SCIENCE COURSE REG ULA nONS, 1995

L.N. 4S of lJt.5

EDVeA TION ACT

(CAP. 327)

TIlE OIPWMA IN HEALTH SClENCE • DIP, fIEAL TU

SCIENCE COURSE REG ULA nONS, 1995

IN exercise of the powers conferred upon him by sections 30 (5)

and 3 1 (6) of the Education Act (Cap. 327). the Chancellor of the

University of Malta has promulgated the foUowing regulations made

by the Senate of the University of Malta by virtue of the powers coofened

upon it by sections 31 and 3S of the said Act

Citation and Interpretation

I. ( 1) These regulations may be cited as the Diploma in Health Science · Dip.

Health Science - Course Regulations. 1995.

In these regulations. unless the context otherwise requires -

(2)

"the Board" means the Board of the Institute of Heallh Care;

"the Cowse" means the Course leading to the Diploma

"the Diploma" means the Diploma in Health Science - Dip. Health

Science;

" Health Science" means one of the options listed in the Fml Schedule 10

the.~ regulations.

Applicability

These regulations shall apply to Cowses swting in 1992 or wer.

NUMBER OF CREDITS IN DIPLOMA PROGRAMME

PROFESS IONAL S11JDIES

Number of Theoretical Credits

Denial Technology

(a)

Environmental Heallh

(b)

(c) Medical Laboralory Science

IS

(d) Occupational Therapy

IS

(e) Physiotherapy

IS

(I) Radiography

IJ

B '51

Number of Practical Credits

<a) Dental Technology

(b) Environmenlal Health

(c) Medical Laboratory Science

(d) Occupational Therupy

(e) PhysiOlberapy

(0 Radiography

Diploma Srudies

<a> Dental Technology

(b)

Environmenlal Health

Medical Labornlory Science

(c)

Occupational Therapy

(d)

(e)

Physiotherapy

(0

Radiography

Ellaibillly ror Diploma

Final Comprehensive Examination

(a) . Dental Technology

Paper I

Science. Anatomy. Dentall...aboratories TcchniqUC$

Paper U

ScicncelOental Materials

Exllmination on any part of the cou rse of Dental

Practical

Laboratory skills

Case Discussions: Oral examination on 3 differen t types of appliances

chosen by the Examining Board

Environmental Health

(b)

Paper I

1bcory and Practice of Environmental Health

Paper U

Professional Development and Management

Special project

(c)

Medical Laboratory Science

Paper I

Theory and Practice of Clinical Chemistry

Paper 11: Theory and Practice of Haematology

Paper U1: Theory and Practice of Transfusion Medicine

Paper IV: Theory and Practice of Microbiology

Paper V: Theory and Practice of Cellular Pathology

Paper VI: TIleor)' and Practice OfGcDera1 Mc:dical Laboratory Science

Special project

(d) Occupational Therapy

Theory or Occupational Therapy in Physical Dysrunction

Theory of Occupational Therapy in Physical Dysrunction

Theory or Occupational Therapy in Psychosocial DysruDClion

Theory ofThcrepeutic Exercise, Professional Management and

Development

Special Project

Physiotherapy

(e)

Practice of Physiotherapy

Paper 11: Theory of Physiotherapy

Spc<:ial project

Radiography

(f)

Theory and Practice of Radiography

Paper 11: Professional Development and Management in Radiography

Special Project

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To be eligible for the award of the Diploma a candidate shall

(a) have been registered in the Institute of Heallh Care for a minimum

period of three and half years, of which at least two shall be as a regular student;

(b) have completed a course of studies and been successful in the

examination in accordance with these regulations

B )44

(c) be in possession of a statement of good conduct as befits a person 10

wort as a professional in Health Science. which statement must be endorsed by

the Board; and

(d) have satisfied all other roquil"ements laid down in these regulations and

in any other relevant regulations and statutes of the University.

Registration

A cllndidmc may be regi stered as a student in the Course if he

( I)

is aged nOlIes.s than 17 years within three calendar months from the

(a)

dale on which the Course connnences

(b) satisfIeS the requirements as a probationary or regular student in terms

ofttle Admission Regulations of the University and, irhe~ aprobalionary student.

satisf.es also the entry requirements specified in regulation 5 below;

has the nettssary apti tude 10 follow a course in Health Science.

(c)

(2) A candidate must ptXSeSS a medical cenificalC as 10 his suitability for

undertaking duties in Health Science.

Ove~ students must also demonstrate proficiency in both written

(3)

and oral English.

Entry Rtflulrements

In order to be odmittcd as a student in the Course the candidaIe shall be in

possession of onc o f the following

(a) six passes at Ordinaty Level. including Mllltese. English Language,

MathematiCs Md a Science subject: or

accnifM'ate from the PrevocationaJ School (Health Studies) with grade

(b)

C or better in six subjects including Mllltese. English Language, Mathematics

and a Science SUbject: or

the qualifications for entry of mature students under the Admission

(c)

Regulations of the Uni versi ty.

