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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Advanced Diploma in Biotechnology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
103102  Advanced Diploma in Biotechnology 
ORIGINATOR
Vaal University of Technology 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   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  2018-07-26  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
72663  Bachelor of Technology: Biotechnology  Level 7  Level N/A: Pre-2009 was L7  480  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
After completing this qualification the students will have a broader knowledge of the Biotechnology environment. The students will have the ability to apply a range of techniques used in the Biotechnology context and be able to apply critical and innovative thinking skills to the Biotechnology industry.

The students will gain an in depth knowledge of good manufacturing practice and standardisation in the manufacturing process and be able to write validation and technical reports. They will also contribute to the development and management of Biotechnology related business, at a community and industrial level. The students will exhibit a fundamental knowledge of research methodology.

Rationale:
The Advanced Diploma in Biotechnology is a qualification with minimum 120 credits which will be offered on the Level 7. The Bachelor of Technology (BTech) qualification is to be phased out and substituted with the Advanced Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma in Biotechnology. The reason for this is to adhere to the Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework (HEQSF) implemented by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET).

The qualification provides further knowledge in Biotechnology, which then offers horizontal and vertical articulation possibilities. The content of the qualification also improves employability, as some modules increase skills required by industry. Such modules were not included in the BTech qualification. An example of such a module is Laboratory Management and Compliance.

Students completing this qualification will have an advantage over other students in the discipline of Biotechnology. They will have practical laboratory experience gained through the 'Biotechniques' module. The Research Methodology module will expose the student in writing research proposals and reports. This prepares the students for further study, for example, a Level 8 qualification which contains a research component.

The skills acquired through the qualification are unique and sought after in industry. For this reason, it is envisaged that student numbers will increase in comparison with the current BTech qualification. The students are required to achieve a minimum of sixty percent in their core modules (major modules) of the final year of undergraduate studies. This qualification adheres to industry requirements in a specific niche area. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Presuming prior accredited learning has taken place RPL will be implemented as follows:
  • Candidate applies for RPL against module, or part/full qualification at the relevant department (Head of Department-HOD).
  • An exemption form is completed for the RPL of modules or part/full qualification.
  • Credits are awarded for relevant, approved prior learning (RPL).
  • Only then may the prospective candidate will continue with full registration.

    Presuming no prior accredited learning has taken place RPL will be implemented as follows:
  • Candidate applies for RPL against module, or part/full qualification at the relevant department (Head of Department-HOD).
  • RPL Officer is appointed from within subject heads (Subject experts) within the department.
  • The Subject Expert meets with the candidate to conduct pre-screening (evaluation) to ascertain viability of application based on programme requirements (exit level outcomes and assessment criteria).
  • Candidate prepares evidence of work (portfolio of evidence) and/or any other relevant proof of evidence (practical work, assignments and or assessments). The evidence needs to be submitted to the RPL officer for RPL evaluation process.
  • The candidate then completes a RPL form and submits it to RPL officer.
  • An assessor from within the department is then appointed.
  • Evidence submitted by the candidate is assessed by the assessor. However, additional evidence may be requested.
  • A moderator from the department's advisory board and from within the candidate's industry is appointed.
  • The moderator moderates the candidate's evidence.
  • The moderator reports on the assessor's judgment.
  • RPL outcome is presented to faculty board by RPL officer.
  • If the credit is not awarded, an appeals application to independently appointed moderator or Registrar can be done. The process of moderation will then resume.
  • If the RPL is awarded, an exemption form is completed and the candidate may continue with full registration.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • An appropriate Diploma with at least 360 Credits, Level 7.
    Or
  • A Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualification comprises compulsory modules at Level 7 totalling 120 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules Level 7, 120 Credits:
  • Biotechniques, 30 Credits.
  • Research Methodology, 15 Credits.
  • Molecular Biology, 15 Credits.
  • Green Biotechnology, 15 Credits.
  • Laboratory Management and Compliance, 15 Credits.
  • Advanced Microbial Biochemistry, 15 Credits.
  • White Biotechnology, 15 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate knowledge, understanding and the application of laboratory techniques, equipment and protocols.
    2. Analyse and report scientific data in an oral and visual format.
    3. Apply critical and innovative thinking skills to the Biotechnology industry.
    4. Gain an in depth knowledge of good manufacturing practice and standardisation in the manufacturing process
    5. Contribute to the development and management of Biotechnology related business, at a community and industrial level.
    6. Exhibit a fundamental knowledge of research methodology. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Apply knowledge of the various areas of biotechnology covered in this qualification to industry and laboratory situations to improve processes.
  • Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of the various areas of biotechnology covered in the qualification.
  • Apply regulations pertaining to laboratory safety.
  • Safely and correct usage of laboratory equipment.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Interpret and analyses the results from experimental procedures correctly, using statistics and computer applications where necessary.
  • Present findings in an oral format.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Report experimental results in a scientific format.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Apply and use various techniques and applications in performing "mini-projects".

