Health Sciences and Social Services - Promotive Health and Developmental Services
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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