners with operational competencies as well as management skills, including supervision, mentoring and leadership. The flexibility of career path for medical laboratory scientists, both vertically and horizontally, is possible through personal growth and job advancement within and across the health sector.

Benchmarking has been carried out at a global level. This qualification compares favourably with some international universities. The advisory committee/board and other stakeholders (Pathologist, Health Care entities, Research labs) in the Biomedical Technology discipline made inputs, therefore meeting the needs of industry. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The details of the Faculty RPL policy are as follows, presuming prior accredited learning has taken place:
  • Learner applies for RPL against the module, or part/full qualification at the relevant department.
  • An exemption form is completed for the RPL of modules or part/full qualification.
  • Credits are awarded for relevant, approved prior learning (RPL).
  • Only then may the prospective learner continue with full registration.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Science in Biomedicine, NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules NQF Level 8, 120 Credits:
  • Epidemiology and Biostatistics, 20 Credits.
  • Integrated Pathophysiology, 20 Credits.
  • Management in Biomedical Environment, 20 Credits.
  • Research Project in Medical Laboratory Science, 30 Credits.
  • Advanced Molecular Biology, 30 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Execute problem-solving in management, research and advanced molecular biology.
    2. Demonstrate advanced knowledge in the fields of molecular biology, medical laboratory science-related research topic, as well as management of the biomedical environment.
    3. Perform procedural and non-procedural design of ill-defined components, systems or processes to meet desired needs normally within applicable standards, codes of practice and legislation.
    4. Demonstrate the ability to conduct advanced investigations and experiments of ill-defined problems within the fields of molecular biology, medical laboratory science research, as well as management of the biomedical environment.
    5. Apply integrated knowledge of specialised methods, utilising competencies in the fields of molecular biology, medical laboratory science research, as well as management of the biomedical environment.
    6. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with audiences and the affected parties.
    7. Demonstrate integrated knowledge, understanding and application of acquired principles as a member or a leader in a diverse team.
    8. Engage in independent and life-long learning through well-developed learning and critical thinking skills.
    9. Comprehend and apply ethical principles and commit to professional ethics, responsibilities and norms of practice within own limits of competence. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following Associated Assessment criteria will be used in an integrated manner across Exit Level Outcomes.
  • Integrate the fundamental principles of statistics into analysis in medical laboratory sciences.
  • Assess different sample size calculation equations to justify the suitable equation for determining the correct sample size required for accurate estimates.
  • Evaluate the application of different statistical inferences.
  • Analyse findings reported epidemiological literature.
  • Design and conduct a study that adheres to the principles and methods of an epidemiological study.
  • Interpret results from an epidemiological study (descriptive analysis, observational analytical studies (case-control and cohort), and randomised clinical trials).
  • Critique the calculations and interpretation of measures of disease frequency and associations.
  • Differentiate between association versus causation in the interpretation of results.
  • Evaluate chance, bias, confounding and effect modification.
  • Select the most suitable regression, estimate and test the regression coefficient.
  • Evaluate regression coefficients of continuous and categorical predictors.
  • Justify the analysis of variance models and their correspondence with regression models.
  • Critically analyse (Fit, evaluate, and interpret) binary data models arising from epidemiological studies, clinical trials, or other application areas.
  • Evaluate the application of statistical methods (Kaplan-Meier survival curve, log-rank, Poisson regression, Cox regression, Laplace regression) for survival analysis.
  • Argue which statistical methods are most suitable to determine the survival probabilities, survival percentiles, and rates.
  • Assess modelling strategies include flexible modelling of quantitative predictors and interactive analysis.
  • Defend causal concepts (casual effect and confounding factors) using potential outcomes and counterfactuals.
  • Discuss anatomy + physiological characteristics of the systems affected by the diseases of the liver, pancreas, lungs; endocrine kidney, heart, immune system evaluated reproductive system, skin and blood-borne diseases.
  • Evaluate the pathophysiological condition as presented in a case study of each of the diseases indicated systems (liver, pancreas, lungs, endocrine kidney, heart, immune system, reproductive system, skin and blood-borne diseases) identified.
  • Discuss the effects of the pathophysiological conditions on other physiological systems evaluated.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Assessment of modules in the qualification is following the assessment policy of the institution. The learning guides for the modules contain the module intended outcomes and assessment criteria which must be satisfied to pass.
  • Formative and summative assessment:
    > Both formative and summative assessment are integral components of all modules within the qualification and have an application to continuous assessment, ensuring overall applied competence.
    > Formative assessment will be mainly through.
    > Group discussions.
    > Practical exercises and feedback.
    > Presentation of assignments.
    > Written reports.
  • Summative assessment practices will be implemented to assess the achievement of outcomes.
    > Assignments.
    > Observations.
    > Assessment of practical tasks.
    > Continuous Assessment modules a portfolio of evidence. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
  • Country: Hong Kong South-Eastern China.
  • Institution: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
  • Qualification Title: Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Medical Laboratory Science.

    This qualification equips qualifying learners with the knowledge, techniques and reasoning skills that are necessary to be qualified as medical laboratory scientists. Learners play a vital role in a wide range of laboratory-based positions, particularly in hospital pathology laboratories. Their accurate and professional analysis of clinical samples aids physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. The qualification that they obtain also enables them to pursue research careers in biomedical science or enter into Postgraduate studies.

    Year Four extends to applied subjects such as Human Genetics, Molecular Diagnosis of Human Disease and Legal and Ethical Issues in Healthcare and one Elective Subject from a range of other cross-disciplinary health-related subject areas. The core medical laboratory science disciplines enhance learner's knowledge through the integrative subject of Current Topics in Laboratory Medicine.
  • Country: Australia.
  • Institution: Curtin University.
  • Qualification Title: B-LAB MED Bachelor of Science (Laboratory Medicine).

    A qualifying learner of this qualification can:
  • Apply general and discipline specified knowledge to the performance of laboratory medicine.
  • The application of expertise critically and ethically in the laboratory medicine setting.
  • Obtain and critically appraise information from a range of resources applicable to the practice of medical science.
  • Communicate effectively specialised knowledge relevant to laboratory medicine.
  • The selection and effective use of appropriate technologies to generate valid data.
  • Recognition of the need for on-going learning in the Medical Science profession.
  • An awareness of global differences in disease patterns and diagnostic medicine.
  • Identification of cultural difference and its impact on Medical Science.
  • Recognition of the necessity for integrity and ethical behaviour and a professional approach to medical science.

    Modules:
  • Applied Laboratory Medicine Practice 2.
  • Applied Laboratory Medicine Practice 3.
  • Integrated Medical Science.
  • Advanced Immunology.
  • Advanced Haematology.
  • Advanced Clinical Biochemistry.
  • Advanced Histopathology.
  • Advanced Diagnostic Cytology.
  • Advanced Medical Microbiology. 
    		•

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Medical Science Honours, NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Biomedical Technology, NQF 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.