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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Medicine in Chemical Pathology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
122317  Master of Medicine in Chemical Pathology 
ORIGINATOR
Walter Sisulu 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
Registered  EXCO 0724/24  2024-06-04  2027-06-04 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-04   2031-06-04  

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 purpose of the Master of Medicine in Chemical Pathology is to equip learners with practical skills, and expertise knowledge relevant to professional service in the health context. Learners will gain a clear understanding of the disease processes and their diagnosis. They will be competent in Emergency, Critical and Chronic Laboratory Medicine. The qualification will provide learners with expertise in research, which includes the ability to evaluate and implement research findings in the practice of the branch of specialisation and the ability to guide junior candidates if the learner is in an educational setting. Learners will acquire research skills to become part of a research team and eventually form their research groups.

The qualification prepares learners to contribute to the development and dissemination of knowledge at an advanced level by fostering scholarship and intellectual independence, equipping them with skills and knowledge relevant to the research practice and professional communication. The qualification produces competent learners for admission to doctoral qualification preparing them for a life of self-directed continuing learning, reflective practice, and professional development. The qualification will enable the learners to practice as Chemical Pathology specialists to provide consultative, diagnostic and management care at Medical Laboratory Services as well as specialised research.

Upon successful completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Display knowledge and application of the basic principles of Chemical Pathology.
  • Use the instrumentation and apply the principles of laboratory techniques.
  • Relate biochemical tests to the disease process as applied to diseases commonly present in the rural environment.
  • Apply the principles of research and research planning in Medical Sciences.
  • Manage different problems found in the daily Chemical Pathology practice.
  • Critically analyse common diseases and the diagnosis act at the points where patients and clinicians need assistance to make a diagnosis.
  • Assist and empower patients and doctors in the rural environment through families, groups, organisations, and communities to do health promotion and their problem-solving capacities.
  • Promote, restore, maintain, and enhance thorough prevention measures for the health of individuals, families, groups, and communities by enabling them to accomplish tasks, prevent, alleviate distress, and use resources effectively.
  • Implement a development approach within the South African and the global health context.
  • Work effectively within teams and individually.

    Rationale:
    According to the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, Clinical Pathology or Clinical Chemistry the practice of Pathology is devoted primarily to the use of biochemical and molecular techniques in the laboratory diagnosis and management of human disease. Chemical pathologists advise clinicians on the selection and interpretation of clinical chemistry tests and can manage and direct the clinical chemistry section of the clinical laboratory. Clinical chemistry is unique since it produces more patient results than other subspecialties, and it is a relatively uncommon profession with few individuals entering the field. Chemical Pathology focuses on the study and investigation of the biochemical and molecular changes that occur as part of a disease process.

    Chemical pathologists take responsibility for managing the laboratories by undertaking.
    biochemical investigations and providing them with clinical and scientific direction. They
    are heavily involved in developing guidelines and protocols for disease management. A major part of their role is to advise clinicians about the appropriate use and interpretation of tests in managing individual patients in general practice and all specialities of secondary care. Where tests are not provided locally, they act as a link between local clinicians and specialist laboratories, for example for rare endocrine, toxicological, or genomic testing. Chemical pathologists are involved in dealing with large amounts of data.
    and with the Information Technology Systems required to manage these, and in using the
    data to support research and audit across the whole field of medicine. Chemical pathologists are also involved in disease screening and risk management. In addition to their role in cardiovascular risk management, they also manage antenatal, neonatal and cancer screening programmes.

    Chemical Pathology brings together science and medicine and relates to all medical specialities and the investigation and management of patients with rare abnormalities. Certain investigations overlap with other Pathology disciplines such as Immunochemistry and Haemochemistry. Major subsections of Chemical Pathology such as Endocrinology, Dyslipidaemia, Cytogenetics, and Inherited Metabolic Disorders constitute large sections under metabolic medicine requiring molecular techniques to confirm the diagnosis. The development of the qualification was informed by the need to have Medical Specialists who understand the science and the clinical aspects of disease and/or pathology. The qualification adheres to the rules and regulations of the Colleges of Medicine South Africa (CMSA) and the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) which regulates medical practice in South Africa.

