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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Applied Sciences Honours in Biotechnology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
112977  Bachelor of Applied Sciences Honours in Biotechnology 
ORIGINATOR
Durban 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
Honours Degree  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 08  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2019-11-22  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 does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The Bachelor of Applied Sciences Honours in Biotechnology builds upon the learners:
  • Existing theoretical knowledge base,
  • Deepens the understanding of the field of biotechnology,
  • Enhances the application of theoretical principles towards contextualised situations, and
  • Allows for the learners to engage in research-based postgraduate study.
    The qualification involves specialisation in Biotechnology modules and a research project. The primary purpose of the Bachelor of Applied Science Honours in Biotechnology is to enable an applied speciality within the Biotechnology field of study. The qualification serves to consolidate and deepen the learner's engagement and application of theoretical knowledge. The development of the learners' intellectual independence is through reflection and systematic survey of current thinking, practice and research.

    Research Project 1 and 2 modules in the qualification promotes the development of new and innovative biotechnology products for industrial applications.

    Rationale:
    Regionally the Biotechnology industry is vast and steadily growing and provides employment in various sectors, namely, Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), FEMTECH, Unilever, Kerry Ingredients, Illovo Sugar, NCP, South African Breweries, South African Bureau of Standards (SABS); Clover, Pakco, Tiger Brands, Brandhouse-Diageo, Nestle and South African Sugar Research Institute (SASRI) to mention a few.

    The curriculum design takes cognisance of the current trends in the field of biotechnology. The need for learners with a high level of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence within the discipline was recognised and taken into consideration when developing the new curriculum. The research fields within the department are what drives growth. Therefore, the need for new drugs, novel enzymes and healthier foods has promoted research and development in the biotechnology industry. The qualification consolidates and deepens the learner's' expertise within the field of Biotechnology as well as the development of research capacity within the area. A Biotechnologist can work in industries requiring applied chemistry, microbiology, engineering and other sciences related to production, processing, preservation, quality assurance and distribution of biological and food products. Learners of this qualification may also find employment at beverage, dairy, meat, fruit and vegetable, cereal and packaging industries and government agencies. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The structure of this qualification makes the Recognition of Prior Learning possible and applicable to all learners to the Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology. The learner may achieve the Bachelor of Applied Sciences Honours in Biotechnology in part through the Recognition of Prior Learning, which includes formal learning and work experience. If the prospective learner can demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes implicit in this qualification, the learner may earn the appropriate credits or access.

    The Department's RPL process is aligned to the University's Recognition of Prior Learning Policy and will include representation from the industry when reviewing RPL applications. The purpose of the policy is to:
  • Provide a framework for the implementation of Recognition of Prior Learning procedures within the institution.
  • Facilitate access and admission to qualifications within education and training and career paths.
  • Accelerate the redress of past unfair discrimination in education, training and employment opportunities.
  • Promote and facilitate lifelong learning.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Applied Science, NQF, Level 7.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Science, NQF, Level 7. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, 120 Credits:
  • Analytical Techniques 1, 16 Credits.
  • Scientific Methodology 1, 16 Credits.
  • Applied Industrial Biotechnology 1, 16 Credits.
  • Advances in Environmental Biotechnology 1, 16 Credits.
  • Molecular Biology and Bioengineering 1, 16 Credits.
  • Biotechnology Research Project 1, 8 Credits.
  • Biotechnology Research Project 2, 32 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Develop, construct and manage a research project within the field of Biotechnology.
    2. Critically and independently reflect and analyse project results.
    3. Apply and evaluate the theoretical principles of the various branches of Biotechnology, viz., Biochemistry, Chemistry Bacteriology, Molecular Biology, Environmental Biotechnology and Industrial Biotechnology.
    4. Communicate a convincing and reasoned scientific argument at the level and style appropriate to the audience and to report scientific findings in an oral and substantial written report.
    5. Effectively operate and interpret data from analytical instrumentation.
    6. Engage in ethical awareness, professional practice and the awareness of the relationship that exists between Biotechnology and Society. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Identifying the problem, selecting the research methodology, conducting literature review and structure.
  • Conduct research ethically following established research methodology practice.
  • Present the findings and conclusions in oral and written formats following established research practice.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Formulate, analyse and solve foundational and abstract problems, in familiar and unfamiliar contexts critically.
  • Apply the knowledge of theory to particular project contexts.
  • Integrate knowledge, e.g. from various disciplines or modes of enquiry, in solving scientific problems encountered in the project.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Identify, describe and explain the core concepts and principles of the discipline.
  • Evaluate the relationships between the core concepts and principles.
  • Identify the range and limits of applicability of the core concepts and principles.
  • Apply the core concepts and principles to standard problems.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Use scientific language correctly to produce clear and coherent written documents, which follow appropriate scientific conventions.
  • Present and communicate scientific information verbally in front of others.
  • Use appropriate referencing conventions, avoid plagiarism and respect intellectual property.
  • Use non-verbal forms of representation correctly and appropriately.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Plan and conduct investigations and experiments.
  • Select and use appropriate equipment software.
  • Analyse, interpret and derive information from data and draws appropriate conclusions based on evidence.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Identify scientific knowledge that is relevant to current societal issues.
  • Make ethically and culturally sensitive decisions on the effects of scientifically based activities on society.
  • Identify the socio-economic impact of scientific interventions in society.
  • Apply scientific knowledge for the direct benefit of others, e.g. schools or in social development projects (community development).

