Teaching and learning activities staff 2022

Dr A Mostert was elected as a member of the SAAHE Council and Dr Beynon Abrahams was elected as vice chairperson of the Society of Advance Cell Culture Models of Africa (SACCMA). Dr H de Villiers formed part of the CHE accreditation panel for St. Mary’s Nursing College on Thursday 12 May 2022. Dr S van Zyl, Dr. Roné de Wet, and Dr. Henk Potgieter formed part of the School of Biomedical Sciences panel during the Health Sciences career week held on the 26th of January 2022.

Dr. C Tiloke acted as external examiner for the Undergraduate third-year course (Applied Physiology: Integrated and Pathophysiology) for the Department of Physiology, University of Pretoria. Dr A Mostert acted as external moderator and examiner of undergraduate modules: Free State School of Nursing: BNS215 & BNS225 and Paray School of Nursing (Lesotho): ANP216 & ANP226. She also acted as an external examiner of HPEA7905 oral presentations at the Division of Health Sciences Education on 11 and 13 October 2022. Dr P Maass acted as external moderator for the BSc (Hons) in Human Biology degree, and BSc (Hons) in Forensic Sciences degree, University of the Witwatersrand. She also acted as an external moderator for the Forensic Anthropology third-year module at the University of Pretoria. Dr. R de Wet acted as an external moderator for Henrietta Stockdale nursing college and external assessor for Health professions education PGDip (Post graduate diploma). Dr C Ntsapi has been appointed as an external thesis examiner for an MSc student at Stellenbosch University's Physiology Department. Dr C Ntsapi completed the Health Professions Education moderation module course (HPEA7905) in November 2023.

Dr S van Zyl, Dr. R de Wet formed part of MMedSc/PhD Evaluation Committees in 2022. Dr. S van Zyl, Dr. A Mostert, Dr. R de Wet, Dr. P Maass, Dr. M Ferreira, Ms. A Kalicharan, Me Y Benade, Ms S Govender and Mr. M Muller successfully completed the Curriculum renewal program (CRP) presented by the Centre of Teaching and learning, UFS. Dr. Mostert was invited as a guest presenter of a HPEA7905 lecture at the Division of Health Sciences Education on 21 April 2022, titled “Constructive alignment”. Dr P Maass and Dr Claudia Ntsapi were nominated and accepted for the Emerging Scholar Accelerator Programme (ESAP). Dr S Gordon completed a Basic Conversational Sesotho module (NQF Level 5). All the staff members attended a team development session on 15 November 2022 presented by Mr. Igno van Niekerk that focused on resilience fatigue and self-awareness. Dr A Mostert and Mrs. S Roux were nominated for the “ Staff Well-being ambassadors” programme.

Teaching and learning activities staff 2021

Dr Arnelle Mostert was the recipient of the Vice Chancellors awarded for Excellence in Learning and Teaching 2021, held on the 13- 15 September 2021. Dr Mostert was one of three staff members of the UFS nominated for the Vice Chancellors award. She presented her work at the Annual UFS Learning and Teaching conference. The theme of her presentation was “The bare bones of anatomy and physiology teaching: A mixed bag of opportunities”. Dr Mostert was also nominated by her students for the Khothatsa project (an initiative of the Centre of Teaching and Learning, UFS). Dr A Mostert was also elected to serve on the SAAHE central regional management committee (portfolio: administration).

Photo: Dr Arnelle Mostert was the recipient of the Vice Chancellors awarded for Excellence in Learning and Teaching in 2021

Dr J Govender was nominated to serve on the SA national committee for the International Union of Physiological Sciences for a four-year term. As a member she will have access to dedicated ISC programmes, grants and other partnership opportunities, including: support South Africa’s agenda on physiology; support for hosting of events that discuss issues relevant to the ISC national agenda; support to promote engagements that increase participation of South African experts in regional and global networks aligned with ISC; position South African experts to participate in international committees and projects; support the dissemination of ISC aligned research outputs to the broader society (including thought pieces to media houses, audio and video communication etc). Dr Beynon Abrahams is a registered early career member of the European Association for Cancer Research.

Dr S van Zyl acted as HPCSA panel member for the evaluation of the Clinical Associate training programme (Bachelor of Clinical Medical Practice), faculty of health sciences, University of Pretoria (27-30 September to 01 October 2021). Dr Helena de Villiers conducted nine evaluations for new curriculum applications from various South African Universities and private Higher Education Institutions for the Council on Higher Education (CHE), May 2021 – Nov 2021. She also served as a panel member for a virtual site visit for an accreditation of programmes at the Foundation for Professional Development, 30 Nov 2021. Dr Charlette Tiloke acted as external assessor for an M.Med.Sc. thesis for the Department of Chemistry, University of Limpopo.