    The qualification is designed to forge the acquisition of deep knowledge and sustainable learning skills demanded by laboratory professionals in South Africa and internationally. The qualification consists of a high level of reflective learning and deep knowledge to produce learners, address all laboratory aspects and research through innovation using autonomic and creative problem-solving methods. Therefore, learners will excel and adapt to the most critical working environments. The qualification is also designed so that each module applies specialised knowledge relevant to research avenues in the discipline.

    The qualification will allow the local training of new specialists to increase the shortage of Pathology specialists in the country, especially in the Eastern Cape. The qualification will allow South African Doctors, especially those who live in the Eastern Cape Province, to become specialists. The qualification will not only contribute to the national development of the services but will also enhance the Chemical Pathology services provided to the regional population, which is currently required in rural communities.

    The qualification will be responsive to the health priorities in the local, regional, national, and global development by producing learners who can deal with clinical diagnostics situations which will improve the quality of the health care system, and laboratory results and reduce the duration of hospital stay. The qualification will embrace the African culture and epistemology and improve the national and African medical professional standards to provide a better service to the community. Learners will develop competence in the practice of a specialist field and contribute to the need for specialist practice and research skills in the South Africa Health Sciences. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy applicable to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications.

    RPL for access:
  • Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.
  • To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations.

    RPL for exemption of modules:
  • Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from modules that form part of the qualification. For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

    RPL for credit:
  • Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.
  • Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Medical Science Honours in Chemical Pathology, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Sciences, NQF Level 8
    Or
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Chemical Pathology, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Laboratory Management, NQF Level 8.
    And
  • Registration as a Medical Practitioner Independent Practice with HPCSA. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at NQF Level 9 totalling 480 Credits.

    Compulsory modules, Level 9, 480 Credits:
  • Applied Physiology, 20 Credits.
  • Biochemistry, 20 Credits.
  • Basic Laboratory statistics, 20 Credits.
  • Laboratory Methods, 20 Credits.
  • Basic research methodology and biostatistics, 20 Credits.
  • Ethics, 30 Credits.
  • Internal Quality Control, 30 Credits.
  • Method validation, 30 Credits.
  • Laboratory Standard Procedures, 20 Credits.
  • External Quality Control, 10 Credits.
  • Occupational Health and Safety, 10 Credits.
  • Interpretation of Laboratory Results, 10 Credits.
  • Laboratory statistics, 30 Credits.
  • Pathophysiology of Disease in various systems, 150 Credits.
  • Research Project, 60 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    Exit Level Outcomes
    1. Demonstrate the ability to apply the specialist scientific knowledge and associated practical experience appropriate to the discipline.
    2. Apply professional and technical skills required to competently diagnose disease processes based on clinical correlations.
    3. Perform appropriate biochemical investigations and interpret results.
    4. Demonstrate the ability to compile an appropriate diagnostic chemical pathology report and advise on additional investigations or therapeutic aspects.
    5. Facilitate the learning of others regarding the Chemical Pathology field.
    6. Apply the scientific research methodology, implement a research project, and write a mini dissertation.
    7. Demonstrate the ability to present academic, professional, or occupational ideas and texts to a range of audiences, offering creative insights, rigorous interpretations, and solutions to problems within the ethical and professional boundaries. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Apply the instrumentation and the principles of laboratory techniques, research skills and research planning in medical sciences.
  • Carry out research and manage data appropriately and computational skills.
  • Describe and explain relevant legislation, including that related to Health and Safety requirements for laboratories.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Relate the biochemical tests to the disease process based on diseases commonly present in the rural environment.
  • Formulate and implement an appropriate therapeutic regimen, evaluating and adjusting elements of the plan.
  • Apply the latest techniques and technology in the practice.
  • Act within accepted norms of the professional protocol.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Perform all biochemical diagnostic tests used in modern Chemical pathology laboratories.
  • Apply basic biochemical principles to the design of new diagnostic tests and troubleshooting of existing tests.
  • Analyse clinical laboratory data and provide interpretation of such data of clinical diagnostic or prognostic value.
  • Perform appropriate specialised investigations and interpret the results to arrive at a clinical diagnosis.
  • Determine signs and symptoms of disease or injury and perform advanced physical examination appropriate to the level of Chemical Pathology.
  • Use cost-effective investigations which provide sufficient relevant information to aid diagnosis.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Describe and explain the biochemical mechanisms of human diseases.
  • Discuss the theoretical principles of all generally used biochemical diagnostic tests.
  • Apply appropriate quality control programs to ensure a high standard of laboratory test results.
  • Describe and explain the theory and principles of practical operation of widely used biochemical diagnostic instruments.
  • Critically appraise the clinical usefulness and technical performance of biochemical diagnostic tests.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Successfully liaise between clinicians and technical laboratory staff to optimise the clinical value of the laboratory.
  • Work effectively as a member of the multi-disciplinary health care team towards defined outcomes, and where appropriate assume leadership, apply negotiation, and conflict resolution skills, and motivate others.
  • Interact and engage in debate in a professional manner within a learning or professional group context.
  • Demonstrate self-direction and independence in own learning to become a lifelong learner, recognise personal education needs, utilise appropriate learning situations and evaluate own progress.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Conduct all research with due regard for the moral, legal, and ethical accountability and requirements of the profession.
  • Critically assess the literature and draw valid conclusions from the data.
  • Interact with text (oral and written) through critical listening/reading skills.
  • Produce texts which integrate information from different sources using appropriate academic and professional conventions.
  • Gather information from various sources, reflect critically on knowledge and information and in consultation with the patient and other health care professionals (where appropriate) plan and implement to complete a treatment option.
  • Initiate and complete a research project.
  • Produce a research report which demonstrates skills in evaluating research, review literature, design and perform a study, collect data, perform, interpret statistical analyses on data, interpret results and draw conclusions.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Communicate professionally as a multi-disciplinary healthcare team member towards defined outcomes while complying with legal, ethical, and medical principles.
  • Communicate the findings and treatment options effectively with the patient and the referring doctor taken from a medical history at a level appropriate to the specialty.
  • Report the results according to scientific norms.

    INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT
    Integrated assessment is performed on a continuous basis through evaluation of performance in clinical and laboratory practice. Further, the research report that the learner submits is used in the integrated assessment of research mastery.

    Formative Assessment:
    Formative assessments are carried out continuously. The tutors evaluate and provide feedback on knowledge, attitudes, and skills.

    The exit level outcomes are assessed by using integrated formative assessments such as the following assessment techniques.
  • Observed performance (bench training) and reporting of clinical biochemical test results.
  • Collection and processing of human specimens for biochemical diagnostic analysis
  • Observed diagnostic reporting of chemical pathology results.
  • Performance, interpretation, and reporting of laboratory results of biochemical investigations.
  • Diagnostic discussions and case presentations.
  • Logbook.
  • Portfolio of evidence.
  • Observed teaching sessions to the undergraduate learners/ health care team.
  • Seminar, journal club and case presentations.
  • Mentor learners and other trainees and advise on effective preparation for examinations.
  • Writing a research concept paper and research proposal.
  • Presentations at meetings and congresses.
  • Publication in peer-reviewed journals.

    Summative Assessment:
    Summative Assessment consists of the completed mini-dissertation and the written and practical components of the Part One and Two examinations administered by the CMSA.
  • Part One consists of the two written examinations for all learners in all South African training institutions.
  • Part Two consists of the two written examinations and practical examinations (OSPE) that are common for all learners in all South African training institutions.
  • The mini-dissertation is marked by an internal and external examiner using university policies and regulations. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The qualification is regulated by the College of Medicine South Africa as a Fellowship of the College of Pathologists of South Africa and the Health Professions Council of South Africa which ensures international comparability.