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated assessments combine many different elements and require learners to bring together different sets of outcomes of learning into a demonstration of applied competence. Integrated assessment will be emphasised in the qualification because it links the notion of applied competence, which is a central concern of the NQF. Achievement of applied competence is by combining practical, foundational and reflective competence. Integrated assessments will:
  • Assess several outcomes together using written tests, case study reports or assignments.
  • Assess several assessment criteria together using written tests, case study reports or assignments.
  • Use various assessment methods and instruments to achieve an outcome/s.
  • Acquire evidence from sources such as supervisor's reports, testimonials, portfolios, logbooks and journals.

    Assessment practices will be open, transparent, fair, valid, and reliable. Thus, there will be an integration of assessments in the qualification.

    The institution will assess learners on an ongoing basis using appropriate methods. Assessments will take the form of, but not limited to, either portfolios, journals, assignments, case studies, presentations and written class tests. An assessment plan is in each Study Guide. The assessment plan includes a schedule of assessments for the year. It also includes assessment criteria, assessment methods, weighting and timing of assessment.

    The term `Integrated Assessment` implies that there will be an assessment of both the theoretical and practical components together. During integrated assessments, the assessor will make use of a range of formative and summative assessment tools methods and assess combinations of practical, applied, foundational and reflective competencies. Continuous assessment is through:
  • Portfolios.
  • Simulations.
  • Workplace assessments and practical workbooks.
  • Written assignments.
  • Written tests.
  • Case studies and case presentations.
  • Peer group evaluation.
  • Competency evaluations of clinical skills.
  • Face to face contact with students. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The development of the Bachelor of Applied Sciences (Honours) in Biotechnology used the best practices of the United Kingdom, Australia and Malaysia qualifications.

    The following is a list of international qualifications referenced when developing the qualification in Biotechnology:
  • Imperial College London - BSc - Biotechnology with Management (4-year Degree programme).
  • Murdoch University (Australia) - BSc (Hons) Biotechnology.
  • UCSI University (Malaysia) - BSc (Hons) Biotechnology.

    This qualification was developed using a progression from basic sciences in the Bachelor of Applied Science to the advanced research and project work carried out in the Honours qualification. Imperial College (London) and UCSI University (Malaysia) shows a similar progression in the Biotechnology Honours qualification. These qualifications have incorporated a major project in the academic year along with course work which is similar to this qualification. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
    Postgraduate Diploma in Biotechnology, NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
    Master of Applied Sciences in Biotechnology, NQF Level 9. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS 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. Durban 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.