Duration of the Course

( I) The Course shall extend over a period oflhn:e years and six months. A

candidate may noltnke the Final Examination earlier than three years and six months

or later than five years and ' Ut months from the date of the commencement of the

Course except with the permission of the BOard.

The Foundation Progr1lmme in Health Science comprises the flISt

(2)

eightee n months of the Course.

A student who successfully comple tes the Foundatio n Progrnmmc shall

(3)

be entitled to be registered as a matriculated student of the University.

Following s uccessful comp le tion of the Foundalion Programme students

(4)

shall continue their studies in Health Science for a further two years.

Students shall enrol to study for onc of the Health Sciences at the

(1)

commencement of the Course. Only a se lection of the Health Sciences listed in the

First Schedule to these regulations may be offered in any academic year.

A stu dent shall be allowed to c hange his chosen Heal th Scie nce

(2)

on his wrille n request whic h must be received DOl later than the end o f

(a)

the first semester of the Foundation Programme;

(b) following the written recommendation of both Heads of SlUdies

involved; and

(c)

on approval of this change by the Board.

FouDdatlOft Programme

During the Foundation Prognunme of the Course st ude nts shan be

( I)

prepared in the fundamental knowledge. soUs and attitudes inherent in carrying out

duties in Health Science. Students shall also be prepared for their subsequent

professional and academic development

(2) The COUIV shall consist of modules. each of which shall have a

theoretical and practical component and shall concentrate on an area in the Health

Science.

(3) Students shall be assessed in both theory and practice of the duties

relevant to Health Science by continuous assessment.

(4) The practical part shall be assessed by tutors in Health Science or

practical demonstrators from relevant areas of practice.

Successful Completion of the Foundation Programme

( 1) To complete the Foundation Programrnc: successfully and continue the

Course, the student shall obtain the foUowing

A pass grade in the theoretical modules with an average grade of C;

(a)

Cb) A pass grade in all practical modules: and

(c)

A pass in the Foundation Programme Comprehensive Examination.

A student who fails to obtain a pass grade in nO{ more than two modules

(2)

under cither sub-paragraph (a) or (b) of paragraph (I ) ofthls regulation. or under both

s ub-paragrnphs s hall be entitled to repeal s uc h modules o nce o nl y at the end o f the

Foundation Programme. If successfu l in the resit the grade 10 be given shall be the pass

grade D . A student who fails 10 obtain 11 pass grade in any module whic h he has repeated

shaH nO( be allowed to continue the Course exccpc in special circwnsUUlces and with

the permission of the Board.

(3) A student who obtains a pass grade in all modu les under sub-paragraph

(a) of parogrnph ( 1) of this re gulation but doeS not obtain an average grade o f C

shall be entitled 10 repeal. once only, at the end of the Foundation Programme:, any

number of modules he wishes. and if he oblains an average grade of C. having regard

10 both lhe firs! and second occasion. he shall be en!itled 10 continue the Course as of

righl. If he fails 10 obtain the average grade as above. he shall nOl. be allowed to continue

the Course except: wilh the permission of!he Board.

(4) A student who fails the Comprehensive Examination shall be ~uired

10 resit the examination on one occasion only. normally within three months of

completing the Foundation Programme.

A student who 5ucccssfullypasses the Foundation Programme shall be

(5)

awarded a Certificate in Foundation Studies (Health Science).

Diploma Programme

(1) Following the Foundalion Programme there shall be a further two

years study for the obtainment of the Diploma in Health Science according to the

course of slIldies foHowed.

(2) 1be Diploma Programrne shall consist of two elements

(a) Professional Studies - study-units at Diploma level concerned with the

theory and practice of Health Science;

•

Oiploma Srudies · study unill in the prnfhsional knowledge applicable

(b)

to students in Health Science.

Diploma Programme-Proressional Sludle!l

Professional Studies ~ set out in modules of learning.

11 . ( I)

(2) Each module shall be considered a discrete study-unit incorporating

theoretical and practicalllnboratory credits.

(3) The Head of SlUClies in Health Scicnoc shall decide the sequence of

modules a student may lake.

proresslonal Studies· Theoretical Component

Each module shall be assigned a specific numbcroflhcoretical credits.

( I)

(2) 1be number of theoretical credits a~signed to professional studies in

the different Health Sciences shall be those listed in the Second Schedule to these

regulations.

Subjects covered within each mcxIulc~ intclJ'C lllted and shall therefore

(3)

be assessed as one unit of karning.

(4) On completion of a module the student shall be awarded a grade

indicating the standard 81lained by him in the lhcorctical assessments. The grades shall

be as follows

A Excellenl

B

YeryGood

Good"""

C

0"""

F Fail

A student shall be allowed 10 lUit the appropriw:c assessments once if

(S)

he fails a module. If successful in the resit. the grade 10 be given shall be D. Lf

unsucodsful, the student shall be entitJed 10 repeat the whole module on oruy one

occa<>ion at the end or the Course. StudenlS who rail the module at the second attempt

shall not be ollowed to continue: their Course except in special circumstances and with

the permission or the Board. Only one module mtly be repeated.

