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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Postgraduate Diploma in Biotechnology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
119486  Postgraduate Diploma in Biotechnology 
ORIGINATOR
Cape Peninsula University of Technology 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Postgraduate 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 08  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0333/25  2025-07-10  2028-07-10 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2029-07-10   2032-07-10  

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 purpose of the Postgraduate Diploma in Biotechnology is to enable working professionals in biotechnology and in allied disciplines to systematically undertake advanced reflection and development of contemporary thinking, practice, and research in biotechnology, and to deepen their understanding of the relevant theories, contexts, and skills upon which a sustainable, ethical, and socially responsible bioeconomy depends.

The qualification also carries with it a valuable research focus. Such research skills are currently scarce in South Africa and are required to identify the needs of the community, conceptualise research projects to address these needs, identify appropriate theories on which to build the research, plan and professionally carry out biotechnological research, be cognizant of and demonstrate competence in bioethics and biosafety, and finally communicate findings in an ethical and professional manner, onto which further scientific research may be built. This is crucial to keep abreast with the rapidly advancing and dynamic field of Biotechnology, in the greater global bioeconomy.

Candidates who may already be working in industry, but who wish to advance their qualifications, were also considered. Hence, the qualification will also be offered on a part-time basis, over two years. Whilst full-time learners will be expected to complete the six subjects to make up 120 credits over a one-year period, part-time learners need only take three subjects per year, affording working professionals the opportunity to manage their work and studies, through a blended teaching and learning approach.
Some of the envisaged learners attributes are an intellectual ability grounded in both discipline and general biotechnology knowledge; development of critical thinking; technical knowledge that is both practice and contextually appropriate; an ability to manage time and work in a team; an appreciation of ethics (professional and biology-related) and accountability in general and specifically in the practice of biotechnology; and community engagement towards societal good and effective citizenship.
Learners, equipped with state of the art in knowledge and interdisciplinary skills will be in high demand across the various industries of the bioeconomy, with roles that include new product development, process improvement technologists, research scientists, entrepreneurs, sustainability managers, innovation managers, marketing and communication, policy, intellectual property practitioners and funding applicants and reviewers, to name a few. Significant recent advances in the field of Biotechnology, specifically in genomics, medicine, pharmaceuticals, and green technologies have attracted the interest of diverse industries, all seeking to understand the technology to derive its benefits and advance the field in a responsible, sustainable, and ethical manner. As a result, technology has become democratised, and given its power and potential, this has not come without challenges. It has therefore become imperative that inter-disciplinary collaboration takes place, both nationally and internationally. The qualification aims to bring together working professionals, who already possess an undergraduate qualification either in biotechnology or in any industry that has an interest in biotechnology, to engage in the knowledge of this rapidly-advancing field, to deeply understand the technology, its applications and its implications, so that we build capacity to safely adopt, adapt, and further develop this field for the benefit of the diverse people and environments of South Africa and Africa.

Upon completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Demonstrate an ability to conceive, plan, conduct and manage a biotechnology-related research proposal, data, and project.
  • Communicate findings in both written and oral formats, taking cognizance of research ethics, accountability, standard operating procedures, data collection, time management, teamwork, proposal, report writing, statistically-sound data processing, interpretation, and academic decorum.
  • Critically evaluate ethical, safety and quality regarding biotechnological practices. The consequences of such practices should also be interrogated, and the principles of legislation for the present and forecasted developments in the field of biotechnology understood in those contexts.
  • Demonstrate an awareness of social and ethical responsibilities of postgraduate members of society, good environmental and scientific practices, community engagement, life-long learning, and effective, productive citizenship. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy which is applicable to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications. RPL may be applied for access, credits from modules and credits for or towards the qualification.

    RPL for access:
  • Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.
  • To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations should they be allowed entrance into the qualification.

    RPL for exemption of modules:
  • Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from modules that form part of the qualification. For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

    RPL for credit:
  • Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.
  • Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted.

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

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

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

    Compulsory Modules, Level 8,104 Credits:
  • Sectors of the Bioeconomy, 24 Credits.
  • Biotechnology for sustainability, 24 Credits.
  • Research methods and project, 24 Credits.
  • Quality control, bioethics, and legislation, 16 Credits.
  • Biotechnology and data, 16 Credits.

