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. |
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY |
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: |
Higher Certificate in Bioscience |
SAQA QUAL ID | QUALIFICATION TITLE | |||
120666 | Higher Certificate in Bioscience | |||
ORIGINATOR | ||||
EDUVOS (Pty) Ltd (Previously Pearson Institute of Higher Education (Pty) Ltd) | ||||
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY | NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK | |||
CHE - Council on Higher Education | HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework | |||
QUALIFICATION TYPE | FIELD | SUBFIELD | ||
Higher Certificate | 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 05 | Regular-Provider-ELOAC |
REGISTRATION STATUS | SAQA DECISION NUMBER | REGISTRATION START DATE | REGISTRATION END DATE | |
Registered | EXCO 1212/22 | 2022-11-22 | 2025-11-21 | |
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT | LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT | |||
2026-11-21 | 2029-11-21 |
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 primary purpose of the Higher Certificate in Bioscience is to provide learners with the knowledge, specific skills and applied competence in Biological Science and/or a related field. The qualification provides learners with basic introductory knowledge, cognitive and conceptual tools, and practical techniques for the bioscience field. This qualification also provides learners with skills required in the workplace to improve their overall productivity. In addition to Bioscience-related subject knowledge, learners are supported to develop graduate attributes that are essential skills to excel both at personal and professional levels. The combination of theory and practice results in well-rounded learners, who on successful completion, are prepared to pursue a career as a candidate laboratory technician and/or laboratory assistant. The qualification is intended for learners who: On completion of the qualification, learners will be able to: Rationale: The field of biological sciences has grown enormously in the post-genomic era, with discoveries and growing scientific databases. This has led to the expansion of biological science laboratory-based methodologies, which has created challenges for newly qualified graduates and laboratory personnel, as they do not have the necessary industry-orientated skills. The field has been classified as a scarce skill which graduates, and laboratory personnel need to acquire to understand the underpinnings and complexities of working in biological-based laboratories. The qualification aims to develop industry-orientated skills, which require the development of application-based expertise and an in-depth understanding of technology and regulations. Therefore, the qualification offers prospective learners a broad-based international curriculum encompassing Biology, Laboratory-based training, Quality Systems and Management, Bioprocessing and Professional skills, which equip learners with the necessary knowledge, skills, and industrial training to make them employable in the industry. The qualification is designed for someone with a desire to learn the basics of the biological science field, either as an add-on to another degree or as a new career path. The qualification will increase the number of skilled scientific professionals through high throughput and thus address South African Scarce Skills gaps identified in the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET): The 2020 List of Occupations in High Demand: A Technical Report. Graduates may be hired as laboratory assistants using equipment specific to the biological science field, or as technicians in biomanufacturing industries. In addition, this qualification may be used by existing graduates to enhance their employability. This qualification will incorporate exciting ideas and enthusiasm for learners studying, through presentations and laboratory rotations, workshops, and oral presentations. Graduates will be equipped with a real-world understanding of the field of biological sciences. Graduates will be prepared to perform procedures in pharmaceutical laboratories, research laboratories, or bio-manufacturing and pursue additional education in biological or medical studies. Learners may pursue careers as biological Technicians/Lab Assistants. The qualification will incorporate existing recognised modules offered as part of a Bachelor of Science as well as newly designed modules that complement a Bachelor's degree. Therefore, the qualification will require minimal investment capital and would be self-sustainable from the revenue generated. |
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 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: RPL for exemption of modules: RPL for credit: Entry Requirements: The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is: Or Or |
RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? |
Y |
QUALIFICATION RULES |
This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 5 totalling 120 Credits.
Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 120 Credits: |
EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES |
1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of fundamental concepts and principles of bioscience.
