UNIVERSITY OF ZAMBIA           

SCHOOL OF MEDICINE

Brief History and Programmes

The School of Medicine was established as an independent School of the University of Zambia in 1970. Pre-clinical teaching in Bachelor of science (Human Biology) and Clinical teaching in Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgary, however, had started earlier in 1968. The first output of graduates with full medical qualifications was in 1973.

Since then, the School has presented over 1200 medical doctors for the award of its joint degrees of Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery.

In 1981 it commenced postgraduate programmes leading to higher degrees in a number of clinical areas. The Master of Medicine programme is now offered in Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Paediatrics and Child Health, Medicine, and Orthopaedic Surgery. A similar programme is being actively developed in Anaesthesia. A Master of Public Health programme with two tracts, one for clinicians and the other for non-clinicians, is offered since the 1994/95 academic year.

In 2004 the school commenced postgraduate programmes in Master of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Parastology and Post Graduate Diploma in Health Education for Health professioanls. Master of Urology is under development. Also the school offers PhD subject to the availability of a suitable supervisor and appropriate research subject being agreed upon in the department hosting the degree. in general PhDs are offered in all the departments running masters degree programs.

The School is also responsible for the higher level training and education in the following degree Programmes:

i) Bachelor of Science in Nursing

ii) Bachelor of Science in Biomedical

iii) Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy

iv) Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy

The clinical departments of the Hospital correspond with the academic departments of the School. The Head of the academic department is also head of the hospital department and works hand in hand with the clinical head of the hospital of the same department. In the working relationship between the School and the UTH Board, the tasks of the School are seen to be three-fold: Medical training, Research and Clinical care. These tasks are being successfully undertaken by staff of the School and the University Teaching Hospital in a joint effort.

Consultants from the Hospital are appointed as honorary lecturers in the School by the University of Zambia with corresponding responsibilities for the daily clinical care of patients in the University Teaching Hospital, at Chainama Hills Hospital, in urban clinics and in consultative departments. Similarly, in addition to teaching responsibilities, the members of staff in the School undertake clinical care of patients at the UTH and other health institutions in the country.

In order to maintain the standards of medical education, the School has introduced innovations in its curriculum, which include integrated teaching problem - based learning and community based education and HIV/AIDS accross all its programmes. The School has in addition embarked on an ambitious ten year development plan which will see the introduction of additional undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes. The courses earmarked for introduction in the year 2005/2006 are bachelor of Enviromental Health, bachelor of Dentistry and Bachelor of Radiography.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

PROGRAMME OF STUDY FOR THE DEGREES OF:

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN HUMAN BIOLOGY (BScHB)

BACHELOR OF MEDICINE AND BACHELOR OF SURGERY (MBChB)

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING(BScNURSING)

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BIOMEDICAL(BScBIO)

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN PHYSIOTHERAPY(BScPT)

BACHELOR OF PHARMACY(B.PHARM)

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

A) Undergraduate degree programmes:

1. Bachelor of Science in Human Biology, Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery.

Entry Requirements for this programme

1. One year in the Medical quota in the School of Natural Sciences of the University of Zambia or equivalent; or
2. Holders of BSc degree with minimum of credit in a health related field or their  equivalent; or
3. Non school leaver applicants should have passed the relevant first and second year courses of the School of Natural Sciences, University of Zambia with an average of grade of “B” or their equivalent.

Entry at 3rd year for Candidates on transfers from other institutions shall be required to meet the following in the MBChB programme:

*          BS 111          -          Cell Biology and genetics
*          BS 112          -          Systems Biology
*          C 101                    -          Introductory Chemistry I
*          C 102                    -          Introductory Chemistry II
*          M 111                    -          Mathematical Methods I
*          M 112                    -          Mathematical Methods II
*          P 191                    -          Introductory Physics I
*          P 192                    -          Introductory Physics II
*          BS 211          -          Cell Molecular Biology and genetics
*          BS 212          -          Plant and Animal Physiology
*          BS 221          -          Form, Function and Diversity of Plants
*          BS 22           -          Form, Function and Diversity of Animals
*          C 205           -          Analytical and Morganic Chemistry
*          C 212           -          Biochemistry
*          C 251           -          Organic Chemistry
*          C 252           -          organic Chemistry

NB. That there ought to be evidence of having had done these subjects within the last 5 years.

