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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Science Honours in Biotechnology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
120481  Bachelor of Science Honours in Biotechnology 
ORIGINATOR
University of Johannesburg 
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
Registered  EXCO 01213/23  2023-02-02  2026-02-02 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2027-02-02   2030-02-02  

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 Bachelor of Science Honours in Biotechnology is to provide biotechnology industry practitioners, researchers, and a career path for learners to pursue further educational qualifications with relevant and current developments in the field of Biotechnology and its role in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). The practical hands-on laboratory skills with up-to-date equipment will enable learners to effectively access several careers and employment or to continue with master's study by developing their ability to formulate, undertake and solve more complex theoretical and practice-related problems in the field of Biotechnology.

Upon completion of this qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Identify gaps in research and development and/or industry and demonstrate innovative, creative thinking around possible solutions that can be converted into products targeted for the South African bioeconomy.
  • Plan and execute a research project that incorporates molecular and analytical biotechniques across the modern biotechnology field, by applying their theoretical and laboratory skills.
  • Analyse and interpret findings from various datasets generated during a research project.
  • Disseminate and present research findings using appropriate modes of delivery to peers, the public and policymakers.

    Rationale:
    There is an ever-increasing need for research training and application in the industry of Biotechnology. The development of this qualification directly addresses the needs of South Africa's National Bio-economy Strategy 2030, which encompasses the use of biotechnological processes to grow the gross domestic product (GDP) of the country. In addition, biotechnology forms one of the key components in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) contributing to areas such as biomanufacturing and 3D bioprinting. To achieve this, it is vital to skill the workforce in the principles and techniques that govern biotechnology research and production.

    The qualification is primarily designed to develop Biotechnology industry practitioners and researchers to be able to independently integrate and apply advanced scientific principles, techniques, and research methods to improve existing industrial products and/or develop novel products and services in the industry. The formal tuition and practical hands-on laboratory skills with up-to-date equipment enable learners to effectively access several careers and employment from the onset or continue with a Masters in the same field.

    The qualification will enhance the professional activities that the learners will be able to competently perform, which include but are not limited to quantitative and qualitative analysis, laboratory production processes, quality assurance, research and development, and judging processes and outcomes to determine and establish appropriate and best practice in Biotechnology industries and educational institutions.

    Typical learners will be candidates that are qualified with a relevant undergraduate degree, or a relevant Diploma and Advanced Diploma in Biotechnology and or an equivalent qualification. This qualification may also serve as a career path for learners to pursue further educational qualifications. The learners of this qualification will have broad knowledge and skills relevant to the Biotechnology sector such as in the production of biopharmaceuticals, biofuels, biopolymers and nanomaterials and the bioengineering of sustainable environmentally friendly processes. The emphasis of the qualification will be to ensure that the learners are prepared for a career in Biotechnology in which they contribute innovatively and actively to the growth of the bio-economy in South Africa. 
    		•

    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 with regards 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 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 Science in Biotechnology, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Applied Science in Biotechnology, 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, Level 8,120 Credits:
  • Biotechniques, 18 Credits.
  • Bioentrepreneurship, 14 Credits.
  • Molecular Genomics, 24 Credits.
  • Advanced Research Methodology, 24 Credits.
  • Research Project, 40 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Identify gaps in research and development and/or industry and demonstrate innovative, creative thinking, techniques around possible solutions that can be converted into products targeted for the South African bio-economy.
    2. Plan and execute a research project that incorporates molecular and analytical biotechniques across the modern biotechnology field, by applying their theoretical and laboratory skills.
    3. Analyze and interpret findings from various datasets generated during a research project.
    4. Disseminate and present research findings using appropriate communication modes of delivery to peers, the public and policy-makers. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Describe the role of biotechnology in South Africa's National Bio-economy Strategy.
  • Use existing literature to identify specific needs in the health, agricultural and industrial sectors of South Africa that can be addressed using biotechnology.
  • Explain the different types of intellectual property that can be identified and their role in biotechnology.
  • Formulate creative ideas relevant to a specific need in respect of South Africa's bio-based economy and the necessary steps taken to protect it.
  • Develop a business plan to support the idea.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Review and reference existing literature appropriately to formulate a research question or hypothesis.
  • Use core principles and theoretical knowledge of molecular genomics or biology to plan a research project in a specialised area of biotechnology.
  • Select and apply the correct biotechniques in the execution of experimental work, to answer a research question or prove a hypothesis, while understanding their limitations.
  • Apply informed predictions on patterns or trends of data expected out of experimental work based on existing literature are made.
  • Generate, collect and validate accurate and reliable data.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Identify, collect and present data from different instruments and assays commonly used in biotechnology in an appropriate format for its purpose.
  • Validate, analyse and interpret multiple data sets in different formats.
  • Use a comparison of data generated in experimental work made to that obtained in other similar studies.
  • Accurately deem data generated sufficient in answering or proving the relevant research question or hypothesis.
  • Research findings are used to draw appropriate conclusions.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Various modes of scientific communication and their structures can be identified and differentiated.
  • The appropriate mode of communication for a particular type of audience can be determined.
  • Written communication is used to present logically reasoned arguments, evidence, and sound conclusions.
  • Presentation tools are used to verbally present key information in a logical flow.
  • An appropriate response is made to questions from an audience. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Country: United Kingdom
    Institution: University of Sheffield (US)
    Qualification title: Taught Masters in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
    Duration: One-year full-time.
  • English language requirements
    All applicants are required to have an internationally recognised English language qualification such as IELTS or equivalent. Required IELTS scores can be found in our online prospectus.
    Or
  • A 4-year Bachelor's degree with Honours from a recognised university in a relevant subject for entry. Most postgraduate courses require a UK 2:1 or equivalent for entry, but some courses may consider 2:2 grades.