2. Demonstrate an awareness of how scientific knowledge or a knowledge system develops and evolves within the bioscience field. 3. Demonstrate the ability to identify, evaluate, and solve defined, routine, and new problems within a familiar context, and to apply solutions based on relevant evidence and procedures or other forms of explanation appropriate to the bioscience field, demonstrating an understanding of the consequences. 4. Demonstrate the ability to work effectively as a member of a team or group in scientific projects or investigations. 5. Demonstrate the ability to evaluate his or her performance or the performance of others, and to take appropriate action where necessary; to take responsibility for his or her learning within a structured learning process; and to promote the learning of others. 6. Demonstrate the ability to communicate scientific information reliably, accurately, and coherently, using conventions appropriate to the context, in written and oral or using visual, symbolic and/or other forms of representation or in a practical demonstration, including an understanding of and respect for conventions around intellectual property, copyright and plagiarism, including the associated legal implications. 7. Demonstrate the ability to gather information from a range of sources, including oral, written, or symbolic texts and effective Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills, to select information appropriate to the task, and to apply basic processes of analysis, synthesis, and evaluation on that information. |
ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA |
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7: INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT The term 'Integrated Assessment` implies that theoretical and practical components should be assessed together. During integrated assessments, the assessor will make use of a range of formative and summative assessment methods and assess combinations of practical, applied, foundational and reflective competencies. Continuous Assessment provides for the evaluation of a learner's academic achievement comprising two major components: the assessment of academic work and the assessment of character and attitude towards work. The assessment principle underlying both modes of evaluating learners' achievement is that a learner's success or failure should be decided based on four educational criteria comprising official written examinations: both formative and summative. The assessment principle emphasises that these aspects of education should continuously be assessed instead of relying on the mid and end-of-year written examinations. Continuous assessment tasks and activities inter alia include term tests, homework, simulations, portfolio, worksheets, projects, examinations, and practicals. It is worth mentioning that some of the work is done individually, in pairs and/or in groups by learners to ensure that a high marking standard is applied it is required that all marked exams are sent to external moderators to be moderated immediately after they have been marked and extensive feedback has been provided. Continuous assessment tasks and activities inter alia include Semester tests, homework, simulations, portfolio, worksheets, projects, examinations, and practicals. It is worth mentioning that some of the work is done individually, in pairs and/or in groups by learners. Formative Assessment: Formative assessment contributes up to approximately 40% towards the final mark and includes: Summative Assessment: Summative evaluation constitutes up to 60% of the overall mark dependent on the module. Learners are given feedback on each test, assignment and exam taken. Revision workshops are to be held before exam sessions, preparing learners for upcoming examinations. Summative assessment consists of: |
INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY |
The South African qualification has been compared with similar qualifications offered internationally. The comparison was based on duration, credits, purpose/rationale, modules, and articulation of the following international qualifications.
Country: Ireland Institution: Cork Institute of Technology Qualification Title: Higher Certificate in Science in Applied Biosciences NQF Level: National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) Level: 6 Credits: 120 Duration: Four Semesters Full Time Purpose: Applied Biosciences is the study of complex biological systems, and how they work, for example how bacteria generate energy from the breakdown of sugars. Applied Biosciences also involves the use of living organisms and bioprocesses in engineering, technology, medicine, and agriculture. In other words, the application of scientific and technical advances in the life sciences to develop commercial products. Exit Level Outcomes: Upon successful completion of this qualification the graduate will be able to: Qualification structure: The Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules. Compulsory Modules: Elective Modules: Similarities: Similar Modules: The following CIT qualification modules are comparable to the SA qualifications. Differences: Country: Uganda Institution: Fins Medical University Qualification Title: Higher Certificate in Biological Sciences Duration: Two semesters full time Entry requirements: Or Or Holders of the Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) or equivalent qualifications wishing to pursue a higher education program in Biological/health sciences but for some reason, were not able to enrol for it using A-level grades. Or Purpose: The Fins Medical University (FMU) per-undergraduate qualification is for learners intending to pursue biological sciences such as a Bachelor of Science in Biology or Chemistry or any health-related program such as Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy or Allied Health Program. The qualification targets learners with a background in advanced-level biological sciences and wish to pursue or any health-related program at undergraduate degree or diploma levels. Progression: After completion of the qualification, the learner shall be eligible to apply for a Diploma or bachelor's degree in any biological science program at higher institutions. Qualification structure: Similarities: Differences: Country: United States of America Institution: University of Washington Qualification Title: Certificate in Basic Bioscience Duration:11 Months Entry Requirements: Purpose: The qualification is intended for professionals who work in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and related fields, along with those looking to enter the industry. The qualification is designed for currently enrolled graduate learners who are interested in gaining knowledge in molecular bioscience and professional skills areas. On completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be able to: Qualification structure: The qualification consists of the following compulsory modules. Compulsory Modules: Similarities: Differences: |
ARTICULATION OPTIONS |
This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.
Horizontal Articulation: Vertical Articulation: |
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. | EDUVOS (Pty) Ltd (Previously Pearson Institute of Higher Education (Pty) Ltd) |
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. |