Health Science Reviews

by Ariel Kraitzick I have always had a love for knowledge. As a child, my dad would sit me down every night and teach me a new fact or word of the day. I would always insist that he teach me a second one. This zest for knowledge has stayed with me to this very day.…

by Siyabonga Msipa Back in my undergrad days, I used to stress a lot about not feeling “good enough.” If I didn’t get a good mark on a test or exam, I would think I wasn’t smart enough. If I took a break, I’d feel guilty for slacking off and not being disciplined enough. The…

by Jami Maclean Honours!!! This year has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. Taking the academic route is one that takes strength and a lot of resilience. Doing honours in Applied Anatomy started off very shaky from facing difficulties with registration, to starting our technique block WEEKS before our other peers. The combination of coursework,…

by Nokhanya Sangweni I really think the theme of my honours year has been nothing short of God’s work in growing me as an individual within all aspects of my life.  Firstly, I began this year with very high expectations, little did I know what it required from me… I wish I was warned… We…

by Lilitha Cengani In the dimly lit corners of my mind lies a weathered time worn crate. Its battered exterior tells a story of its own, one of adversity yet despite this it is a crate I continue to carry with me. You see, this crate was not designed to merely carry possessions but the…

by Kamva Dukada  At the start of my postgraduate honours journey, I expected a year primarily focused on academics. However, what unfolded surpassed my academic expectations; it turned into a melody of personal and intellectual highs. Now, as I approach the end, I find myself immersed in the harmonies of a truly metamorphic experience. Transitioning…

by Angel Munyurangabo At the beginning of the year, I was filled with mixed emotions. I was excited and nervous at the same time. I was stepping into a new environment. I missed my friends from my previous university and the familiarity of that setting. As time went by, I gradually settled into my new…

by Katie Watt In his book “Solve for Happy”, Mo Gawdat proposes that “happiness is greater than or equal to your perception of the events in your life minus your expectation of how life should be”. I first heard about the Intercalated Honours degree in my first year of medicine. As a competitive individual, a…

by Zahra Parker For many years, I have been rushing towards the next milestone. I first learnt of the prospect of being a clinician-scientist from none-other than a Ted Talk when I was in Grade 11. A year later, I learnt I could pursue this dream through the Intercalated MBChB-BMedSci Honours programme at UCT. With…

by Nokubonga Ntsele I completed my undergraduate degree in UCT, the year 2022 and I thought I was done with UCT. I was sure that it was about time that I go start afresh somewhere else because I could not take it anymore. However, little did I know that I would be coming back for…

by Noku-Lunga Ndima The past three years have been a blur. I feel as if I’ve dreamt my way into adulthood whilst being stuck in the mind of a child.  At the beginning of the year, I was nervous, as could be expected when beginning a new journey. I would look around at my fellow…

by Zusiphe Mzazela At the beginning of the year, things looked pretty tough for me. I found myself standing at the crossroads of uncertainty and ambition and to be honest, I didn’t really know what I was doing with my studies. It was like being lost in a big maze. But you know what? I…

by Nishanya Govender In the realm of higher education, a journey filled with triumphs and challenges awaits every student. As I reflect upon the past few months, I can proudly say that it has been a remarkable testament to my perseverance and despite numerous obstacles that confronted me along the way, I refused to succumb…

by Celine Bailey As I look back at this year thus far, I can definitely say that it has been a journey full of twists and turns, with lots of tears, laughter, and growth. Coming from a different institution to what is known as the best university in Africa, it was a huge adjustment for…

by Ramses Peigou Wonkam I am one of the Medical students doing intercalated honours this year and I’m doing my degree in Human Genetics. Coming into Medicine in 2020, I was apprehensive. I wasn’t absolutely sure that studying medicine was for me and had considered other career paths. To me, Medicine seemed like an endless…

by Phahlamohlaka Mokgohlwer Cynthia Feels like a dream to say the worst is over, even though it didn’t make sense from the beginning. During the registration period I was skeptical about registering especially because I did not get a bursary or have any source of funds for my fees. One morning I woke up and…

by Lloyd Machaka As I sit here and reflect upon my studies and learning experience in 2023, I am overwhelmed with a sense of pride and accomplishment. One significant change that took place was my decision to switch from my previous institution to UCT, leaving behind familiar surroundings and starting afresh in a different place.…

by Lindokuhle Shezi Embarking on the journey of pursuing an Honours degree has been a transformative experience. It’s a unique juncture where academic curiosity and specialization converge, pushing me to delve deeper into my chosen field. This academic pursuit has taught me the value of perseverance and time management. The workload can be demanding, but…