(6) A student who fails 10 achieve a pass grade in twO modules shall nOl: be

allowed to continue the Course except in special ciraimstances and with the permission

of the Board.

Professlonai Studies-Practical Component

(I) The practical component of the diploma element of the Cowsc shall

consist of study-units of proctica1/laborlll:ory pmcticc. The number of credits assigned

to these srudy unitS for each Health Science shall be those Lisle<! in the Second ScbMule

to these regulations.

(2) Students shall be ~uired to undergo praaicalllaboratory phlcements

in areas specified by the Head of Studies of Health Science.

(3) Successful completion of a practicalllaboratory module shall be

delCnnined by intconiUcnt continuous assessment.

module shall be entitled 10 repeal

Students who (ail a

(4)

the module on only one occuion al the end of the Course.

StudenlS who fail more than one pBCtica1llaboralory module in any

(S)

one year shall not be allowed to continue the Course or be eligible to sit for the FinaJ

Comprehensive Eumination exccpt in special circumstances and with the pennission

of the Board.

Diploma Plop anlmc· Diploma Studies

Diploma studies shall comprise the professional studies applicable 10

( I)

!IludenlS of Health Science.

(2) Diploma sludics shall link in with the professional srudies and sessions

shared with other students where approprirue. One clay per week shall be set a.~ide for

this purpose.

Diploma studies shaIJ consist of study-uni ts for which a number of

(3)

credits shall be assigned as listed in the Second Schedule to~..sc: regulations.

1be Board shllll decide which credits a candidate may take and in what

(4)

sequence, in order le complete the Course.

On completion of a credit the student shall be awarded a grade indicating

(5)

the standard rutained by him in the credit assessments. Grades shall be as follows

Excellent

A

8 YeryGood

C Good Pa.~s

0 p",

P Fail

B

(6)

A student shall be allowed to resit an esseSSDlCnt once only if he fails a

credit. If he is successful in the resit, the grade to be given shall be D. If he is

unsuccessful, the student shall be required 10 repeal the whole credit and be e ligible on

successful completion to grade D.

A student who in one year fails 10 obtain eighty per cent (80%) of the

(7)

total number of credits shall not be allowed 10 continue the Colme or to take the Final

Comprehensive Examination except in special circumstances and with the pcnnission

of the Board. Such student shall be required to obtain all missing credits before

completing the Course.

Completion of the Course

To complete the Course. a student shall obtain the following

(I)

pass at grade C Of" better in the Foimdation Prog.ramme;

(a)

(b) credit oertificates for all professional, theoretical and diploma credits

listed for the re levant Health S6encc in the Second Schedule 10 these regulations;

theoretical or practical cn:dits in the n:levanl Health Science as from

(c)

time 10 time may be required 10 comply with European Union Directives.

The Board may exempt a student from the requirement of obtaining a

(2)

credit certificate for a particular unit if he has obtained from the Univeni ty. or an

institution recognized by Senate for the purpose. a qnolification the stud y for which is.

of the opinion of the Board. equivalent in content and standard to that required for the

cmiit certificate concerned. Students may only be ellemptcd from up to one fifth of the

theoretical component.

FinaJ Comprehensive EXAmination

(I) A student shall be required to sit for the Final Comprehensive

Examination after obtaining the requirements laid down in regulation IS.

(2) At the end of the Course. a student shall be required to take the Final

ComprehepSive &aminalion. The fonn of this examination for each Health Science

shall be as described in the Third Schedule to these regulations.

(3) A student may also be required 10 take an oral ellamination at which he

shall be ellpected to discuss aspects of the special project. where applicable.

(4) The Final Comprehensive Examination shaU be set by the Board and

shall normaUy take place during the last week of the Course.

B

]SO

lbc overall evaluation of the student for the Diploma shall take into

(5)

accOUn( his perfonnance at the Final Comprehensive Examination as weU as thecrcdit

certificates and grades obtained during the Coune.

(6) A student who fails in only one paper shall be allowed a resit in that

paper. A student who fails more than one paper shall be required to resit the whole

examination. at a time eslablished by the Board.

(7) A candidate wiJI only be allowed three atte mpts at the Final

Comprenensive &amination.

Results

( I) The names of slUdents who qualify for the award of the DiplomashalJ

be published in three categories (Distinction. Credit and Pass) in alphabetical order

or names.

A student who is allowed 10 resit pan or all of the Final Comprehensive

(2)

Examination shall be eligible only for the category Pass.

ARST SCHEDULE

HEA:,;nt SCIENCES

The Diploma in Health Science may be awarded in one of the following areas of

study

(a)

Dental Technology

(b)

Environmental Health

(c)

Medical Laboratory Science

Occupational Therapy

(d)

(e)

Physiotherapy

Radiography

(0