Durban University of Technology

Bachelor of Health Sciences in Homoeopathy

Health Sciences and Social Services - Curative Health

Purpose and Rationale

Qualification Title: Bachelor of Health Sciences in Homoeopathy

Purpose:

The purpose of this qualification is to develop a graduate to be competent in the knowledge, attitudes, insight, and skills required for diagnosing patients in the field of homoeopathy and formulating comprehensive treatment plans for health promotion under supervision. The qualifying graduate will be able to competently apply and integrate theoretical principles, evidence-based techniques, practical exposure, and appropriate skills under supervision. The programme of study will produce a well-rounded graduate who will be competent to compound, dispense, and prescribe homoeopathic medicines within that scope of practice. The graduate will be a team player capable of working in multidisciplinary teams to promote the profession.

Rationale:

Homoeopathy is a legally recognized profession within the South African healthcare provision. All homoeopaths are required to be registered with the Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa (AHPCSA), under Act 63 of 1982, and such registration entitles the registered homoeopath to diagnose and treat any ailment in humans, and to supply and dispense applicable medicine. The current minimum qualification for registration with the AHPCSA is a Master's Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, or an MBChB (or its equivalent) and a 3-year part-time Postgraduate homoeopathic qualification [MFHom].

The Bachelor of Health Sciences in Homoeopathy is a professional Bachelor's Degree of 512 credits that represents a renewal of the existing National Diploma-Bachelor of Technology Degrees in light of the evident deficiencies of the existing programme, the imperatives and guidelines of the HEQSF, the needs of the profession and requirements of the AHPCSA, the vision and mission of the University, and international benchmarks [a medical degree with postgraduate homoeopathic training is the normal structure of international primary-contact homoeopathic programs, and is the basis upon which licensing is typically provided].

The offering of the Bachelor of Health Sciences in Homoeopathy (BHSc: Homoeopathy) program does not require any additional facilities over and above those already in existence for the offering of the National Diploma and the Bachelor of Technology degree. At present, there are no overt professional homeopathic employment opportunities for students who do not complete the entire 5-year Master Technology: Homoeopathy program. The Bachelor of Health Sciences in Homoeopathy is not envisaged as an ipso facto exit point.

The minimum qualification for registration to practice Homoeopathy is the MHSc: Homoeopathy, but the undergraduate curriculum is designed to comply with the restrictions of the HEQSF (which precludes direct entry from NSC to Master's), whilst allowing graduates of the Bachelor of Health Sciences in Homoeopathy a potential to find employment within adjunctive homoeopathic and medical fields and the health and wellness industry. Graduates would be equipped to work as medical and homoeopathic sales representatives, within the homoeopathic pharmaceutical industry and within such health and wellness facilities as health shops and wellness spas as well as be able to formulate treatment plans but under supervision. The successful completion of the Bachelor of Health Sciences in Homoeopathy does not allow for any form of practice as a professional homoeopath.

Outcomes

  1. Apply the principles of medical ethics, professional behaviour and the legal framework to the context within which they will demonstrate clinical and ethical awareness by implementing self-development and effective communication within a multi-cultural academic and clinical context.
  2. Derive, analyse and interpret clinical data under supervision in order to identify and assess the range of health problems presented to homoeopathic practitioners in a clinical setting, through the integration of clinical and homoeopathic knowledge and competency.
  3. Propose plans of treatment, prevention and health promotion, under supervision, to integrate and apply knowledge of the roles of other health disciplines and their relevance in multi-disciplinary patient management.
  4. Cross-examine multiple sources of knowledge and critically evaluate related literature to identify shortcomings and formulate a proposal for research in a homoeopathically-related field.
  5. An understanding of homoeopathic pharmaceutical principles, legislative requirements pertaining to setting up and operation of a dispensary, compounding procedures for homoeopathic medicines and apply the processes and procedures in clinical settings.

Assessment Criteria

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

  • Role of Ethics: Understanding of the role of ethics in professional conduct and communication demonstrated.
  • Competence in Communication: Competence in professional and academic communication demonstrated.
  • Clinical Awareness: Demonstrated clinical awareness with identification of areas for self-development.
  • Effective Communication: Demonstrated effective communication within a multi-cultural academic and clinical context.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

  • Clinical Data Elicitation: Elicitation of clinical data relevant to a range of health problems.
  • Clinical Knowledge Integration: Integration and application of clinical knowledge and skills.
  • Analysis of Clinical Data: Collation and analysis of clinical data in terms of signs and symptoms.
  • Differential Diagnosis: Formulation of a differential diagnosis based on clinical data from various sources.
  • Demonstration of Clinical Skills: Demonstration and relation of clinical and homeopathic knowledge and skills.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

  • Factors Contributing to Health: Identification of factors contributing to the health status of individuals.
  • Interventions for Health: Identification of specific interventions for disease prevention and health promotion.
  • Treatment Plan Formulation: Formulation of a comprehensive treatment plan under supervision.
  • Multi-disciplinary Team: Description of one's role within a multi-disciplinary patient management team.
  • Role of Adjunctive Professionals: Formulation of the role of adjunctive professionals in comprehensive patient management.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

  • Research Problem Identification: Identification of a viable and appropriate homeopathically-related research problem.
  • Literature Evaluation: Choosing an appropriate design to address the research problem critically through related literature evaluation.
  • Proposal Formulation: Formulation and presentation of an academically appropriate research proposal.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

  • Homoeopathic Pharmacy: Understanding of the history and development of homoeopathic pharmacy.
  • Pharmaceutical Principles: Understanding of homoeopathic pharmaceutical principles and their relevance to practical pharmacy.
  • Compounding and Dispensing: Demonstration of homoeopathic compounding and dispensing competency.
  • Legislative Implications: Understanding of the practical implications of legislative requirements and guidelines for general pharmaceutical practice.

Integrated Assessment:

  • Assessment strategies aligned with DUT assessment policy to encourage learning outcomes.
  • Module co-ordinators design and manage assessment according to module learning outcomes.
  • Students informed of assessment nature, number, and forms in study guides.
  • Summative assessments include theory and practical tests per term and final annual exams.
  • Formative assessments used in patient-based contexts for holistic competency development.
  • Use of critical self-reflection, group work, case presentations, and online assessments.
  • Class assignments and projects assessed in written and oral formats.
  • Oral assessments include case evaluations and OSCE formats.
  • Clinic assessments for case presentation, prescription formulation, and patient management.
  • Department ensures assessment accuracy and appropriateness.
  • Reliability promoted through reducing assessment variables.

Qualification Details

Type
National First Degree(Min 480)
NQF Level
08
Min. Credits
512
SAQA Source
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Durban University of Technology
Durban University of Technology
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Description
Durban University of Technology (DUT) is a public university located in Durban, South Africa. It was established in 2002 through the merger of Technikon Natal and ML Sultan Technikon. DUT offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines including engineering, business, health sciences, arts and design, and applied sciences. The university is known for its focus on practical and career-oriented education, providing students with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in their chosen fields. DUT also has strong industry partnerships and collaborations, ensuring that its graduates are well-prepared for the job market.

This page includes information from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) . Builtneat Pty Ltd trading as Study Start, has modified all or some of this information. SAQA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.