Dr Petra Maass was re-elected as a member of the council of the Anatomical Society of Southern Africa. She also served as a peer-reviewer for the International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, external examiner for a Master of Science in Medicine thesis from the University of the Witwatersrand, and external moderator for the BHSc (Hons) in Forensic Sciences degree, University of the Witwatersrand.

Dr Annelize Vorster acted as peer-reviewer for the American Journal of Health Promotion. Dr van Zyl acted as peer-reviewer for the African Journal of Primary Health Care & Family Medicine, American Journal of Health Promotion and BMJ Open Journal. Dr Charlette Tiloke and Miss Faith Moichela completed (with a distinction) the “I am” Employee Wellness short learning programme presented by the UFS. Mr K Guambe was appointed on the 1st of May 2021 as Anatomy lecturer in the department Basic Medical Sciences.

Graduation, promotions and awards 2022

Dr S van Zyl received her PhD degree and the following students received their bachelor’s honors degrees at the graduation ceremony that was held on the 22nd of April 2022: Masunyane KW (Anatomy), Nkoi MJ (Anatomy), Van der Merwe D (Anatomy, Cum Laude; Mwendauya A (Physiology), Thubisi R (Physiology), Van Onselen J (Physiology)

Miss Daniëlle van der Merwe was the recipient of the Dean’s medal awarded to the student who achieved the best results in respect of a bachelor’s honors degree in the Faculty of Health Sciences. She is currently enrolled as an MMedSci (Anatomy & Cell Morphology in the field of Forensic Anthropology) in the department of Basic Medical Sciences.

Photo: Daniëlle van der Merwe with her degree in Bachelor of Medical Science Honours in Anatomy and Cell Morphology. Daniëlle was also the recipient of the Dean’s medal which she received for achieving the best results in respect of a Bachelor Honours Degree in the faculty.

Miss Sinead Suter received the award for the best third-year undergraduate Physiology student in the Department of Basic Medical Science in 2021 at the Faculty Natural and Agricultural Sciences prize-giving function on the 20th of April 2022. A particular word of thanks to Dr Roné de Wet, who sponsored and presented the trophy to the student at the ceremony. Mr Alexander Smit received the award for the best second-year MBChB student in Anatomy (MANA2618), and Miss Reabetwe Maleka the award for the best second-year MBChB student in Biochemistry (MMOL2618) at the Prize-giving function of the Faculty of Health Sciences.

Teaching and learning activities 2022

Undergraduate student activities in the department:

Photo: Second-year BSc physiology students (PHBG2626) during a blood glucose practical session (top left). First-year health and rehabilitation students during a small group discussion session in the Anatomy Museum (top right and bottom).

Photo: First-medical students during the White coat ceremony (left) on their way to the dissection hall for the first time (middle) and during a health promotion exhibition held on the 16th of May 2022 (right) in the faculty foyer.

Photo: MBChB students in the Jan Toerien study centre and dissection hall during training activities.

Photo: Students in the Anatomy workshop area during training sessions in the department.

Workshop for second-year Forensic Sciences students

Dr. Petra Maass and her team presented the annual “Introduction to Osteology” and “Forensic Archaeology Theory and Practice” workshops using an “each one teaches one approach” where second-year students from the Forensic Sciences program had to teach their peers basic osteology, followed by excavation of a mystery skeletal case.

Photo: Dr. Petra Maass and her team presented the annual “Introduction to Osteology” and “Forensic Archaeology Theory and Practice” workshops for second-year Forensic Sciences students of the Departments of Forensic Genetics and Basic Medical Sciences, University of the Free State.

Postgraduate student activities in the department: 2022

B.Med.Sc. Honors (Physiology) projects:

Ukho Hlunza (Supervisor: Mr Muller) Title: A comparison of Body Mass Index and Waist to Height ratio to efficiently measure underweight in African females

Gao Keetse (Supervisor: Initially dr Tiloke followed by Mr Muller) Title: An investigation into the mechanisms leading to the development of Type II Diabetes mellitus in adults between 19-59 years old in the Universitas distinct at the Free State province.

Maruschke Venter (Supervisor: Dr Ferreira) Title: An investigation of the influence of macronutrient intake on serotonin levels and its association with sleep quality and quantity.

