Bachelor of Science Honours in Medical Microbiology

Purpose:

Learners will apply educational knowledge, skills, principles, and methods to support research in the medical environment, having the necessary knowledge, skills, and critical thinking to pursue their profession as scientists in the field of Medical Microbiology. Upon successful completion of the Bachelor of Science honours in Medical Microbiology, learners will be able to:

• Display knowledge and understanding of the basic principles of Medical Microbiology.
• Understand molecular tests such as Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Molecular line probe assays.
• Have a sound understanding of instrumentation and principles of laboratory techniques.
• Design and execute a research project in the medical sciences under supervision.

Rationale:

The Bachelor of Science Honours in Medical Microbiology is designed to provide advanced sound knowledge in medical Microbiology to pursue further training of Master in Medical Microbiology. The qualification will allow the learners to improve their existing learning skills and knowledge, to develop new interests, as well as to improve their prospects for employment. Learning will be through theoretical and supervised practical experience, with both formative and summative assessments conducted periodically to assess progress and quality of learning achieved in key areas as determined by the curriculum. The learner will become an intern researcher employable for further training by laboratory service institutions both in public and private sectors such as the National Health Laboratory Services (NHLS) and the Private Medical Laboratories. They will also be employable by academic centres and by research institutions to provide training and to support research in the biomedical field, more specifically in Medical Microbiology. The qualification focuses on training scientists in the field of Medical Microbiology to alleviate the shortage of researchers in the field, particularly in the disadvantaged areas of the country. The qualification will contribute to increasing the pool of professionals with the critical intellectual abilities to ensure the future development of Medical Microbiology and to make provision for the country's need for a skilled workforce of the highest calibre and to ensure that the country stays competitive in an era of growing global competition. The employment of learners with this qualification, at the various institutions mentioned, will contribute to boost the standard of primary health care delivery as well as to strengthen and develop the body of applied research and knowledge generated in the country. The learners will be able to teach/train other health professionals at a lower level, including laboratory technicians who are currently in laboratory services in rural areas. This will lead to the development of the research capacity in the field. It will also contribute to improving the services for the people in the rural areas who do not have easy access to tertiary or even secondary health services.