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: 

Bachelor of Science Honours in Medical Sciences 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
19659  Bachelor of Science Honours in Medical Sciences 
ORIGINATOR
Stellenbosch 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  Level 7  NQF Level 08  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

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.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
The programme is research-orientated and aims:

1. To consolidate and deepen what has been learned in the first degree (BSc, MBChB or other approved qualification)

2. To provide advanced study in the chosen field of specialisation, broadening and deepening the knowledge base and generating new insight

3. To provide the necessary basis for students who would like to proceed to Master's or Doctoral level study in the specific field

4. To provide insight and competence on the molecular, cellular and applied level of the specific field of study and to establish a proper base for undertaking independent research through the acquisition of the necessary research skills and tools

5. To develop the basic scientific and research capacity of candidates in preparation for a professional career doing independent medically oriented research

6. To stimulate interest in academic study and research and to ensure a supply of well-equipped medical scientists: professionals, critical thinkers and socially aware people for both the public and private sector, who can make a contribution to medical research in South Africa and ensure that the country's health needs are addressed 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Senior Certificate with Matriculation Exemption or equivalent university admission qualification

First degree:
An appropriate BSc degree or MBChB or another qualification approved by Senate for this purpose. Depending on the chosen field of study, additional work and/or proof of competency may be required

Specific additional requirements:
Students are admitted if they have achieved an above-average result in their BSc degree. Candidates with a lower average may be admitted on the basis of an adequate motivation and successful completion of further study and admission examination 

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
N 

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
1). GENERIC / CRITICAL CROSS FIELD OUTCOMES:

The HonsBScMedSc graduate should be able to:

1. Think critically and creatively, apply the scientific method and make responsible decisions in problem identification and solving

2. Work effectively and co-operatively in collaboration with individuals and groups

3. Be self-critical and accept the criticism of others

4. Work independently and organise and manage himself and his/her activities responsibly and effectively

5. Collect, organise, analyse, evaluate and synthesise data effectively, on a continuous basis

6. Communicate effectively in written and spoken presentations, showing graphical, statistical and language skills and computer literacy

7. Apply scientific and technological knowledge responsibly with respect to others and to the environment

8. View the world holistically, demonstrating knowledge and problem solving in a systemic context

9. Show evidence of self-development and an interest in the betterment of the community (effective learning strategies, responsible participation in life, exploration of educational and career opportunities, development of cultural and aesthetic sensitivity, application of knowledge and skills to the benefit of the community, development of entrepreneurial opportunities)

2). GENERAL OUTCOMES:

The HonsBScMedSc graduate will have:

1. Confident, systematic and deep knowledge of the theoretical aspects of the subject matter in the chosen area of specialisation and awareness of a variety of contexts in which it may apply

2. Understanding of the principles and concepts underpinning the field of study and of its boundaries and limitations

3. An overview of recent, relevant and cutting-edge research in the chosen field

4. Understanding of the use of the scientific method in the acquisition of scientific equipment, advanced investigative techniques/procedures and experimental approaches

5. Knowledge of the working and application of a range of applicable scientific equipment, advanced investigative techniques/procedures and experimental approaches

6. The ability to apply all this knowledge to identify and address new theoretical and practical problems

7. Ability to communicate scientific knowledge clearly in written and verbal form

8. Familiarity with the opportunities, challenges, demands and code of conduct of the profession(s) associated with the field of specialisation

The HonsBScMedSc graduates will be able to:

1. Analyse, synthesise and evaluate a wide range of information

2. Plan and conduct basic research, using appropriate methods for the solving of problems

3. Justify and explain conclusions within the epistemology of the discipline

4. Argue critically and convincingly

5. Solve problems in both familiar and unfamiliar contexts

6. Effectively select and apply knowledge in a professional context

7. Communicate effectively in a form appropriate to the profession or discipline

8. Relate theory to practice and vice versa

9. Recognise hierarchies in systemic relationships and analyse organisational principles underpinning a system

10. Make sound theoretical judgements and evaluations

3). SPECIFIC OUTCOMES:

