Programme: BScHons Medical Physics

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Code Faculty Department
10243003 Faculty of Health Sciences Department: Radiation Oncology
Credits Duration NQF level
Minimum duration of study: 1 year Total credits: 170 NQF level:  08

Programme information

The following requirements are set for completing the programme:

  • Advanced instruction by means of self-tuition and four compulsory seminars of which at least one must be read to and defended before the department in question, on topics assigned to the student.
  • Practical experience of the laboratory techniques used in the particular subsections of the subject.
  • Attendance at the compulsory faculty module (TNM 700) Applied research methodology 700.
  • Successful completion of the prescribed module (MBS 700) Medical biostatistics 700.
  • Taking part in a research project and presentation of an independent research report.
  • Satisfactory attendance at a library-user course.

Admission requirements

  1. Relevant bachelor’s (or equivalent) degree with at least one applicable biological subject as a major
  2. A weighted average of at least 60% at final-year level

Additional requirements

The prerequisites for admission to the honours degree in certain fields of study are indicated in the syllabuses of the specific department.

Also consult current General Academic Regulations.

Other programme-specific information

Modules to be taken in the Department of Physics, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences:

  • FSK 710   Mathematical methods 710
  • FSK 711   Classical dynamics 711
  • FSK 713   Quantum mechanics 713
  • FSK 714   Electrodynamics 714

Modules to be taken in the School of Medicine:

  • GNF 700  Medical physics: Practical work 700
  • GNF 701  Medical physics: Nuclear medicine 701
  • GNF 702  Medical physics: Diagnostic radiology 702
  • GNF 703  Medical physics: Radiation physics 703
  • GNF 704  Medical physics: Radiotherapy 704
  • GNF 705  Medical physics: Radiation protection 705

Examinations and pass requirements

  1. The examination at the end of the programme will consist of two written papers of three hours each as well as an oral examination of 30 minutes.
  2. For the field of specialisation Medical Physics, one examination of three hours is required in each of the theoretical modules. The mark awarded to the practical work will also be taken into account when the final mark is calculated.
  3. To comply with the pass requirements for the degree, a student must obtain a final mark of at least 50% in each division as indicated, as well as a pass mark of at least 50% for the essay/work assignment (if applicable). The stipulations regarding pass requirements for dissertations in the General Academic Regulations apply mutatis mutandis to essays.
  4. Also consult General Academic Regulation G18 regarding Renewal of registration. 

Pass with distinction

The degree is conferred with distinction on a student who has obtained an average of at least 75% (not rounded) in the examination (written, oral, practical, etc).

Minimum credits: 170

Core modules


General Academic Regulations and Student Rules
The General Academic Regulations (G Regulations) and General Student Rules apply to all faculties and registered students of the University, as well as all prospective students who have accepted an offer of a place at the University of Pretoria. On registering for a programme, the student bears the responsibility of ensuring that they familiarise themselves with the General Academic Regulations applicable to their registration, as well as the relevant faculty-specific and programme-specific regulations and information as stipulated in the relevant yearbook. Ignorance concerning these regulations will not be accepted as an excuse for any transgression, or basis for an exception to any of the aforementioned regulations. The G Regulations are updated annually and may be amended after the publication of this information.

Regulations, degree requirements and information
The faculty regulations, information on and requirements for the degrees published here are subject to change and may be amended after the publication of this information.

University of Pretoria Programme Qualification Mix (PQM) verification project
The higher education sector has undergone an extensive alignment to the Higher Education Qualification Sub-Framework (HEQSF) across all institutions in South Africa. In order to comply with the HEQSF, all institutions are legally required to participate in a national initiative led by regulatory bodies such as the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), the Council on Higher Education (CHE), and the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). The University of Pretoria is presently engaged in an ongoing effort to align its qualifications and programmes with the HEQSF criteria. Current and prospective students should take note that changes to UP qualification and programme names, may occur as a result of the HEQSF initiative. Students are advised to contact their faculties if they have any questions.

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