The Faculty of Health Sciences of the University of Cape Town offers a Masters Degree in Paediatric Pathology. (MPhil)
Convener: Prof Komala Pillay (Division of Anatomical Pathology, Department of Pathology)
Admission requirements:
A candidate shall not be admitted to the programme unless he/she has trained and been registered as an anatomical pathologist.
Duration of the programme:
The programme is offered either on a full-time basis with students working in paediatric and perinatal pathology for 24 months, or on a part-time basis over 36 months with students attending periodic intensive training sessions of two to four weeks. This includes completion of the dissertation.
Curriculum outline:
MPhil Paediatric Pathology Part 1 - 120 NQF Credits
Paediatric Pathology minor dissertation - 60 NQF Credits
Assessment:
Part 1 comprises a year mark made up as follows: essays (four assignments) (25%), a written paper (25%), a practical examination including an autopsy (40%), and an oral examination (10%). Part 2 comprises a short dissertation. Both parts have to be passed with 50% each.
MPhil Paediatric Pathology Part 1 - (outline)
The course is divided into four modules, namely perinatal and placental pathology, including normal and abnormal foetal growth and development; paediatric autopsies and laboratory investigations; pathological aspects of childhood neoplasia and post-natal growth disturbances including malnutrition; and general systemic and surgical pathology applicable to children. Instruction is by means of formal lectures, tutorials and demonstrations.
Paediatric Pathology Minor Dissertation - (outline)
The minor dissertation is prepared under supervision. It must be between 15 000 and 20 000 words in length and must be on a topic in paediatric pathology. Students are trained in statistics where necessary, in research methods, in conducting literature reviews, and in designing a research proposal. Having submitted their research proposals and obtained formal ethics approval where necessary, candidates proceed with their research, analyse the results and write up the dissertation. Master’s degree candidates must be able to reflect critically on theory and its application. They must be able to deal with complex issues systematically and creatively, to design and critically appraise research, to make sound judgement using the data and information at their disposal, and to communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
Programme Convener Contact Details:
Prof Komala Pillay, Division of Anatomical Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Observatory 7925, Cape Town, South Africa
Telephone: 021 406 6162
Fax: 021 448 1789