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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Advanced Diploma in Biotechnology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
101592  Advanced Diploma in Biotechnology 
ORIGINATOR
Cape Peninsula 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
Advanced Diploma  Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences  Life Sciences 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 07  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2021-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

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.  

This qualification replaces: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
78683  Bachelor of Technology: Biomedical Technology  Level 7  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L7  480  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of the Advanced Diploma in Biotechnology is to provide an opportunity for graduates to specialise and deepen their knowledge and understanding of theories, methodologies and practices in Biotechnology. Consequently, the learners' ability to formulate, undertake and resolve more complex theoretical and practice-related problems and tasks will be enhanced. Focus areas of specialisation (i.e. elective modules) are Industrial Microbiology, Environmental Biotechnology or Plant and Animal Biotechnology. All learners (i.e. compulsory modules) will be trained in the relevant methodologies in conjunction with the associated instrumentation, as well as project management, operations and quality management, entrepreneurship, ethics and Intellectual Property Rights (IPR).

The most important role of the Advanced Diploma in Biotechnology is to provide an articulation route for these graduates. The qualification provides an opportunity for further education and specialisation after which the graduates may contribute more to industry and shoulder greater societal responsibilities.

The qualification falls in the vocational route, and targets Diploma graduates in order to provide them with a route to higher qualifications. The typical graduate of this qualification will be an experienced and well-qualified laboratory technician with an insight into management operations, biotechnology industry business opportunities and issues around IPR. Hence, the range of skills and attributes that graduates would possess as an outcome of this qualification, will serve as a scaffold for life-long learning and further professional development. As such, these skills will benefit communities, society, and enhance overall citizenship.

Rationale:
Situational analysis:
Biotechnology is a relatively new and rapidly growing industry worldwide. South Africa needs to position itself strategically in order to become a leader in Biotechnology in Africa and derive the maximum benefit from this industry. It is imperative that human resource development occur concurrently with the emergence of the industry and be coordinated with government policy and investment. While the institution's current National Diploma in Biotechnology provides the technicians and entry-level laboratory workers for this industry, the Advanced Diploma in Biotechnology is envisaged to provide graduates with a chance to advance their knowledge and specialise in one or more themes of the biotechnology industry, thus realising opportunities for upward mobility and/or a research career through articulation into various Postgraduate qualifications.

The recently concluded Bio-economy Strategy is the culmination of government efforts to encourage growth of Biotechnology as well as related industries since 2001 with the precursor policy documents such as the Biotechnology Strategy and Department of Science and Technology's Innovation Ten-Year Plan for South Africa (2008 to 2018). The priority areas have been narrowed down to three: Agriculture, Health and Industry and the Environment. Sustained innovation through research as well as transfer of the emergent technologies to the farm, healthcare centre and factory floor are emphasised. Graduates are also encouraged to become Bio-entrepreneurs. The Biotechnology Regional Innovation Centres (BRICs) and associated venture capital provided an impetus for the initial growth of the SA Biotechnology Industry. However, this initial activity was not sustained for a variety of reasons, necessitating the creation of The Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), in order to ensure growth of the industry. New biotechnology ventures and existing businesses will be funded and expanded with millions of rand of government funding through the Bio-economy Strategy. The qualification will thus provide suitably qualified human resources for the industry.

A survey of the Biotechnology Industry carried out by the Biotechnology Programme and identified the areas of further training and specialisation required by the industry. While some of these areas have been incorporated into the Diploma in Biotechnology during the recently concluded re-curriculation exercise, other areas could not be included and require the development of new and separate qualifications, one of which is the Advanced Diploma in Biotechnology. In the absence of a professional body, the activities were informed by the Advisory committee, Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) hosts and special seminars to which industry players were invited.

At institutional level, the Advanced Diploma in Biotechnology qualification is aligned to the institution's Research, Technology and Innovation (RTI) strategic goals, which covers regional (Cape Town and Western Cape), national (South African), African as well as Global (International) strategic imperatives. The qualification will focus on the further development and practical transfer of requisite knowledge using advanced biotechnological practical training for learners

Biotechnology is on the scarce skills list as defined by the National Skills Development Strategy III and scarce skills areas of some Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), and is a priority area for national and provincial strategic plans. The Advanced Diploma in Biotechnology will therefore provide an articulation route for the diploma holders, and graduates will hence offer greater value to industry. When it became apparent that industry players were unfamiliar with the concept of an Advanced Diploma in Biotechnology, an engagement with them took place in the form of a seminar and advisory committee meetings were established to explain the new Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework (HEQSF), which introduces the concept of the Advanced Diploma to replace outgoing Bachelor of Technology (B. Tech) qualifications. The requirements of industry for graduates with more specialised practical training, as well as specialisation in certain areas such as quality management were incorporated into the Advanced Diploma curriculum. Industry stakeholders also advised that names of qualifications and subjects should retain aspects that are familiar to industry as much as possible. This was adhered to.

