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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Medical Science Honours in Medical Microbiology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
112309  Bachelor of Medical Science Honours in Medical Microbiology 
ORIGINATOR
Walter Sisulu University 
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  Rehabilitative Health/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 does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
Learners will apply educational knowledge, skills, principles and methods to support research in the medical environment, having the necessary knowledge, skills and critical thinking to pursue their profession as scientists in the field of Medical Microbiology.

Upon successful completion of the Bachelor of Science honours in Medical Microbiology, learners will be able to:
  • Display knowledge and understanding of the basic principles of Medical Microbiology.
  • Understand molecular tests such as Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Molecular line probe assays.
  • Have a sound understanding of instrumentation and principles of laboratory techniques.
  • Design and execute a research project in the medical sciences under supervision.

    Rationale:
    The Bachelor of Science Honours in Medical Microbiology is designed to provide advanced sound knowledge in medical Microbiology to pursue further training of Master in Medical Microbiology. The qualification will allow the learners to improve their existing learning skills and knowledge, to develop new interests, as well as to improve their prospects for employment.

    Learning will be through theoretical and supervised practical experience, with both formative and summative assessments conducted periodically to assess progress and quality of learning achieved in key areas as determined by the curriculum.

    The learner will become an intern researcher employable for further training by laboratory service institutions both in public and private sectors such as the National Health Laboratory Services (NHLS) and the Private Medical Laboratories. They will also be employable by academic centres and by research institutions to provide training and to support research in the biomedical field, more specifically in Medical Microbiology.

    The qualification focuses on training scientists in the field of Medical Microbiology to alleviate the shortage of researchers in the field, particularly in the disadvantaged areas of the country.

    The qualification will contribute to increasing the pool of professionals with the critical intellectual abilities to ensure the future development of Medical Microbiology and to make provision for the country's need for a skilled workforce of the highest calibre and to ensure that the country stays competitive in an era of growing global competition.

    The employment of learners with this qualification, at the various institutions mentioned, will contribute to boost the standard of primary health care delivery as well as to strengthen and develop the body of applied research and knowledge generated in the country.

    The learners will be able to teach/train other health professionals at a lower level, including laboratory technicians who are currently in laboratory services in rural areas. This will lead to the development of the research capacity in the field. It will also contribute to improving the services for the people in the rural areas who do not have easy access to tertiary or even secondary health services. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    RPL will be offered for learners with previous exposure to Microbiology Laboratory Methods such as those articulating from the field of Medical Technology.

    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is guided by the institutional policy and is aligned with the objectives of the NQF. Entry into the qualification is possible via RPL as well as indicating advanced standing, provided that it is aligned to the institutional policy and that the learner is evaluated by a qualified RPL assessor in a manner that is free from any form of discrimination. RPL practices also include standard Credit Accumulation and Transfer (CAT) practices of equivalent modules that may have been achieved in the course of the learner's studies.

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

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8 totalling 124 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 124 Credits:
  • Advanced Medical Microbiology, 32 Credits.
  • Molecular Microbiology, 16 Credits.
  • Readings/Discussions in Molecular Microbiology, 16 Credits.
  • Research Project (compulsory), 60 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate an understanding of the theories and methods of Medical Microbiology.
    2. Critically review information gathering, synthesis and evaluation of data in the context of Medical Microbiology.
    3. Identify and address ethical issues arising from the research in Medical Microbiology.
    4. Interrogate multiple sources of knowledge in an area of specialisation and to evaluate knowledge and processes of knowledge production.
    5. Write a research report following the implementation of an approved proposal. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following Associated Assessment Criteria will assess the Exit Level Outcomes in an integrated manner.
  • Apply basic Medical Microbiology knowledge in situational problem-solving.
  • Understand microbiology technology effectively.
  • Select a Research Theme and produce a sound literature review.
  • Complete a research proposal according to scientific norms and ethical principles.
  • Communicate effectively using visual, and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Formative assessment includes the regular assignments and seminars conducted as continuous assessment throughout the module which contributes towards 60% of the final mark with the following weighting:
  • 20% from seminars and topic reviews.
  • 20% from Lab work and teaching participation.
  • 20% from test follow up and write-ups.

    The summative assessment also includes externalised end-of-module written exams which must be passed with at least 50%. It contributes 40% of the final mark for the module. The computation of final marks consists of 60% continuous assessment and 40% from the written exam.

    The integrated assessment of the Research component includes the formative component obtained from the seminar presentations of a research proposal (40%), seminar presentation of research outputs (40%) as well as regular Journal Clubs (20%).

    Application of practical Medical Microbiology knowledge and related research skills will be assessed by completing the research project. The research proposal should be approved by the University Human Research and Ethics Committee. Upon completion, the project will be assessed by one internal and one external examiner with the relevant expertise. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Comparable with requirements and training in the Bachelor of Science honours in Medical Microbiology: There are few BSc Honours qualifications, most qualifications include BSc and MSc as a combined qualification.

    The University of Otago, New Zealand, offers a Bachelor of Science with Honours (BSc (Hons) in Microbiology. A specific aim of the Bachelor of Science with Honours (BSc (Hons) qualification is to develop advanced theoretical and research skills and in so doing to provide a platform for an advanced professional or academic career. This qualification also has modules similar to this qualification, i.e. Research Project, Molecular Microbiology, Trends in Microbiology and Medical Microbiology and Immunology. The duration of the qualification is One year which similar to this qualification.

    The Athlone Institute of Technology, Co. Westmeath, Ireland offers a Bachelor of Science (Honours) Microbiology. This qualification is four years combined with BSc in Microbiology with last year modules similar to this qualification, i.e. Research Methods, Advanced Food Microbiology, Advanced Environmental Microbiology, Applied Statistics and Experimental Design, Advanced Industrial Bioprocessing, Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Current Trends in Microbiology, Quality Management, Research Project.

    Massey University (University of New Zealand) offers a Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Microbiology). Massey University's Bachelor of Science with Honours with a major in microbiology is a prestigious qualification for those that are interested in progressing to further, in-depth research.

    The University of Bristol in the United Kingdom offers a Bachelor of Science (with Honours) BSc (Hons) Full-time over three years.

    Accelerated Bachelor of Science/Master of Science USA (BSc in Arizona State University the US) is a five-year qualification with combined BSc and MSc; they need only 138 Credits to complete MSc. If the learner chooses to complete the qualifications separately, they will need 150 total Credit hours. 

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

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

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Medical Science, 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.