BACHELOR OF Surgery (MBChB)
PREAMBLE
With the approval of the University of Zimbabwe (UZ) and the Medical and Dental Professions
Council of Zimbabwe, the frst two cohorts of MBChB students from the Midlands State University
(MSU) will graduate with degrees from the University of Zimbabwe. The following MBChB
Regulations are therefore those of the UZ which will be followed by the MSU students.
1. INTRODUCTION
These Regulations apply only to students who are in full-time attendance at the University of
Zimbabwe and should be read in conjunction with the University’s General Regulations for
Undergraduate Degrees, hereinafter referred to as the General Regulations.
The MBChB Degrees will be awarded to candidates who have successfully completed approved
courses and examinations in accordance with the Regulations set out below. The Degrees are
awarded in two categories – the MBChB Degrees with Honours and the MBChB Degrees.
2. QUALIFICATION FOR REGISTRATION
2.1 Entry to the University
All prospective entrants must satisfy the entry requirements of the University.
2.2 Course Requirements
2.2.1 To qualify for consideration for admission, a prospective student must normally
have:
Passes at Ordinary Level (or approved equivalent) in English Language and
Mathematics;
Passes at Advanced Level (or approved equivalent) in Chemistry and any two of
the following three subjects:
Biology (or Zoology)
Mathematics
Physics
The subject not offered at A Level must normally have been passed at ‘O’ Level.
3. DATES OF EXAMINATIONS
3.1 University Examinations:
The professional Examinations for the Degrees of MBChB will normally take place
at the following times:
First year, MBChB Part I – in or about the 14th week of the second semester.
(Biochemistry)
Second year, MBChB Part II – in or about the 16th week of the Part II Second Year
(Anatomy, Behavioural Sciences and Community Health and Physiology.)
Third year, MBChB Part III —in March of the third semester, Third Year
(Chemical Pathology, Haematology, Histopathology, Medical Microbiology,
Forensic Pathology, Immunology)
Fourth year, MBChB Part IV— in May
(Clinical Pharmacology, Community Medicine and Psychiatry) Clinical Pathology
Examinations to be incorporated into the major clinical subjects being examined.
Fifth year, MBChB Part V— in July
(Obstetrics & Gynaecology Medicine, Paediatrics and Surgery)
Clinical Pathology
Examinations to be incorporated into major clinical subjects being examined.
3.2 University Supplementary Examinations Normally Supplementary Examinations are taken in accordance
with General Regulations except where specified.
4. ADMISSION TO EXAMINATION
To be admitted to the examination for the MBChB Degrees, a candidate must:
4.1 have registered as a student of the University of Zimbabwe in accordance with the
General Regulations for students;
4.2 have completed approved Courses of study at the University of Zimbabwe to the
satisfaction of the appropriate Chairmen of Departments.
5. PROGRAMME
5.1 Field Attachments
The Undergraduate medical students are required to undertake feld attachment
activities in the rural areas of four weeks duration in each of the second, third
and fnal year.
5.1.1 Behavioural Sciences and Community Health examination
incorporating experiences gained in the feld attachments and
knowledge forthcoming from Clinical input shall be taken as part of
Part II of the course, coinciding with the examinations in Anatomy and
Physiology.
5.2 Pre-Clinical Division
5.2.1 The Pre-clinical Courses begin at the same time as all other University
courses in the first year and much earlier in the Second Year.
5.2.2 Department of Anatomy
Gross Anatomy
Microscopic anatomy
Embryology
5.2.3 Department of Physiology
The course includes the study of
Cell Physiology
The Cardiovascular System
The Respiratory System
The Blood
The Alimentary System
Metabolism
The Kidney
The Hormones
Reproduction
The Nervous System
Genetics
Environmental Physiology
5.2.4 Department of Biochemistry
The Course covers all aspects of a basic introduction to Biochemistry and
Molecular Biology.
5.2.5 Department of Linguistics
Communications Skills for Academic Purposes (CSHS101)
The course covers the Process of human communication, Models of learning, Reading, Academic
writing, and Research skills.