B.Med.Sc. Honours (Anatomy & Cell Morphology) projects:

Lauren Abrahams (Supervisor: Dr P Maass) Title: Investigating Vertebral Column Degenerative Disease Distribution in a Free State Sample.

Louis Le Grange (Supervisor: Dr P Maass) Title: The Distribution of Craniofacial Blunt Force Trauma in a Free State Skeletal Sample.

Photo: Postgraduate MSc Physiology students during research activities in the cell culture laboratory

The following MSc Physiology students will conclude postgraduate research studies in 2023:

Mr S. Vazi (Title of study: An investigation into the inflammatory properties of Tenofovir in HepG2 human liver cells).
Ms M.Saki (Title of study: The hepatoprotective effects of Moringa oleifera against antiretroviral induced cytotoxicity in HepG₂ cells).
Ms M.M. Moremane (Title of study: Investigating the potential antiproliferative effect of Moringa oleifera aqueous leaf extract in MCF-7 breast cancer cells).
Mr M.A. Bopape (Title of study: Moringa oleifera on chaperone-mediated autophagy in human HepG2 liver cancer cells). Mr Bopape, supervised by Dr Claudia Ntsapi and co-supervised by Dr Charlette Tiloke has successfully received an NRF Masters scholarship for his studies in 2022.

The following MSc Anatomy student will conclude postgraduate research studies in 2023:

D van der Merwe (Title of study: Assessing Lifestyle and Stress in a Free State Skeletal Population)

Graduation, promotions and awards 2021

The following staff members graduated in 2021: Dr. Roné Vorster De Wet (Ph.D. degree in Health Professions Education), Dr. Beynon Abrahams (Ph.D. degree in Physiology), Dr. Tshegofatso Ramphaleng (Ph.D. degree in Anthropology), and Ms. Faith Moichela (MSc in Medical Sciences, Cum Laude).

The following postgraduate students graduated in 2021: Ms Amanda Small (MMedSc Anatomy and Cell morphology) and BMedSc Honors students: Naledi Ranyane (Physiology), Lisa Goya(Anatomy), Mandi van der Merwe (Anatomy and Cell Morphology), Marilize Botha (Anatomy and Cell Morphology). Ms van der Merwe was the recipient of the Dean’s Medal awarded for achieving the best results in respect of a Bachelor Honours degree in The Faculty of Health Sciences.

Miss Palesa Letsoalo received the award for the best third year undergraduate Physiology student in the Department Basic Medical Science in 2020 and Miss Sinead Suter will receive the award in 2021 at the NAS Faculty award ceremony in 2022.

Miss Palesa Letsoalo received the award for the best third year undergraduate Physiology student in the Department Basic Medical Science from Dr Roné de Wet.

Teaching and learning activities

Undergraduate teaching activities in the department Basic Medical Sciences during COVID.

Mrs Amanda Nel “captured” first year MBChB students during a blended learning session. Some students attended the FtF session presented by Mrs Arishka Govender (Anatomy lecturer) while other students follow the session online via Blackboard collaborate.

The department also welcomed a number of postgraduate (Anatomy and Physiology) Honors students in February 2021. The student’s names and titles of the proposed research projects as follows:

Anatomy honors projects:

Miss Kelebogile Masunyane: Assessing the accuracy of transition analysis for adult skeletal age estimation in the Free State.

Mr Mojalefa Nkoi: Morphology and branching of the internal iliac artery in a Free State male cadaveric sample.

Miss Danielle Van Der Merwe: Assessing craniofacial symmetry in a Free State sample.

Anatomy honours students (Kelebogile, Mojalefa and Danielle) in front of the dissection hall and during a skills development session in the Anatomy laboratory.

Physiology honors projects:

Ms A Mwendauya: The potential development of cardiovascular disease due to cocaine abuse: a retrospective

Ms R Thubisi: The effect of chaperone-mediated autophagy on Sorafenib-treated human HepG2 cells.

Ms J Van Onselen: The role of cancer-associated adipocytes in breast cancer cell survival and metastasis.

Honours and MSc Physiology students hard at work in the tissue culture and physiology laboratories during skills development training sessions.

Dr Claudia Ntsapi and Physiology honours students during a skills development session in the Physiology laboratory.

