Division of Chemical Pathology

The Division of Chemical Pathology, housed within the Department of Pathology, provides critical insights into health and disease through the biochemical analysis of blood and bodily fluids. Our multidisciplinary team of chemical pathologists, registrars, scientists, and technologists delivers comprehensive diagnostic services while advancing the field through research and innovation.

We support clinical decision-making by performing routine and specialised analyses and providing expert consultation to clinical teams. The division maintains a strong commitment to excellence in patient care, professional education, and research that translates laboratory discovries into improved health outcomes.

Physical address
Clinical Building
Tygerberg Campus
Francie van Zijl Drive

Contact Us
+27 21 938 4107
[email protected]

“Our multidisciplinary team of chemical pathologists, registrars, scientists, and technologists delivers comprehensive diagnostic services while advancing the field through research and innovation.”

Our programmes

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.

MMed Chemical Pathology

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.