Communication Skills for Professional Purposes (CSHS102)
The course covers Models of communication, Consultation techniques and establishing collaborative
relationships, the Health professional as educator and counselor, conflict management, oral and
written messages, Non-verbal communication, Research and Report Writing.
Clinical Division
5.3.1 The clinical training commences in the frst year of the programme, continues
throughout the second year with introductory courses in Clinical Medicine,
Community Medicine, Clinical Pharmacology, Chemical Pathology, Haematology,
Histopathology, Medical Microbiology, Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences
being co-ordinated with the pre-clinical disciplines.
5.3.2 Behavioural Sciences and Community Health examination incorporating subject
matter provided as part of the Clinical Input as well as that exercise gained in
rural attachments shall be given at the end of Part II (See 5.1).
5.3.3 The formal Pathology Course (Chemical Pathology, Haematology, Histopathology,
Medical Microbiology and Immunology) begins in the third term of the second
year. Clinical Pathology shall continue to be taught in the fourth and ffth years
and examined together with the major clinical subjects.
5.3.4 The formal Clinical Course begins in the 3rd year. The emphasis throughout is on
the importance of the patient and not merely his presenting disease, and the major
portion of this training is on the wards, supplemented by formal lectures, tutorials,
discussions and topic teaching. A multi-disciplinary approach is encouraged by
the close integration of the systematic pathology lectures with those of the clinical
subjects. This attitude is further enhanced by topic teaching, where discussion
may include any department within the Faculty.
5.3.5 During the 3rd and 4th years, ward clerking and teaching is based on the tutorial
system, emphasising the elicitation of signs and symptoms and differential
diagnosis. In the fnal year, the students act as assistant House Staff and present
the cases they have admitted both on the ward rounds and in demonstrations to
the whole class. In addition, there is a 5-week elective period in the fnal year,
when students undertake a study of their own choice.
6. SCHEME OF EXAMINATION
6.1 General Regulations:
6.1.1 Examinations for degrees of MBChB will be run in accordance with the provisions
in the General Regulations.
6.1.2 Faculty Board of Examiners
The Chairman of the Board of Examiners shall comprise the Dean and Deputy
Dean of the Faculty, the Chairman of each Department and the External Examiner
for the Department, plus normally, one other member of the Department nominated
by the Departmental panel from each Department involved in the subjects for
examination.
6.2 First and Second Years MBChB Part I
|
Part I: Biochemistry |
BC1M CSHS101 AT2M PY2M BS2M CSHS103 |
6.2.1 Examiners
There shall be at least one External Examiner for each of the three subjects.
Departmental Panels of Examiners shall be constituted in conformity with the
General Regulations of the University.
6.2.2 Examinations
The examination, which shall be held in the University, shall be divided into two
parts, Part I (Biochemistry (BC1M) and Communication Skills for Academic
Purposes (CSHS101). Part II Anatomy (AT2M), Physiology (PY2M) and
Behavioural Sciences and Community Health (BS2M) and Communication Skills
for Professional Purposes (CSHS102) being examined in the middle of the second
year.
6.2.2.1 Anatomy (AT2M)
6.2.2.1.1 Anatomy Examinations (Special requirements)
The examinations shall comprise:
6.2.2.1.2 Written Examinations
Two two-hour essay papers (AT2M/01 and AT2M/02) and one
two-hour multiple choice question paper (AT2M/03)
6.2.2.1.3 Oral Examinations (AT2M/90)
6.2.2.1.4 Practical Examinations (AT2M/50)
6.2.2.1.5 Continuous Assessment
| Marking Paper I and Paper II (Essays) |
300 |
| Paper III (Multiple Choice Questions) | 200 |
| Orals and Practicals | 100 |
| Continuous Assessment | 300 |
| TOTAL | 900 |
Pass Mark is 50% i.e. 450
6.2.2.2 Biochemistry
6.2.2.2.1 Biochemistry Examinations (Special Requirements)
The examinations shall comprise:
6.2.2.2.2 Written Examinations
One three-hour paper consisting of essays and short answer questions (BC1M/01).