As a scarce skill, many emergent areas of science are serviced by biotechnologists. One such areas is Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (including Biomedical Engineering), population genetics, the study of migratory patterns, gene and paternity testing, forensics, genetic fingerprinting, gene therapy, pharmacogenomics, chemical, vaccine and medicine development, pathogen (disease) identification, and biological and chemical warfare protection. A second area is that of Food and Agriculture, including genetic modification of feed and food, development of bio-pesticides and nutraceuticals, and bioprocessing chamber design. A third area is that of Energy and the Environment, including environmental studies, toxic waste clean-up, and the creation of new energy sources via engineering and life science research. Being such a diverse field, employment opportunities for technicians, technologists and production operatives with an Advanced Diploma in Biotechnology exist in all of the above listed areas and allied industries.

This qualification shows some specialisation towards industrial microbiology or plant/animal agricultural biotechnology through their choice of electives, and will also be trained in entrepreneurship, project management and quality control. The graduates can therefore function as important links between production and management. As an Advanced Diploma, the qualification is pitched at Level 7, which is at the same level as a Bachelor's Degree. It therefore enables Diploma graduates to further specialise in Biotechnology through articulation into possible related Postgraduate qualifications, or diversify their knowledge and skills by articulating into Postgraduate qualifications in unrelated fields, such as management. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The nature of the Advanced Diploma in Biotechnology necessitates applicants to be proficient in the basic theory and skills learned during the Diploma in Biotechnology. As a field, Biotechnology draws on the knowledge of a number of disciplines, such as Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology and aspects of Engineering. This multidisciplinary approach of Biotechnology professional practice implies that, learners who have Level 6 qualification in any one of the incorporated disciplines may still be deficient in the broad theoretical base that is a prerequisite for the qualification.

The purpose of the Advanced Diploma is to enhance the theoretical framework upon which Biotechnology is practiced, drawing on the concepts and outcomes gleaned from the Diploma in Biotechnology, and further develop the technical skills required to function as a professional Biotechnologist, either in industry or in the research environment.

Nevertheless, as per the institution's RPL strategy, candidates who feel that they meet the necessary theoretical requirements, as prescribed in the outcomes of the Diploma in Biotechnology will be considered and assessed by a review/selection panel from the Department of Biotechnology.

Entry Requirements:
  • Diploma in Biotechnology, Level 6.
    Or
  • Diploma in a related field, Level 6. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules at Level 7 totalling 120 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules: 90 Credits:
  • Integrated Biotechnology Practice, 30 Credits.
  • Molecular Biology, 15 Credits.
  • Bio-safety and Bio-regulation, 15 Credits.
  • Bio-Entrepreneurship, 7.5 Credits.
  • Bio-Ethics and Intellectual Property Rights, 7.5 Credits.
  • Biotechnology Operations and Quality Management, 7.5 Credits.
  • Biotechnology Project Management, 7.5 Credits.

