Biomedical Sciences

The four-yearfull-time degree program is offered at NQF Level 8 and is accredited by the HPCSA and the CHE. It includes clinical practice in an accredited Training Laboratory for the last 18 months of the programme. In the fourth year of studies, the student needs to select an area of specialisation in which they will practice from one of the following disciplines: Clinical Chemistry, Clinical Pathology, Cytogenetics, Cytopathology, Haematology, Histopathology, Immunohaematology, Immunology, Microbiology, Molecular Pathology and Virology. The offering of a specialisation will depend on the number of students and the needs of the profession.

The individual research project conducted in the fourth year takes the student through the different stages of research at the end of which the student needs to hand in a mini-thesis and conduct an oral presentation on their mini-thesis.

Graduates will be able to apply principles and techniques in the routine and specialised analysis of biological specimens and other substances in any area of specialisation. They will be able to organise laboratory operations in clinical diagnostic laboratories and related fields, in accordance with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP). They will be able to integrate laboratory tests and results with pathophysiological conditions and conduct research grounded in a deep knowledge of the subject area and based on sound scientific principles. Within the programme, management skills are developed with a view to applying good business management and encouraging entrepreneurial development. They will be able to implement training programmes within medical laboratories. The outcomes of the qualification are underpinned by compliance with statutory requirements including quality, ethics and safety.

In order to practice as a Medical Laboratory Scientist, the graduate will have to register with the Health Professions Council of South Africa as a Medical Laboratory Scientist in the area of specialisation in which they obtain their qualification.

Duration:

Full-time: Minimum of 4 years; maximum of 6 years. There is no part-time option.

In this offering, students complete their first year over a period of two years. Students registered for this offering receive extra academic support and have extra contact time with
their lecturers to increase their opportunities for academic success.

This part-time offering is only open to qualified Medical Technologists with a ND: Biomedical Technology or BTech: Biomedical Technology, who have completed their National Board exam, are registered with the HPCSA and wish to gain access to higher qualifications or improve their knowledge and upgrade their qualification to a Level 8. The level 8 qualification broadens career opportunities and improves promotion opportunities. Students will be exempted or credited through recognition of prior learning for some subjects. They will need to complete all third- and fourth-year subjects with the exception of Clinical Practice 3. The minimum time for completion of this offering is three years.

A fulfilling, interesting and challenging career awaits a dedicated, mature and professional person with an enquiring analytical mind and a passion for medical science. Qualified Medical Laboratory Scientists can pursue a career in the field of medical science in laboratories in blood transfusion services, private pathology practices, the National Health Laboratory Services, the Medical Research Council, forensic laboratories, veterinary practices, biotechnology companies and other disciplines such as pharmaceutical companies. Those who wish to work in forensics must note that they will still need to complete in-house training at the SAPS forensic laboratory once appointed there. Those wishing to pursue a career in research can be employed in research laboratories at academic institutions. Registered Medical Laboratory Scientists may also apply for a license to practice in a private capacity in their own laboratories.

A Bachelor’s pass in the National Senior Certificate (Grade 12)

*APS SCORE: Preference will be given to candidates with higher APS scores
**For the ECP, consideration will be given for applicants with a level 3 (min 48%) in either Mathematics or Physical Science, subject to space availability.

RPL provides an opportunity for you to identify your learning, have it assessed and formally acknowledged. The process involves the identification, mediation, assessment and acknowledgement of knowledge and skills obtained through formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience. RPL processes will apply to applicants who:

• require access to first year as they do not meet the minimum entrance requirements. NOTE: applicants may be asked to complete appropriate workshops to upgrade your knowledge towards developing your RPL portfolio
• require exemption from certain subjects if the applicant has studied another health
  science qualification at CPUT or at a different institution and would like to further their studies at CPUT. Follow the link for more information: Visit RPL

Dr L Graham (Mainstream and ECP)
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+27 21 959 6344

Dr W Solomon (Articulation)
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+27 21 959 6492

NQF Level: 9
Credits: 180

During the course of the studies, research skills will be developed further to produce Master Degree graduates capable of conducting independent innovative research with minimal guidance in a chosen medical field and in the process contribute to knowledge production in that field. The research project will be conducted within the legislative and operational requirements of the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). Higher level competencies such as critical thinking, retrieval and processing of information and scientific writing will be developed. The research problem, its justification, process and outcome are reported in a dissertation, which complies with the generally accepted norms for research at that level.

Programme structure:

Full research project and dissertation

Duration:

Full-time: Minimum of 1 year and a maximum of 3 years
Part-time: Minimum of 1 year and a maximum of 4 years.

Entrance requirements:

For admission to the programme, an applicant must hold one of the following qualifications:

• BHSc: Medical Laboratory Sciences (NQF 8) with an aggregate of 60%.
• A recognised Honours degree, or equivalent qualification with an aggregate of 60%.

NQF Level: 10
Credits: 360

Through this qualification, skills acquired by Master graduates in Health Sciences will be developed further to produce Doctoral Degree graduates with higher level competencies. The purpose of the qualification is to develop a learner who can contribute to the advancement of knowledge through original research in the field of health and/or biomedical sciences. The research project will be conducted within the legislative and operational requirements of the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). The qualifying learner will be:

• An expert in the area of their research niche.
• An independent thinker capable of conceptualising new research initiatives.
• Able to conceive, design and implement and manage research projects.
• Able to master techniques employed in biomedical research.
• Capable of writing up a research proposal to apply for funding for their research
  project.
• Be able to develop new methods or techniques, processes, systems or technologies
  in original, creative and innovative ways appropriate to specialised and complex
  contexts.

Programme structure:

Full research project and dissertation

Duration:

Full-time: Minimum of 2 consecutive year and a maximum of 4 years
Part-time: Minimum of 4 years and a maximum of 6 years.

Entrance requirements:

A recognised Masters degree
Postgraduate enquiries:
Dr S Meyer
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 021 959 6251

The unit under the leadership of Associate Professor Glenda Davison and Professor Tandi Matsha, together with researchers from the University of Stellenbosch, investigate unique risk factors and pathophysiological changes associated with non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension and chronic kidney disease. The SAMRC/CPUT extramural unit uses an integrated approach involving the role of epigenetic mechanisms, the oral microbiota, immune function, endothelial dysfunction, as well as the impact of environment and lifestyle factors to investigate cardiometabolic disease. A further goal is to translate these studies into strategies which will improve prevention, early detection, and treatment of cardiovascular disease in South Africa. It intends to develop and propose early biomarkers which could identify at risk patients.

Dr Samantha Meyer and her collaborators from the University of the Western Cape investigate the potential antimicrobial and wound-healing properties of indigenous South African plant extracts and biogenic metal nanoparticles produced from these plant extracts.

Prof O Oguntibeju leads the Phytomedicine and Phytochemistry group. The group focuses on natural plant products and their impact on various health issues such as diabetes.