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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Health Sciences in Medical Laboratory Science 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
117478  Bachelor of Health Sciences in Medical Laboratory Science 
ORIGINATOR
Vaal University of Technology 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National First Degree(Min 480)  Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Curative Health 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  480  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   2034-06-30  

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 Bachelor of Health Sciences in Medical Laboratory Science is intended to develop the academic skills, values and attributes necessary to create a practitioner with solid ethical principles and a desire for life-long learning. It will enable successful learners to become medical laboratory scientists who are employed in laboratory diagnostic services and who are able to successfully undertake application of management skills.

This Qualification will lead the learner through six focus areas that contribute to the main objectives of the Medical Laboratory Sciences and which are reflected in the Qualification, viz:
  • Diagnostic techniques required for the diagnosis and subsequent treatment of patients.
  • Keeping abreast of new trends in technology, equipment and diagnostic methodology to ensure continued professional development of the medical laboratory scientist and in turn, promote improved health services to society.
  • Developing research potential to place South African medical services at the forefront of international patient care.
  • Developing management and quality assurance skills required for effective, efficient and sustained delivery of quality laboratory services supporting the medical profession.
  • Ethical and safety considerations required to underpin the profession.
  • Empathy and communication skills required by practitioners to deliver relevant and accurate information to the different health care participants and sectors.

    On completion of this qualification, the learner will be able to:
  • Integrate laboratory tests with pathophysiological conditions in a chosen field of specialisation in accordance with statutory and operational requirements.
  • Critically evaluate current and new trends in technology to improve practices and to solve problems in a variety of contexts.
  • Conduct research in the field of medical laboratory sciences, in compliance with legislated and ethical research principles.
  • Apply management and entrepreneurship skills in the context of medical laboratory sciences.
  • Compliance with statutory requirements including quality, ethics and safety underpin all Exit Level Outcomes.
  • Successful completion of this qualification will enable the graduate to register with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as a Medical Laboratory Scientist.

    Rationale:
    Qualified medical laboratory scientists are specialised health professionals who play an integral role in the healthcare of society by providing vital information about a patient's state of health. Their input is necessary in the diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of disease. The analytical and diagnostic services provided by medical laboratory scientists require a strong scientific knowledge, and practical application of knowledge and skills as well as trained reasoning ability and empathy for humanity.

    There is a great 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 associated with this professional degree on NQF Level 8 and 9 with international standards.

    Learners need to pass a National Board Examination in their area of specialisation before they graduate. The qualifying learner will be able to apply principles and techniques in the routine and specialised analysis of biological specimens in the area of specialisation. They will be able to organize laboratory operations in clinical diagnostic laboratories and related fields, in accordance with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP). They will be able to integrate laboratory tests and results with pathophysiological conditions and conduct research grounded in a deep knowledge of the subject area and based on sound scientific principles. Within the qualification, management skills are developed with a view of applying good business management and encouraging entrepreneurial development. They will be able to implement training programmes within medical laboratories. The outcomes of the qualification are underpinned by compliance with statutory requirements including quality, ethics and safety. In order to practice as a Medical Laboratory Scientist, the learner will have to register with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as a Medical Laboratory Scientist in the area of specialisation in which they obtain their qualification.

    The rationale behind this course is that the human body is complex. When one is affected by disease or syndrome, the aberration in the body is not one of purely, for example, chemistry that has gone wrong (related to the discipline of clinical chemistry), or defects with the cellular components of blood (related to the discipline of haematology). It is a cascade of events that occurs which affect the chemical processes, the haematology, the cellular and tissue morphology. Students have the tendency to compartmentalise information within a course. The realisation that disease is a multifaceted process needs to be instilled in them.

    Students in their fourth year of study will need to select an area of specialisation in which they will practice. During that year they will spend the majority of their time in the laboratory where they will build on and acquire further theoretical and practical competencies in the work environment of their field of specialisation and complete their research project under supervision of the mentor in the laboratory and their research supervisor. They will attend blended learning lectures with limited contact at the University for the remainder of the time. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The institution accepts Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) as an integral part of education and academic practice. It is acknowledged that all learning has value and the institution accepts the challenge to assess prior learning and status will be given for credits that are aligned to the learning outcomes of the qualification and to promote lifelong learning.

