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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Medicine in Microbiological Pathology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
116357  Master of Medicine in Microbiological Pathology 
ORIGINATOR
University of Cape Town 
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
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2021-07-01  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 replaces: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
104755  Master of Medicine in Microbiological Pathology  Not Applicable  NQF Level 09  180  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of the qualification is to learner specialists capable of competent practice as a Clinical Pathologist in either the public or private sector. The objective is to produce a learner with both academic and clinical skills necessary for independent specialist practice. Additional purposes include an understanding of research methodology and the literature, and an ability to answer questions to research and to pass on the knowledge, skills and attitudes of the discipline to future generations of doctors.

Rationale:
This qualification trains medical doctors to become specialists in Clinical Pathology. Learners follow the relevant CMSA curriculum and undergo training in a training unit accredited by the Health Professions Council of South Africa. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The institution conducts RPL in terms of the policy and guidelines of the institution to recognise other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience.
In cases where learners do not comply with the formal admission requirements, the institution applies its RPL policy.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery, NQF Level 8.
    And
  • Registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as a medical practitioner. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises compulsory modules at Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.
    > MMed Medical Microbiology Part 1D, 60 Credits.
    > MMed Medical Microbiology Part 2, 60 Credits.
    > MMed Medical Microbiology Part 3, 60 Credits - Minor dissertation. 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
  • Identify and solve problems using critical and creative thinking.
  • Use science and technology appropriately.
  • Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
  • Work as team members.
  • Organise and manage their activities responsibly and effectively.
  • Collect, analyse and critically evaluate information.
  • Show sensitivity to the patient and community. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following Associated Assessment Criteria will assess the Exit Level Outcomes in an integrated manner.

    1. Understand the principles, practice and research applications:
  • Microbial structure, physiology and genetics, microbial taxonomy, classification and typing methods, host defence mechanisms, the immune system and immunity to infection, microbial pathogenicity, epidemiology of infectious diseases - their surveillance and control, antimicrobial agents, their mode of action and mechanisms of microbial resistance.
  • Laboratory safety.
  • Sterilisation and Disinfection.
  • Handling of the specimen.
  • Microscopy.
  • Culture and identification methods for micro-organisms.
  • Antimicrobial investigations.
  • Relevant molecular and emerging technologies.
  • Data handling.
  • Liaison with clinical colleagues.
  • Vaccination and immunisation.
  • Infection control in the hospital and community.
  • Basic diagnostic virology methodology and interpretation of virological results.
  • Quality control and quality assurance.
  • Audit.
  • Accreditation.
  • Important aspects of laboratory management.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Learners write the College of Medicine examinations Parts 1 and 2, for which they receive credit towards the MMed. They then produce a dissertation before qualifying with the MMed. All examinations are externally examined. (a) Part 1 examinations can be taken after two years of training. It will take the form of theory or written exams (modified essay questions and multiple choice) and practical exams (clinical and OSCE including computer-based exams. (of OSCE, clinical, oral, written and computer-based examinations. Both theory and practical exams need to be passed with a minimum of 50%. Coursework will account for 50% of the final mark for Part 1. (b) The Part 2 examination can be taken after a minimum of three years of training. Learners may not apply for the Part 2 examination unless they have satisfactorily completed their portfolio over three years. (c) Each module will be assessed separately, by means of assignment and/or examinations. Each module needs to be passed with a minimum of 50 %.(d) All registrars are required to complete a research dissertation which complies with the requirements for the Part 3 Mimed dissertation.

    Research that involves human participants or animal use for research or teaching must undergo ethics review, according to faculty-specific guidelines. Review generally entails prior approval of a research proposal by a Research Ethics or Animal Ethics Committee. In cases where prior approval is not appropriate, the research proposal has appropriate deliberative procedures, according to faculty-specific guidelines. Research papers or dissertations that involve human participants or animal use may not be submitted for examination if they have not undergone any ethics review process.

    The University has a system of external peer review and evaluation of each course. One of the aspects of the system is an evaluation of the standards and assessment practices of the department. The academic staff of the University uses this in a manner which is consistent with the quality assurance system of the University. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The qualification is comparable to qualifications offered in the USA, UK and Australia. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification offers vertical articulation possibilities.

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

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced 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 Cape Town 


    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.