by Ziqi Zhao This year has been quite a unique, stimulating journey for me. Previously being a medical student, I wasn’t sure how ready I was for this different road ahead, or how I would cope with all the pipetting and journal clubbing. Entering this year as my first official step to becoming a clinician…

by Marnie McGowan Science is black and white. It either works, or it doesn’t. The results are positive, or they are negative. We deal in absolutes, in discrete values, in contrasting ideas – until we don’t. Because much like ourselves, science is grey. Upon analysis, we realise there is no way to separate all the…

by Zama Mngadi I applied for an Honours in Medical Biochemistry as my second option after taking a two-year hiatus from academia. I was pregnant with ambition and cultivated by the possibility of studying at the University of Cape Town. Back in UKZN, I was doing Anatomy and Physiology as my majors and dabbled in…

by Sithuthukile Madonsela ‘Gowisha’ is a slang term in IsiXhosa which means to be going through a lot, and if I had to choose one word to sum up my honours year thus far it would have to be this one. Despite being told by my friends who completed their honours last year that it…

by Pebetse Maimela My journey through my honours Biomedical Forensic Science degree has been nothing short of eye- opening and fascinating. From the moment I first walked into the laboratory, I knew that I was embarking on a path that would challenge me both intellectually and emotionally. One of the most intriguing aspects of my…

by Brittany Carstens When I recall the start of my honour’s week, a rush of emotions sweeps over me – the smell of intimidation, the touch of fear and anxiety, the sound of keyboards clicking, and the sight of peers who seemed to have it all together. I felt like an outsider, grappling with self-doubt…

by Dineo Madikgetla I vividly recall the day I received the acceptance letter from this institution. It was a crucial moment, one that forced me to make a difficult choice between this institution and the one I was currently attending. The decision weighed heavily on my mind until I recalled the wisdom of Mark Twain’s…

by Waheed Amanjee As I reflect on the journey of 2023, I find myself standing at a crossroads of immense proportions, a junction where my passion for clinical medicine and research converges. This year was not just about academic pursuits; it was a year of introspection, of confronting fears, and of making pivotal decisions that…

by Dzunisani Phaweni So, here I am, diving into my Honours year, armed with determination and a hint of desperation to prove myself. A born and bred Capetonian, the plan was always simple: school, UCT, conquer the world. Needless to say, the wisdom of hindsight reveals my naïveté, as clearly, I thought life was just…

by Sharyn Van Der Walt I came into this year with so much excitement, hope and motivation. I thought that this was going to be the year that I finally found the right career path for me – I was going to learn such cool new things and be exposed to some of the most…

by Simange Sithonga My Honours year started off with an unsettling experience as a new UCT postgrad student. During the first few months of the first semester, my friend and I were involved in an armed robbery while making our way to campus to study. Unfortunately, I lost my phone and laptop in the process.…

by Jwalane Sephiri As 2023 began, I was excited because I was about to embark on an Honours degree in Biomedical Science at the prestigious University of Cape Town, one of the top institutions in the country. The backdrop of Cape Town, with its stunning landscapes and rich cultural tapestry, was a dream come true.…

by Michael Goldschagg My honours year has been a rollercoaster in many ways, and what I expected in no way. It has presented challenges, triumphs, opportunities, and difficulties that I haven’t encountered before. Having moved away from home this year I always knew I would be faced with hardships alongside enjoyment. The year began as…

by Ahlisha Chetty My Honours year has been a rollercoaster of an experience. I transferred to UCT to study a B(Med)Sci Hons in Infectious Diseases and Immunology (IDI). I was completely unfamiliar to this side of Cape Town. Prior to classes beginning, I was welcomed into the Rondebosch neighbourhood by tripping while crossing the main…

by Zabanguni Noluthando Malaika Phakathi How does one begin to write a piece on one of the worst years of her life academically, but also one of the best years academically. That description of the year in itself is paradoxical. By far, in terms of stress, lack of sleep, anxiety and continuous heart palpitations, this…

by Rachel Brown To say that I was naïve about what this year would hold when I arrived on campus on day one would be an understatement! This year has been far more challenging and stretching than I could have ever anticipated and I’m sure many of my classmates can attest to this too. Not…

by Jana Van Der Westhuizen  Coming from a small town, Stellenbosch, the idea of Cape Town has always been very daunting. But, to my surprise, I have met the most amazing people. I made a very special friend at the beginning of the year, that grew very close to my heart. This person always greeted…

by Hope Hennessy Reflecting on my honours year in Medical Biochemistry, it’s remarkable how different this year has been compared to my undergraduate studies. It’s been a transformative journey, one that I certainly won’t forget. One of the things that has stood out most to me during this year is the practicality of it all.…

