Program Overview

Programme: MMed in Chemical Pathology

Programme Information

The MMed in Chemical Pathology is a postgraduate degree that requires students to complete a minimum of 480 credits over a period of five years. The programme is offered by the Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Anatomical Pathology.

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for admission, students must:

• Hold a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery degree (or equivalent)
• Be currently registered as a physician with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) for at least one year

Programme Structure

The programme consists of:

• A research component, which includes a dissertation (MMS 890) or a research article that has been accepted for publication in a subsidised periodical
• A systematic literature review (Cochrane type) on an approved subject, which may be presented as an alternative to the dissertation for awarding the MMed degree
• Registrarship: Students must inquire at the relevant head of department regarding the availability of registrarships for the specialisation

Examinations and Pass Requirements

• The sequence of examinations in the prerequisite subjects will be determined by the head of the department under which the major subject falls
• A minimum final mark of 50% is required by all departments to pass in a subject, and a subminimum of 50% in the clinical section of the examination
• General Academic Regulations apply

Exemption

The Faculty Board may grant partial exemption from the training and work mentioned under certain conditions, with the proviso that exemption from a maximum period of 18 months may be granted with regard to four-year and five-year programmes.

Pass with Distinction

The degree is conferred with distinction on a student who has obtained a final mark of at least 75% in their major subject.

Core Modules

The programme includes the following core modules:

• Chemical Pathology 800 (CHP 800)
• Dissertation 890 (MMS 890)
• Applied Research Methodology 802 (TNM 802)

General Information

Registrars are expected to participate increasingly in the examining and treatment of patients in the hospital, both in-patients and out-patients, as well as performing and interpreting tests in the laboratory (where applicable). Lectures/symposia with closely related departments are organised, as well as discussions of literature, etc.