    Country: United Kingdom
    Institution: Royal College of Pathology
    Qualification Title: Master of Chemical Pathology
    Duration: 60 months (5 years) Full time

    Entry Requirements:
    Trainees are eligible for entry to a chemical pathology training programme following satisfactory completion of any one of the following:
  • Post-foundation core training programmes and appropriate postgraduate diplomas, whose clinical experience will closely mirror the range of clinical specialities supported by chemical pathologists and chemical pathology services.
  • Two years of Stage 1 Internal Medicine plus magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP(UK).
  • Core paediatric training plus Membership of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (MRCPCH).
  • Core GP training plus Membership of the Royal College of General Practitioners (MRCGP).
  • Broad-based training plus completion of core training in one of the above specialities and the relevant Postgraduate Diploma.
  • Acute Care Common Stem (ACCS) plus Royal College of Anaesthetists (FRCA) Part 1 or MRCP(UK).
  • Core anaesthetic training plus Fellowship of the FRCA Part 1.

    Purpose:
    The qualification will enable the trainee to understand biochemical processes associated with pathological change, the rationale for investigation and treatment of disease and the interpretation of test results and to provide a basis for research activity. Learners will gain experience in the diagnostic techniques required to become technically competent in practical work, and to master the underlying analytical and clinical principles. Learners will be able to provide specialist advice in chemical pathology and gain knowledge of specialist areas such as paediatric chemical pathology and toxicology. The qualification will afford learners with the opportunity to gain knowledge of the metabolic changes that occur in disease.

    The qualification provides the following specialist knowledge and skills:
  • Communication and teaching skills necessary for effective practice.
  • Management skills to lead a department providing an effective service.
  • Experience in research and development projects and critical assessment of published work to contribute to a team and individually to the development of the service.
  • The life-long habits of reading, literature searches, consultation with colleagues, attendance at scientific meetings, and the presentation of scientific work that are essential for continuing professional development (CPD).
  • Experience in the practice of clinical governance and audit (specialist and multidisciplinary) through evaluation of practice against the standards of evidence-based medicine, which underpin biochemistry practice.

    Qualification structure:
  • Microbiology compared to Applied Physiology.
  • Parasitology compared to Pathophysiology of Disease in various systems.
  • Biostatistics, Computer and Research methodology comparable with Basic research methodology and biostatistics.
  • Haematology compared to Pathophysiology of Disease in various systems.
  • Chemistry compared to Biochemistry.
  • Immunology compared to Pathophysiology of Disease in various systems.
  • Bacteriology compared to Pathophysiology of Disease in various systems.
  • Thesis comparable with Mini-Dissertation.

    Assessment:
    The qualification consists of the integrated framework of exams, assessments in the workplace and judgements made about a trainee during their approved programme of training. The purpose of the assessment is to robustly evidence, ensure and clearly communicate the expected levels of performance at critical progression points, and to demonstrate satisfactory completion of training as required by the curriculum.

    The assessment comprises several different individual types of assessment which include the FRC Pathology examination, and summative and formative assessments. A range of assessments is required to generate the necessary evidence required for global judgements to be made about satisfactory performance, progression in, and completion of, training. All assessments, including those conducted in the workplace, are linked to the relevant curricular learning outcomes. Assessment tools will be both formative and summative and have been selected based on their fitness for purpose.

    These will include:
  • Case-based discussion (CbD): minimum of six per year in years.
  • Direct observation of practical skills (DOPS); minimum of 12 per year and a minimum of 11.
  • Evaluation of clinical events (ECE): minimum of seven in semester five and a minimum of six per year.
  • Clinical evaluation exercise (mini-CEX): minimum of six per year.
  • Multi-source feedback (MSF): minimum of three during training per year.

    The FRC Pathology examination is the major summative assessment of competence in chemical pathology. The Part 1 examination is the major assessment of knowledge. It is expected that medical candidates will be able to sit this examination during semester four, and they will be required to have passed it by the end of semester five. Trainees will be expected to undertake workplace-based assessments in the form of supervised learning events (SLE) throughout their training in chemical pathology. Workplace-based assessment allows the trainee to be assessed at regular intervals in the workplace by an appropriately trained, qualified and experienced assessor. In general, SLEs are designed to be formative; as such they are best suited to determine educational progress in different contexts.

    Similarities:
  • The Royal College of Pathology (RCP) and the South African (SA) qualifications require learners who completed the Honours degree or Postgraduate Diploma in Chemical Pathology or equivalent qualification.
  • Both qualifications have the same purpose and learning outcomes.
  • The RCP and the SA qualifications consist of similar compulsory modules.
  • The RCP and the SA qualifications consist of integrated formative and summative assessment methods.
  • Both qualifications articulate to the Doctoral studies in the related field.

