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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Science in Baromedical Sciences 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
80506  Master of Science in Baromedical 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
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-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:

The purpose of this qualification is:
  • To ensure a high level of knowledge in the field of Baromedical Sciences via a high level of analysis of new information, the ability to deal with complexity and to find workable solutions to problems and challenges.
  • To contribute to the pool of academics and professionals with the competence and critical intellectual abilities to ensure advancement in the field of Baromedical Sciences and to make provision for the country's needs in a skilled scientific workforce of the highest caliber.
  • To prepare learners who can apply their skills to the task of answering the relevant questions and meeting the critical needs of the country.
  • To educate and train individuals who are able to independently perform research and who can contribute to the development of knowledge in this field of study at an advanced level.
  • To prepare learners who aspire to move to a higher level of academic research work for Doctoral Studies and to promote an approach based on academic integrity and professional ethics.

    Rationale:

    The field of baromedical sciences ("pressure medicine") is relatively young when compared to other medical disciplines. There is a lot of research that needs to be addressed in this field of science, but there is also a lack of individuals who can perform the research, especially in South Africa, and this programme would provide the means by which high-level researchers in this field are developed. This is not only a local need, but has been identified internationally as a priority for this field of medicine.

    The BSc Medical Science (Honours) qualifications that were implemented have successfully trained a number of health professionals in the past few years, of which a number of learners were international. Master's programmes similar to this one are implemented internationally to train healthcare professionals in this highly technical field of study. This programme would thus ensure that the competencies can be developed locally. There is a similar MSc programme in existence at the University of Pretoria, but their research abilities are limited due to the fact that they are not situated at sea level (which is the reference point for pressure internationally).

    There are thirteen indications for hyperbaric medicine practice that have been approved in the USA and that are recommended in Europe, but many more need research and investigation. Research that is specific to the African (especially South African) population is sorely needed. Researchers from the USA, Australia and Europe have already visited the University of Stellenbosch to investigate the possibility of performing collaborative research that would benefit the South African and international populations. The division has already acquired the technical pressure equipment to perform these studies and a number of pieces of equipment have been sponsored by the USA. One such collaborative research project (involving the Division of Urology) is already approved by the Committee for Human Research and is due to start soon.

    There is a need to develop the local capacity of researchers specifically in this field of science. The programme makes provision for learners with specific learning support requirements and such learners will be identified for extra tutorials, devoted personal attention, and relevant support in learning and writing skills and in computer literacy. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are competent in the research skills required to complete research at NQF Level 8 and in the language of teaching and learning of the institution so as to be able to write a report/dissertation/thesis on the research carried out.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:

    The MSc (Baromedical Sciences) complies with the University's Policy for the Assessment and Recognition of Prior Learning (ARPL) as well as the ARPL policy of the Faculty of Health Sciences.

    The policy defines the process that must be followed in the assessment of an application for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) at postgraduate level and provides information pertaining to assessment tools that can be used in the assessment of Recognition of Prior Learning applications. The APRL process is subjected to the Faculty's quality assurance process.

    Access to the Qualification:

    For admission to the MSc (Baromedical Sciences) programme, a learner must hold one of the following qualifications from Stellenbosch University or from another acknowledged institution for tertiary education:
  • The Bachelor of Science: Medical Science Honours (Underwater Medicine).
  • The Bachelor of Science: Medical Science Honours (Hyperbaric Medicine).
  • Another qualification approved for such purposes by Senate.
    Alternatively the learner shall otherwise have attained a standard of competence deemed adequate for such purpose by Senate.

    Applicants with other major subjects in sciences at honours level may be admitted based on a motivation and/or successful completion of an admission examination. Learners may be admitted on condition that such learners fulfill the requirements of admission as defined in the Yearbook of the Faculty of Health Sciences, 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 
    To achieve this qualification, learners are to submit a thesis covering their research and give an oral presentation on completion of the research project. 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Conduct research into a specific sub-field or area in the field of Baromedical Science.
  • Research Processes include: Independently design a research project, obtain ethical approval, obtain funding, perform such research, present the results and conclusions in a scientific format, and accept responsibility and accountability for the performed work within the context of the baromedical sciences.

