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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Veterinary Medicine in Pharmacology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
15609  Master of Veterinary Medicine in Pharmacology 
ORIGINATOR
University of Pretoria 
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  Level 8 and above  NQF Level 09  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0335/25  2024-06-30  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 of this qualification is multi-faceted:
To gain knowledge and experience in pharmacology that will meet the criteria for registration as a specialist veterinary pharmacologist with the South African Veterinary Council. A learner with this qualification will be able to provide specialist pharmacology knowledge and be a reference source to private practitioners, the veterinary pharmaceutical industry, the Medicines Control Council and the Registrar, Act 36/1947.

To be able to supply skills, knowledge and practical experience in the teaching of pharmacology to both pre-graduate veterinary learners and pre-graduate nursing learners, and to postgraduate honours and masters learners in the theoretical and the practical, clinical application of veterinary pharmacology. A philosophy of an ongoing learning attitude will be engendered, ensuring continued self-development and continued self-motivated education in pharmacology.

To provide an in-depth understanding of research methodology and to gain practical research experience through a guided supervised research project leading to the submission of a dissertation. This will contribute to scientific knowledge in the discipline of veterinary pharmacology and through active research substantiate or add further insight into pharmacological related knowledge in the treatment of animals.

To provide the framework and stimulate interest in further studies leading to a doctoral qualification in the field of veterinary pharmacology. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Veterinary Science, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Veterinary Science Honours, NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Obtain in-depth knowledge in the field of veterinary pharmacology.
    2. Apply pharmacology principles to the veterinary care of animals.
    3. Add scientific knowledge to the field of pharmacology and demonstrate an ability to initiate, undertake and complete research.
    4. Act professionally and ethically.
    5. Demonstrate continued interest in new developments and research in the discipline of veterinary pharmacology. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    One:
  • Pass appropriate, stipulated ancillary subjects under the supervision of approved internal and external assessors.
  • Demonstrate in-depth knowledge in veterinary pharmacology by passing written and/or oral examinations under the supervision of internal and external assessors.
  • Complete a literature study that is up-to-date, and appropriate to the research topic.
  • Critically evaluate literature in the light of existing understanding.

    Two:
  • Apply the art/science of pharmaco-therapeutics to evaluate/consider the potential risks as well as possible benefits to a patients well-being (risk: benefit ratio). This will assist in preventing or reducing the incidence of therapy-related disorders (iatrogenic diseases).
  • Ability to assess the use of animal health products only when they demonstrably alter the natural course of a disease or alleviate symptoms, with sufficient effectiveness and acceptable toxicity to make their administration worthwhile.
  • Knowledge of the effect of animal health products in the multiplicity of species with which the veterinarian is involved. There must be constant alertness to the fact that different species of animals respond differently to certain drugs.

    Three:
  • Publication of research undertaken in a peer reviewed scientific journal. Presentation at a scientific congress is strongly recommended.
  • A written dissertation that is acceptable to peer review and internal assessors.

    Four:
  • Take responsibility and treat clinical cases within accepted professional norms.
  • Communicate and co-operate with fellow staff members with regard to the welfare of patients.

    Five:
  • Demonstrate ability to debate and perform techniques reported in relevant, appropriate and current literature.

    Integrated Assessment:
  • Portfolios.
  • Simulations.
  • Work-place assessments.
  • Written examinations.
  • Oral examinations.

    Other:
  • Portfolio:
    > A research dissertation acceptable to peer review.
    > Experiential training in approved laboratories and/or pharmaceutical facilities/institutions.
    > Journal article accepted to a peer reviewed scientific journal.
    > Interpretation of two pharmacokinetic and two pharmacodynamic case studies
    > Complete 10 case studies on the therapeutic application of pharmacological principles in clinical cases under the supervision of a specialist pharmacologist.
    > Seminars based on current research, literature or relevant topics.
    > Ancillary subjects are evaluated by means of tests and examinations under the supervision of internal and external examiners.

    Formative Assessment:
    Continual assessment and monitoring of the learner during the study period, under the supervision of a registered specialist pharmacologist
    Ongoing feedback is given to the learner.

    Summative Assessment:
    Portfolio work that has been completed and assessed by assessors and moderators.
    Written, oral and examinations occur at predetermined intervals and at the end of the period of study. These examinations are set to cover theoretical knowledge and acquired experience. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The qualification allows for both horizontal and vertical articulation:

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Veterinary Medicine, NQF Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in Pharmacology, NQF Level 10. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2006; 2009; 2012; 2015. 

    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. University of Pretoria 


    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.