Faculty of Health Sciences

POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA IN CHEMICAL PATHOLOGY

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

QUALIFICATION/COURSES

CODES

CREDITS

Research Methodology, Laboratory Management & Quality

   

Control

CLM 41M0

25

Electrolytes, Acid-Base and Renal Pathology

CEA 42M0

20

Nutrition, Gastrointestinal and Hepatobiliary Pathology

CNG 43M0

20

Diagnostic Molecular Biology and Neoplasias

CDM 44M0

15

Endocrinology and Central Nervous System Pathology

CEC 45M0

25

Cardiovascular Pathology and Therapeutic Drug Monitoring

CCP 46M0

15

 

TOTAL

(120)

 

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.