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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Diploma in Biotechnology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
101143  Diploma in Biotechnology 
ORIGINATOR
Vaal University of Technology 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Diploma (Min 360)  Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences  Life Sciences 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Not Applicable  NQF Level 06  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2027-06-30   2029-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The intended purpose of this Qualification is to give the successful learners a professional, vocational and sound understanding of the general theoretical principles and their applications in the field of Biotechnology qualification. Graduates may apply for registration with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions as Certificated Natural Scientists. Individuals who want to become registered Medical Technologists will work in a registered Medical training laboratory. After registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA), they may work in government, private and research health care laboratories. To practice independently as a Medical Technologist 2 year post-registration experience is required. Unregistered Biomedical Technologists may work in non-diagnostic laboratories.

Rationale:
This qualification has been designed to attract learners in the Biotechnology field. Learners achieving this qualification will be competent to apply theoretical and practical fundamental knowledge and skills in the fields of biotechnology, microbiology and biochemistry to the relevant biotechnology industries and research institutions. The qualifying learner will be able to perform and organize laboratory operations in clinical diagnostic laboratories and related fields in compliance with statutory requirements for ethics, safety and quality assurance. Supervisory, management and research skills are developed. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
The Institutional Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy and procedures are followed. Learners who do not meet entry requirements can apply for access to the qualification through RPL against a module, or part/full qualification for learning obtained through formal, informal and non-formal learning. Learners need to submit a Portfolio of Evidence which will be internally assessed. Credits may be awarded based on the assessment results and learners have the opportunity to appeal against the assessment result where credits were not awarded.

Entry Requirements.
The minimum requirement is:
  • National Senior Certificate. National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 4. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises of compulsory modules at Level 5, 6 and 7 totalling 383 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 102 Credits:
  • Microbiology 1 (Practical), 7 Credits.
  • Chemistry 1 (Biotechnology), 16 Credits.
  • Information and communications technology (ICT) Skills 1, 10 Credits.
  • Calculations and Statistics 1.1, 10 Credits.
  • Microbiology 1 (Theory), 8 Credits.
  • Microbiology 2 (Practical), 7 Credits.
  • Biodiversity and Ecology 1, 10 Credits.
  • Applied Communication Skills 1.2, 8 Credits.
  • Microbiology 2 (Theory), 8 Credits.
  • Applied Communication Skills 1.1, 8 Credits.
  • Entrepreneurship 1, 10 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 191 Credits:
    Biochemistry 2 (Theory), 9 Credits.
  • Analytical Chemistry 2 (Biotechnology), 10 Credits.
  • Biochemistry 2 (Practical), 8 Credits.
  • Disease and Immune Response 2, 10 Credits.
  • Microbiology 3 (Practical), 7 Credits.
  • Analytical Biochemistry 3, 14 Credits.
  • Applied Communication Skills 2.1, 8 Credits.
  • Applied Communication Skills 2.2, 8 Credits.
  • Fermentation Technology 2 (Practical), 7 Credits.
  • Introductory Genetics 2, 10 Credits.
  • Microbial Biochemistry 3 (Theory), 9 Credits.
  • Microbiology 3 (Theory), 8 Credits.
  • Quality Assurance (Biological), 6 Credits.
  • Microbial Biochemistry 3 (Practical), 9 Credits.
  • Fermentation Technology 2 (Theory), 8 Credits.
  • Biotechnology Laboratory Practice 1, 60 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 90 Credits:
  • Food Microbiology 3 (Practical), 8 Credits.
  • Food Microbiology 3 (Theory), 7 Credits.
  • Bioprocessing 3 (Practical), 8 Credits.
  • Bioprocessing 3 (Theory), 7 Credits.
  • Biotechnology Laboratory Practice 2, 60 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1.Operate relevant equipment encountered in appropriate industries or laboratories.
    2.Work under supervision, and/or conduct a research project under supervision and report the findings in scientific format.
    3.Communicate effectively with colleagues, superiors and subordinates.
    4.Function effectively in an appropriate biotechnology environment/industrial placement. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Comply with relevant safety legislation and procedures.
  • Adhere to relevant operating manuals and procedures.
  • Comply with code of ethics.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Plan and write a work schedule/research proposal according to guidelines given by superiors.
  • Perform allocated tasks/planned experiments in a satisfactorily manner.
  • Report on work/research project demonstrating understanding of subject area.
  • Compile a report under appropriate headings in acceptable format.
  • Communicate findings effectively and clearly.
  • Present findings/reports orally and visually to an appropriate audience.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Comply with instructions.
  • Follow correct channels of communication in the workplace.
  • Recognise problems and use problem solving strategies to meet the challenges.
  • Participate in group work.
  • Communicate effectively with colleagues.
  • Comply with codes of practice.

    Associated Assessment Criteria 4:
  • Source relevant equipment and material from supplies.
  • Obtain quotes and specifications for desired equipment and materials.
  • Select appropriate suppliers.
  • Request purchase according to appropriate procedures.
  • Recognise hazards in the workplace.
  • Assess risk associated with hazards.
  • Take appropriate precautions to avoid exposure of self and others to risk.
  • Comply with appropriate legislation and regulations.
  • Consider environment in practice.
  • Show respect for other cultures and norms.
  • Exhibit capability to work independently.
  • Exhibit responsible use of science and technology.
  • Source and access Information.
  • Assess reliability of information.
  • Explain cause-effect relationships.
  • Exhibit desire for lifelong learning and explain how communication, work ethic and experience can improve development of people and organisations.

    Integrated Assessment.
    Both formative and summative assessments are integral components of all modules within the qualification and have application to both traditional summative and continuous assessment, ensuring overall applied competence. All teaching and learning activities in the qualification are aligned to the assessment approach of the individual modules indicating a constructive alignment approach in the design of the qualification. The assessment activities form an integral part of the teaching and learning process and are systematically and purposefully used to generate data for grading. Timely feedback to learner's forms part of the assessment strategy of the institution and is used to inform teaching and learning and to improve the curriculum. Learning outcomes in all modules give an indication as to what will be assessed in the module and thus ensures constructive alignment of the modules within the qualification. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    There are similar international qualifications, but individual institutions have unique offerings which may/may not articulate with this qualification entirely. There is undoubtedly synergy in courses with variations ranging from slight to extreme synergy-depending on the institution. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This allows qualification for horizontal and vertical articulation:
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Diploma in Biomedical Technology, Level 6.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Science in Biomedicine, Level 8. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced qualification.
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. Vaal University of Technology 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.