SAQA 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.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Medicine in Virological Pathology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
117133  Master of Medicine in Virological Pathology 
ORIGINATOR
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences 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
Master's Degree  Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Curative Health 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  180  Not Applicable  NQF Level 09  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 qualification aims to provide learners with the foundation for continued personal and intellectual growth, gainful economic activity and for contributing to society at large through advanced patient care, innovation, scholarship and leadership in the field of Virological Pathology. The applied competence and skills derived from their training in Virological Pathology is sufficient to allow them to be accredited specialists with registration recognition with the HPCSA.

Rationale:
The qualification provides learners with the knowledge, skills and attitudes that enable them to register as specialists in Virological Pathology with the Medical and Dental Professional Board of the HPCSA. The qualification addresses the needs of rural communities through innovative and robust research initiatives. The learner responds to the critical shortage of medical specialists in the country in rural areas. A higher level of responsiveness to diverse regional and national human resources, skills and knowledge needs in healthcare provision, in particular for rural areas and the public sector which is in line with the social accountability focus of the Faculty of Health Sciences. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, NQF Level 8.
    And
  • Registration with HPCSA, NQF Level 8.
    And
  • The learner must occupy the post for the full duration of registration. 

  • RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at NQF Level 9 totalling 720 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules at Level 9, 720 Credits:
  • Medical Microbiology, 28 Credits.
  • Molecular Biology, 32 Credits.
  • Advanced Virology, 120 Credits.
  • Virological Pathology Major, 360 Credits.
  • Dissertation in Virological Pathology, 180 Credits. 

  • EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
  • Assist in diagnoses, through laboratory investigations, interpretation of appropriate specialised diagnostic tests, verbal communication, physical examination, and to assist in the formulation and execution of management options for divergent problems in clinical virology in a holistic manner.
  • Advise and implement appropriate measures in disease management relevant to clinical virology.
  • Interpret scientific literature relevant to his/her field and through reflection to adapt new developments in the field of Virological Pathology into his/her clinical practice.
  • Conceptualise, plan and implement and interpret research relevant to the practice of Virological Pathology. 

  • ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following Associated Assessment Criteria will assess the Exit Level Outcomes in an integrated manner.
  • Demonstrate knowledge, experience and skills necessary to function and practice as a Virological Pathologist following the standard laid down by the university, professional boards as well as Colleges of Medicine of South Africa by:
    > Demonstrating appropriate theoretical knowledge.
    > Taking appropriate clinical history at a level appropriate to the speciality and communicate the findings and treatment options effectively with the patient and referring doctor.
    > Performing appropriate clinical examination.
    > Performing advanced laboratory investigations appropriate to the level of a specialist in the field of Virological Pathology.
    > Using cost-effective investigations which provide sufficient relevant information to aid diagnosis.
    > Maintaining a high standard of laboratory test results by applying for appropriate quality control programmes. Liaising between clinicians and technical laboratory staff to optimise the clinical value of the laboratory.
  • Can teach, through practice at the specialist level, the application of knowledge from the basic to an advanced level to other professionals including scientists, support and technical staff and staff in other disciplines.
  • Communicate this knowledge by teaching undergraduates and supervising more junior colleagues in the speciality.
  • Show research mastery through the production of a research report which demonstrates skills including the ability to evaluate research, review literature, design and perform a study, collect data, perform and interpret statistical analyses on data, interpret results and draw conclusions.
  • Conduct all research with due regard for the moral, legal and ethical accountability and requirements of the profession.
  • Practice Evidence-Based Medicine by critically evaluating published literature in the field and applies it in practice and can guide junior candidates who are studying or working in the same branch of specialisation.
  • Show respect for patients and colleagues without prejudice, with an understanding and appreciation of their diversities of background and opportunity, language and culture.
  • Demonstrate an awareness, through actions or in writing, of the moral, legal and ethical responsibilities involved in individual patient care and the provision of care to populations.
  • Consider both the impact of health care on the environment as well as the impact of the environment on health.
  • Strive to improve patient care, to reduce inequalities in health care delivery, to optimise the use of health care resources in our society and uses his or her professional capabilities to contribute to the community as well as to individual patient welfare by the practise of this branch of specialist medicine.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The primary examination (Part 1) must happen within 24 months of training in the following modules: MMIC190, MMMA190, MVPA190. The writing of the final examination (Part 2) occurs after at least four years of training. Admission to the final examination shall depend on satisfactory continuous demonstration of content competence. The final examination is by the CMSA, and it is the only recognised exit exam.
  • Medical Microbiology:
    Practical assessments in a laboratory, written and oral examinations.
    The year mark contributes 60% towards the final combined mark (FCM) for the standard examinations. Two written examination papers - Microbiology and Virology.
  • Molecular Biology:
    Learners are assessed after each topic or submit written assignments on each topic, write three class tests, two written examinations and an oral examination in the presence of an external examiner for vulnerable students. The year mark contributes 50% towards the final combined mark (FCM).
  • Advanced Virology:
    Learners submit written assignments, have oral presentations, write three class tests, two written examinations and an oral examination in the presence of an external examiner. The year mark contributes 50% towards the final combined mark (FCM).
  • Virological Pathology Major:
    Weekly presentations and assessments, two written papers (basic and applied), practical and oral examinations with external examiners (Internal) or External examination with Colleges of Medicine of SA (CMSA).
  • Dissertation in Virological Pathology:
    Presentations: (protocol (10%), progress & final presentation (10%): 20% of final mark.
    Submit final research report in the form mini-dissertation which assessed by one independent external examiner = 80% of the final mark. 

  • INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    A similar program exists in the UK. In South Africa, Clinical Virology falls within the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa (CMSA). The approval of formal registration of the speciality training is by the HPCSA. 

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Medicine in Medical Virology, NQF Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Medicine: Medical Microbiology and Medical Virology, NQF Level 10. 

  • 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. Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences 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.