6.2.2.2.3 Oral Examinations (BC1M/90)
6.2.2.2.4 Continuous Assessment of the year’s work covering:
practical laboratory work throughout the year, class tests
in the frst and second terms, and tutorials. BC1M/50 and
BC2M/50) BC1M/80 and BC2M/80)
6.2.2.2.5 Marking
| Paper I | 500 |
| Paper II | 100 |
| Continuous Assessment | 300 |
| Total | 900 |
| Pass Mark is 50% i.e. | 450 |
6.2.2.3 Physiology (PY2M)
6.2.2.3.1 Physiology Examinations (Special Requirements)
The examinations, which shall be of the same format for
6.2.2.3.2 Written Examinations
Two three-hour essay papers (PY2M/01and PY2M/02) both Parts I and II, shall comprise:
and one -hour multiple choice question paper (PY2M/03)
6.2.2.3.3 Oral Examinations (PY2M/90)
6.2.3.3.4 Continuous Assessment (including Practicals) (PY2M/50)
(PY2M/80)
6.2.2.3.5 Marking
| Paper I and Paper II (Essays) | 300 |
| Paper III (Multiple Choice Questions) |
200 |
| Oral Examinations | 100 |
| Continuous Assessment (including Practicals) |
300 |
| TOTAL | 900 |
| Pass Mark is 50% i.e. | 450 |
6.2.2.4 Behavioural Sciences and Community Health Examination (BS2M.) taken at Part Two only.
6.2.2.4.1 Written Examinations (BS2M/01) Paper I
6.2.2.4.1.1 One three-hour essay paper consisting of Section A and Section B.
Section A will contain three compulsory questions
(60% of the marks). One question will be on Rural
Attachment (20%) and the second will be on
Behavioural Sciences (20%), and the third will be
on Biostatistics (20%).
Section B will consist of three questions:
1. Community Health
2. Behavioural Sciences
3. Rural Attachment
Candidates will be required to answer any two
questions (maximum 40%).
6.2.2.4.1.2 Paper II
One two-hour Multiple Choice Question paper
consisting of 60 questions. The questions will be
selected from the following topics:
| Rural Attachment | 15 |
| Behavioural Sciences (Psychology, Anthropology and Sociology) |
12 |
| Biostatistics | 10 |
| Environmental Health/ Occupational Health |
6 |
| Family Health | 5 |
| Miscellaneous Community Health Sciences:Community Organisation, Political Economy, Basic idemiology, Health Promotion) |
7 |
| TOTAL | 60 |
6.2.2.4.1.3 Continuous Assessment (BS2M/80) will carry 30% of the marks
and will be based on written assignments and projects in Family
Health case study, Rural Attachment, and Communication Skills
presentation.
6.2.2.4.2 Marking
| Paper I | 400 |
| Paper II | 300 |
| Continuous Assessment | 300 |
| Total Pass Mark is 50% i.e. |
1000 500 marks |
Part I: Communication Skills for Academic Purposes
(CSHS101). The examination shall comprise:
6.2.2.51 Written Examination
One two-hour paper of short essay/answer questions; and
Continuous Assessment consisting of tests, assignments and
presentations
Marking
| Written paper Course Assessment |
70% 30% |
| Total | 100% |
Part II: Communication for Health Sciences and Life Skills
(CSHS103). The examination shall comprise:
Written Examinations
One three-hour paper of short essay/answer
questions; and
Continuous Assessment consisting of tests,
assignments and presentations.
Marking
| Written Paper | 70% |
| Course Assessment | 30% |
| Total | 100% |
6.2.3 Examination Procedures
6.2.3.1 Setting of Question Papers
The setting of question papers shall be the responsibility of the Departmental
Panel of Examiners.
6.2.3.2 Conduct:
The examinations shall be conducted in conformity with the Regulations
prescribed by the University.
