Clinical Anatomy
Welcome to Stellenbosch University

Division of Clinical Anatomy

​Teaching and Learning

The Division of Clinical Anatomy is dedicated to providing comprehensive anatomy teaching and training to undergraduate students across all disciplines within the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMHS), as well as second and third-year BSc Human Life Sciences students. Our division offers over 1000 contact hours of anatomy instruction annually, facilitated by eight full-time lecturers. These teaching hours include both theoretical lectures and in-depth practical sessions utilizing cadavers, ensuring a robust and immersive learning experience. Additionally, we are actively involved in postgraduate teaching and training, further enhancing the academic and professional development of our students. Through our rigorous curriculum and hands-on approach, we aim to equip students with a profound understanding of anatomical sciences, preparing them for successful careers in health and life sciences.


Our Course Offerin​​g

Undergraduate offering​

Anatomy for Undergraduate BSc Human Life Science Students

Description:

Anatomy modules offered as electives to second and third-year BSc Human Life Sciences students from Stellenbosch University. 

Course Codes:

  • Second-year: ANA214 and ANA244
  • Third-year: ANA314, ANA324, ANA344, and ANA364 

Admission Requirements:

  • Application is offered to 30 first-year students studying Human Life Sciences, stream: biology (without psychology). Selection is strictly based on academic merit.
  • A minimum of 60% in Biology 124 AND 60% in either Biology 144 or Biology 154, with an overall yearly average of at least 60%. 

Application Process:

  • Interested students should complete the application form (Anatomy Application Form 2023.docx) and email it to Dr. Mandi Alblas at aa2@sun.ac.za.
  • Applications close annually on December 15 of the year prior to enrollment. Students will be notified of their application status by January 20 of the year of study. The final selection is conducted after all academic marks are finalized.
    Applications close annually on December 15 of the year prior to enrollment. Students will be notified of their application status by January 20 of the year of study. The final selection is conducted after all academic marks are finalized. 

Important Note:
If you decide not to join the program after receiving your acceptance letter, please inform the program coordinator (Dr. Mandi Alblas) promptly to allow students on the waiting list an opportunity. 

For more information, contact:

Dr. Mandi Alblas
Email: aa2@sun.ac.za

 

Postgraduate offering

BScHons in Anatomy

Description:

The one-year BScHons in Anatomy course is designed to introduce BSc graduates who majored in Anatomy, as well as individuals with Medical (MBChB) and Dental (BChD) qualifications, to the Science of Anatomy and Research Methodology. This course serves as a prelude (and often a prerequisite) to pursuing a higher degree (MSc or PhD) in Anatomy or related disciplines. The programme aims to address the national shortage of anatomists by combining theoretical and practical components that not only prepare students for teaching roles but also provide in-depth knowledge on the use of human tissue for research purposes. 

Admission Requirements:

One of the following qualifications from a recognized institution:

  • BSc with Anatomy as major subject, and Biochemistry, Physiology, Genetics, Microbiology or Zoology as an additional major;
  • MBChB or BChD;
  • BTech with appropriate subjects and motivation. Depending on the specific field of study, additional work may be required or you may be required to complete an admission examination;
  • Or any other relevant qualification approved by Stellenbosch University Senate.

For all of the abovementioned qualifications you must have obtained at least 65% in the Anatomy modules of the second and third years, and at least 65% in the additional major 

Application Process:

Apply online at www.maties.com by 30 September of the previous year. Applications for prospective international students close on 31 August. 

Programme Duration:

The programme extends over one year on a full-time basis. Please note, the formal programme starts in the first week of January. 