    Elective Modules: 30 Credits (Choose two modules):
  • Bioinformatics, 15 Credits.
  • Plant and Animal Biotechnology, 15 Credits.
  • Environmental Biotechnology, 15 Credits.
  • Industrial Microbiology, 15 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate knowledge of various theoretical aspects of relevant fields in biotechnology, such as Industrial, Environmental, Plant and Animal Biotechnology.
    2. Demonstrate a deep understanding of microbial metabolism, biochemistry, methods and techniques in molecular biology, animal, plant and microbial cell culture, both in theory and as these relate to environmental and industrial biotechnological practices, in a context-specific manner and optimise current practices.
    3. Demonstrate an appreciation for ethical practices with regard to biotechnology, as they relate to legislation, intellectual property rights (IPR) and accountability.
    4. Demonstrate an ability to plan and conduct a biotechnology research project, and communicate findings in both an oral and written format, taking cognisance of research ethics, accountability, standard operating procedures, data collection, time management, team work, proposal and report writing, statistically-sound data processing and interpretation, and scientific decorum.
    5. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of various industrially and research-applicable equipment, the ability to troubleshoot, and the ability to apply these practices in various contexts.
    6. Research, plan and operate a biotechnology-related business, draw and interpret budget requirements, understand legal constraints, labour legislation and IPR, with a potential to become entrepreneurs and/or widen access to senior managerial posts in the bio-economy.
    7. Demonstrate an awareness of social responsibility, good environmental practices, community engagement, life-long learning and effective, productive citizenship. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Demonstrate a deep understanding of concepts and applications of environmental, industrial, plant and animal biotechnology, such as wastewater treatment, waste disposal, biodegradation, biosorption, molecular diagnostics, factors that determine the growth and maintenance of animal, plant and microbial cells.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of various biological systems, such as cellular biology, environmental biology, microbiology, etc.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Predict, grow, maintain, and manipulate the conditions for plant, animal and microbial cell culture, using a range of laboratory equipment for both research and industrial applications.
  • Demonstrate the ability to conduct various biotechnological procedures in a range of contexts.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Demonstrate an appreciation and knowledge of legislation surrounding general scientific and specifically biotechnological practices.
  • Interpret legislation, business and management practices, budget construction, IPR and accountability.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Plan, conduct, and report on a particular biotechnology-related research exercise.
  • Understand scientific practical parameters, from data collection, statistical processing, data interpretation, sourcing relevant literature, proposal writing, time management (with respect to deadlines), and effective scientifically-acceptable communication, in both the written and oral forms.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Effectively operate a range of instruments, troubleshoot, select the correct instrument for a given application and context.
  • Conduct a research project, with all the associated parameters, using the range of apparatus and instruments available.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Plan and operate a biotechnology-related business.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of IPR, budget construction, legal considerations of biotechnology businesses and labour legislations.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Display knowledge and appreciation of research ethics, environmental sustainability, waste management, bioethical principles, community engagement and cognitive conditioning.
  • Understand environmental impacts of biotechnological practices, intellectual property rights, scientific decorum and research ethics.
  • Demonstrate awareness of societal responsibilities and act in an accountable and fair manner, make decisions for the greater good, and display qualities of good citizenship.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Being a year-long qualification, the Advanced Diploma in Biotechnology comprises both core (7 modules) and elective (4 modules) offerings. In designing the various assessment criteria for the qualification, the rationale for effective assessment practices was adhered to. Assessments seek to promote equity and confidence in the classroom, prioritise appropriate individual, social and economic transformation goals, enhance key competencies and attributes in graduates, solidify disciplinary knowledge, improve the quality of teaching, and encourage throughput and quality within a qualification. The assessment strategies also reflect the institutional requirements, depending on the module, with respect to class marks, feedback, disciplinary and appeals procedures, duly performance, condoned passes, etc.

    Integrated assessment for the Advanced Diploma in Biotechnology incorporates a variety of formative and assessment methods, such as formal tests and examinations, problem solving assignments, case studies to demonstrate bioethics, oral presentations, portfolios of evidence, research projects, and assessments of practical, technical and methodological competence, both in the laboratory environment and in the field and/or industry.

    Integrated assessment therefore aims to assess the following graduate attributes, in order for the Diploma to be awarded:
  • The extent to which learners have grasped theoretical concepts and practical experience, which is context-specific, for good biotechnological practice; evaluate the extent to which learners demonstrate societal responsibility towards better citizenship and role models in communities; the extent to which the intended learning outcomes of each of the compulsory and elective modules have been met.

    Formative assessment: Tutorials, practical reports, oral presentations, research proposals and research reports.

    Summative assessment: Written tests, research reports, oral presentations, final examinations, business plans. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Advanced Diploma offering is novel in South Africa. Hence, in order to compare this qualification with local and international qualifications, the commensurate NQF level was considered. The present being an Level 7 qualification, comparison considered Exit Level Outcomes and module contents of similar qualifications, where learners can articulate hence into a Postgraduate Diploma and/or Honours qualification at South African institutions.

    Internationally, the Advanced Diploma is similar to the Associate Degrees on offer in the United States and Canada. As such, the comparability exercise was conducted with a view to align the Advanced Diploma in Biotechnology with the Associate Degree in Biotechnology, or the Advanced Diploma in Biotechnology e.g. from Ontario College, Canada. The modules at most of the institutions that offer the Associate or Advanced Diploma in Biotechnology, cover the same range of topics present in this qualification, such as Industrial Biotechnology, Biotechnology Business Development, Intellectual Property Rights, various modules in biotechnological practical methods, and Bioethics, Biosafety and Bioregulation. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification offers articulation possibilities with the following qualifications:

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Advanced Diploma in Biomedical, Level 7.
  • Advanced Diploma in Microbiology, Level 7.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma Level 8 in Project Management, Entrepreneurship, or a similar Quality and/or Management qualification, 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. Cape Peninsula 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.