NQF Exit Level 08

Entry Requirements 

• BMed Sciences or
• BSc with a strong background in Biochemistry and Physiology.
• Other science graduates with a background in Chemistry and Zoology can also be considered or
• Medical Technologist with BTech.

Learning Outcomes

Upon the successful completion of the Postgraduate Diploma in Chemical Pathology, graduates will be able to:

• Display knowledge and understanding of the basic principles of Chemical Pathology.
• Have a sound understanding of instrumentation and principles of laboratory techniques.
• Be able to relate biochemical tests to the disease process – emphasis will be placed on diseases commonly present in the rural environment.
• Be able to apply their learning in a practical manner.          
• Display knowledge and understanding of research and planning principles in medical sciences.

Summary of Courses

Course Activities  

Seminars

• Presented in two sessions.
• Topic presentations, according to active courses, by the students and/or Chemical Pathology staff once weekly with a second session also weekly for the students to discuss related clinical cases/applications.

Laboratory Exposure

• Students should be involved with daily regularity in the clinical services provided by the Chemical Pathology Lab at all levels: Technical, administrative and clinical.
• Students should attend all the undergraduate practical sessions conducted for the MBChB III students throughout the year, help in setting up the practicals and in marketing.

Test Follow-Up and Case Write-Up

• Students should interact with the clinical services to give clinical follow-up to abnormal tests and produce a write up with the case description, discussion and conclusions.
• At least one follow up report to be produced weekly.

Journal Club and/or Topic Review

• Presented weekly by the Chemical Pathology staff or the students.
• Students are expected to participate and contribute in the discussions.

Assessment of Modules for the Postgraduate Diploma in Chemical Pathology

• Formative Assessment: (accounts for 60% of the final mark).
• Regular activities: 20% from seminars and topic reviews.
• 20% from lab work and teaching participation.
• 20% from test follow-up and write-ups.

Summative Assessment Final Exam

• Accounts for 40% of the final mark Module
• Final Mark: 60% formative assessment + 40% summative assessments.