Postgraduate

BSc (Hons)

Introduction

A BSc(Hons) in Anatomy is offered by the Department of Anatomy in the School of Health Sciences at the University of Pretoria. A successful candidate can acquire a BSc(Hons) degree in one of the following areas of specialization:

Clinical Anatomy (Please refer to the information below)
Cell Biology/Histology
Skeletal Biology/Anthropology

Admission

A BSc degree in Medical Sciences
Any other BSc degree with majors such as biochemistry and microbiology.

Study Program

A minimum of 1 year of study.
A candidate is expected to complete the subject intensification, practical and a research project in one of the above areas of specialization.
A candidate is expected to complete a course in Applied Research Methodology (TNM 800).
A candidate will only be admitted to a Masters degree in Anatomy if a minimum of 60% has been obtained in the examinations.

Evaluation

Evaluation is continuous and involves:

Presentation of literature studies in form of seminars
Execution and reporting of a research project executed by the candidate
A candidate will only be allowed to attend the examination if the candidate has attended all lectures and practical and presented seminars to the satisfaction of the lecturer
Written tests/examinations
Oral examination

Career and study opportunities

Technical:

With a BSc(Hons) a candidate can apply for a position as technical assistant in Forensic Science, Anatomy, Cell Biology and Anatomical Pathology. Positions are available in universities, technical colleges, governmental departments as well as the private in laboratories and industry.

Research:

Research careers are scarce but organizations such as the MRC or museums have posts for research assistants. To advance in a career in research further qualifications such as a MSc and PhD is a requirement.

Academic:

At most universities and technical colleges the minimum requirement for a position as a lecturer is a MSc degree. To further a career in academia further post graduate qualifications are essential.

Forensic Sciences:

The Forensic Science Laboratory has positions for individuals with a BSc (Hons). Candidates are trained internally in advanced laboratory techniques involving the anthropological, biochemical and genetic identification of individuals.

Further studies:

It is highly recommended that a student with a BSc (Honours) should further their studies by obtaining a MSc or PhD in any of the following areas of specialization, Clinical Anatomy, Cell Biology/Histology and Skeletal Biology/Anthropology. Scholarships/bursaries are available.

DETAILS ON ANA 713 (NEURO-ANATOMY) AND ANA 717 (MACRO-ANATOMY) HONOURS:

BSc Honours: Neuroanatomy (ANA 713) focuses on the structure of the nervous system and does not necessarily cover the function, neurohistology, or neuropathology thereof. The content of ANA 713 includes the study of the anatomy of the entire body, not just the brain / nervous system. Students will be expected to attend full-body dissection lectures and practicals, and are even required to act as demonstrators during these sessions from day one (hence the benefit of having had anatomy as a Major during your undergraduate studies). The research topics these students will typically follow will be towards the structure of the nervous system or related components, but it could be nerves of the foot, for example.

Should you wish for a deeper study of the neurology and pathology of the brain, perhaps consider contacting the Department of Physiology regarding an Honours in Human Physiology (MFG 777), which includes a strong Neurophysiology component (including the study of the anatomy of the brain). They also have a robust Sports Physiology research team (I know they study the brain's role in maximising training of elite athletes), which may benefit your background in biokinetics. Alternatively, Wits (https://www.wits.ac.za/course-finder/postgraduate/health/bhschons-neuroscience/) and UCT (http://www.neuroscience.uct.ac.za/) both have strong Neuroscience postgraduate courses that exclusively focus on the holistic study of behaviour and the nervous system.

BSc Honours: Macro-anatomy (ANA 717) focuses on the detailed study of the anatomy of the entire body, and as such, students will be expected to attend full body dissection lectures and practicals and are even required to act as demonstrators during these sessions from day one (hence the benefit of having had human anatomy, and full body dissection, as a Major during your undergraduate studies). Not only that, but research topics these students typically follow will include detailed dissections and data collection.

So, although an applicant might comply with the minimum requirements for ANA 713 and ANA 717, we can only select approximately 6-10 students from a pool of 50 applicants annually, and preference does go to students who have full body dissection experience (as per HOD prerogative according to the University's Postgraduate acceptance guidelines, p.23 G16 Point 4). You are welcome to contact the chair of the Clinical Anatomy postgraduate applications commitee, Mr Livashin Naidu ([email protected]) for more information.

MSc/PhD

The Department of Anatomy in the School of Health Sciences offers a MSc and PhD in Anatomy at the University of Pretoria, in the Faculty of Health Sciences.

Admission Requirements

Requirements to a MSc degree are a BSc(Hons) or MBChB or BChD or a degree of equivalent status. A preliminary degree examination can be required to determine the suitability and the academic status of a candicate.

To be admitted to the MD or PhD degree a candidate must be in possession of a MSc, MMed or MPharm Med degree or degree of equivalent status following a MBChB or BChD degree.

Modules and progress of study

A minimum of 1 year of study for a MSc.A minimum of 2 years of study for a PhD and MD.
Bursaries and scholarships are available.

Evaluation

The Msc, MD and PhD degrees are awarded on the merit of the dissertion and an examination on the topic of research.

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