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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Science Honours in Pathology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
73549  Bachelor of Science Honours in Pathology 
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 
Purpose:

This programme will appeal to a wide spectrum of graduates with an interest in the scientific basis of the respective pathology disciplines and the specific applications thereof in basic and applied research in the health sciences. The rapid development of new technologies and scientific applications during the past few years created a growing demand in academia, the public sector, the private sector, and industry for suitably trained scientists who are skilled to conduct research and development in specialized fields such as histopathology (and its various branches such as electron microscopy; immunohistochemistry); morphometry, laser microdissection; microphotography; and flow cytometry; basic and applied immunology; Hematology; and chemical pathology. The HonsBScMedSc in Pathology will equip students for further studies towards a professional and/or academic career as a medical scientist. Currently, no specific programme caters for this niche market.

The programme will provide an essential step in the training of medical scientists as outlined by the Health Professions Council of South Africa: Medical and Dental Professions Board (HPCSA) in the proposed guide policy on Registration, Education and Training of Medical Scientists. This policy specifically includes scientists in the sub-disciplines of Biological Science, namely Haematological Pathology; Anatomical Pathology (histopathology); Chemical Pathology; Microbiology; Immunology; Analytical Chemistry and Molecular Biology (molecular pathology).

The target group will include suitably qualified BSc or MBChB graduates (or equivalents) who wish to pursue a career as medical scientist in one of the pathology disciplines.

Rationale:

The current initiative by the HPCSA to define distinct career paths for medical scientists in the pathology disciplines will create a new demand for training programmes that have been specifically designed and accredited for this purpose. Such programmes are currently not in place in South Africa. Existing programmes are limited to Medical Microbiology (including Immunology) and Medical Virology, but they have not been specifically designed to equip students for further specialized MSc and PhD studies towards a career as a medical scientist in one of the pathology disciplines.

The National Health Laboratory Services (NHLS), who in terms of the NHLS Act is responsible for the training of scientists in pathology, have already indicated their willingness to create and fund training posts for medical scientists. This step will certainly encourage students to consider the pathology disciplines as a desirable career path. There is currently a window of opportunity to create suitable programmes to accommodate the expected students and to make a positive and substantial contribution to the intellectual, technological and health science capacity in South Africa. The changing face of pathology service will increase the global demand for medical scientists in pathology disciplines, and it is envisaged that this programme will also appeal to students from African countries. The introduction of the said programme will address an obvious need and will certainly enjoy the support of the NHLS as a parastatal organization, as well as the private pathology practices and industry.

The programme makes provision for students with specific learning support requirements and such students will be identified for extra tutorials, devoted personal attention, and relevant support in learning and writing skills and in computer literacy.

Specific outreach activities including an interactive museum for morphological sciences, public awareness projects, and recruitment and marketing strategies have been initiated so that learners and under-graduate students are given exposure to the scope of activities and career opportunities in the respective pathology disciplines. These outreach activities are not only aimed at undergraduate students from the Stellenbosch University, but also at other institutions to attract more disadvantaged students in the future. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
The HonsBScMedSc in Pathology programme will appeal to graduates with an interest in the diagnostic laboratory-based health sciences and its specific applications in basic and applied research in the health sciences. The programme will equip students for further studies towards a professional and/or academic career as a medical scientist and requires that the student has obtained prior learning in one or more relevant discipline(s) (Anatomy, or Physiology, or Histology, or Chemistry, or Biology, or Genetics; or Microbiology; or Virology) or in another discipline that can relate to the pathology disciplines.

Recognition of Prior Learning:

The University of Stellenbosch has a comprehensive policy for the recognition of prior learning.

Access to the Qualification:

Admission:

For admission to the HonsBScMedSc (Pathology) a student shall hold:

The MBChB degree of this University or an equivalent qualification deemed adequate by the University.
or
The BChD degree or an equivalent qualification deemed adequate by the University.
or
A Baccalaureus Degree with Anatomy, or Physiology, or Histology, or Chemistry, or Biology, or Genetics; or Microbiology as majors; or another qualification approved by the Senate. Students with other major subjects in the biological sciences at third year level may be admitted based on an adequate motivation and successful completion of an admission examination. Depending on the field of study, additional work and/or proof of competency may also be required.

BTech degree on condition that students fulfill the requirements as defined by the University of Stellenbosch. Depending on the field of study, additional work and/or proof of competency may also be required. 

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
Y 

QUALIFICATION RULES 
Level, Credits and Learning components assigned to the qualification.

Exit Level of Programme; NQF Level 7.
Duration (years); 1 year full-time; 2 years part-time.

Total Credits 120

Learning Components:

Fundamental:
  • NQF Level 7; No Credits.

    Core:
  • NQF Level 7; 93 Credits.

    Elective:
  • NQF Level 7; 27 Credits.

    Total 120.
    120 = total credit value of qualification. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    N/A 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Integrated Assessment:
  • Student learning is assessed in the programme via a monthly discussion between the lecturers and each individual student.
  • Students have to complete and submit a research report pertaining to the research project to the Head of the Department or Discipline. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    N/A. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
  • At the Exit Level: MSc 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    The mode of delivery of the HonsBScMedSc programme is full-time contact education. All internal and external assessment and moderation takes place in accordance with the institutional policy document in this regard (Regulation for internal and external moderation and the processing of results).

    The procedures for internal assessment and moderation are as follows:
  • Student learning is assessed in the programme via a monthly discussion between the lecturers and each individual student, where the following issues are discussed:
    > Learning objectives for the period under review.
    > Activities that are planned including the research project.
    > Major learning outcomes envisaged.
    > Candidate's self-assessment of the learning experience.
    > Assessment of the learning experience by the Head of Department or Discipline.
    > Candidate's learning plan for the next month.
    > Matters to carry forward.
    > New activities planned.

    These discussions generate progress reports, which reflect the achieved outcomes and deficits in the knowledge and skills basis of the candidate.
  • Students have to complete and submit a research report pertaining to the research project to the Head of the Department or Discipline.

    The procedures for external assessment and moderation are as follows:
  • An external moderator who has been approved for this purpose by the Senate of the Stellenbosch University will oversee the final written and practical moderation and assessment. 
    		•

    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 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. Stellenbosch 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.