Program Content:

Compulsory modules (100 credits)

  • Anatomical Techniques and Laboratory Practice 771(10)
  • Gross Regional Anatomy 771(20)
  • Microscopic Anatomy and Histological Technique 771(20)
  • Legal and Ethical Aspects and Use of Animals in Research 771(10)
  • Assignment (Anatomy) 771(40)

Elective modules (20 credits)

  • Clinical and Surgical Anatomy (10)
  • Comparative Anatomy (10)
  • Developmental Anatomy (10)
  • Physical and Forensic Anthropology (20)
  • Human Anatomical Variation (10)
  • Radiological Anatomy (10)

For more information, contact:

Ms. Kerri Keet
Email: kkeet@sun.ac.za

 

MSc in Anatomy

Description:

This is a completely thesis-based master's programme and entails an independent research project, resulting in a thesis that constitutes 100% of the final mark of the programme. The subject of the research project is selected to support the division's research focus areas. 

Admission Requirements:

General:

  • For admission to the MSc degree programme, you must have an honours degree in Science of this University, or another honours degree approved for such purposes by Senate, or you must otherwise have attained a standard of competence deemed adequate for such purpose by Senate.
  • The initial research proposal is approved by the Division of Clinical Anatomy's  Postgraduate Committee, as well as by the Health Research Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. In instances where research is conducted on animals, the proposal is approved by the University's Research Ethics Committee: Animal Care and Use.

Specific:

If you have a BTech qualification:

  • you will be considered for admission if you have passed the BTech degree with a minimum of 60%; and
  • thereafter you will be admitted if you pass the BScHons examination in the relevant field of study as a preliminary examination with a minimum mark of 60%. 

Application Process:

Apply online at www.maties.com by 30 September of the previous year. Applications for prospective international students close on 31 August. 

Please note: It is essential that you secure a supervisor before submitting your application. Furthermore, while the research groups and project leaders endeavour to assist in finding bursaries for students, this cannot be guaranteed, and all prospective applicants are therefore strongly encouraged to apply for bursaries on their own initiative.

Kindly refer to our research page for more information on our research focus areas, current projects, and potential supervisors. 

Programme Duration:

The programme extends over two years. Please note that you will be required to be present on-site. This is not a remote/correspondence programme. 

For more information, contact:

Dr. Nadine Rampf
Email: nrampf@sun.ac.za

 

PhD in Anatomy

Description:

The subject of the dissertation is selected to support the division's research focus areas. 

Admission Requirements:

  • You can be admitted to the degree provided that:
    • a minimum period of two years has passed since obtaining the degree MBChB or BChD; or
    • you have obtained a relevant honours degree in Medical Sciences directly following an MBChB or BChD degree; or
    • you have obtained a master's degree in Occupational Therapy, Nursing, Nutrition/Dietetics, Physiotherapy, Speech-Language Therapy, or Health Related and Social Sciences; or
    • you have obtained a relevant MSc degree (Master of Science) of the University, or another university approved by Senate; or
    • you have obtained another qualification (and have allowed for the required period following the qualification) that is deemed sufficient by Senate.
  • You must comply with all the other provisions for doctorates, as stipulated under Postgraduate Qualifications in Part 1 (General Rules) of the Yearbook, as well as in the Briefing Document on D degrees. 

Application Process:

You may apply online at www.maties.com, but you must also request guidelines and other specific application forms from the Tygerberg Doctoral Office. On application for registration and for the duration of your studies, you must provide the Tygerberg Doctoral Office with all necessary documents.

Please note: It is essential that you secure a supervisor before submitting your application. Furthermore, while the research groups and project leaders endeavour to assist in finding bursaries for students, this cannot be guaranteed, and all prospective applicants are therefore strongly encouraged to apply for bursaries on their own initiative.

Kindly refer to our research page for more information on our research focus areas, current projects, and potential supervisors. 

Programme Duration:

The minimum duration is two years and the maximum duration is five years. Your supervisor may submit an acceptable motivation for the extension of the period to the Committee for Postgraduate Research of the Faculty, at least six months prior to the expiry of the five years. Please note that you will be required to be present on-site. This is not a remote/correspondence programme. 

For more information, contact:

Dr. Nadine Rampf
Email: nrampf@sun.ac.za