Situated within the Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, the Department of Life Sciences embraces the full breadth of modern life science activity. As one of the largest and most dynamic research groups at the Central University of Technology, we are dedicated to producing highly skilled graduates and generating impactful research that addresses critical local and global health challenges.
Our Academic Divisions
The department is structured around three core academic divisions, each delivering specialised teaching and research:
Environmental Health
Focusing on the interaction between the environment and human health, covering waste management, air quality, occupational health and safety, and epidemiology.
Dental Assisting
Providing specialised training in oral hygiene, dental practice management, and clinical support, preparing students for vital roles in the oral healthcare sector.
Generic Base Subjects
Delivering foundational scientific knowledge and methodological skills that underpin advanced study and research across all life science disciplines.
Research Excellence & Impact
The Department of Life Sciences is home to a vibrant and growing research community. Our research and teaching activities are proudly supported by a wide variety of national research councils, charitable organisations, and industry bodies.
Key Research Areas Include:
A Legacy of Postgraduate Excellence and Access
The Department of Environmental Health is deeply committed to transforming the academic landscape and pioneering new pathways for student success. Over the years, our postgraduate programmes have consistently broken barriers, producing groundbreaking researchers and embracing innovative access routes for non-traditional scholars.
Pioneering Doctoral Representation
Our department has a proud history of mentoring trailblazing scholars who have gone on to shape the field of Environmental Health and achieve national recognition:
- Prof. K. Shale (2004): The first black male to be awarded a doctorate in the department and at CUT, later becoming the first black post-doctoral fellow and the first black NRF-rated scientist emerging from our research cluster.
- Dr Mary Abraham (2006): The first Indian female to receive a doctorate in Environmental Health at CUT.
- Dr Bridget Ikalafeng (2008): The first black female to receive a research doctorate in Microbiology at CUT, making history as a pioneering female scientist in the SET field.
Championing Access through RPL
We believe that valuable industry experience deserves academic recognition. The department has been at the forefront of implementing Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) to open doors for working professionals.
Milestone: 2011
Linda Jackson became the first master’s student at CUT to successfully qualify for RPL advanced standing towards the Master’s Degree in Environmental Health, paving the way for future industry professionals to transition into postgraduate research.
These milestones reflect our enduring commitment to inclusive excellence, ensuring that postgraduate research and advanced qualifications are accessible, representative, and deeply impactful.
Student Life & Community Engagement
Beyond the classroom and laboratory, the department proudly hosts the Life Sciences Student Organisation. This active student body is deeply involved in a variety of community empowerment projects that directly relate to students' academic work, fostering a culture of social responsibility, practical application, and civic engagement.
Meet Our Academic Team
Our department is staffed by dedicated scientists, researchers, and educators who are committed to advancing life sciences and supporting your academic journey.
Staff Profiles
View the contact details, research interests, and academic profiles of our lecturers and administrative staff.