Entry at 5th year for Candidates on transfers from other institutions shall be required to meet the following in the MBChB programme:          

1. Basic Medical Sciences aforementioned above, or a Bachelor of Science degree in a relevant field;
2. Pre-clinical studies requirements are:

*          Human Anatomy – Gross Embryology, Histology
*          Human Physiology – Basic and Applied
*          Biochemistry
*          Pharmacology
*          Pathology – Histopathology/Chemical/ Haematology          
*          Microbiology – Bacteriology, Virology, Mycology, Parasitology
         
NB. That the candidate ought to show evidence of having had done these subjects within the last 2 years.

2. Bachelor of Science in Nursing(3 year programme)

All candidates admissible in this programme are exempted from the first year courses,  and therefore admitted at 2nd year level,

Entry Requirements for this programme;

1. worked at least two (2) years as a State Registered Nurse;
2. other nursing qualifications from a recognized institution.

3. Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences (4year programme)

Entry requirements:

1. Passed the relevant first year courses of the School of Natural Sciences, the University of Zambia of equivalent; or
2. Bachelor of Science degree in health related programme; or
3. Three ‘A’ level passed in Biology, Chemistry, Physics or mathematics with a minimum grade of c; or
4. Diploma holders in Medical Laboratory Technology with credit or better from a recognized institution and a minimum of two years proven relevant working experience may enter this programme;
5. Candidates from Natural Sciences will be admitted at the 2nd year level while those with diplomas in medical laboratory shall be admitted at 3rd year level.

4. Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy (5 year programme)

Entry requirements are as follows:
         

1. Must have passed the relevant first year courses of the School of Natural Sciences of the University of Zambia with an average grade of B or equivalent; or
2. Bachelor of Science degree in a health related field with a minimum grade of C or equivalent in Biology, Chemistry, Physics or mathematics; or
3. Diploma in Physiotherapy form Evelyn Hone College with an average percent pass mark of 55% in the final year diploma courses, and a minimum of 3 years proven working experience in the relevant field while holders of Diploma certificates in Physiotherapy from other recognized colleges/institutions should  have a minimum of a credit or equivalent.

NB.  The candidate who may have passed the relevant first year courses in the School of Natural Sciences are eligible to apply or who have ‘A’ levels or Bachelor of Science in Health related programmes are admitted at the 2nd year level while candidates with a diploma in physiotherapy are admitted at 3rd year levels.

5. Bachelor of Pharmacy (5 year programme)

Entry requirements are as follows:

1. Three ‘A’ level passes with a minimum grade of C or equivalent in Biology, Chemistry, Physics or mathematics; or
2. Bachelor of Science in health related programmes with a minimum grade of credit or equivalent; or
3. Passed the relevant first year courses of the School of Natural Sciences of the University of Zambia with an average grade of B or equivalent; or
4. Diploma in Pharmacy from Evelyn Hone College with an average percent pass mark of 65% in the final year courses or equivalent and a minimum of three years proven relevant working experience.  Holders of Diploma certificate in Pharmacy from other colleges should have a minimum of credit or equivalent;
5. All applicants should have a minimum of five ‘O’ level passes with minimum grade of B or equivalent to include English, Physics, Chemistry (or Physical Science), Biology and Mathematics.

NB.  Candidates from Natural Sciences with an average grade of B or better or have ‘A’ levels or have Bachelor of Science in health related programmes shall be admissible at the 2nd year level unlike candidates with diploma in Pharmacy and with minimum 3 years working experience in the relevant field shall be admissible at 3rd year level.

Furthermore, due to higher demand of the programme, the School introduced an aptitude test as one best method of selecting admissible candidates who also meets the above entry requirements.

B) POST GRADUATE DEGREE PROGRAMMES

Other than undergraduate degree programme the School also offers Master’s degree programmes in:

1. Master of Medicine (Mmed)

Entry requirements are as follows:

This is a degree in clinical medicine and is a part time course running for 4 years.
This degree is offered in Pediatrics, Internal Medicine,Obsterics&Gynaecology, General Surgery, Orthopaedics and Urology.

1. The candidate must have a basic Medical degree from the University of Zambia or it's equivalent and have full registration with the medical councilJ Zambia.
2. The candidate needs to have 2 years working experience post qualifying, with three good references. For the master of Medicine in urology a full additional year of rotation in General surgery is required at a Hospital approved by the college of Surgeons of East and central Africa.