    The Institutional RPL policy will be applied. Through RPL, a learner may gain access, or advanced placement, or recognition of status.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum admission requirement is:
  • National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 granting access to Bachelor's studies with Mathematics, Physical Sciences and Life Sciences;
    Or
  • Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 with endorsement and; Mathematics, Physical Science and Biology. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Levels 5, 6, 7 and 8 totalling 502 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 76 Credits:
  • Integrative Medical Sciences I, 46.5 Credits.
  • Introduction to Medical Laboratory Sciences I, 19.5 Credits.
  • Cell Biology I, 10 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 114 Credits:
  • Immunology I, 12 Credits.
  • Human Anatomy, Physiology and Disease I, 30 Credits.
  • Clinical Chemistry II, 12 Credits.
  • Microbiology II, 12 Credits.
  • Hematology II, 12 Credits.
  • Immunohaematology II, 12Credits.
  • Histology II, 12 Credits.
  • Cytology II, 12 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 158 Credits:
  • Clinical Chemistry III 20 Credits.
  • Microbiology III, 20 Credits.
  • Hematology III, 20 Credits.
  • Cytology III, 20 Credits.
  • Integrative Medical Laboratory Sciences III, 69 Credits.
  • Research Methods III, 9 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 34 Credits:
  • Research Project IV (Mini Thesis in the field of specialisation), 24 Credits.
  • Laboratory Management IV, 10 Credits.

    Elective Modules, Level 8, 120 Credits (Select the area to specialise from one of the modules):
  • Clinical Pathology IV, 120 Credits.
  • Clinical Chemistry IV, 120 Credits.
  • Medical Microbiology IV, 120 Credits.
  • Haematology IV, 120 Credits.
  • Immunohaematology IV, 120 Credits.
  • Cytology IV, 120 Credits.
  • Histology IV, 120 Credits.
  • Immunology IV, 120 Credits.
  • Virology IV, 120 Credits.
  • Forensic Sciences IV, 120 Credits.
  • Pharmacology IV, 120 Credits.
  • Cytogenetics IV, 120 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Perform and integrate laboratory tests with pathophysiological conditions in a specific field of specialisation in accordance with statutory and operational requirements.
    2. Evaluate current and new trends in technology to improve practices and to solve problems in a variety of contexts.
    3. Conduct research in the field of medical laboratory sciences in compliance with legislated and ethical research principles.
    4. Apply management and entrepreneurship skills in the context of medical laboratory sciences. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Selected, perform, interpret and integrate routine and specialised diagnostic techniques (including molecular biology techniques) in a specific field in accordance with statutory requirements and situational standard operating procedures.
  • Evaluate laboratory results through correlation of data in the context of the principles, techniques and instruments used.
  • Recognise factors that affect procedures and test results; and take appropriate action to nullify these.
  • Interpret laboratory results through correlation of data with physiological and pathophysiological conditions.
  • Evaluate, interpret and integrate findings through application of an in-depth knowledge of disease processes.
  • Monitor equipment for efficient functioning and appropriate action is taken when necessary.
  • Describe and apply laboratory safety procedures, including infection control, throughout all operating procedures.
  • Describe and apply quality assurance procedures throughout all operating procedures.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Analyse, synthesise and evaluate the constraints within a given laboratory relative to the services required of the facility.
  • Learn the use of new equipment in depth to obtain the maximum use thereof.
  • Recommend appropriate new techniques and methods on the basis of methodological scientific principles.
  • Analyse and recommend new techniques and methods which have been written up and/or presented formally with motivation and apply where applicable.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Identify, articulate and investigate research needs within the chosen specialisation in the field of medical laboratory sciences.
  • Apply research methods.
  • Review and document applicable literature according to accepted scientific practices.
  • Collect, analyse and interpret data using appropriate qualitative and/or quantitative techniques.
  • Evaluate research findings and formulate conclusions and recommendations based on sound theoretical principles.
  • Produce and present a research report in accordance with the required institutional research guidelines.