Graduation, promotions, and awards 2020

The department is proud of several staff members who have completed their postgraduate degrees in 2020. We wish to congratulate Dr Roné Vorster De Wet (PhD degree in Health Professions Education), Dr Beynon Abrahams (PhD degree in Physiology), Dr Tshegofatso Ramphaleng (PhD degree in Anthropology), and Faith Moichela (MSc degree in Medical Sciences) with the outstanding achievements. The following students received BMedSc Honors degrees in 2020: Naledi Ranyane (Physiology), Lisa Goya (Anatomy), Mandi van der Merwe (Anatomy), Marilize Botha (Anatomy). Student Sunette Smal received her MMedSC (Anatomy) degree in 2020.

Dr Roné Vorster De Wet received the Khotatsa award for the Most inspirational lecturer in the Faculty of Health Sciences. Dr Jenelle Govender successfully obtained a Thuthuka grant. Dr Petra Maass was promoted from lecturer to senior lecturer in the department. Drs Van Zyl, De Villiers, and Arnelle Mostert received certificates of recognition for being #TeachOn Champions in teaching and learning in the Faculty of Health Sciences in 2020.

Screenshot of our staff's message to our students during Level 5 lockdown period.

Teaching and learning activities 2020

With the restrictions associated with the national COVID restrictions in 2020, the opportunity to explore new and innovative ways of teaching and learning, and interacting with our students were very successfully explored and implemented by all our staff members. At the beginning of the lockdown period, Drs Mada Ferreira and Petra Maass compiled an inspirational video message from our department to our students.

Protocols and guidelines were developed and implemented in the department to adhere to COVID safety measures and ensure staff members' and students' health and safety as far as possible. Staff members worked hard in all the different modules offered in the department to develop blended teaching approaches and created accessible and user-friendly online environments. A mix of asynchronous and synchronous learning and teaching approaches was followed in the department.

Small group session in the Anatomy Museum for the Occupational therapy-, Physiotherapy- and Biokinetic students.

PHBG3726 creative assignment presentations (Students Dr. Rone De Wet)

Dr. H Potgieter acted as an external moderator in anatomy and physiology for the CUT re radiographic students. Dr S van Zyl acts as external moderator for the University of Stellenbosch. Dr. A Mostert and Dr. R Vorster-De Wet acted as external moderators for the Henrietta Stockdale Nursing College, FS School of Nursing, and Parray School of Nursing (Lesotho) during 2020. Miss Y Benade acted as external moderator for the University of the Western Cape in 2020. Dr. C Tiloke was invited to serve as an external examiner for M.Med.Sc. student theses for the University of Limpopo and University of Pretoria.

Dr. H de Villiers acted as a reviewer for the Online publication Heliyon and peer-reviewed two articles in 2020. Dr. Charlette Tiloke reviewed manuscripts for the journal Elsevier - Toxicology Reports and Elsevier and the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine. She formed part of the virtual review committee to evaluate the NRF/FAPESP Joint Science and Technology Research Collaboration grant applications. She was invited to be an NRF panel member on the virtual review committee to evaluate Postdoctoral, Travel, General, and International Research Grant applications. She also served as a panel member reviewing research done at the Institute of Traditional Knowledge and Traditional Medicine (ITKTM) at the Vaal University of Technology.

Staff Health and Wellness 2020

Looking after staff, the UFS Health and Wellness presented several programmes and initiatives during the lockdown period. With the easing of national restrictions towards the end of October, a small group of staff from the department was able to enjoy a picnic-style breakfast on campus.

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2019 UFS Open Day

The annual UFS Open Day was held on 11 May 2019, with the Department of Basic Medical Sciences again attracting a lot of attention from prospective students. The department was represented at both the Faculty of Health Sciences and Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences exhibits. The anatomy and anthropology stall was managed by Dr Petra Maass and two postgraduate students, Luyanda Malangeni and Amanda Smal. While aimed at providing visiting high-school pupils with information about the available courses, much of the day was also spent sharing interesting facts about the human body (both living and dead) with the learners and their accompanying family members.

High school learners attentively listening to descriptions of available Anatomy courses at the UFS

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Postgraduate students, Amanda Smal and Luyanda Malangeni, at the 2019 UFS Open Day.

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Dr Petra Maass ready to meet prospective students at the 2019 UFS Open Day

Sharing the dissection hall experience

On 15 May, second-year MBChB students who had completed their dissection module in the department took part in the Cadaver Case Study Presentations. In groups of six to eight students, each of the 27 dissection groups had to give an oral presentation to their peers, providing a description and researched background on an anatomical abnormality, variation or interesting pathology that they observed on the cadaver they had been dissecting over the past 10 months. Topics presented ranged from lymphomas to patent ductus arteriosus to accessory lobes of the liver, making the work of the adjudicators – Drs Henk Potgieter and Petra Maass and Mr Gerhard van Zyl – very difficult. In the end, the presentation on inguinal lymphadenopathy, which was presented like a live television news report, stole the show, and the group was named the clear winners of the day.