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Explain and apply principles of laboratory management and knowledge of the relevant legislation.
  • Develop business ideas to bring biotechnology to the community.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Identify, define and detail research problems in a research proposal.
  • Access relevant literature.
  • Use information sources correctly and appropriately.
  • Investigate techniques for optimising existing biotechnological processes to generate income.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Each module, while addressing different content requirements, which contributes to the purpose of the qualification, will progressively contribute to achieving one or more of the Exit Level Outcomes. The Exit Level Outcomes relevant to each module will be identified in the learner guide for that module.

    Formative and Summative Assessment:
  • Assessments, both formative and summative, while intending to assess content knowledge pertinent to the purpose of the module, will be formulated within the context of the stipulated outcomes for that particular module.
  • This means that assessments will be structured to comply with evaluating the defined exit level outcomes for that particular module.

    The module Biotechniques runs for the year. Students will perform mini-projects. Assessment will be carried out continuously. Each of these mini-projects will require the use of new techniques and new equipment. Reports and oral presentations will form part of the assessment strategy. Tests and assignments will be included. All other modules run for one semester. Assessment will involve three tests during the semester. Additional assessments, including assignments and presentations, can be included. All modules will be examined at the end of the semester in which the module was offered. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    A number of foreign institutions offer the Advance Diploma in Biotechnology. However, there are significant differences in the structure of their qualifications. The two Canadian Colleges below offer the qualifications in Biotechnology.

    Loyalist College (Canada):
    This college offers a two year Diploma in Biotechnology, and a three year Advanced Diploma in Biotechnology. The first two years of the qualification are a broad overview of many areas of biology and biotechnology. The third year (which is necessary for the Advanced Diploma) consists of analysis. Subjects such as microbiology and genetics are offered at a more advanced level. However, the Canadian qualification places less emphasis on biochemistry and certain aspects of applied biotechnology, e.g. environmental biotechnology.

    A very important distinction between the qualifications offered by Loyalist College and the South African University of Technology qualification has to do with Work Integrated Learning (WIL). The Canadian qualification includes a one-week placement with a biotechnology company for their Diploma and another week during their third year. Thus, Canadians students will have to complete two weeks of work integrated learning upon completion of their Advanced Diploma in Biotechnology. The qualification is geared towards training technicians or technologists, rather than researchers.

    Algonquin College (Canada):
    This college offers a three year Advanced Diploma in Biotechnology, Their qualification is more intensive that the Loyalist College qualification, and is more diverse. More emphasis is placed on research design and business side of biotechnology. Biostatistics and data management is also included. Although there is no formal work integrated learning component, students have the option to do Cooperative Education work term (4 months in total). They are responsible for finding and applying for the job themselves.

    The Advanced Diploma in Biotechnology applied for here does not contain any work integrated learning component (students will have already completed 12 months of work integrated learning during their Diploma). There is intense focus applied biotechnology (green and white biotechnology). Researchers Methodology is offered as a preparation for the research project that is required in the Postgraduate Diploma in Biotechnology (applied for separately). 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows for vertical and horizontal articulation opportunities.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • A related Bachelor's Degree Level 7.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • A related Honours Degree Level 8.
    Or
  • A Postgraduate Diploma in Biotechnology 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.
     
    NONE 


    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.