    Elective Modules, Level 8, 16 Credits (Select one module from the following options):
  • Current trends in molecular biology, 16 Credits.
  • Biotechnology management, 16 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate a deep theoretical and practical knowledge of the inter-connectedness of Biotechnology with various sectors and stakeholders in the industry.
    2. Critically engage with recent developments in Biotechnology, such as in the agricultural, pharmaceutical, food, data, etc. sectors, in a context-specific manner. This understanding must also demonstrate knowledge of their roles in the Bioeconomy, implications for sustainability, and forecasts of future developments in Biotechnology.
    3. Demonstrate an ability to conceive, plan, conduct and manage a Biotechnology-related research proposal, data, and project.
    4. Communicate findings in both written and oral formats, taking cognizance of research ethics, accountability, standard operating procedures, data collection, time management, teamwork, proposal, and report writing, statistically-sound data processing, interpretation, and academic decorum.
    5. Critically evaluate ethical, safety and quality regarding Biotechnological practices. The consequences of such practices should also be interrogated, and the principles of legislation for the present and forecasted developments in the field of Biotechnology understood in those contexts.
    6. Demonstrate an awareness of social and ethical responsibilities of postgraduate members of society, good environmental and scientific practices, community engagement, life-long learning, and effective, productive citizenship. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Examine the inter-disciplinary nature of the Biotechnology industry and the drivers of the Bioeconomy.
  • Identify needs for the advancement of the Bioeconomy, and the stakeholders that are instrumental in various contexts to meet those needs.
  • Apply, deeply and engage with key theories upon which the field of Biotechnology is built.
  • Deepen knowledge of current and future trends in selected areas of Biotechnology.
  • Discuss the developments in other industries influence and advances in technology adoption in Biotechnology.
  • Critically engage with theory and practice to describe what sustainability, climate change, and resource management means in a Biotechnology context.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Deepen knowledge of the various sectors that constitute the field of 'Biotechnology'.
  • Assess the impacts of pharmaceutical, environmental, food, agricultural, and other Biotechnology sectors.
  • Analyse the role of data, in all its forms, in the description and advancement of Biotechnology.
  • Predict about the influences of automation and artificial intelligence on the future of Biotechnology.
  • Identify the factors that determine the success of a Biotechnology business, within the broader context of industry and role players.
  • Critically evaluate the merits of a Biotechnology operation in the industry.
  • Manage a Biotechnology operation or endeavour, from deep engagement with funding applications to various aspects of a Biotechnology project, developing goals and timelines of delivery, and identify relevant industry partners in the value chain.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Analyse the nature of research relevant to Biotechnology and related fields of professional practice
  • Locate, evaluate, and select information from a range of current, relevant sources to contextualize the research question and compile a brief literature perspective of its background.
  • Evaluate guidance from a supervisor, identify an authentic, practice-based research problem in Biotechnology or in an associated field that informs Biotechnology practice, management and/or governance.
  • Evaluate guidance from a supervisor, generate research question(s), aims and objectives for the research project based on criteria and guidelines relevant to the field of study.
  • Propose appropriate research methods and techniques to guide the investigation and to collect appropriate data.
  • Draw selectively and critically on the published work of various scholars and professional practitioners in specialization, demonstrating an ability to analyse complex and/or abstract ideas and apply them creatively to the research question.
  • Use and defend the appropriateness of selected data collection and analysis methods and techniques for investigating the complexities of the research question.
  • Integrate results from different data collection methods, or from different data sets, to provide a coherent, synthesized, and complete representation of the data.
  • Collect research data and discuss the role of big data in the future of Biotechnology and the Bioeconomy.
  • Become proficient in the essentials of business management, as it relates to the Biotechnology industry.
  • Develop and apply sustainable business strategies, resource management and allocation.
  • Explain the essentials of project management, product development entrepreneurship, marketing, finance, and funding for a Biotechnology business.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Present the research findings and conclusions, in verbal, written and/or visual form to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.
  • Develop coherent, arguments, based on research data and results, and with reference to key ideas in the literature perspectives presented to support conclusions in the research report.
  • Use Harvard referencing techniques according to institutional guidelines for both in-text and bibliographic referencing.
  • Apply institutional policies and requirements in terms of ethical considerations and plagiarism.
  • Manage time effectively by meeting submission deadlines.
  • Adhere to the academic writing style of the discipline.
  • Develop oral communication skills by preparing and presenting results to an audience of industry and academic peers.
  • Apply cognizant of ethical, professional, and accountable practices in conducting research and in communication thereof.
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Identify and apply bioethics and the principles that delineate ethical scientific conduct.
  • Understand the philosophy behind legislation.
  • Discuss the implications of Biotechnology research and practice, malpractice, wider consequences, and legislative enforcement.
  • Develop guidelines for emerging technologies using principles of ethics in general and bioethics and biosafety.
  • Scrutinise developments in Biotechnology, with a view to projecting future trends and appreciating the ethical implications of those trends in a broad context.
  • Develop a framework for risk assessments, corporate responsibility, and responsible and ethical management practices in the Biotechnology sector.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Identify societal needs and identify the sectors of Biotechnology that can address those needs.
  • Explain the importance of working with communities - local, national, or international - to tackle specific needs in the context of Biotechnology or an associated discipline.
  • Develop an appreciation of the importance of ensuring that the needs of communities (people and environment) are met in an ethical and professional manner.
  • Cultivate an ethos of deep, lifelong learning by developing inquiry, responsibility, and ownership of knowledge.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The institutional assessment policy and practices promote constructive alignment of the learning outcomes, student-centred learning activities and assessment tasks. Assessment practices will be fair, reliable, and valid. Assessment is aligned with academic disciplinary and professional field norms and standards.