Students describing their dissection hall experiences in a video

In June, Drs Mada Ferreira and Petra Maass were responsible for the production of a short video based on interviews with second-year medical students. The video features several students describing their dissection hall experiences and providing future students with advice on how to approach the daunting task of full body dissection.

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Second-year MBChB students shared their dissection hall experiences in a short video, describing the process and giving advice to future classe

New dissection hall facilities

The spacious dissection hall in the Department Basic Medical Sciences houses high-quality sound, computer equipment, a unique camera system that allows students to follow dissection demonstrations on ten screens in the hall, and a microscope for integrated teaching activities.
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Second-year MBChB students during tutorial sessions (top) and observing normal and clinical pathologies under the microscope during dissection session (bottom)

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Second-year MBChB students ready to present interesting variations or pathologies observed during dissection.

Graduation and Awards 2019

Dr Arnelle Mostert was awarded the prize for Best Educational Paper – Junior Category at the 51^st Faculty Research Forum, hosted by the Faculty of Health Sciences (UFS) in 2019.

Mrs Roné Vorster-De Wet has been nominated for the 2019 Khothatsa Awards – the awards highlight inspirational lecturers at the UFS.

Mr F Venter (MSc student) was awarded third prize at the Student Symposium in Natural Sciences that took place from the 31st of October until 1 November 2019. Title of the presentation: “Die effek van die ontvang van selfoonboodskappe op speekselkortisolvlakke in voorgraadse Fisiologiestudente”.

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Ms M Liphapang received the prize for the best 3^rd year student in Physiology from Mrs Roné Vorster-De Wet at the prizegiving function of the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences.

Degrees conferred 2019

Dr Arnelle Mostert received her Master’s in Health Professions Education (MHProfEdu) degree for her study “The quality of life of University of the Free State first-year Health Sciences Students”. She is already working on her next research topic, which aims to expand her Master’s work to other student groups at the university.

Ms Amanda Smal received her BMedSc Honours degree in Anatomy and Cell Morphology in April for her work on “Osteometric assessment of the sexual dimorphism of the glenohumeral joint”, under the supervision of Dr Petra Maass. She is currently expanding this research as part of her MMedSc degree. Lebogang Matutule and Masego Nkosi received their BMedSc Honours degree in Physiology during the April graduation ceremony. Mr Venter’s MSc in Physiology degree, was awarded at the graduation ceremony on the 12th of December 2019.

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Dr Arnelle Mostert during her MHProfEdu graduation ceremony

Degrees conferred 2019

Prof A Crous, Dr A Mostert and Ms R Vorster-De Wet acted as external moderators for the Henrietta Stockdale Nursing College, FS School of Nursing and Parray School of Nursing (Lesotho) during 2019. Dr S van Zyl acts as external moderator for the Stellenbosch and North-West Universities. Dr de Villiers act as external moderator for the North-West University.

Dr AM Gerber represented staff members on the Senate and served on the Faculty Board of the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences. Dr Henk Potgieter represented staff members on the UFS Council and the management committee of UVPERSU.

Postgraduate student, Ms Amanda Smal, ready to receive her BMedSc Honours degree at graduation

Teaching activities 2018

On 10 May 2018, the students registered for the ANBA 3716 module visited the National Museum in Bloemfontein. The purpose of the excursion is to allow the students to be exposed to view specimens on human ancestors and how their features vary with human evolution. Dr Lloyd Rossouw, head of the department of Archaeology at the museum, gave a short lecture on the different pre-human specimens found in South Africa. Students were given the opportunity to analyse cranial casts of the Australopithecines. The visit paved the way for relations, future collaborative work and research opportunities between departments. Students will visit the Florisbad museum and research centre in 2019. The centre is a palaeontological and archaeological site where the skull of Homo helmei was discovered.

Dr AM Gerber, Mrs R Vorster-De Wet, Dr S van Zyl and Dr H de Villiers acted as supervisors for MMedSc and PhD students during 2018. Ms R Vorster-De Wet and Mr M Muller acted as supervisors for BMedSc Hons students in Physiology in 2018. Dr C Larson received recognition at the Long-service awards (26 October 2018) as she will retire from service the 31^st of December 2018.

Prof A Crous and Ms R Vorster-De Wet acted as external moderators for the Henrietta Stockdale Nursing College, FS School of Nursing and Parray School of Nursing (Lesotho) during 2018. Dr S van Zyl acts as external moderator for the Stellenbosch University.