6.2.3.3 Failure
Candidates must normally satisfy the examiners in all subjects of the examination,
namely;
(i) Anatomy
(ii) Biochemistry
(iii) Physiology
Behavioural Sciences and Community Health Examination
Communication Skills for Academic Purposes
Candidates obtaining between 40% and 49% shall normally be required to write
supplementary examinations in the subject in which they have failed. In the
case of students who obtain less than 40%, in any of the subjects, the General
Regulations of the University shall apply. Candidates who fail the supplementary
examinations shall normally be required to discontinue from the programme of
studies in the College of Health Sciences.
A candidate may not proceed to the second year of the programme until he has
passed all four subjects at Parts I and II
6.2.3.4 Supplementary Examinations:
Marking
The marking scheme for Biochemistry (Part I) Anatomy and Physiology (Part II)
shall be as follows:
Theory Papers 500
Oral 100
Total 600
Pass Mark 50% i.e. 300 marks.
The marking scheme for the Behavioural Sciences and Community Health, and
Communication Skills examination shall be as for the June Examination.
6.2.3.5 Results
Results shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of the General
Regulations.
6.3 Third Year MBChB Part III
(Chemical Pathology, Forensic Pathology, Haematology, Histopathology, Immunology and
Medical Microbiology).
6.3.1 Pathology (Code PG3M)
6.3.1.1 Examiners:
There shall be fve External Examiners, one each for Chemical Pathology,
Haematology, Histopathology, Forensic Pathology, Immunology and
Medical Microbiology.
6.3.1.2 Examination
The examination, which shall be held in the University, shall comprise:
6.3.1.2.1 Written Examinations: 3 papers
Paper I Histopathology and Forensic Pathology (PG3M/01)
Paper II Haematology and Medical Microbiology (PG3M/02)
Paper III Chemical Pathology and Immunology (PG3M/03)
Each paper shall be arranged in two sections:
(a) A multiple choice question paper of one hour twenty
minutes containing forty questions;
(b) An essay paper (two hours) containing two sections
with two questions to be answered in each section.
6.3.1.2.2 Practical examination (PG3M80) which shall consist of:
1) Histopathology/Haematology 1 hour
2) Medical Microbiology 1 hour
3) Chemical Pathology/Immunology 1 hour
6.3.1.2.3 Classwork (PG3M/50) including the performance in class
examinations and during the period of Pathology attachment.
6.3.1.2.4 The examiners may require any candidate to attend an oral
examination at which not less than two examiners shall attend.
6.3.1.3 Marking:
| Paper I | 75 |
| Paper II | 75 |
| Paper III | 75 |
| Practical | 75 |
| Classwork | 100 |
| Total | 400 |
| Pass Mark 50%, i.e. 200 marks | |
6.3.1.3.1 The Pathology Examination is a composite examination.
The overall mark determines whether a candidate passes
or fails.
6.3.1.4 Setting of Papers:
The setting of papers shall be the responsibility of the Departmental Panel of
Examiners.
6.3.1.5 Conduct
The examinations shall be conducted in conformity with the Regulations
prescribed by the University for this purpose.
6.3.1.6 Failure
Any candidate who fails the examination with an overall mark of between 40%
and 49% may be permitted to write a Supplementary Examination. The marking
schedule for this examination shall be:-
Marks
| Paper I | 50 |
| Paper II | 50 |
| Paper III | 50 |
| Oral IV | 50 |
| Total | 200 |
| Pass Mark : 50% i.e. | 100 marks |
A candidate shall not be admitted to Fourth Year (MBChB Part IV) until Part
III has been completed.
6.3.1.7 Results
Results shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of the General
Academic Regulations.
6.4 Fourth Year MBChB Part IV
Clinical Pharmacology, Community Medicine, Psychiatry)
6.4.1 Examiners:
There shall be three External Examiners, one each for Clinical Pharmacology,
Community Medicine and Psychiatry.
6.4.2 Examinations
6.4.2.1 Clinical Pharmacology: (CP4M)
The examination, which shall be held in the University, shall comprise:
6.4.2.1.1 A written examination (3 hours): CP4M/01
6.4.2.1.2 An oral examination: (CP4M/90)
Candidates selected by the Examiners may be required to
attend an oral examination.