    2. Demonstrate a sound and systematic knowledge of the theoretical aspects of the subject matter as defined for the selected research project.

    3. Work independently on assignments and research projects, which require the appropriate theoretical and practical skills.

    4. Critically evaluate and utilise a wide range of basic and complex information to solve problems effectively using appropriate methods that are relevant to baromedical sciences and to communicate knowledge, findings and potential implications to other people.

    5. Independently apply basic and advanced technical skills and scientific methods using relevant instruments and equipment to conduct sound research that conforms to the relevant legal, safety and bio-ethical requirements that apply to good practice in the health sciences.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:
  • Identification of complex problems and solving of problems through critical and innovative thinking, responsible and independent decision-making, and application of basic and advanced scientific methods.
  • Efficient and responsible application of basic and advanced scientific methods and technology.
  • Efficient management of the collection, organisation, analysis, evaluation, integration and application of information from various sources, including advanced databases.
  • Competent and efficient personal organisation and self-management to ensure independence at an advanced level.
  • Personal self-development with emphasis on insight, responsibility, accountability, continued learning, self-criticism, acceptance of criticism from others, and the ability to work independently at a high level.
  • A ability to work as part of a team and to add value to the larger group through constructive collaboration, cooperation and self-initiated new actions.
  • Effective communication through competent presentation of information and data by means of oral, audiovisual and written skills and by demonstrating appropriate graphical, statistical, linguistic and computer proficiency at a high level.
  • Development and demonstration of a holistic approach to problem solving within the context of respect and sensitivity for other people, the community, and the environment.
  • Understand the importance and the potential applications of health sciences in general and baromedicine in particular to the community through the communication of knowledge and results and the transfer of relevant technology.
  • Familiarity with the opportunities, challenges, requirements and ethical principles that apply to research and good practice in the health science professions at an advanced level. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification complies with the recognised requirements for a research Master's degree as offered at universities around the world. The particular focus of the qualification, namely baromedical science, is a fairly new field of medicine and no other courses focusing on this sub-field of medicine are offered internationally at Master's degree level. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The qualification should grant access to Doctoral Studies in the sub-field. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    The thesis will be assessed by Faculty appointed internal and external examiners according to prescribed University standards and policy.

    Internal Assessment:

    Internal assessment will be conducted in line with the University of Stellenbosch policy on assessment practices.

    The programme coordinator is responsible to ensure that assessment practices are explicit, valid and reliable, in line with the policy (Quality Assurance of learning and teaching programmes at faculty level: Duties and responsibilities of Programme Committee Chairs and Programme Coordinators).

    The internal assessments are also internally moderated to ensure that they are aligned with the outcomes of the program and that they monitor each learner's progress according to specified criteria and standards.

    External Assessment:

    The external assessment and moderation are done by an external examiner who will be appointed by the Faculty of Health Sciences.

    Criteria to be satisfied by the learner include the following:

    The learner has mastered at least 75% of the outcomes as outlined for this programme. Learners should keep a logbook of their practical work (research project) and will be required to present such logbook for inspection as part of the final assessment. The learner will submit a thesis and give an oral presentation on completion of the research project.

    The pass mark will be 50% and a mark of 75% or more is regarded as a distinction. The final examination mark will be made up of a weighted average of the marks for each component. The weightings will be as follows:
  • Research project oral presentation 20%.
  • Research assignment 80%.

    The policy for External and Internal Moderation regulates the practices and procedures around moderation in programmes. Details pertaining to these practices are available in the document Quality Assurance of Learning and Teaching Programmes at Faculty Level: Duties and responsibilities of Programme Committee Chairs and Programme Coordinators. 
    		•

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