Dr AM Gerber represented staff members on the Senate and served on the Faculty Board of the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences. Dr Henk Potgieter represented the Faculty on the UFS Council and the management committee of UVPERSU.

The following staff members represent the Department Basic Medical Sciences at the 2018 UFS Open day: Gerhard van Zyl; Roné Vorster-De Wet; Arishka Kalicharan; Sadhna Singh; Martin Muller; Tshegofatso Ramphaleng; Petra Maass and Ntsidi Moopela.

On 10 May 2018, the students registered for ANBA 3716 module and their lecturer Mrs Tshego Ramphaleng made a day visit to the National Museum in Bloemfontein. The purpose of the excursion is to allow the students to learn (expose them to more) about the evolution of humans, and view specimens on human ancestors and how their features vary with human evolution. Our guide was Dr Lloyd Rossouw, head of department of archaeology at the museum, who gave a short lecture on the different pre-human specimens found in South Africa. Students were given the opportunity to analyse cranial casts of the Australopithecines. The visit paved the way for relations, future collaborative work and research opportunities between departments. We look forward to visit sites where pre-human technology and skeletal remains were found such as Florisbad museum, a research centre, in the Free State. The centre is a palaeontological and archaeological site where the skull of Homo helmei was discovered.

Photos: Open Day 2018
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Postgraduate supervisors 2017

Dr H Potgieter, Mr Van Zyl, Dr AM Gerber, Dr S van Zyl and Dr H de Villiers acted as supervisors for MMedSc and PhD students during 2017. Ms R Vorster and Mr M Muller acted as supervisors for BMedSc Hons students in Physiology in 2017.

Four students, Brooks D, Fouche T, Jamneck MF and Strydom C obtained their BMedScHons (Medical Physiology) degrees and two students, Mpolokeng KS and Henning WJ their MMedSc (Anatomy) degrees at the June graduation ceremony. Ms Mpolokeng presented her research results, The prevalence of anatomical variations in the intraorbital part of the ophthalmic artery and its branches in cadavers, at the UCT Faculty research day and also at the 45^th Annual Conference of the Anatomical Society of Southern Africa 2017, Cape Town, South Africa (23-26 April 2017).

Visiting lecturer 2017

Dr Carlos Machado visited the department Basic Medical Sciences on the 20^th of April 2017. He presented lectures to second-year MBChB students and staff members in the department. He is currently an Adjunct Professor of Clinical Cardiology, University of Saint Augustine, Austin, USA. Dr Machado has been a medical illustrator since 1994 for the companies that hold the rights of editing Dr Netter’s work. His illustrations can be seen in over 40 publications, among them the Clinical Symposia collection, the Netter Collection of Medical Illustrations, the highly acclaimed Interactive Atlas of Clinical Anatomy and in the last five editions of the best-seller Netter’s Atlas of Human Anatomy, which has been published in 17 languages in over 70 countries.

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Photos taken during the visit of Dr Machado

Teaching activities 2016

The Department of Basic Medical Sciences was subjected to an external evaluation process during 2016 for the postgraduate honours in Medical Sciences programmes offered in Anatomy and Medical Physiology. In both external evaluation reports reference was made to the quality of the teaching and assessment as well as the dedication of staff in the Department of Basic Medical Sciences. Many helpful suggestions with regard to the expansion of the practical and research components of especially the Medical Physiology programme were received and will already be implemented from 2017.

Ms R Ebersohn and Ms R Vorster acted as external moderators in Anatomy and Physiology respectively, for the Henrietta Stockdale Nursing College during 2016. Prof Crous and Dr CO Larson acted as external examiners for the College of Medicine in 2016. Prof A Crous was an adjudicator for the Science Expo (Free State learners) in 2016. Mr Gerhard van Zyl was elected as a member of the Interfaculty Animal Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Health Sciences. Dr Helena de Villiers was elected as a member of the Awards committee of the School of Medicine. Dr AM Gerber represented staff members on the Senate and also served on the Faculty Board of the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences. Dr Henk Potgieter represented the Faculty on the UFS Council and on the management committee of UVPERSU. Ms Roné Vorster and Dr H Potgieter represented the department on the Science Committee of the School of Medicine. Mr Andries Pono received a long service award in 2016 for 35 years and Ms A Nel for 15 years. Prof A Crous and Dr H Geyer will retire at the end of 2016 respectively after 44 and 26 years of service to the University of the Free State.