    Difference:
  • The RCP qualification is offered over five years of full-time study whereas the SA qualification is offered over one year.

    Country: Malaysia
    Institution: Universiti Malaya
    Qualification Title: Master of Pathology in Chemical Pathology
    Duration: 4 years Full time
    Entry Requirements:
    The Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery of the University or an equivalent medical qualification approved by the Senate.
    And
    At least one year of post-full registration clinical experience approved by the Senate.

    Purpose:
    The qualification covers comprehensive theoretical and practical knowledge to equip learners with the necessary proficiency to become clinicians who are involved in diagnostic laboratory work and for the field of Forensic Pathology, the involvement with investigations into causes of death and medico-legal work. The qualification provides guided hands-on training with involved apprenticeship experience in handling laboratory practice in the hospital setting. The qualification also provides candidates exposure to leading a medical pathology diagnostic service, training other medical allied health professionals and medical undergraduates, and to basic research methodology.

    Learners are trained and can be employed as:
  • Diagnostic laboratory clinicians (haematology, chemical pathology, anatomical pathology, medical microbiology).
  • Forensic Pathologists.
  • Academic pathologists.
  • Research pathologists.

    Qualification structure:
    The qualification of study comprises two stages as follows:
    Stage I encompassing:
    (i) Clinical training in the first year of study by rotational posting in each of the following four disciplines of Pathology:
  • Anatomical Pathology including Autopsy compared to Applied Physiology.
  • Haematology including Transfusion Medicine.
  • Chemical Pathology including Immunology; and
  • Medical Microbiology (Bacteriology, Mycology, Immunology, Virology) with Parasitology compared to Pathophysiology of Disease in various systems.
    (ii) Tasks as stipulated in the logbook including posting reports.

    Stage II encompassing three years of study comprising:
    (i) Advanced training in one of the following disciplines of Pathology:
  • Anatomical Pathology comparable with Pathophysiology of Disease in various systems.
  • Haematology is comparable with the Pathophysiology of Disease in various systems.
  • Chemical Pathology is comparable to Biochemistry.
  • Medical Microbiology.
  • Forensic Pathology.
    (ii) Research Project comparable with Research Project.

    Similarities:
  • The Universiti Malaya (UM) and the South African (SA) qualifications require learners who completed the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery in the related field.
  • Both qualifications require learners who completed the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery.
  • Both qualifications share a similar purpose.
  • The UM and the SA qualifications consist of similar modules.
  • Both qualifications articulate to Doctoral studies.

    Difference:
    The UM qualification is offered over four years of full-time study whereas the SA qualification is offered over one year of full-time study.

    Country: Hong Kong
    Institution: Hong Kong Metropolitan University.
    Qualification Title: Master of Science in Medical Laboratory Science
    Duration: 1-year Full-time
    Entry Requirements
    Learners admitted to the qualification should have:
  • A Bachelor's Degree in Biomedical Science, Medical Laboratory Science, or a related health sciences or applied sciences discipline (e.g. Life Sciences and Biological Science) from a recognized institution or equivalent qualification.

    Purpose:
    The qualification provides learners with critical knowledge and understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects of specialist disciplines such as haematology and transfusion science, chemical pathology, medical microbiology, molecular biology, anatomical and cellular pathology, pathology, immunology, and the integration of these disciplines for use in medical laboratory science.

    The qualification allows suitably qualified science learners to pursue further studies in Medical Laboratory Science which will enable them to move towards a career path in healthcare. The graduate may pursue a career in medical testing. Another important move up the academic ladder is possible for the graduate as they may proceed to doctoral/master studies in medicine-related areas. Upon gaining a higher degree, learners may adopt a research career and better serve the community through scientific advancement. In addition, learners of the programme will find a variety of career opportunities in governmental laboratories, biotech and pharmaceutical industries and technical specialists and consultants.

    Qualification Structure:
    The qualification consists of the compulsory, core electives modules and laboratory-based dissertation.