    In designing the various assessment criteria for the qualification, the rationale for effective assessment practices was adhered to, in line with the intended learning outcomes for each subject and for the qualification. Assessments seek to promote equity and confidence in the classroom, prioritise appropriate individual, social and economic transformation goals, enhance key competencies and attributes in qualifying learners, solidify disciplinary knowledge, improve the quality of teaching, encourage throughput and quality within a qualification, and prepare qualifying learners for higher-level employment in industry, or for further research careers. 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.

    Formative Assessment:
    Integrated assessment for the qualification incorporates a variety of assessment methods, such as:
  • Formal tests.
  • Problem solving assignments.
  • Case studies to demonstrate bioethics and biosafety.
  • Oral presentations.
  • Portfolios of evidence.
  • Mini research projects.

    Summative Assessment:
    Integrated assessment therefore seeks to holistically develop the learners personal and professional being in the field of study. It aims to assess the following qualifying learner's attributes for the qualification to be awarded. Summative assessment will involve assessment opportunities that take place at the end of a learning experience. Information will be gathered about a student's level of competence upon completion of a unit, module, or programme. Results may be expressed in marks in terms of the level of competence achieved, about level descriptors, specific outcomes, and assessment standards. This type of assessment is used for promotional purposes and does take the form of, but not limited to:
  • Examinations (theoretical).
  • Portfolios.
  • Presentations.
  • Tests.
  • Research Report. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification has been compared with similar qualifications offered by the following countries:

    Country: United Kingdom
    Institution: De Montford University
    Qualification: Postgraduate Diploma in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology.
    Credits: 165 Unit Credits.

    Purpose/Rationale:
    Pharmaceutical Biotechnology is a rapidly expanding field focusing on the development and production of biopharmaceuticals that could lead to cures for many major diseases. Globally, pharmaceutical biotechnology courses are rare, and no other course offers such a broad scope where, as well as theory, learners will be able to develop their skills with a key focus on practical content, studying pre-clinical studies, clinic and marketing that will help prepare them for a diverse career in either industry or academia.
    Study an interdisciplinary subject based on the teaching and research expertise of our experienced practitioner and research-based staff. The research is driven by societal strategic priorities and fully aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Areas of expertise include Pharmaceutical Technologies and Nanomedicine, Pharmacology and Neuroscience and Infectious Disease research.
    Benefit from major investment in state-of-the-art laboratories and specialist equipment to match that used in the best industrial laboratories. This includes FACS analysis, confocal microscope, electron microscope, mass spectrometer, fermentation units and tissue culture suites.

    Qualification structure:
    The qualification consists of the following compulsory modules.

    Compulsory Modules, 165 Credits.
  • Biopharmaceuticals and Molecular Toxicology, 15 credits.
  • Microbial Fermentation or Downstream Processing, Drug Development, 15 credits.
  • Gene Cloning, Expression and Analysis, 30 credits.
  • Bioinformatics I and II, 15 credits.
  • Business Creation and Innovation,15 credits.
  • Research Methods, 15 credits.
  • Research Dissertation, 60 credits.

    Assessment:
    The SA qualification offers assessments such as:
  • Formal tests.
  • Problem-solving assignments.
  • Case studies to demonstrate bioethics and biosafety.
  • Oral presentations.

    Teaching and assessment:
    Learners will be expected to participate in an extensive programme of learning that will require full commitment and focus throughout the study.

    The learning environment for the first two semesters will be varied with lectures, tutorials, laboratories, and computer laboratories. Learners can expect to spend about half of their directed study time working at the bench in r research laboratories. In the third semester, the learning venue will depend on the dissertation topic and will be aimed at guided self-study.