    Modules:
  • Research Project.
  • Laboratory Techniques in Molecular Biology.
  • Cellular Systems Engineering for Biotechnology.
  • Advanced Scientific Skills.
  • Advanced Research Topics.
  • Literature Review.
    Optional modules
  • Advanced Bioprocess Design Project.
  • Advanced Biochemical Engineering.
  • Microbiology of Extreme Environments.

    Assessment:
    Assessment is based on a combination of coursework, project work, formal examinations, and a dissertation.

    Similarities:
  • Both University of Sheffield (US) and the South African (SA) qualifications take one year of full-time study.
  • Both US and SA require learners who completed a Bachelor's degree.
  • Both US and SA qualifications assess learners through project work and formal examinations.
  • The US qualification offer modules similar to the SA qualification such as a Research Project.

    Country: Scotland
    Institution: University of Edinburgh (UE)
    Qualification Title: Biological Sciences (Biotechnology).
    Duration four years full-time.

    Entry requirements:
  • Learners from South Africa will normally be considered with the Matric - National Senior Certificate (NSC) or Independent Exam Board (IEB).
  • Science and Engineering degree programmes
    Applicants to degrees in the College of Science and Engineering must meet a minimum requirement of five subjects, four of which must be at Grade 6 (70%) or higher, including any required subjects at Grade 6 (or Grade 7 (80%) where an A is required).

    Modules:
  • Biology 1A: Variation.
  • Biology 1B: Life.
  • Biology 1C: Discovery.
  • Biology 1D: Environment.

    Optional:
  • Biological Chemistry.
  • Biological Chemistry.
  • Principles of Ecology.
  • Molecular and Synthetic Plant Biology.
  • Molecular Cell Biology.

    Assessments:
    Learners will be assessed through a mixture of in-course assessments and examinations. Often the purpose of our assessments is to see how you apply the knowledge you have learnt to the questions or assignments you are given.
  • Types of assessment could include:
  • Practical reports.
  • Problem-solving questions.
  • Scientific paper analysis.
  • Tutorial presentations.
  • A research project or dissertation will form an important part of your final-year assessment.

    Similarities:
  • Both University of Edinburgh (UE) and South African (SA) qualifications offer similar modules such as Molecular Cell Biology.
    Both the UE and SA qualification share the following similar learning outcomes
  • Analytical and quantitative reasoning skills.
  • Presentation and communication.
  • Group working and collaboration.
  • Both UE and SA qualifications assess learners through practical assessments.

    Difference:
  • The UE qualification is offered for a period of four years of full-time study, while the SA qualification is offered over a period of one year.
  • The UE qualification requires learners who completed Matric - National Senior Certificate (NSC) (South African learners), and the SA qualification requires learners who completed a Bachelor's degree. 
    		•

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Applied Sciences Honours in Biotechnology, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Biotechnology, NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Applied Science in Biotechnology, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Science 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. University of Johannesburg 


    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.