6.4.2.1.3 Marks obtained in classwork and examinations held throughout
the course, shall be available to the Examiners and shall be
taken into consideration in the fnal pass mark (CP4M/50).
The fnal pass mark will be 50%.
6.4.2.2 Community Medicine: (CM4M)
The examination, which shall be held in the University, shall comprise:
6.4.2.2.1 A written examination (3 hours):
(CM4M/01) which shall consist of one compulsory question
and fve other questions, of which the candidate is to answer
four questions.
6.4.2.2.2 An oral examination: (CM4M/90)
At which not less than two Examiners shall be present.
6.4.2.2.3 Marks obtained in classwork and examinations held throughout
the course, including marks in Biometrics, shall be available
to the Examiners and shall be taken into consideration in the
fnal assessment (CM4M/50).
Marking: A maximum of 20 marks shall be awarded for
each question in the written paper and 50 marks shall be the
maximum attainable in the oral examination.
Pass mark: 50% i.e. 75 marks.
6.4.2.3 Psychiatry: (PZ4M)
6.4.2.3.1 A written examination (three hours) :
(PZ4M/01) which shall contain 100 multiple choice questions one essay or long Clinical Case History. Candidates to
attempt all questions.
6.4.2.3.2 An oral examination : (PZ4M/90)
At which not less than two Examiners shall be present.
6.4.2.3.3 Marks obtained in classwork and examinations held throughout the
Course, shall be available to the Examiners and shall be taken into
consideration in the final assessment (PZ4M/50).
Marking: The multiple choice questions shall be allocated 100 marks.
The essay question or long Clinical Case History shall be allocated
50 marks. The oral examination shall be allocated 50 marks and the
continuous assessment shall be allocated 100 marks.
Pass mark : 50% i.e. 150
6.4.3 Setting of Papers
The setting of question papers shall be the responsibility of the Departmental Panel
of Examiners.
6.4.4 Conduct
The examination shall be conducted in conformity with the Regulations prescribed
by the University for this purpose.
6.4.5 Failure
Any candidate who fails the examination may be permitted to write Supplementary
Examinations. Candidates who fail in one or more subjects may sit Supplementary
Examinations in those subjects which they have failed. A candidate shall not
be admitted to the 5th year MBChB Part V until the whole of Part IV has been
completed.
6.4.6 Results
Results shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of the General
Regulations.
6.5 Fifth Year MBChB Part V
(Medicine, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Paediatrics& Child Health and Surgery)
6.5.1 Examiners
There shall be four External Examiners, one in each of Surgery, & Gynaecology,
Medicine and Paediatrics and Child Health.
6.5.2 Examinations
6.5.2.1 There shall be a written examination in Surgery, including surgical
specialities, elementary anaesthetics and dentistry, and in Obstetrics
and Gynaecology, and there shall be a written examination in Medicine,
including therapeutics and medical specialities not otherwise designated,
and in Paediatrics and Child Health.
6.5.2.2 Clinical and oral examinations shall be conducted in each of the subjects
Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medicine and Paediatrics and Child Health.
6.5.3 Medicine, (MD5M) and Obstetrics and Gynaecology: (OG5M)
6.5.3.1 One case history paper with 6 case histories and 20 questions on each.
Candidates are expected to answer all questions. The paper is marked out of 60 with 10 marks given to each case history. (MD5M/01) or
(OG5M/01)
6.5.3.2 A multiple choice question paper of one and a half hours: a maximum of
60 marks shall be allotted for this paper. (MD5M/02) or (OG5M/02)
6.5.3.3 A clinical examination : a maximum of 150 marks shall be allotted for
this section. (MD5M/80) or OG5M/80)
6.5.3.4 An oral examination : a maximum of 30 marks shall be allotted for this
section. (MD5M//90) or(OG5M/90)
6.5.4 Surgery: (SG5M)
6.5.4.1 A multiple choice question paper of two hours : a maximum of 50 marks
shall be allotted (SG5M/90).