    Similarities:
  • Both the De Montford University (DMU) and SA the South African (SA) qualifications are offered over a period of one-years full time.
  • The DMU and SA qualifications have been designed to give learners a competitive advantage in gaining employment in any biopharmaceutical field in the world. This includes large global biopharmaceutical companies, small-to-medium biotechnology companies, academic institutions or research institutions allied to human health.
  • Both qualifications consist of the research project.

    Differences:
  • The DMU qualification carries 165-unit credits whereas the SA qualification has 120 credits.
  • The DMU qualification differs from the SA qualification in modules, the SA qualification offers both compulsory and elective modules, while the DMU qualification offer compulsory modules only.
  • The DMU qualification does not have a specific way of conducting the assessments while the SA qualification comprises both formative and summative assessments.
  • The SA qualification allows learners who completed bachelor's Degrees in the related field of Biotechnology, while the DMU qualification allows learners who completed an honours degree with 2:2 minimum in a relevant subject such as in bioscience or science including pharmacy, biology, biochemistry, biotechnology, chemical engineering, chemistry, microbiology, or molecular biology (or equivalent).
    Alternatively, a portfolio of professional and/or academic qualifications of equivalent standing to an honour's degree.
    The DMU qualification, has English language requirements:
    If English is not the first language an IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent when applicants start the course is essential. English language tuition, delivered by our British Council accredited Centre for English Language Learning (CELL), is available both before and during the course.

    Country: Australia
    Institution: University of Queensland
    Qualification Title: Graduate Diploma in Biotechnology
    NQF Level: AQF Level 8
    Duration: One Year full-time

    Entry requirements:
    To be eligible for entry, applicants need:
  • Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in any discipline,
    or
  • Graduate certificate (or equivalent) in biotechnology.
    Applicants must have a grade point average (GPA) of 4.5 on a 7-point scale in the previous qualification.

    Purpose:
    The University of Queensland (UQ) is designed for scientists who want to update their technical skills in core areas such as molecular biology, protein technology or bioinformatics, or acquire research laboratory experience. Biotechnology graduates are highly sought after for roles in health, agriculture, diagnostics, the environment, forestry, law, and commerce

    This qualification aims to:
  • Enable learners to study state-of-the-art biotechnology topics in depth.
  • Allow learners to benefit from leading-edge research-led teaching.
  • Provide a critical appreciation of relevant theoretical, methodological, and technical literature from the central business disciplines.
  • Cultivate analytical and interpretive abilities and enable learners to integrate these with essential managerial and business skills.
  • Develop learner's laboratory skills relevant to biotechnology.
  • Enhance learners' conceptual, analytical and presentation skills and apply them to biotechnology problems.

    Qualification structure:
    The qualification has 16 units comprising of:
  • Biotech Flexible Core Modules, 4 Units.
    and
  • Biotech Program Elective Modules, 12 Units.

    Biotech Flexible Core Modules, 4 units (Select two modules from the following):
  • Commercialization of Biotechnology Products, 2 Units.
  • Biologics, 2 Units.
  • Quality Management Systems in Biotechnology, 2 Units.
  • Issues in Biotechnology, 2 Units.

    Biotech Program Elective Modules, 12 Units (Select six modules from the following):
  • Directed Studies in Molecular Genetics, 2 Units.
  • Directed Studies in Biomolecular Structure and Function, 2 Units.
  • Introduction to the Molecular Biology Laboratory, 2 Units.
  • Advanced Molecular Biology Laboratory, 2 Units.
  • Advanced Protein Technology, 2 Units.
  • Commercialisation of Biotechnology Products, 2 Units.
  • Biologics, 2 Units.
  • Drug Discovery and Development
  • Quality Management Systems in Biotechnology, 2 Units.
  • Issues in Biotechnology, 2 Units.
  • Biotechnology Intellectual Property Case Studies, 2 Units.
  • Paper Critique, 2 Units.
  • Research Project A, 2 Units.
  • Research Project B, 2 Units.
  • Project Proposal, 2 Units.
  • Immunology and Infectious Diseases, 2 Units.
  • Management of Intellectual Property, 2 Units.

    The following modules are similar to the SA qualification.
  • Issues in Biotechnology
  • Advanced Molecular Biology Laboratory
  • Research Project
  • Project Proposal.
  • Quality Management Systems in Biotechnology

    Similarities:
  • Both the University of Queensland (UQ) and the South African (SA) qualifications are offered over a period of one-year full time study.
  • The UQ and SA qualifications are registered at Level 8 of the NQF/AQF.
  • Both UQ and SA qualifications require applicants who hold bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification.

    Differences:
    The UQ qualification consists of 16 units whereas the SA qualification consists of 120 credits.

