Child Health (Neurodevelopment)

Overview

The aim of the MSc Med Child Health Neurodevelopment programme is to better equip health care professionals working in the field of child development, by expanding their knowledge and understanding of developmental and behavioural paediatrics, as well as completing research in the discipline.

Course duration

Students complete four units in Year 1, four units in Year 2 and the research report in Year 3.

Teaching Blocks

The units are taught in a block release form, each block consisting of five days spread throughout the year (usually February, April/ May, June and August). Assignments will be allocated for each block in the form of essays, class presentations and case reports. The teaching blocks are held at the Wits Medical and Educational campuses in Parktown.

Curriculum

Course structure

The course is in three parts.

PART 1 (Year 1)

Basic information to provide a scientific basis for the understanding of child development.

• General Neuroanatomy
• Principles of Physiology and Medical Biochemistry in relation to the nervous system
• Developmental Problems in Childhood 
• Research Techniques

PART 2 (Year 2)

Clinical application of the information provided in Part 1, Year 1.

• Behavioural Problems in Childhood
• Paediatric Neurology
• Psychological Medicine
• Epidemiology for Health Researchers

PART 3 (Year 3)

Presentation of a research report. The report should be started in Year 1 when a protocol will be developed during the research techniques course. Guidance will be provided in the epidemiology course providing basic information on the development of the research report.

Brief description of Units

PART 1

General Neuroanatomy: This unit is designed to give an understanding of brain development, anatomy and function. It provides a basis in the understanding of brain structure and function.

Principles of Physiology and Medical Biochemistry in relation to the nervous system: This unit will cover the physiology of the brain and nervous system which is essential in the understanding of the function and dysfunction of the nervous system.

Developmental Problems in Childhood: This unit introduces the student to the theories underlying the assessment of child development and developmental theory. Developmental tools will be discussed as well as tests available for testing the systems which underlie normal development such as vision and hearing. The students will also be introduced to the basic principles of genetics.

Research Techniques: Students will be trained in every part of the research cycle (question formulation; literature review; use of secondary sources; primary and secondary argumentation; ethics; methodology; plagiarism and the collection and analysis of primary data; the role of the ethics committee and the writing of a research report or publication.

PART 2

Behavioural Problems in Childhood: This unit will utilise information acquired in Year 1 and apply it to an understanding of developmental delay and assessment of different aspects of delay. In addition to methods of assessment, management principles will also be discussed.

Paediatric Neurology: The different mechanisms of neurological abnormality and pathology as well as principles of diagnosis are discussed. The management of common paediatric neurological conditions will be demonstrated and discussed in the clinical environment.

Psychological Medicine: This unit will address principles underlying the development of psychological and psychiatric disorders in childhood. Common disorders will be discussed. The students will also be exposed to the psychiatric team and principles of management will be discussed and demonstrated.

Epidemiology for Health Researchers: This is an introductory course in epidemiology. The aim is to provide tools necessary to interpret and understand common concepts used in epidemiology which is a public health measurement tool. The importance of accurate and appropriate measurement in epidemiological research is highlighted. Different measures of disease frequency, effect and impact are discussed in detail, and students will gain competence in the calculation and interpretation of these measures.

PART 3

The Research Report: Students apply what has been taught in the research techniques course, as well as the other units in the programme, and carry out a supervised research study on an approved topic. The report can be presented in Year 2, but it is usual for it to occur in Year 3. The process consists of submission of a protocol to the protocol committee and ethics committee. The research is done under the supervision of an approved supervisor.

Entry Requirements

Health care professionals

University Application Process

University Fees and Funding

Click here to see the current average tuition fees. The Fees site also provides information about the payment of fees and closing dates for fees payments. Once you have applied you will be able to access the fees estimator on the student self-service portal.

For information about postgraduate funding opportunities, including the postgraduate merit award, click here. Please also check your School website for bursary opportunities. NRF bursaries: The National Research Foundation (NRF) offers a wide range of opportunities in terms of bursaries and fellowships to students pursuing postgraduate studies. External bursaries portal: The Bursaries South Africa website provides a comprehensive list of bursaries in South Africa.