    Associated assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Analyse and manage human, infrastructural, operational and financial resources efficiently and effectively.
  • Develop, approve and implement a business plan for a new medical laboratory service is within a structured situation.
  • Explain principles of entrepreneurship skills in terms of the proposed business model.
  • Explain and apply current, relevant legislation where applicable, such as within the proposed business plan.
  • Align all clinical interactions and related activities with the provisions and rules of the relevant institution and the codes of ethics of the HPCSA and relevant professional associations.
  • All manner of communication, including appropriate use of electronic media and medical terminology, with patients, colleagues and other service providers, is clear, direct and accurate and delivered in terms of maintaining patient confidentially.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The term 'Integrated Assessment' implied that theoretical and practical components should be assessed together. During integrated assessment the assessor should make use of formative and summative assessment methods and assess combinations of practical, applied, foundational and reflective competencies.

    Formative and summative assessment strategies should be used throughout the qualification to ensure that exit level and cross critical outcomes are met.

    Formative assessment may include, but are not limited to:
  • Tests.
  • Written and practical assignments.
  • Literature reviews.
  • Case studies.
  • Class presentations.
  • Seminars.
  • Peer evaluation.
  • Simulations in structured learning environments.

    Summative assessment may include, but are not limited to:
  • Written examinations.
  • Oral examinations.
  • Practical examinations.
  • Supervisor reports where appropriate.
  • Objective Simulated Clinical Evaluation Scenarios (OSCES).
  • Practical Assessment (Portfolio).

    Integrated assessment will be conducted collaboratively in accordance with the requirements of the HPCSA as well as the higher education institutions offering the qualification.

    Both formative and summative assessments are used in assessing the competencies of learners in "Clinical Practice III" and Clinical Practice IV". Formative assessments are used as a means of assisting learners to improve their level of learning a competency in a particular learning area. Summative assessments are used to grade and judge a learner's understanding and ability to apply learning material to a particular context. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Internationally, qualifications in Medical Laboratory Sciences e.g. Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences are not offered at the level of a diploma which strengthens the case for the South African qualification to be upgraded in line with international practices.

    Australia:
    The University of Technology: Sydney (UTS) offers a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences as a three year full-time, or six-year part-time degree. Alternately, learners can complete a four-year full-time degree, with the successful completion of a Diploma in Scientific Practice or four years full-time with Honours. This represents a fourth year and is required for full recognition to practice. Learners with this qualification have professional recognition in overseas countries.

    The UTS qualification is not an outcomes based format which makes it difficult to compare credit allocation. However, components of the course similar to the South African qualification consist of Physiology, Pathophysiology, Immunology, Molecular Biology and Clinical subjects such as Haematology and Microbiology. The overall credit points for this qualification is 144 Credit points of which 24 Credit points (cp) consist of electives that may be taken as a sub-major. This is a four year such as laboratory management, quality assurance and ethical conduct, which are not explicitly stated in the competencies outlined in the Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science as offered by UTS.

    The second qualification investigated is the Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Sciences (Level 7) 480 Credits offered by Auckland University of Technology (AUT) and is also recognised in Australia by the Australian Institute of Medical Scientists (AIMS). This is a four-year full-time study qualification with the following specialisations:
  • Clinical Chemistry.
  • Haematology.
  • Histology.
  • Immunology.
  • Medical Cytology.
  • Medical Microbiology.
  • Transfusion Science.

    The specialisations in the qualification offered at Auckland University of Technology are similar to those in the South African professional Degree. The South African professional Degree includes the additional specialisations of Virology, Cytogenetics and Clinical Pathology. The South African profession Degree provides for specialisation in the theory of four majors and intense specialised practical competence in one discipline in the fourth year.

    Wales:
    The University of Wales Institute, Cardiff offers the BSc Honours qualification in Biomedical Sciences (Applied Biomedical Sciences) that is recognised by the Welsh National Health Service. This is similar to the South African qualification.