2. Master of Public Health

Entry requirements are as follows:

1. A basic medical degree or a bachelors degree in a health related field, with a minimum of a credit. In exceptional cases a pass with more than 4 years experience or additional qualifications may be considered.
2. The candidate should have at least 2 years of working experience.

3. Master of Science in Nursing

1. A bachelors degree in Nursing from the University of Zambia or it's equivalent, with a minimum of a credit. In exceptional cases a pass with more than 4 years experience or additional qualifications may be considered.
2. The candidate should have at least 2 years of working experience.

4. Master of Science in Parasitology

1. A basic medical degree or a degree in health related field, with a minimum of a credit. In exceptional cases a pass with more than 4 years experience or additional qualifications may be considered.
2. The candidate should have at least 2 years of working experience.

5. Postgraduate diploma in Health Education for Health Professionals

1. A degree or diploma in a health related field.
2. Experience in teaching at a health training institution

6. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The PhD is offered at the School of Medicine subject to the availability of a suitable supervisor and an appropriate research subject being agreed upon in the department hosting the degree. In general PhDs are offered in all the courses which run Masters degree programmes.

1. A Masters degree at the University of Zambia or it's equivalent.
2. Appropriate working experience and 3 suitable references.

MODEL OF APPLICATION

1. Under the programme of undergraduate, applicants are advised to seek application forms from the Deputy Registrar (Academic Affairs Office).  The University of Zambia, P O Box 32379, Lusaka, Telephone: 295220.

1. While for Masters degrees programmes,  applicants can obtain application forms from the office of the Director, Directorate of Research and Graduate Studies.  The University of Zambia, P O Box 32379, Lusaka, Telephone:

1. SESSIONAL SCHOOL CALENDAR

1. The School has two sessional calendars running concurrently i.e. one is based on semester system while the other is based on term system.

1. All programmes under the following are fun based on semester system:

1. PBN 2nd, 3rd and 4th year programmes
2. Biomedical 3rd and 4th year programmes
3. Physiotherapy 3rd year programme
4. Pharmacy 2nd and 3rd year programmes
5. Medicine (Human Biology) 3rd and 4th year programmes

1. All programmes under the following are run based on term system:

1. Physiotherapy 4th and 5th year programmes
2. Pharmacy 4th and 5th year programmes
3. Medicine 5th, 6th and 7th year programmes

1. School of Medicine Sessional Dates 2005-2006 Academic year:

4th April, 2005          -          Registration for all programmes
11th April, 2005          -          Orientation for new students
18th April, 2005          -          Sessions begin
June - July, 2005          -          One week Break for all programmes at selected
intervals
August, 2005            -          Study Break & Exams for semester system
September, 2005          -          Vacation for semester system/ one week break
for term system
10th October, 2005          -          Registration for second semester
17th October, 2005          -          Sessions begin
November, 2005          -          One week break for term system at selected
intervals
January, 2006          -          Study Break for all programmes
February, 2006          -          Examinations for all programmes
March, 2006            -          Vacation for all programmes and end of
academic year

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Entrance requirements for the degree of MB ChB

Medical quota qualification from the School of Natural Sciences candidates

must score a B grade average in eight subjects including:

First Year

Second Year

*2. BSc graduates who have passes in courses equivalent to those in

1 above.

4. Students previously excluded:

PRECLINICAL COURSES

Third Year                                                 Fourth Year

CLINICAL COURSES

Fifth Year
MED 510 - Medicine and Chemotherapy
PED 510 - Paediatrics and Child Health
SGY 510 - Surgery
OBS 510 - Obstetrics and Gynaecology
COMMED 510 - Community Medicine
CBE 514 - Community Based Education

Sixth Year
COM 610 - Community Medicine
FOR 610 - Forensic Medicine
PSY 610 - Psychiatry
SPEC 610 - Medical Sub-Specialties: Dermatology & Venerealogy
SGY 610 - Surgical Sub-Specialties Anaesthesia, ENT, Opthalmology, maxillofacial, Radiology

Seventh Year
MED 710 - Medicine
PED 710 - Paediatrics and Child Health
SGY 710 - Surgery
OBS 710 - Obstetrics and Gynaecology

EXAMINATIONS AND PROGRESSION

There are two kinds of examination in the School of Medicine: University Examinations and Internal Examinations.

University Examinations
These are held in accordance with University Regulations and are monitored by an external examiner.

Internal Examinations
These are departmental and do not normally require participation of an external examiner.