by Nicole Kantor It’s hard to believe that we have reached the point in our Honours year, where it’s time to reflect. I remember sitting at one of the 1st Sci comm sessions, where we were told about writing a reflection. I couldn’t even see myself getting there. But I did, and I am so…

by Nompilo Mpanza This year has been both a challenging and rewarding year. It has been like nothing I have ever imagined yet somehow, I have felt like I have stepped into the door of a future I had always hoped for. I can sum up this year into a string of letters that make…

by Erin Orsmond My medical biochemistry journey at UCT has been an amalgamation of hurdles and highlights, which has harnessed not only my academic but my personal growth too. The coursework and modules posed a new way of learning, delving into subfields that I was unfamiliar with such as bioinformatics, oncology, and precision medicine. Although…

by Kirstin Snyckers At the age of about seven, you head off to Primary school for the first time, filled with enthusiasm and a naïve idea of what your future holds. As you progress down the timeline of your schooling career each ‘first day’ starts stacking up and you learn how to cram and memorise…

by Juandre Makaka As I sit here, reflecting on the tumultuous journey where I am in the last stretch to my Sarah Baartman moment, I can’t help but marvel at the intricate web of characters that played a role in getting me this far. You see, dear reader, earning a degree is not just an…

by Luyanda Cebekhulu Reflecting on my honours experience, it was quite different from what I initially expected. There were moments when I believed I had all the time in the world, only to realize that time was slipping away faster than I could have imagined. It’s a reminder that time is a precious resource, and…

by Vieshal Gopal Returning to academia two years after completing my undergraduate degree proved to be a formidable challenge. I felt like I had lost touch with the study routine, often burning the midnight oil and pulling all-nighters. Weekends were spent studying to keep up with coursework and secure this degree. Adding to this academic…

by Cameron Timm As I look back on my honours year of studying biomedical forensic science, I can’t help but feel a mix of emotions. It’s been a challenging journey, one that’s been filled with sweat, tears, and even a few mental breakdowns along the way. Yet, amidst the struggles, there have been moments of…

by Mqiniseli Dlamini Relocating to an unfamiliar setting, be it a new school, city, or country, offers the allure of novel surroundings and experiences. Among the myriad of enthralling aspects, the most remarkable lies in the absence of familiarity, where everything and everyone are uncharted territory. This transition serves as an academic opportunity of unparalleled…

by Tristan Butler I was always excited to begin my Honours in Applied Anatomy at UCT however, nothing prepares you to encounter the amount of stress levels and workload. It has been a year of learning, with special emphasis on learning. The volume of knowledge that I have absorbed is immense, especially considering that all…

by Lutho Daza As an individual who was born in the eastern cape, grew up and studied in the eastern cape I was very excited to move to another province, especially to pursue my postgrad studies. BUT WHAT A JOURNEY IN THE CAPE…. Initially, a move from WSU in Mthatha to UCT in Cape Town…

by Inam Makhabana This year started on a positive note for me, I was highly motivated and thrilled to begin my postgraduate studies, not thinking much into what to expect and how my experience of transitioning from undergraduate to postgraduate would feel like, all that was in my mind was how wonderfully the universe had…

by Julia Fernandes

by Paige Mackenzie At the start of the new year, I knew very little about what doing an honours meant. As an undergrad we read a lot of papers, looked at a lot of graphs and memorised a lot of things. Now as much as I found that interesting – all I could think about…

by Yanga Pato I had a plan, a well thought plan but transformation disrupted the execution phase. I guess that is how life works, it’s not supposed to be a linear journey, and sometimes everything does not obey our plans. I used to believe that positive outcomes were the cornerstone of triumph, but I was…

by Andiswa Majikijela Acknowledging Life’s Imperfections: The reminder that “it’s okay to not always be okay” serves as a constant companion on my life’s journey, reminding me that existence is not a consistently smooth ride, but rather an intricate path filled with bumps, detours, and storms. Through this acknowledgment, I’ve gained a profound understanding of…

by Felicia Khoza My academic and personal journey has been a roller coaster ride, and to be honest, I wouldn’t change a thing. I am here to celebrate myself for all the things I have accomplished, the obstacles I have overcome, the tears I have shed, and the relentless hard work I have put in…

by Tebogo Malope At the beginning of my honours year, I was full of excitement for many reasons; to start my journey as a scientist, do something new and different, finally get to focus on only what I am interested in and get a break from medical school. I thought this was going to be…

by Nokuthula Hlongwana 2023, a year of reaching my full potential. That was the goal I set for myself beginning of the year. Oh boy little did I know what this year was bringing, full force servings. To say this year has been difficult would be an understatement, I have always heard my students who…