Teaching activities 2015

Prof Crous acted as external examiner for an MSc candidates of the WSU, he was also a moderator for the Free State School of Nursing, first and second year Physiology modules during 2015.

Dr S van Zyl acted as external moderator for the University of Pretoria for Medical and Dentistry students and Dr de Villiers acted as external moderator for the North-West University for Analytical Biochemistry during 2015.

Ms R Ebersohn and Ms R Vorster acted as external moderators in Anatomy and Physiology, respectively, for the Henrietta Stockdale Nursing College during 2015.

Ms L Liebenberg acted as external examiner/moderator for the University of Witwatersrand (ANAT 3002) and University of Pretoria (ANA 715) during 2015.

Prof Crous and Dr CO Larson acted as external examiners for the College of Medicine in October 2015.

Dr M Ferreira was a presenter at a Clinical Investigator Certification course in Cape Town in March 2015 and also at the Good Clinical Practice courses presented by PAREXEL on a number of occasions during 2015.

Mr van Zyl was invited to present a session at the newly appointed lecturers’ course (Health Sciences Education).

Ms M du Toit completed an HPEA assessor/moderator/facilitator course in 2015.

Anatomy inspiring life into learning! Tutorial sessions in the new dissection hall 1 and 3

Description: Basic Medical Sciences Keywords: Open day 2015

Mr G van Zyl and Ms R Vorster, two departmental representatives, on duty at the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences during the UFS Open day.

UFS Open day 2015

Various personnel members again represented the Department of Basic Medical Sciences this year, under the guidance of Dr S van Zyl, at the UFS Open Day. Learners could obtain information on the medical programme in the Faculty of Health Sciences, as well as more information on the various subject areas presented in the department, e.g. Medical Physiology, Anatomy and Cell Morphology, Biochemistry, Embryology, Histology and Anthropology, from two departmental representatives doing service at the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences.

New Facilities 2015

As part of a Faculty project, new dissection facilities for the Department Basic Medical Sciences were completed and occupied in March 2015.

The hall was newly built as the previous dissection hall had been used for undergraduate anatomy training since 1972. Due to a prospective growth in the number of medical students as well as changing methods in teaching and training, the need for a new modern dissection hall became evident to ensure that students receive an optimal learning experience during dissection tuition.

The new spacious dissection hall is equipped with special lighting and modern equipment for the training (dissection programme) of second-year medical students. The hall is further equipped with high quality sound and computer equipment. A unique camera system allows students to follow dissection demonstrations on ten screens in the hall. Dissection demonstrations are recorded, enabling lecturers to compile new visual aid material for teaching and learning.

The dissection programme for medical students is of critical importance, not only to acquire anatomical knowledge, but also for the development of critical skills and professionalism of medical students. This facility is also used for clinical workshops and post graduate teaching seminars and workshops. This includes, among others, orthopaedic (shoulder, hip and knee workshops), otorhinolaryngology, cardiothoracic surgery (valve and endoscopy workshops) and anaesthesiology workshops. Both present and future generations of medical students will benefit from this new world class facility.

Eskom Regional Science EXPO for young scientists 2015

Prof Arnold Crous of the department Basic Medical Sciences was a judge at the annual Eskom Regional Science EXPO for young scientists 2015, learners from grade 5 to 12.

Description: Basic Medical Sciences Keywords: Dissection hall 2

New dissection hall facilities

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Student activities in the new dissection hall

Description: Basic Medical Sciences Keywords: Dissection hall

Description: Basic Medical Sciences Keywords: Dissection hall

UFS Open Day 2014

Various personnel members again represented the Department Basic Medical Sciences this year, under guidance of Dr S van Zyl, at the UFS Open Day. Learners could obtain information on the medical programme in the Faculty of Health Sciences, as well as more information on the various subject areas presented in the department, e.g. Medical Physiology, Anatomy and Cell Morphology, Biochemistry, Embryology, Histology and Anthropology, from two departmental representatives doing service at the faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences. (Photo rught)

Lecturer achievements 2014

Ms N Peter obtained her Msc degree this year and was promoted to lecturer (Anatomy) as of 1 December.

Ms Y Benade was promoted to junior lecturer as of 1 December 2014. Dr C Larson and Mr G van Zyl's MHPE degrees were conferred during the June graduation ceremony.

Mr Van Zyl was promoted to lecturer.

Four students obtained their BMedSc Honours degrees in Anatomy in April.

Dr Landman successfully completed the HPE702 module.