THE GRADING SYSTEM

The following is the grading system in the School of Medicine:
A+ = 86% and above
A = 75 - 85% - Distinction
B+ = 70 - 74% - Merit
B = 65 - 69% - Credit
C+ = 55 - 64% - Pass
C = 50 - 54% - Bare Pass
D+ = 45 - 49% - Bare Fail
D = 40 - 44% - Fail
E = Below 40% - Outright Fail.

DEGREE CLASSIFICATION

A. B.Sc. (H.B.)
i. The grade of degree awarded will be determined by the University Senate on the recommendations of the Board of Studies. It will be based on the student's performance in the equivalent of 7 courses and shall include all the major subjects in the 3rd and fourth years.

The classification of the degree is determined by the aggregate of points awarded for individual courses as follows:

A+ - 5 points
A - 4 points
B+ - 3 points
B - 2 points
C+ - 1 points
C - 0 points

iv. There shall be four grades of degree:
Degree with Distinction - 28 points and above
Degree with Merit - 20-27.5 points
Degree with Credit - 12-19.5 points
Degree with Pass - 0.11 points

REPEAT GRADES
According to the current University Senate regulations, the degree is unclassified if any subject has been repeated because of failure. (Similarly) Supplementary examination results are classified as either Pass or Fail.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

In conformity with the University of Zambia degree requirements the BSc in Nursing fulfils all degree requirements of the University of Zambia in the following manner:
(a) 15 courses are taken during the three years at UNZA plus the exemption credit equivalent to two courses in lieu of Year I. This brings the total number of courses completed in the year credit to 17. This then fulfils the UNZA requirement of a minimum of 16 courses.

(b) The courses taken in this programme are in the area of nursing, thus meeting the requirements that 6 - 8 courses must be in the area of concentration.
(c) The requirements including at least one course from African Development Studies is fulfilled by Social Sciences 120: function of Social Studies which will be offered in year II. The program is undertaken in the department of Post Basic Nursing (PBN). The programme begins in Year II.

Admission Requirements

1.1 Minimum entrance requirements for all candidates are as follows:

(a) Certificate of registration as a nurse, or on equivalent qualification for those trained outside Zambia Midwifery will be an added advantage.
(b) Candidates wishing to specialize in MCH and CHN will be required to have midwifery qualifications.
(c) A record of an average academic performance of C+, or Pass equivalent to a percentage of 55 - 64% or above in the basic nursing programme
(d) Satisfactory references from at least two persons, one of whom must be an immediate supervisor of the candidate
(e) Two years experience as a registered nurse
(f) Five subjects from Zambia School leavers or the equivalent as follows:
'0' levels in : - English Language, Biology or General Science; Three subjects in either schedule A or C. A religious subject may be substituted for one course from schedule
C. 1.2 For baclaurates from UNZA, candidates with a Diploma in Nursing Education may be entitled to the fourth year intake courses which they have not taken, in order to meet the requirements for the BSc in nursing. The candidates must posses minimum of a solid C+, equivalent to a grade of 55 -64% mark or above.
1.3 Candidates who possess the Certificate in Public Health Nursing from UNZA may be admitted to the third year and take courses which they have not taken in order to meet the requirements for the BSc Nursing. Candidates must possess a minimum of a solid C+, equivalent to a grade of 55 - 64% or above.
1.4 Exemptions for candidates from other recognised diploma and certificate programme are possible.

Transcripts will be evaluated in conformity with UNZA criteria.

COURSE STRUCTURE OF THE POST-BASIC NURSING PROGRAMME:

Outline of the programme of study for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSc. Nursing)

First Year

Exemption credit equivalent to 2 recommended courses. This amounts to exemption from the first year in total.