    Compulsory Modules (6 credit units):
  • Molecular Diagnostic Technology.
  • Frontiers in Medical Laboratory Sciences,
  • Project (9 credit units) comparable to Research Project.
  • Dissertation in Medical Laboratory Science comparable to Research Project.

    Elective Modules (Select any 18 credit units from the list below):
  • Clinical Chemistry and Immunology I comparable to Biochemistry.
  • Clinical Chemistry and Immunology II comparable to Biochemistry.
  • Haematology and Transfusion Science I comparable with the Pathophysiology of Disease in various systems.
  • Haematology and Transfusion Science II comparable with Pathophysiology of Disease in various systems.
  • Histopathology and Cytology I is comparable with the Pathophysiology of Disease in various systems.
  • Histopathology and Cytology II is comparable with Pathophysiology of Disease in various systems.
  • Medical Microbiology and Virology I comparable with Pathophysiology of Disease in various systems.
  • Medical Microbiology and Virology II comparable with Pathophysiology of Disease in various systems.
  • Integrated Medical Laboratory Science Laboratory Standard Procedures.
  • Scientific Research Methodologies comparable to Basic Research Methodology and Biostatistics Research Project.
  • Laboratory Management and Accreditation comparable to Laboratory Methods Occupational Health and Safety Laboratory Standard Procedures.

    Similarities:
  • The Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU) and the South African (SA) qualifications are offered over one year of full-time study.
  • Both qualifications require learners who completed a four-year Bachelor's degree in the related field.
  • Both qualifications articulate to the Doctoral Degree in the relevant field.

    Difference:
    The HKMU qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules whereas the SA qualification consists of compulsory modules and no electives.

    Country: United States of America
    Institution: The University of Iowa
    Qualification Title: Master of Science in Pathology
    Duration: 30 months (2.5 years)

    Entry Requirements:
    Applicants must have a bachelor's degree in a science discipline from a Regionally Accredited American College or University, or an equivalent degree from another country as determined by the Office of Admissions

    Purpose:
    The qualification is designed for learners to advance into research assistant or research scientist positions in academic and private sector laboratories or be competitive for advanced degree (PhD or MD) programs. Graduate-level coursework provides graduate learners with a foundation in cellular and molecular biology, as well as specialized knowledge in pathobiology. A laboratory-intensive thesis project equips trainees with cutting-edge research skills. Learners admitted to the qualification consist of recent college learners, as well as individuals who have been in the workforce for several years.

    Qualification structure:
    The qualification consists of compulsory 21 credit hours of coursework and 9 hours of research.

    Compulsory Modules:
  • Principles Molecular and Cellular Biology comparable with Applied Physiology.
  • Introduction to Biostatistics comparable with Laboratory statistics and Basic Research methodology and biostatistics.
  • Seminar in Pathology I and II
  • Pathogenesis of Major Human Diseases comparable with Pathophysiology of Disease in various systems
  • Principles of Scholarly Integrity.
  • Thesis comparable with Research Project.

    Compulsory modules result in:
  • A basic understanding of molecular and cellular biology.
  • Basic understanding of biostatistics.
  • An advanced understanding of pathobiology and mechanisms of human disease.

    Elective Modules:
    The remaining coursework consists of electives focused on the area or topic of the thesis project. These electives are graduate-level courses offered by a range of departments on the biomedical campus.

    Similarities:
    The University of Iowa (UoI) and the South African (SA) qualifications have a similar purpose.
  • The UoI and the SA qualification consist of similar compulsory modules.
  • Both qualifications culminate into the mini dissertation/thesis.
  • Both qualifications articulate to the Doctoral degree in the related field.

    Differences:
  • The UoI qualification is offered over 2.5 years of full-time study whereas the SA qualification takes one year of full-time study.
  • The UoI qualification requires learners who completed the bachelor's degree whereas the SA qualification requires learners who completed the Honours degree in the relevant field.
  • The UoI qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules while the SA qualification consists of compulsory modules and no electives. 
    		•

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Medicine, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Science in Chemical Pathology, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Medicine in Clinical Pathology, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Medicine in Medical Microbiology, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Medicine in Medicine, 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. Walter Sisulu 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.