Universities and Online Degrees Guide

Stellenbosch University

Master of Medicine in Microbiological Pathology

The Master of Medicine in Microbiological Pathology in Health Professions is offered by Stellenbosch University.

Program Length: 4 YEARS.

Master of Medicine in Microbiological Pathology offered by the Stellenbosch University at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences

This Master of Medicine (MMed) programme is offered in all the recognised specialities of medicine in South Africa. This programme is structured to meet the Health Professions Council of South Africa's (HPSCA) requirements for specialisation. It extends over a period of four to five years. Candidates must be incumbents of registered training posts.

Programme content
Good Laboratory Practice and Medical Ethics (attendance  module) (10)
Immunology (two month rotation) (40)
Infection Control, Sterilisation and Decontamination (40)
Infective Organisms and Infectious Diseases (100)
Laboratory Diagnosis of Bacteria, Fungi and Parasites (100)
Laboratory Management (attendance module) (10)
Medical Virology (six month rotation) (40)
Molecular Pathology (attendance module) (10)
Research Assignment (120)
Research Methodology (attendance module) (10)

Assessment and examination

• Continuous assessment is based on the regular evaluation of a portfolio of evidence that you have to present to the supervisor along with regular feedback (formative) assessments (written and practical).
• The written examination for Part I may be taken after a minimum of 12 months into the programme, and must be passed with a minimum of 50%.
• If you fail to pass the Part I examination after two attempts within a time period of 24 months into the programme, the Postgraduate Programme Committee of the Division may recommend that you suspend your studies. You may, however, apply to the Programme Committee for permission to undertake a third attempt. If the third attempt is also unsuccessful, you will not be permitted to continue with your studies.
• Admission to the Part II examination of the College of Pathologists requires prior permission by the head of the Division of Medical Microbiology in consultation with the Programme Committee. You must submit the research assignment before you can attempt the Part II examination.
• The HPCSA requires that you successfully complete the single exit examination to register as a specialist. The Division of Medical Microbiology acknowledges this examination as equivalent to and substituting the MMed (Microbiol Path) Part II examination. It, however, remains the responsibility of the head of the Division to confirm the following:
  • the successful completion of the clinical training time;
  • the successful completion of the assignment according to the regulations of the University in this regard and the Part I examination;
  • the submission of a completed portfolio of evidence.
• The first attempt at the Part II examination must be undertaken not later than 54 months after commencement of the programme. The examination may be attempted earlier subject to the requirements of the College of Pathologists. If you have not yet attempted the Part II examination by 54 months, the Programme Committee may recommend that you suspend your studies.
• The Programme Committee may also recommend that you suspend your studies after three failed Part II examination attempts.
• If you have failed to complete the Part II examination and the research assignment successfully within a maximum training period of five years, the Programme Committee may recommend that you suspend your studies. You may, however, apply to the Programme Committee to be allowed to continue beyond five years.
• As a registrar you must usually vacate your registrar post after five years, irrespective of passing the Part II examination. An extension of the registrar contract beyond five years may be considered by the NHLS authorities, on your request and motivation.

Research Assignment

• The assignment must be on a relevant Medical Microbiology topic of your choice. You must display your ability to conduct independent research by means of the assignment.

The assignment must be completed in a standard format according to University regulations, and to the satisfaction of an internal and an unattached external examiner.

Final mark

• The Part II examination must be passed with a minimum of 50% and contributes 65% to the final mark.
• Flexible assessment contributes 10% to the final mark.
• The assignment must be passed with a minimum of 50% and contributes 25% to the final mark. The assignment must be on a relevant Medical Microbiology topic of your choice. You must display your ability to conduct independent research by means of the assignment. The assignment must be completed in a standard format according to University regulations, and to the satisfaction of an internal and an unattached external examiner.