?Division of Chemical Pathology
Teaching & Learning
Educational Programs
Our division is actively engaged in both undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, contributing to the development of future medical professionals and specialist pathologists.
Undergraduate Offering
We deliver chemical pathology teaching within the MBChB degree, which has recently undergone significant curriculum renewal. Our teaching methods embrace a blended learning environment with interactive online lectures and tutorials in key modules including Medical Detectives. This approach emphasises student-driven active learning through a flipped classroom model – initially implemented during COVID-19 and retained for its effectiveness in the post-pandemic educational landscape.
As part of the Combined Pathology Rotation, undergraduate students rotate through our division in small groups, participating in weekly academic sessions and gaining practical exposure to laboratory operations including results authorisation, sample management, and specimen triage. Students may also participate in an elective program in chemical pathology for more focused experience.
While supporting students in the current curriculum, we maintain active involvement with students in the older curriculum being phased out, providing tutorials and patient-centred learning scenarios to ensure educational continuity.
Postgraduate Offering?
Our MMed program in Chemical Pathology meets the requirements set by the College of Medicine of South Africa (CMSA). This four-year program begins with an 18-month primary phase after which a primary examination is written. This is followed by specialised training divided into four multidisciplinary sections. We conduct regular internal examinations that mirror the CMSA format to prepare candidates for their exit examinations.
All MMed candidates complete research projects that result in at least one peer-reviewed publication, supporting our commitment to evidence-based practice. The division currently supervises four PhD students engaged in advanced research that contributes to the evolving knowledge base in chemical pathology and laboratory medicine.??
