SAQA 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 THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Master of Science in Biotechnology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
14386  Master of Science in Biotechnology 
ORIGINATOR
University of Pretoria 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Master's Degree  Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences  Life Sciences 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  180  Level 8 and above  NQF Level 09  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 1141/23  2021-07-01  2024-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2025-06-30   2028-06-30  

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 
The qualification provides qualifiers with:
  • A high level of technical and research skills that will enable them to address important issues and problems in the field of plant, animal and microbial molecular biology as well in the medical and agricultural sciences.
  • Specialised knowledge and insight in the field of molecular biology that will enable them to make a contribution to science and the society by promoting the continual development of a high level of knowledge and expertise in South Africa and internationally.
  • An attitude of life-long learning thereby ensuring continuing self-development and the development of their specialist field. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The institution conducts RPL in terms of the policy and guidelines of the institution to recognise other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience.

    In cases where learners do not comply with the formal admission requirements, the institution applies its RPL policy.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Biotechnology, NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Identifying and solving problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made;
    2. Working effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, community;
    3. Organising and managing oneself and one's activities responsibility and effectively;
    4. Collecting, analysing, organising and critically evaluating information;
    5. Communicating effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes or oral and/or written persuasion;
    6. Using science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others;
    7. Contributing to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of the society at large, by making it the underlying intention of any programme of learning to make an individual aware of the importance of:
  • Reflecting on, and exploring a variety of strategies to learn more effectively.
  • Exploring education and career opportunities.
  • Developing entrepreneurial opportunities. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following associated assessment criteria apply across all Exit Level Outcomes:
  • Plan and execute, under supervision, an original research project that demonstrates the ability of the qualifying learner to apply both basic knowledge and a wide range of recommended DNA technologies, in addressing a specific question. The ability to analyse and critically assess the data must be demonstrated.
  • Carry out, and report on, comprehensive literature studies relating to the field of research specialisation.
  • Write research reports in both a format that is acceptable for submission as a dissertation, and in the format of a publication and present the research results within a scientific forum.

    Integrated Assessment:
  • The outcomes will be assessed by means of:
  • Written and/or oral examination by internal and external assessors.
  • Critical assessment of the dissertation and publication by internal and/or external assessors.
    Portfolios.
    Work-place assessments.
    Written examinations (summative).
    Oral examinations (summative).
    Other.
    Written presentation of dissertation and concept article (summative). 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification compares with the following international qualifications in terms of the range of competencies in the learning content offered. 

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Applied Sciences in Biotechnology, NQF Level 09.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Science in Biotechnology, NQF Level 10. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2006; 2009; 2012; 2015. 

    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 Pretoria 


    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.