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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Master of Technology: Biotechnology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
72472  Master of Technology: Biotechnology 
ORIGINATOR
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) 
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  120  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 0695/12  2012-07-01  2014-12-31 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2015-12-31   2021-12-31  

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 replaces: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
1727  Master of Technology: Biotechnology  Level 8 and above  NQF Level 09  120  Complete 

This qualification is replaced by: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
96891  Master of Science in Life Science  Not Applicable  NQF Level 09  120  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Persons achieving this qualification will be able to conduct scientific research under minimal guidance in a chosen field, and to contribute to knowledge production in that field. The research problem, its justification, process and outcome are reported in a dissertation which complies with the generally accepted norms for research at that level. A graduate with two years of experience in a relevant field may apply to the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions for registration as a Professional Natural Scientist. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
A 480-credit B.Tech.: Biotechnology or a related 480-credit qualification at NQF level 7. 

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
N 

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the field/area of investigation.

2. Apply research methods and techniques appropriately and correctly.

Specified outcomes:

1.1 Demonstrate knowledge of the scope of relevant knowledge in the selected field/area of research.15 credits (core, NQF level 8)
1.2 Demonstrate understanding of the chosen field.15 credits (core, NQF level 8)

2.1 Plan, design and perform a specific research project.30 credits (core, NQF level 8)
2.2 Critically analyse and interpret data.30 credits (core, NQF level 8)
2.3 Report the findings in scientific format.30 credits (core, NQF level 8)

Critical outcomes:
  • identifying and solving problems and thinking critically and creatively in designing, executing and reporting on a specialised area of biotechnology.
  • collecting, organising, analysing and evaluating information by data collection and its synthesising into a logical contribution to the knowledge in the particular field chosen for study.
  • working effectively with specialised scientists in the particular field at a high academic level.
  • managing one's own time to achieve execution of a research plan and integrate all the conflicting information pertinent to the study.
  • communication, particularly in scientific terms, in internationally acceptable style both verbally and in written reports and publications.
  • using science and technology to contribute to the knowledge and understanding in the field is an overt outcome of this qualification. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    1.1.1 The listed and cited literature of the literature survey and the exposition of the research reflects familiarity with relevant and recent trends in technologies, techniques, models and theories in the chosen field.
    1.2.1 Models, principles, theories, techniques and methodologies in the chosen field are analysed, explained, and juxtaposed correctly in oral presentations and the written record of research.

    2.1.1 The research problem is clearly identified, defined, and detailed in the research proposal.
    2.1.2 Appropriate techniques and methods are selected.
    2.1.3 Experimental research is responsibly and ethically conducted.

    2.2.1 The appropriate mathematical and statistical methods are applied correctly to qualitative and quantitative data.
    2.2.2 Logical interpretation of data reflects clear understanding of the relationship between facts in the study and the ability to evaluate contradictory information.
    2.2.3 The inferences, interpretations and conclusions from measurements and analyses are valid.

    2.3.1 Information sources are used correctly and appropriately.
    2.3.2 Information technology skills are applied effectively in production of the dissertation.
    2.3.3 Language and numeracy skills are applied effectively and correctly in clearly communicating the research problem, its investigation, the outcome, and the recommendations.

    Integrated assessment:

    Formative assessment:
  • Oral presentations
  • Research proposal
  • Written progress reports

    Summative assessment:
  • Research dissertation
  • Oral and visual presentations 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Vertical articulation to the Ph.D./ D Tech in Biotechnology or related disciplines. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    SERTEC (currently)
    ETQA under SACNASP in process of being legislated. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    SERTEC (currently)
    ETQA under South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) in process of being legislated. 

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

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced 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. Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) 


    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.