Dr H de Villiers was appointed as the best pre-clinical lecturer.

Dr H Geyer received a certificate in recognition of 25 years’ service and Ms R Vorster a certificate in recognition of 15 years’ service to the University of the Free State.

Ms AM Viljoen (senior assistant officer) retired on 31 December after 33 years’ service to the University of the Free State.

Lecturer achievements 2013

Drs C Vorster and D Raubenheimer had received certificates this year in recognition of 10 and 15 years’ service respectively to the University of the Free State.

Mrs PC Vorster received a certificate in recognition of 15 years’ service to the University of the Free State.

Faculty forum winners 2014

Dr CO Larson (second from the right) was appointed as runner-up in the category Junior Educational presentations at the Faculty Forum, held on 28 and 29 August 2014.

White coat ceremony 2014

The guest speaker at the annual white coat ceremony, held on 7 August 2014, was Dr Madelein Koning of the Department Internal Medicine.

Dr Lynette van der Merwe led the programme and various personnel members of the Department Basic Medical Sciences (Phase II lecturers in the MBChB programme) were involved in the handing over of the white coats and pocket emblems to second- and third-year medical students (photo bottom right).

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UFS open day 2014

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Faculty Forum Winners 2014

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White coat ceremony 2014

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Student activities in the practical laboratory and postgraduate discussion groups in Jan Toerien Museum

Student achievements 2013

Dr Arnelle Mostert with the academic prize winners, Karin Kassier en Sanri Steyn, two nursing students They were the best achievers in an Anatomy and Physiology module for nursing students (photo right).

Lecturer’s achievements 2012

Ms J Correia obtained her MMedSc degree in Anatomy, and Dr Van der Merwe obtained a PhD degree in Health Sciences Education.

Dr Lynette van der Merwe was awarded the prestigious Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Teaching and Learning at the Excellence in Education and Learning Week in November 2012. The theme of her presentation was: “Action informed by reasoning: An adventure into pedagogy.”

Dr D Raubenheimer was elected as member of the Board of the Anatomy Association of Southern Africa (ASSA) and Dr Van der Merwe was elected as member of SAAHE (South African Association of Health Educationalists).

UFS Open Day 2013

Dr S van Zyl represented the Department of Basic Medical Sciences in 2013 at the UFS Open Day. The UFS Open day was well supported by learners and they could obtain information on the medical programme, as well as more information on the various subject fields presented in the department, including Medical Physiology, Anatomy and Cell Morphology, Biochemistry, Embryology, Histology and Anthropology.

White Coat Ceremony 2013

The annual White Coat Ceremony took place on 1 Augustus. We were privileged to welcome Prof Willie Mollentze as guest speaker at this year’s ceremony.
The unique way in which he addressed the students, and the striking message on the symbolism of the white coat, touched everyone.

Medical student appointed as Dux for 2012

Ms Inge Seale, a fifth-year medical student and co-editor of the UFS IMPULSE editorial staff, was chosen as Kovsie Dux student of the Bloemfontein campus for 2012.

The Dux students from the left are Tumelo Moreri, Inge Seale and Werner Pretorius (Photo: Stephen Collet).

Health Sciences Education Seminar Evening 2012

This prestigious function was held on 15 June 2012 at the Tuscan Rose conference centre and attended by guests of honour, promoters, students and alumni. This event is presented annually in honour of alumni who have obtained their Magister and PhD degrees in the Health Professions Education (HPE) programme of the Division Health Sciences Education.

Our own Dr Lynette van der Merwe (Department of Basic Medical Sciences) was appointed as the best speaker for the evening.

White Coat Ceremony 2012

The annual White Coat Ceremony took place on Thursday, 2 August 2012. We were privileged to welcome the Rector, Prof Jonathan Jansen, as guest speaker at this year's ceremony. Prof Jansen emphasised that laughter and humour are still a wonderful health remedy, that students should never lose their passion in the midst of many challenges, and that each student can make a difference in the public health sector in our country. Dr Sanet van Zyl of the Department of Basic Medical Sciences made a presentation on professionalism.

UFS Open Day 2012

The Department of Basic Medical Sciences' exhibition during the 2012 UFS Open Day was very well supported. Learners were given the opportunity to talk to lecturers in the Department of Basic Medical Sciences and to obtain more information regarding subjects in the department, e.g. Medical Physiology; Anatomy and Cell Morphology; Biochemistry; Embryology; Histology; and Anthropology.

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FACULTY CONTACT

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E: StudentAdminFHS@ufs.ac.za

Student Administration
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