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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Doctor of Philosophy in Anatomy 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
94839  Doctor of Philosophy in Anatomy 
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
Doctoral Degree  Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services  Preventive Health 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Not Applicable  NQF Level 10  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 the qualification is to develop a learner with the following qualities:
  • An expert with highly specialised scholastic and advanced research skills in the Anatomy discipline and be able to perform complex and highly advanced procedures across the natural science discipline context.
  • Have an in-depth knowledge in the complex and specialised area of Anatomy.
  • Will be able to process highly abstract information and concepts.
  • Evaluate and synthesise responses to abstract problems that expand or redefine existing knowledge.

    Rationale:
    This qualification will appeal to a wide spectrum of learners with an interest in the Anatomical sciences and its specific applications in basic and applied research in the health sciences. The explosive development of new technologies 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 in conducting research and development in specialised fields such as applied and surgical Anatomy, comparative anatomy, physical, preservation techniques, histological technique, laser microdissection; microphotography; and flow cytometry. The Doctor of Philosophy in Anatomy [PhD (Anatomy)] will enable learners to enter the academic environment as a senior medical scientist. There is currently no similar qualification that specifically caters for this niche market.

    A significant number of current learners (15 out of a class of 35) have expressed interest in pursuing anatomy as a Postgraduate discipline which has necessitated the institution to develop Postgraduate qualifications in anatomy.

    The qualification makes provision for learners with specific learning support requirements and such learners will be identified for extra tutorials and 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 learners are given exposure to the scope of activities and career opportunities in the morphological health sciences.

    Anatomy, world-wide, is a highly specialised field, with a myriad of research opportunities, ranging from Physical Anthropology, the Anatomy of human anatomical variation, comparative anatomy, surgical and radiological Anatomy, etc.. Since 2010 the institution has developed partnerships with 12 international manufacturers of surgical equipment (Accumed, Medtronic, Johnson and Johnson, Kyhpomed, Zimmer, Smith and Nephew, Stryker, Storz, Customed, Adcock-Ingram, Bicifix etc) as a venue of preference for cadaver workshops for the weekly retraining of Specialists in Orthopaedics (shoulders, hips, knees, ankles, elbows), Neurosurgery (brain and spinal reconstruction), Obstetrics and Gynaecology (laporoscopic Hysterectomy), Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (skin flap reconstruction of the nose for example). The common denominator in all the workshops is that surgeons need to know their anatomy. Graduates in PhD (Anatomy) are in acute demand by the aforementioned companies and interdepartmental co-operation with clinical departments, e.g. Radiodiagnosis. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The institution has an Assessment Policy and Recognition of Prior Learning (APRL) policy in place.

    The Doctor of Philosophy in Anatomy qualification conforms to the institution's Policy for the Assessment and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) as well as the RPL policy of the Faculty of Medicine and 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 RPL applications. The RPL process is subjected to the Faculty's quality assurance process.

    Entry Requirements:
    For admission to the Doctor of Philosophy in Anatomy qualification, a learner must hold one of the following qualifications:
  • A Master of Science in Anatomy Degree or MBChB equivalent.
  • Learners with other major subjects in sciences at Masters level may be admitted based on a motivation and/or successful completion of an admission examination. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification is a Doctoral Degree by dissertation at NQF Level 10, totalling 360 Credits. 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Independently design a research project, to obtain ethical approval, to obtain funding, to perform such a project, to present the results and conclusions in a scientific format, and to accept the responsibility and accountability for the performed work within the context of the Anatomical sciences. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • A sound and systematic knowledge of the theoretical aspects of the subject matter is defined for the selected research project.
  • Independently work on assignments and research projects, which require the appropriate theoretical and practical skills is demonstrated.
  • A wide range of basic and complex information is critically evaluated and utilised to solve problems effectively using appropriate methods that are relevant to biomedical sciences and knowledge, findings and potential implications to other people is communicated.
  • Basic and advanced technical skills and scientific methods is independently applied using relevant instruments and equipment to conduct sound research that conforms to the relevant legal, safety and bioethical requirements that apply to good practice in the health sciences.

    Integrated Assessment:
    All internal and external assessment and moderation takes place in accordance with the policy document (Regulation for internal and external moderation and the processing of results).

    The learners have to complete a research project at the appropriate level - to the satisfaction of the qualification committee.

    Monitoring of learner learning in the qualification is performed via a monthly discussion between the qualification committee, supervisor and each individual learner, where the following issues are discussed:
  • Objectives for the period under review.
  • Candidate's self-assessment of the learning experience.
  • Supervisor's assessment of the learning experience.
  • Progress with research project.
  • Head of Division's comments.
  • Learner's activity plan for the next month.
  • Matters to carry forward.
  • New activities planned.

    This process helps to identify specific weaknesses in the learner's knowledge before engaging in a formal assessment process.

    The summative assessment is performed by a process of formal internal and external evaluation of the research project. This is performed by Faculty appointed internal and external examiners according to prescribed institutional standards and policy. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification is internationally comparable with:

    Naresuan University in Thailand offers the Doctor of Philosophy in Anatomy.

    Qualification Purpose:
    Learners are encouraged to bring "routine to research" by exploring their daily work cases and developing them into dissertation topics. Learners need not take any leave from their work to acquire a Doctor of Philosophy committed to top-up their expertise in the in-depth understanding of molecular cell biology and human structural anatomy. This opportunity provides a strong foundation for careers in cutting-edge research and practice concerning the molecular mechanism of human diseases.

    Most of our applicants are medical doctors and other health service professionals.
    The purpose of this qualification is to:
  • Train well-rounded, knowledgeable experts in anatomy, capable of disseminating the knowledge in the study of anatomy.
  • Nurture learners into cutting-edge researchers with up-to-date research abilities.
  • Produce learners with broad vision and a systematic and analytical train of thoughts.
  • Guide learners in topping-up existing anatomical discoveries and equipping them to be research project directors.
  • Produce learners who possess work ethics with social responsibilities.

    Entry Requirements:
  • Master Degree in Anatomy.
  • Bachelor in Medical Science, Dentistry or Veterinary Science.
  • Master in Medical Science, Biological Science or related areas.
  • Bachelor in sciences or related areas.

    Conclusion:
    From this information it is clear that this qualification compares favourably with the qualification being offered in Thailand in terms of purpose and the entry requirements. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Successful completion of the Doctor of Philosophy in Anatomy enables horizontal articulation with relevant cognate qualifications in the field of Anatomy:
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Cell Morphology at 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 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.