The Department of Biomedical and Clinical Technology officially opened two newly set up Skills and Molecular laboratories at the ML Sultan Campus which will bridge the gap between theoretical and practical application of knowledge.

Guests included DUT staff, students and industry partners such as Professor DP Naidoo, Head of the Cardiology at the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine.

Speaking at the opening, Dr Rosaley Prakaschandra from the Department of Biomedical and Clinical Technology, said the opening of the two laboratories was an important chapter in the evolution of the Department. She also thanked the Department of Higher Education (DHET) for providing funding and helping the Department achieve what it had set out to. “We wish to provide socially responsible education for the development of healthy graduates who are able to become leaders in the provision of high quality patient care.

These two laboratories will serve as catalysts for us achieving our vision. For a long time now as a department we have identified that there are a few areas of concern and this was carefully considered when planning the two laboratories. As trainers, employers, academics and students you (graduates and academic stakeholders) will realise that there has to be a connection between theoretical knowledge and practical application. We have realised that there was a gap which actually impeded student learning, so with the skills lab, we can clearly see that it will be able to bridge the gap between theory and practical and therefore enhance student learning which is ultimately what we want to achieve. Secondly, we want to provide student-centred learning spaces. The creation of these type of learning spaces for students will greatly enhance the qualification of the studies that students have undertaken. Thirdly, we want to strengthen engagement with our alumni and industry partners. So these two laboratories now provide that for us,” she said.

Professor Threethambal Puckree, Faculty of Health Sciences Executive Dean said DUT was on a journey to produce quality graduates who would do well in industry. “In keeping with that vision, we had to make our teaching and learning spaces as conducive to teaching and learning as we can within the constraints of our education,” she said.

– Waheeda Peters

Pictured: Dr Rosaley Prakaschandra from DUT’s Department of Biomedical and Clinical Technology, Professor Threethambal Puckree, Faculty of Health Sciences Executive Dean and Prof DP Naidoo, head of Cardiology at the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Nelson R Mandela School, at the opening of the two laboratories. Also pictured is the newly opened skills laboratory with a simulated patient to teach students practical experience.