Rationale: 

The programme will enable students to develop communication skills and learn about the art and science of medicine in its wider social and ethical context.  They will learn the importance of health and wellness through disease treatment, prevention, and research. The study of the foundations of medicine course will be subservient and tightly linked to students’ participation in extensive clinical placements in healthcare facilities through the integrated clinical practice course. Students will develop an understanding of the importance of lifelong learning and how to be resourceful in seeking information and adapting to new technologies. 

Upon graduation, students will have become efficient caregivers, and competent professionals with a fundamental understanding of the science of medicine and its application in society, resulting in highly competent and caring doctors.

Aims of the Programme

The aim of the programme is to prepare individuals to provide communities with improved health and wellbeing by addressing their continuing health needs through visionary leadership in proven biomedical, social, and technological interventions and research.

Learning Outcomes (Based on ZQF Level Descriptors)

At the end of the programme, the student will be expected to:

a) Achieve an understanding of established and evolving biomedical, clinical, social, behavioural, and population sciences, demonstrating an integration of basic sciences with clinical practice.

b) Demonstrate the ability to Identify and assess new information relevant to a question and to apply this knowledge to clinical problem-solving and scientific inquiry.

c) Apply knowledge to identify gaps in their own learning, focus on personal growth and lifelong learning, and engage in scholarly inquiry aimed at advancing knowledge in the ultimate service of relieving human suffering.

d) Demonstrate the ability to provide evidence-based, compassionate patient care that is appropriate for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of illness and the promotion of health, while effectively collaborating with other health professionals as part of a team.

e) Commit to the highest standards of professional responsibility, integrity, and accountability; adherence to ethical principles; self-awareness; and moral reasoning in relation to patients, colleagues, and society.

f) Communicate effectively verbally, nonverbally and in writing to build collaborative and trusting relationships with patients, families, and colleagues.

g) Demonstrate an awareness of and responsiveness to the larger systems in which illness is experienced and in which care is delivered, recognising the social determinants of health and health care, and showing sensitivity to diverse populations, whether based on ethnicity, culture, gender, economic status, or sexual orientation.

h) Demonstrate the awareness of the importance of public health in addressing current trends in the global spread of communicable diseases.

The Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) programme at Unicaf University Zambia offers multiple admission pathways designed to provide access to suitably qualified applicants while ensuring that all students achieve the academic standards, competencies and learning outcomes required of medical graduates. 

• Direct Entry: Applicants holding A-Levels in Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics from a recognised institution will enter the MBChB programme at Year 1

• Graduate Entry:

1. Applicants holding a recognized BSc in Human Biology will enter the MBChB programme at Year 3 (last pre-clinical year).
2. Applicants holding a recognized Bachelor of Science degree (BSc) in Natural Science (medical related), will enter the MBChB programme at Year 2
3. Applicants holding a Clinical Sciences Diploma (Clinical Officer) or BSc in Clinical Sciences will enter the MBChB programme at Year 1.

• Preparatory Entry:  Applicants who do not meet the Direct or Graduate Entry criteria above, and hold a Full Grade 12 Certificate, or international equivalent, with 5 GCE O-Levels at credit or higher including English, Mathematics, Biology (or Agricultural Science), Chemistry and Physics (or Zambian Combined Science with any additional subject), will undertake designated preparatory courses designed to support academic readiness in core areas including Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics within the early phase of the MBChB.  Upon successful completion of the preparatory courses, students will progress into the MBChB Year 1 curriculum.

• English proficiency: Grade 6 (Credit) or better on the General Certificate of Education or international equivalent qualification or demonstrated by approved English Language Tests.

• Valid passport or national ID