The Department and College records of the work and assessment of each
candidate shall be available to the Examiners at the Examiners’ Meeting
in each subject and at the combined Examiners’ Meeting. (SG5M/50)
6.5.5 Paediatrics and Child Health (PD5M)
6.5.5.1 A written examination comprising two papers (PD5M/01 and 02); of
which (PD5M/02) shall be a Multiple Choice paper.
6.5.5.2 A clinical examination, during which long and short cases shall be
presented. (PD5M/80)
6.5.5.3 The examiners may require any candidate to attend an oral examination.
(PD5M/90)
An assessment of studies undertaken during the student’s attachment to
the Department may be taken into account. (PD5M/50)
6.5.6 Setting of Papers:
The setting of question papers shall be the responsibility of the Departmental Panel
of Examiners.
6.5.7 Pass Marks:
The pass mark in each Subject shall be 50%. Candidates must satisfy the Examiners
in both theory and clinical, but candidates whose total mark is less than 150 out
of 300 in each Subject, are not permitted to pass unless they achieve at least 50%
in the clinical part of the examination in each subject. Candidates are required to
present themselves in all Subjects.
6.5.8 Failure:
Any candidate who is attempting the examination for the frst time and who fails
one or more of the four Subjects shall normally be permitted to sit a Supplementary
Examination in that subject or subjects.
6.5.9 Results:
Results shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of the General
Academic Regulations.
7. CLASSIFICATION OF DEGREES
7.1 Aims
7.1.1 To group the twelve subjects in the Programme under two main headings and so
give due weight to their clinical importance in the professional sense;
7.1.2 To maintain the present marking system.
‘
7.2 Marking System:
| 75% + 65%–74% 50%– 64% 0–49% |
= = = = |
Distinction Honours Pass Fail |
7.3 Conditions of the Award of Honours and Distinctions:
A candidate in the Examinations for the Degrees of MBChB may be awarded Honours
or Distinctions in any one subject according to the regulations outlined in 7.2 above,
provided that:
7.3.1 he/she is presenting the subject for the first time;
7.3.2 at the same time he/she obtains passes in all subjects which may be linked in any
part of the examinations in which he/she is a candidate.
7.3.2.1 Pre-Clinical Course:
Biochemistry
Anatomy
Physiology
Behavioural Sciences and Community Health Examination
Communication Skills for Academic Purposes
Communication Skills for Professional Purposes
7.3.3 Clinical Course: Pathology
Clinical Pharmacology
Community Medicine
Psychiatry
Medicine
Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Paediatrics and Child Health
Surgery
7.4 Award of the Degrees ’With Honours’
Successful candidates for the Degrees of MBChB may be awarded degrees ’With Honours’
providing that they meet the following requirements:
7.4.1 Subject Distribution
7.4.1.1 Pre-Clinical Course:
Biochemistry ] Professional Examination Part I
Communication Skills for Academic Purposes
Anatomy
Physiology
Behavioural Sciences and
Community Health ] Professional Examination Part II
Communication Skills for Professional Purposes]
7.4.1.2 Clinical Course:
Pathology ] Professional Examinations Part III
Clinical Pharmacology]
Community Medicine ] Professional Examinations Part IV
Psychiatry,Medicine
Obstetrics and Gynaecology ] Professional Examinations Part V Paediatrics and Child Health ] Surgery
7.4.2 Regulation
In order to graduate ’With Honours’ a student must obtain:-
7.4.2.1 either a total of SIX subject passes at Honours and/or Distinction standard
out of the TWELVE separate subjects examined in the pre-clinical and
clinical sections of the Programme providing that:
(i) at least ONE of these SIX passes at Honours and/or Distinction
standard is gained in the pre-clinical examinations (i.e. Parts I and II)
and;
(ii) at least FIVE of these SIX passes at Honours and/or Distinction standard are gained in
the clinical examination (i.e. Parts III, IV, and V) ONE of which must be from among
the four subjects comprising the Part V Examinations.