The HonsBScMedSc graduate will:

Have successfully followed presented study programme, worked independently on prescribed tasks and have participated fully in a research project within the ambit of the interests of the department, in which technical skills, the application of the scientific method and cooperation are fostered 

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
1).
1. The supervisor evaluates the student on the basis of his efforts to work as part of a research team and to complete an independent research project

2. A project write-up and oral presentation, as well as successful completion of written examinations, give the student the opportunity to display the other applicable abilities

2).
1. The assessment used for this qualification ensures that the purpose of the qualification is achieved

2. A range of formative and summative assessment methods such as literature reviews, journal article presentations, laboratory supervisor assessments, written and oral examinations are used

3. The required range of modalities is used integratively to assess whether the specified outcomes have been achieved, i.e. successful completion of the products mentioned in (b) will indicate that the student has achieved the required standard

4. From the assessment of samples generalising to a domain takes place in a judicious and planned way in order to ensure reliability

5. The assessment used meets the standard and level of achievement for NQF level 7

The HonsBScMedSc graduate will demonstrate:

1. Capacity for independent study via the satisfactory completion of papers and/or assignments (not expected to meet the criteria for publication, but showing potential for this)

2. Ability to think epistemologically, that is, to evaluate the foundations of thought and knowledge, accept relativity and the fact that some positions are more valid than others in a given frame of reference

3. Professional working relationships within the profession or discipline

3).
The HonsBScMedSc graduate will

pass, with a minimum of 50% earned in written examinations, an oral / visual presentation followed by questioning of their research, a satisfactory written presentation of their research, a satisfactory written presentation of their research, an acceptable literature review and a score based on the continuing evaluation of the project supervisor and other lecturers 

ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
Articulation possibilities, either generic or specific:

Horizontal articulation with other programmes in the Faculties of Science or Medicine, or outside faculties, is potentially possible because of partial overlap of subject matter.

Vertical articulation into a MSc or PhD in a variety of biological sciences or specific sub-disciplines of the Hons BSc Medical Science is common at the University of Stellenbosch and students can also proceed to such programmes at most universities in South Africa 

MODERATION OPTIONS 
The University of Stellenbosch has a system of external peer review and evaluation of departments. One of the aspects of the system is an evaluation of the standards and assessment practices of the department 

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
The academic staff of the University of Stellenbosch will be used in a manner that fits into the quality assurance system of the University 

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: 
 
LP ID Learning Programme Title Originator Pre-2009
NQF Level		 NQF Level Min Credits Learning Prog End Date Quality
Assurance
Functionary		 NQF Sub-Framework
115879  Bachelor of Science Honours in Clinical Human Genetics  Stellenbosch University  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  120       HEQSF 
115907  Bachelor of Science Honours in Epidemiology  Stellenbosch University  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  120       HEQSF 
115908  Bachelor of Science Honours in Human Genetics  Stellenbosch University  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  120       HEQSF 
115960  Bachelor of Science Honours in Hyperbaric Medicine  Stellenbosch University  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  120       HEQSF 
116090  Bachelor of Science Honours in Medical Microbiology  Stellenbosch University  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  120       HEQSF 
116092  Bachelor of Science Honours in Medical Physiology  Stellenbosch University  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  120       HEQSF 
116093  Bachelor of Science Honours in Medical Virology  Stellenbosch University  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  120       HEQSF 
116095  Bachelor of Science Honours in Molecular Biology  Stellenbosch University  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  120       HEQSF 
116097  Bachelor of Science Honours in Morphological Sciences  Stellenbosch University  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  120       HEQSF 
116098  Bachelor of Science Honours in Nuclear Medicine  Stellenbosch University  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  120       HEQSF 
116100  Bachelor of Science Honours in Obstetrics and Gynaecology  Stellenbosch University  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  120       HEQSF 
116104  Bachelor of Science Honours in Pharmacology  Stellenbosch University  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  120       HEQSF 
116107  Bachelor of Science Honours in Reproductive Biology  Stellenbosch University  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  120       HEQSF 


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.