by Mandisa Mabaso Despite the ups and downs along the way to earning my honours degree, I cannot help but reflect on how valuable this experience has been. It has been a year filled with tears, stress, anxiety, laughter, and good times, but the accomplishment has been important for me academically and personally. I decided…

by Migael Mouton At the beginning of the year, I was terrified. Making the decision to leave the place where I studied for 3 years and to say goodbye to so many important people was extremely difficult. I knew how privileged and lucky I was to not only be accepted at UCT (this was a…

by Refilwe Seleka Saying that my honours year has been difficult would be an understatement. Any word that describes hardship has been added to my life’s vocabulary. From the heaps of work to the long hours on campus, to no recess, to the full independence. However not all is bad because some important skills and…

by Sarah Everett Looking back on this year I can’t believe that in what feels like such a short space of time my understanding of science and particularly my field of infectious disease and immunology has changed so much. Before modules started my understanding of the immune system was so fuzzy it’s a wonder, I…

by Ané Kotzé “Honours is such a busy year”, “You’re going to have very little time for yourself”, “It’s hard, but rewarding”. With a lot of uncomfortable and unhelpful comments, the year started as any other would, filled with fear and anxiety played off as just being nerves or excitement. Not only was I transferring…

by Nathalie Andersen This year has been a pleasant and unexpected surprise. After last year – which was one of the toughest years of my life – I feel as though this year has been exactly what I needed. I have always been fueled with a desire to excel in everything that I do. In…

by Gabrielle Hemming After entering into my first year as a postgraduate student with excitement and anticipation, I can confidently say that the experience has been a difficult one. Having completed my undergraduate studies at the University of the Free State, where I was challenged by my severe lack of Afrikaans vocabulary, I was eager…

By Jamie Langson An internal pattern of self-doubt that can lead to anxiety, stress and missed opportunities. I’m sure I’m not the only one who has experienced this. Starting my first year at UCT after coming from a different institution was quite intimidating, but the idea of pursuing an honours degree in a subject I…

by Caitlin-Joy Meyer Last year around this time I had dreamed of what life would have been like when I had finally been accepted into Honours. I had imagined what a dedicated student I would be and going out and still enjoying time with old and new friends. Living in that reality now, some of…

by Miengah Allie There is only a few months left until this academic year ends and I just can’t seem to not feel overwhelmed and excited with a sense of relief. Overwhelmed because of the constant challenges that I have been and currently facing. Excited because I look forward to the new opportunities life has…

by Linia Zambezi It is only September 2023, but I already have so much to reflect on. Coming to UCT was scary, being at the “African Harvard school” I had no idea what to expect. I came from a very small institution, so this was a very big transition for me. Big university where I…

by Julia Boland When writing this and looking back on this year, I’m realizing that there are a lot more core experiences than I’d have thought. I feel like a reflective piece typically starts off with a few challenges, you add a positive spin, and then end up with a revelation. Well, I’ve had my…

by Camryn Ferns My journey into the Medical Science Honours Degree began in 2020 when I was started my MBChB degree at the University of Cape Town. I had transferred from Stellenbosch University to pursue becoming a Clinician-Scientist through the intercalated programme. I quickly learnt that this journey would take a lot of perseverance, resilience…

by Kirsten van der Heyden If my academic journey were to be described as a four course meal, my honours degree would be that cheeky extra slice of cake that I could have probably lived without. Yet, there I was, fork in hand ready to eat, because, well .. pride. In my ever-hopeful imagination that…

By Ubuntu Hlatshwayo This year has been a paradoxical journey for me, one that oscillated between the realms of fear and excitement. This transformative year has been a testament to the idea that growth flourishes in the most unexpected of places, amidst the most challenging of circumstances. Through the trials and triumphs, I have emerged…

By Boitumelo Molale The last few months have placed me at a crossword of familiarity and the unknown. I made thedecision to pursue my postgraduate studies in a new city which was both exhilarating and nerveracking. Leaving behind the comfort of the familiar and venturing into uncharted territory was a leapof faith I was prepared…

by Refilwe Ledwaba I am eight months into this programme and I only noticed this as I wrote the date. It is fair to say it has been a long year. My journey started with plenty of curiosity, a decent amount of uncertainty, a dash of confusion, a handful of hope and two split paths.…

by Lize Mostert 2023 has been one of the most challenging years since starting university at TUKS in 2020. I havemade some lasting relationships, but I have also had to lose some friendships that I have made in myundergraduate years by choosing to study at UCT. However, I must admit that I have grown so…

by Solyle Frankle As I reflect upon this year in Medical Science Honours, I cannot help but reflect on the very mantra that got me into this postgraduate program in the first place: “I can, I will, I must”. a) I can Upon the beginning of this course, I quickly felt overwhelmed. Hours long of…