Bachelor of Medical Science Honours in Nutrition and Dietetics
Health Sciences and Social Services - Promotive Health and Developmental Services
Purpose and Rationale
The qualification offered is designed to serve as a pathway to higher degrees at universities in South Africa. It comprises fundamental learning, core learning, and elective learning modules that cater to diverse academic and career requirements. Candidates have the flexibility to choose modules that align with their academic and professional goals.
The programme emphasizes current topics in human biology and disease mechanisms through didactic modules. It includes essential modules on 'Techniques,' 'Principles of good scientific investigation,' 'Scientific writing and platform presentation,' and 'Ethics in Research.' Candidates can specialize in specific themes such as Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Human Genetics, Cell Biology, Pharmacology, and Radiobiology.
Candidates are encouraged to select their research project discipline early on and tailor their module selection accordingly. The qualification aims to provide a well-rounded mix of specialized subject modules, technologies, and skills to enhance personal growth, economic opportunities, and societal contributions.
Furthermore, the qualification aims to equip graduates with the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue higher degrees or employment in the scientific field confidently. It serves as a foundation for graduates to thrive in both theoretical and practical aspects of science.
Overall, the qualification aims to create a pool of adaptable individuals with expertise in the rapidly evolving fields of medical and biological sciences.
Outcomes
- Demonstrate proficiency in specific contextual research methodologies and technology towards application in a problem-based setting.
- Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively, as demonstrated in effective maintenance of laboratory records.
- Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.
- Understand and apply ethics of using genetic information and understand the basics of confidentiality.
- Communicating effectively using visual and language skills in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion.
- Identify and solve problems in which responses display reasoning with evidence of critical and creative thinking.
- Take responsibility within own limits of competence.
- Demonstrate ability to work as a team and to show sensitivity to colleagues and demonstrate tolerance in the workplace.
Assessment Criteria
Problem Definition:
The problem I aim to address is the effectiveness of a new drug in treating a specific disease. Specifically, I want to investigate whether Drug X is more effective in reducing symptoms compared to the current standard treatment for Disease Y.
Hypothesis:
I hypothesize that patients treated with Drug X will show a greater reduction in symptoms of Disease Y compared to those treated with the standard treatment.
Testing the Hypothesis:
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Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT): Divide patients with Disease Y into two groups - one group receiving Drug X and the other receiving the standard treatment. Monitor and compare the reduction in symptoms over a specified period.
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Double-Blind Study: Conduct a double-blind study where neither the patients nor the researchers know who is receiving Drug X or the standard treatment. This helps eliminate bias in the results.
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Placebo-Controlled Trial: Include a third group receiving a placebo to ensure that any improvements seen in the Drug X group are not just due to a placebo effect.
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Longitudinal Study: Monitor the patients over an extended period to assess the long-term effectiveness and potential side effects of Drug X compared to the standard treatment.
Experimental Design:
- Participant Selection: Select a sample of patients diagnosed with Disease Y who meet the inclusion criteria for the study.
- Randomization: Randomly assign patients to the Drug X group, standard treatment group, or placebo group.
- Treatment Administration: Administer Drug X, standard treatment, or placebo as per the assigned group.
- Monitoring: Regularly monitor and assess the symptoms of patients in each group.
- Data Analysis: Analyze the data collected to compare the effectiveness of Drug X, standard treatment, and placebo in reducing symptoms of Disease Y.
Lab Safety:
Ensure that all researchers involved in the study are trained in handling the drugs safely. Follow protocols for administering drugs and monitoring patients to ensure their safety throughout the study.
Interpretation of Results:
Compare the reduction in symptoms between the Drug X group, standard treatment group, and placebo group. Use statistical analysis to determine if there is a significant difference in effectiveness between the treatments. Interpret the results to either support or reject the hypothesis.
Presentation of Research Results:
Present the research findings in a written dissertation following the scientific paper format. Prepare a platform presentation to communicate the results to a scientific audience at the Honours Degree level.
Integrated Assessment:
The assessment will include module examinations, literature reviews, submission of a mini-dissertation, and an oral examination covering theoretical and practical aspects of the Honours programme. The overall pass mark is set at 50%, taking into account scientific literacy, numeric, and computer literacy relevant to the study area.
Qualification Details
- Type
- Honours Degree
- NQF Level
- 08
- Min. Credits
- 120
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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