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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Health Sciences Honours in Physiology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
112836  Bachelor of Health Sciences Honours in Physiology 
ORIGINATOR
North West University 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Honours Degree  Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Curative Health 
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:
The primary purpose of the Bachelor of Health Sciences Honours in Physiology is to prepare learners for research-based postgraduate study. It serves to deepen learners' expertise in the field of physiology, and to develop research capacity in the methodology and techniques of the field of physiology. The qualification demands a high level of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence. Qualifying learners prepare for specific occupational possibilities by obtaining physiological health-orientated knowledge and skills, as well as research abilities to examine and solve certain health problems of cardiovascular nature in the South African population. This qualification prepares learners for research-based Postgraduate studies at Level 9.

Rationale:
The qualification is a niche area in the current developing world of cardiovascular health and disease, in which there is a need for relevant research in this area. The demand for this qualification from learners is evident from the many enquiries received from learners and employers, locally and nationally. The qualification broadens the scope and capacity of current Health Sciences offerings to meet the needs and deficits in the field and also strengthen the intellectual and operational capacities of learners in this field of expertise. The qualification is designed to deepen the subject matter competence developed by the learner on the undergraduate level and to develop the learner's research competence and capacity to work independently as a researcher in the field of Physiology. Learners with such competence are in short supply nationally. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Where learners do not meet the minimum admission requirements, RPL may be used to grant access to the qualification. RPL applies according to the Recognition of Prior Learning, credit accumulation and transfer, and assessment (CHE 2016) and the institution's RPL policy. The Faculty of Health Science manages the process. Assessment of Learners is against NQF Level 7 competencies.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Appropriate Bachelor's Degree, NQF Level 7, in the field of Health Sciences with Physiology as a major.
    Or
  • Appropriate Advanced Diploma, NQF Level 7, or the equivalent. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

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

    Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 120 Credits:
  • Cellular Physiology, 8 Credits.
  • Cardiovascular Physiology A, 16 Credits.
  • Neurophysiology, 16 Credits.
  • Endocrinology, 8 Credits.
  • Cardiovascular Physiology B, 16 Credits.
  • Cardiovascular Physiology C, 8 Credits.
  • Research Methodology, 16 Credits.
  • Research Report, 32 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate in-depth interrelated knowledge of the field of Physiology and the ability to analyse research theories, methodologies, and techniques or practice applied to Physiological processes.
    2. Critically review information gathering, evaluation and management processes in the Physiological context to develop creative responses to health problems and issues.
    3. Demonstrate an understanding of the complexities and uncertainties of selecting, applying or transferring appropriate standard procedures, processes or techniques to identify Physiological problems in humans.
    4. Identify and address, on an individual as well as group level, ethical issues based on critical reflection on the suitability of different ethical value systems or treatment methods within the field of Physiology.
    5. Practice the attitudes necessary for the achievement of high standards of ethical behaviour, both concerning conduct and commitment in the workplace and own personal development.
    6. Demonstrate rigorous interpretations and creative insights through effective communication to lay as well as scholarly audiences employing academic, professional and occupational ideas and solutions for Physiological problems.
    7. Apply learning strategies in a self-critical manner to effectively assess his or her and others, ongoing professional and learning needs. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following associated assessment criteria apply across all Exit Level Outcomes:
  • Interrogate the knowledge, theory and understanding of the mechanisms and integrated control of the cardiovascular systems, specifically coronary circulation, cardiac muscle contraction and vascular tone.
  • Analyse how the cardiovascular system functions during normal conditions as well as during certain states of diseases.
  • Analyse the cellular and sub-cellular elements involved in cardiovascular physiology and their role during physiological and pathophysiological responses to see their role in vascular function can.
  • Integrate pathological conditions as well as influences related to the environment.
  • Evaluate the influence of ageing on the cardiovascular system.
  • Evaluate the influence of physiological, environmental and disease factors on arterial rigidity.
  • Give evidence that heart failure and the neurohumoral responses are mastered by presenting components of it at a contact session.
  • Analyse ischaemic events critically in discussions, as well as by being able to identify ischaemic events from an ECG.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Formative assessment: through projects, assignments, case studies and tests during the year in the modules. In some modules, formative assessment include portfolios, practical evaluations and a research proposal.

    Summative assessment: Integrated exam (written and practical) and a research report on discrete research. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
  • Country: England.
  • Institution: University of Liverpool.
  • Qualification Title: Human Physiology Bachelor of Science (Hons).

    This qualification is comparable to the Human Physiology Bachelor of Science (Hons) offered by the above country in terms of the following:
  • Both qualifications share a similar focus on the interaction of molecules, cells, tissues and organs, and how these parts make up the whole body. However, Bachelor of Science Honours in Human physiology at the University of Liverpool focuses on cellular and molecular mechanisms of disease. The Bachelor of Health Sciences Honours in Physiology at this institution looks at the general field of physiology with a focus on cardiovascular physiology. Both qualifications are made up of very practical experimental modules and include a mix of coursework and research and as such, provide an opportunity for Postgraduate study.
  • Both qualifications share similar entry requirements, with a diploma as a common entry point. However, Human Physiology Bachelor of Science (Hons) at the University of Liverpool has specific subject requirements such as Biology and Chemistry at A level. Moreover, human physiology at Liverpool has a course length of 3 years full-time while the Bachelor of Health Sciences honours offering is just 1 year full-time.
  • This qualification compares favourably with the Bachelor of Science Honours in Human Physiology offered by the University of Liverpool. However, the broad-based nature of these qualifications that open it up to the general field of physiology makes it unique as learners are empowered to have a broad understanding at honours level. These increase the learner's choices of specialisation at the master's level.
  • Country: Australia.
  • Institution: University of Western Australia.
  • Qualification Title: Bachelor of Biomedical Science Honours.

    This qualification is comparable to the 4th year level of the Bachelor of Biomedical Science Degree offered by the above country in terms of the following:
  • Although this qualification is offered in a course duration of 1-year while the Bachelor of Biomedical Science Honours Degree if offered over 4 years, they still have comparable curriculum design components. Firstly, the Bachelor of Biomedical Science Honours includes the undergraduate and the honours curriculum in one qualification. That is why it is a 4-year qualification and is comparable to the 4th year of the Bachelor of Biomedical Science Honours Degree. The 4th year curriculum is the equivalent of the honour's curriculum.
  • Both qualifications share a similar focus on how the human body works, from the molecular and cellular levels to tissues and organs, and explains how these interact together with the environment. As such, they share similar modules and module themes. However, the national context receives more attention in application.
  • This qualification and the 4th year offering of the Bachelor of Biomedical Science Degree offered by the University of Western Australia offer graduates a range of professional careers and possibilities for Postgraduate studies (master's qualification). The two curriculum offers a mix of coursework and research.
  • This qualification compares favourably with the Bachelor of Biomedical Science Honours degree offered at the University of Western Australia. However, this qualification is unique in its contextual focus. 
    		•

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Health Sciences Honours in Biokinetics, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Sciences Honours Physiology, NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Health Sciences in Cardiovascular Physiology, 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.
     
    1. North West University 


    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.