    Country: France
    Institution: Grenoble Ecole de Management.
    Qualification: Advanced Master's in biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Management
    Duration: One-year full time

    Entry Requirements:
    This qualification accommodates individuals with both technical (MSc, PharmD, PhD) and non-technical bachelor's degrees (with a minimum of 3 years of professional experience) who are seeking graduate education to advance into managerial and leadership roles in the life science-based economy.

    Purpose:
    The qualification is designed for entrepreneurs willing to develop and manage technological and business opportunities. This qualification allows the participants to develop real-world business skills, develop professional networks, and exchange with senior business professionals who have deep industry experience.

    Exit Level outcomes:
    Upon completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • To master and understand how the forces driving science, technology, and business interact in the real world to influence decisions.
  • To gain practical knowledge and skills in biotechnology management to become more valuable to employers, enhance their career prospects, and develop their core competencies.
  • To become highly qualified managers capable of analysing and appreciating the relationships between technology and productivity along the value chain of the organization.
  • To develop key analytical thought processes to not just understand the complexities of current situations and challenges, but also how to apply those results in unfamiliar and new circumstances, regardless of what the future may bring.

    Assessment:
    Verification of skills and competences acquired through continuous assessment, exams, assignments, and reports on real-world case studies.

    Qualification structure:
    This qualification has two options of study, namely (i) Academic Studies followed by a full-time internship and (ii) Alternating Work / Academic Study. The qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules.
  • Management of Technology and Innovation.
  • Market Access.
  • Health Economics.
  • Capital Markets and the Biotechnology Sector.
  • Business Development in Biotechnology Sector.
  • Entrepreneurial Finance.
  • Pharmaceutical Marketing.
  • Project Management.
  • Real-world innovative Project.
  • Professional thesis.

    Similarities:
  • Both qualifications are offered over a period of one-years full time.
  • Both qualifications are comparable in the entry requirements as they allow learners who completed bachelor's degree.

    Differences:
  • The French qualification has two options of study such as full time and part-time study whereas the SA qualification is offered on a full-time basis only.
  • The French qualification consists of compulsory modules whereas the SA qualification consists of bot compulsory and elective modules.
  • This qualification is a master's degree, while the SA qualification is a Postgraduate Diploma qualification.

    Country: New Zealand
    Institution: Victoria University of Wellington
    Qualification Title: Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Biotechnology
    Duration: One-year full-time study

    Entry Requirements:
    Bachelor's degree or equivalent.

    Rationale:
    Biotechnology is a growing field, especially in the agricultural, environmental, food and medical industries.
    The qualification will enable learners to:
  • Focus on a specialised area of interest.
  • Apply new applications for micro-organisms like bacteria, fungi, yeast, and their enzymes.
  • Discover new uses for living organisms and their components to help us improve crops, re-create an ecological balance, create new biofuels, or develop new medicines.
  • Get the opportunity to work closely with top researchers and make an original contribution to knowledge in the field.
  • Undertake real, meaningful research under the supervision of experienced scientists; further developing research skills.
  • Effectively communicate the findings.

    Qualification structure:
    Compulsory Modules, 90 Points:
  • Biotechnological Techniques and Processes, 20 Points.
  • Special Topic, 20 Points.
  • Genes and Genomes 20 Points.
  • Directed Individual Study, 30 points.

    Elective Modules 15 points (Select one module from the following):
  • Medical Microbiology, 15 points.
    Either Chemistry Synthesis Laboratory or Chemistry Materials and Methods Laboratory, 15 points.
  • Directed Individual Study, 15 points.
    AND
    Elective Modules, 15 points (Select one module from the following):
  • Biotechnology 1,15 points.
  • Biotechnology/Business Development,15 points.

    The following modules are similar to the SA qualification.
  • Research methods and project.
  • Biotechnology.
  • Medical Microbiology.

    Articulation:
    The qualification can also provide a pathway into master's study.

    Similarities:
  • Both the Victoria University of Wellington (VUW) and the South African (SA) qualifications are offered over one full-time study and two years part time.
  • Both qualifications carry a weighting of 120 credit points.
  • To be accepted into both the VUW and SA qualifications, applicants will need a bachelor's degree or equivalent in relevant field.
  • Both qualifications consist of both compulsory and elective modules.

    Differences:
    There are no notable differences between the VUW and SA qualifications except in the number of credits allocated for the research projects, the WSU qualification has allocated 30 credits to independent study while the SA qualification has allocated 24 credits for research study. 
    		•

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Industrial and Applied Biotechnology, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Applied Sciences Honours in Biotechnology, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Biotechnology, NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Science in Biotechnology, NQF Level 9.
  • 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.
     
    NONE 


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