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

National Diploma: Biotechnology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
90556  National Diploma: Biotechnology 
ORIGINATOR
Cape Peninsula University of Technology 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National Diploma  Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences  Life Sciences 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 10105/14  2015-07-01  2016-10-20 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2017-10-20   2023-12-20  

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
1719  National Diploma: Biotechnology  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  360  Complete 

This qualification is replaced by: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
100742  Diploma in Biotechnology  Not Applicable  NQF Level 06  360  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Persons achieving this qualification will be competent to apply theoretical and practical fundamental knowledge and skills in the fields of biotechnology, microbiology and biochemistry to the relevant biotechnology industries and research institutions. Graduates may apply for registration with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions as Certificated Natural Scientists. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
At least 210 credits from the Certificate and the Diploma in Biotechnology at NQF level 5. 

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
N 

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
1. Operate relevant equipment encountered in appropriate industries or laboratories.
2. Work under supervision, and/or conduct a research project under supervision and report the findings in scientific format.
3. Communicate effectively with colleagues, superiors and subordinates.
4. Function effectively in an appropriate biotechnology environment/industrial placement.

Specified outcomes:

1.1 Operate and monitor relevant equipment as per instruction and with due regard to safety.20 credits (core, NQF level 6)

2.1 Write a basic work plan/research proposal, with guidance.10 credits (core, fundamental, NQF level 6)
2.2 Conduct tasks/experiments as instructed/planned.25 credits (core, fundamental, NQF level 5)
2.3 Write a scientific report based on findings/experiences.20 credits (core, NQF level 6)
2.4 Do an oral and visual presentation.5 credits (c, f, NQF level 6)

3.1 Receive instruction and act appropriately.5 credits (fundamental, NQF level 6)
3.2 Alert timeously, and discuss with supervisors problems encountered in workplace.5 credits (core, NQF level 6)
3.3 Face and manage challenges through problem solving strategies.5 credits (core, NQF level 6)
3.4 Function effectively as part of a team showing participation, consultation, collaboration, consideration and adherence to established codes of practice.5 credits (core, NQF level 6)

4.1 Source, assess, and request purchase of equipment and materials.3 credits (core, fundamental, NQF level 5)
4.2 Assess workplace hazards and take appropriate precautions.3 credits (core, NQF level 6)
4.3 Carry out duties with due regard for legislation, regulations and with consideration for the environment, society's norms and ethics, cultures and traditions.4 credits (core, fundamental, NQF level 6)
4.4 Work independently through the responsible use of science and technology.5 credits (core, NQF level 6)
4.5 Demonstrate the skills and attitudes necessary for lifelong learning and development.5 credits (core, fundamental, NQF level 6)

Critical outcomes:

1. critical and creative thinking are addressed by all outcomes of this qualification, particularly with regard to assessing literature, evaluating methodology, interpreting results, managing new challenges and applying skills previously learned and now further developed to workplace functioning in biotechnology industries, laboratories, and organisations.

2. working effectively individually, as a team or group, and as an organisation is addressed by the specified outcomes of exit level outcomes, 2,3 and 4. Effective functioning in the workplace is fundamental to this qualification.

3. organisation and management are needed for the planning, executing, and reporting on the project or tasks allocated.

4. effective oral and written communicational t formal and informal levels are required to achieve this qualification.

5. responsibility towards the environment and health of others is addressed by learning of safety procedures, adherence to codes of ethics and consideration of legislation, norms, cultures and traditions encountered in the various biotechnology organisations.

6. experiential learning enables the maturation of the learner to occur in a real life work situation which exults in maturity, responsibility, and a well balanced approach to life.

7. the learner encounters a wide spectrum of colleagues with whom to interact during the experiential learning, and encounters sufficient experience to identify possible entrepreneurial avenues to pursue.

8. learners are able to be employed as technicians in a variety of placements in the biotechnological field, contributing to economic development of the community. 

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
1.1.1 Relevant safety legislation and procedures are complied with.
1.1.2 Relevant operating manuals and procedures are adhered to.
1.1.3 Code of ethics is complied with.

2.1.1 The role of the learner in the organization is recognised.
2.1.2 A work schedule/research proposal is planned and written according to guidelines given by superiors.
2.2.1 Allocated tasks/planned experiments are performed satisfactorily.
2.2.2 Instructions/guidance given by superiors is followed.
2.3.1 Report on work/research project reflects understanding of subject area.
2.3.2 Report is compiled under appropriate headings and in acceptable format.
2.3.3 Findings are effectively and clearly communicated.
2.4.1 Findings/report are presented orally and visually to an appropriate audience.
2.4.2 Interpretation of findings is logically and clearly presented.

3.1.1 Superiors are satisfied about learner's compliance with instructions.
3.2.1 Correct channels of communication in the workplace are followed.
3.3.1 Problems are recognised and problem-solving strategies are used to meet the challenges.
3.4.1 Participation in group work is practised and assessed.
3.4.2 Communication with colleagues is effective.
3.4.3 Codes of practice are complied with.

4.1.1 Relevant equipment and material supplies are sourced.
4.1.2 Quotes and specs on desired equipment and materials are obtained.
4.1.3 Appropriate suppliers are selected.
4.1.4 Purchases are requested according to appropriate procedures.
4.2.1 Hazards in the workplace are recognised.
4.2.2 Risk associated with hazards is assessed.
4.2.3 Appropriate precautions are taken to avoid exposure of self and others to risk.
4.3.1 Appropriate legislation and regulations are complied with.
4.3.2 Environment is considered in practice.
4.3.3 Respect for other cultures and norms is shown.
4.4.1 Capability to work independently is exhibited.
4.4.2 Responsible use of science and technology is exhibited.
4.5.1 Information is sourced and accessed.
4.5.2 Reliability of information is assessed.
4.5.3 The desire to explain cause-effect relationships is exhibited.
4.5.4 The desire for lifelong learning and of how communication, work ethic, and experience can improve development of people and organisations is exhibited.

Integrated assessment:

Formative assessment:
  • Workplace evaluation by peers and supervisors
  • Assignments
  • Project proposals
  • Work schedule evaluations
  • Projects
  • Reports on tasks and projects

    Summative assessment:
  • Workplace evaluation by supervisors
  • Project reports
  • Oral presentations
  • Interviews 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Vertical articulation to the B.Tech.: Biotechnology or to other related B.Tech degrees (eg. Pulp and Paper, Water Care) or to related Honours degrees in Biotechnology disciplines. 

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

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

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

    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. Cape Peninsula University of Technology 


    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.