    In the first year learners cover Fundamental Biochemistry, Cell Biology and Genetics, Immunology, Microbiology and Human Physiology. Molecular Biology of the Cell, Epidemiology, Data Analysis, Research Methods, Medical Biochemistry, Disorders of Cells and Tissues, Public Health and Medical Microbiology are covered in the second year. The third year covers Biology and Laboratory Investigation, Molecular and Genetic Analyses and Molecular and Clinical Immunology. In addition, the third year contains a strong research component to encourage independent enquiry and critical analysis. Integrated work-based training is undertaken in the Welsh NHS accredited clinical laboratories. On successful completion of the integrated work-based professional training undertaken in a NHS accredited clinical laboratory, the learner is awarded a "certificate of competence" which assists eligibility of graduates successfully completing this course in applying to become registered with the New Zealand Health Professions Council.

    Zimbabwe:
    The University of Zimbabwe offers an internationally recognised degree namely, Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Sciences (Honours Degree). The competencies required are equivalent to those of the South African Qualification. The theory component of the course is covered in the first, second and fourth years of study (900 hours per year) while the third year is dedicated to working in accredited clinical laboratories. Within the first year 70% of the time is dedicated to lectures and tutorials, 15% to practicals and 15% to student-based learning i.e., assignments, projects, and self-study. For the second and fourth year the distribution is 75%:15%: 10% and 70%: 10%: 20%, respectively. The design of the Zimbabwe qualification differs from the South African Qualification in terms of the intended practical work-based learning. The extra semester spent on developing practical competence in the South African Qualification is considered to give strength to the graduate as a potential practitioner.

    Namibia:
    Namibia offers a similar Degree at the Polytechnic of Namibia. This qualification is called the Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences Degree and is worth 500 Credits at NQF Level 8 with similar modules as the South African qualification.

    In terms of the credits, the Namibian qualification equates to 50 Credits at NQF Level 5, 75 Credits at NQF Level 6, 235 Credits at Level 7 and 140 Credits at Level 8. The total number of credits is 500. In the South Africa Qualification, the credit values are as follows: 76 Credits at NQF Level 5, 114 Credits at NQF Level 6, 158 Credits at NQF Level 7 and 154 Credits at NQF Level 8. The total number of credits is 502. There has been close collaboration between Namibian and South African professionals in the development of the Namibian qualification.

    Conclusion:
    The South African Qualification compares well with the Bachelor of Sciences in Biomedical Science as offered by the University of Technology: Sydney; Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Sciences (Level 7) 480 Credits offered by Auckland University of Technology; the BSc. (Honours): Biomedical Sciences offered by University of Wales Institute, Cardiff's; the Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Sciences (Honours) offered by the University of Zimbabwe and the Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences Degree offered by the Polytechnic of Namibia. The comparison is particularly strong with regard to the core operational areas of Medical Laboratory Sciences. All the qualifications used for comparison are 4 year qualifications that require professional recognition before the graduates can practice.

    In the qualifications selected for comparison a similarity of competencies is clearly identifiable, and in some instances, in order to meet the South African requirements in the field of medical laboratory sciences, the South African Qualification provides a broader scope of choice of specialisation. These requirements are catered for by the intended learning time in the work place, research competencies and the national standards set for the integrated exit level assessment.

    In contrast (differences) to all international qualifications investigated, assessment in the South African Qualification is strengthened by incorporation of the professional body requirements into the final summative examination. In addition, the South African Qualification is further strengthened over all the international qualifications used for caparison through the incorporation of a substantial research project to be undertaken by learners.

    It is clear from the comparison of qualifications that a similar approach is followed with different focus areas to provide for South Africa's unique requirements which will be met by the Bachelor of Health Sciences in Medical Laboratory Science. The main areas of competence shared amongst the qualifications are certainly equal to international best practice. 
    		•

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Health Sciences, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Biomedical Technology, NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Health Sciences in Medical Laboratory 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.
     
    1. Vaal University of Technology 


    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.