Tshwane University of Technology Biomedical Technology

Department of Biomedical Science
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Tshwane University of Technology Biomedical Technology, The Department of Biomedical Sciences is one of 14 departments in the Faculty of Science at the Tshwane University of Technology. The Department presents four programmes, namely Biomedical Technology, Clinical Technology, Veterinary Technology and Radiography (Diagnostic).

The Department of Biomedical Sciences has a strong focus on postgraduate programmes and has produced many top-quality master’s and doctoral graduates in the past 20 years.

The Department has four fields of specialisation within the broader health sciences spectrum:

Biomedical Technology
Biomedical Technology involves the analysis of human blood, sputum, urine and histological samples within a diagnostic medical laboratory environment. Medical technologists work in different disciplines and usually specializes in one of his/her preferences e.g. Clinical Pathology, Chemical Pathology, Cellular Pathology, Haematology, Blood Transfusion, Microbiology, Virology, etc.

Clinical Technology
Clinical technologists use modern medical technology to gather clinical information from patients with physiological dysfunctions in fields such as Cardiology, Pulmonology, Cardiovascular Perfusion, Reproductive Biology, and Critical Care. Completion of the qualification will enable the learner to be a registered Clinical Technologist in one or more of the following categories: – Nephrology, Neurophysiology, Cardiology, Pulmonology, Reproductive Biology and Critical Care.

Veterinary Technology
Veterinary medicine has grown rapidly in sophistication. Consumers expect (and are entitled to) first-class medical care and state-of-the art diagnostic testing for their pets and livestock. To achieve a high level of health care, the veterinarian is reliant on the Veterinary Technologist who carries out laboratory-orientated research and development in support of the veterinary industry. Day to day activities includes the collection and processing of samples, diagnostic work, and research and vaccine production.

Radiography
Top quality X-ray images are taken during various types of radiographical procedures. Other duties include a broad range of procedures by means of contrast agents, as well as procedures such as theatre, mobile units in wards and intensive care units, specialized procedures such as computerised scanning and magnetic resonance imaging are also applicable.

The Department of Biomedical Sciences has very strong ties with the University of California in Davis, United States of America. It will be co-hosting the 2014 International Tissue Engineering Conference with Prof Hari Reddi, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, USA.

This relationship was developed through the interaction between Dr Shirley Motaung while she was a Fulbright student and Prof Hari Reddi, a world-renowned tissue engineer and her mentor. The cooperation between the University of California Davis and the Department was further strengthened when Prof Reddi visited TUT in 2012 as a visiting professor at the Department. This further developed the focus on and interest in tissue engineering at the Department.

Tshwane University of Technology Biomedical Technology, Watch our video

Centre for Tissue Engineering
Human tissue donation and transplantation offer patients in need a wonderful opportunity of healing and life. Although thousands of patients receive tissue transplants annually, there is still great ignorance regarding the fact that donors are required and that one donation can enable doctors to treat 65 or even more patients. Visit our website at: http://www.tissuedonation.org.za

Annelie Bronkhorst
Departmental Administrator
Tel: +27 382 6306
email: bronkhorsta@tut.ac.za