Second Year

1st Semester

EPS 231 -

NS 211 - Nursing in Society Course I

PGY 211 - Nursing Physiological Sciences and Anatomy I

PTH 211 - General Pathology for Nursing

S 111 - Introduction to Sociology I

2nd Semester

EPS 212 - Educational Psychology for Nursing II

NS 212 - Nursing in Society Course II

PGY 212 - Nursing Physiological Sciences and Anatomy II

PTH 212 - Systematic Pathology for Nursing

S 112 - Introduction to Sociology II

Third Year

1st Semester

CHN 321 - Community Health Nursing I

MCH 311 - Maternal and Child Health

MSN 351 - Medical Surgical Nursing I

NE 341 - Nursing Education

PSN 331 - Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing I

2nd Semester

CHN 322 - Community Health Nursing II

MCH 312 - Maternal and Child Health II

MSN 352 - Medical Surgical Nursing II

NE 342 - Nursing Education II

PSN 332 - Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing II

NS 214 - Field work

Fourth Year

1st Semester

NM 411 - Introduction to Nursing Management

RN 420 - Introduction to Nursing Research I

CHN 431 - Introduction to Community Health Nursing

MSN 441 - Medical Surgical Nursing III

2nd Semester

NM 412 - Nursing Management II

RN 420 - Introduction to Nursing Research I

CHN 432 - Community Health Nursing

MSN 422 - Medical Surgical Nursing

YEARLY PROGRESSION

Failing candidates
A candidate who fails up to two courses or who fails a course with a grade of D or E will be required to repeat the year. A candidate who passes two courses and receives a grade of D+ in one subject given a supplementary examination

Exemption on repeating courses
A candidate repeating any one year may be granted exemptions in those courses in which at the preciding ordinary examination the candidate passed with a grade of B or above.

Redirection
A candidate who fails in three major courses may be excluded from the School. Except in the final year, and except with the special permission of Senate, a candidate who has attended for two years the courses priscribed for any one year and has failed to obtain passes in such prescribed courses shall not be permitted to continue studies in the BSc Nursing programme.

DEGREE CLASSIFICATION

1. The GRADE of the degree awarded will be determined by the University Senate on the recommendations of the Board of Studies. It will be based on the students' performance in the best eight (8) full courses and shall include the 300 and 400 series courses.

Students with a Diploma in Nursing Education (DNE) from UNZA other recognized institution who enter the programme straight into fourth (4th) year their degree classification will be based only on the 400 series courses.

A. MASTER OF MEDICINE (MMed).

The School of Medicine has a four year postgraduate programme leading to the degree of Master of Medicine in the disciplines of Medicine, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Paediatrics and Child Health, Surgery, Orthopaedics.

 Outline of the programme of study for the degree of Masters of Medicine (MMED)

The programme is a part-time, four to seven year programme because of the candidates necessary clinical duties. The programme is divided into two parts.

Part I consist of a one-year curriculum in the basic sciences which includes lectures tutorials in Anatomy, Biochemistry, Immunology, Microbiology Pathology, Pharmacology, Physiology, and Psychology. This part is followed by written and oral examinations. This part also covers material essential for all fields of training. Part II of the MMed programme consists of clinical work, a research project and the preparation of a dissertation based on the research project. The Part II examination is by written papers, practical clinical examination and a viva.

Admission Requirements
1. MBChB from the University of Zambia or equivalent degree from another institution acceptable to the University of Zambia. 2. Applicants must have been fully registered for at least one year by the Medical Council of Zambia or any other medical Council recognised by the University of Zambia. Demonstrated potential to pursue postgraduate studies.

B. MASTER OF PUBLIC HEALTH PROGRAMME

Programme for Physicians On successful completion of training, the graduate will have demonstrable competence in Public Health as relevant for the Republic of Zambia; she/he will be able to implement the National Health Policy and Strategies, to adopt them as it might be necessary for local circumstances and future development. She/he will be able to actively contribute to further developments of National, Regional and District Health Policies. The graduate especially shall be able to play a crucial role in the District Health Boards and shall be able to collaborate in the elaboration and implementation of District Health Plans. According to her/his competence, she/he will play a major role as a Regional Health Advisor, and possibly of the Ministry of Health.

She/he thus will be able to recognise major community health problems, understand their origins in the local context, and devise and assist in control measures in addition to being able to play a pivotal role in the organisation and management of health services especially of the district health system and support the promotion of health in Zambia according to the National Health Policies and Strategies basing her/his activities on scientific methods with appropriate surveillance and monitoring.

Programme for Non-Physicians - The Master of Public Health programme for health- related personnel other than physicians focuses on planning and management activities within the context of the District Health system.

On successful completion of training the graduate will have to demonstrate competence in Primary Health Care management as required by the National Health Policy and Strategies of the Republic of Zambia: She/he will be able to actively contribute to further developments of National, Regional and District Health Policies.

The graduate especially will be able to play a crucial role in the District Health Boards and collaborate in the elaboration and implementation of District Health Plans.

For further Details regarding the academic calendar, please contact the school or webmaster on the links below

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