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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Doctor of Philosophy in Biotechnology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
94551  Doctor of Philosophy in Biotechnology 
ORIGINATOR
Vaal 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
Doctoral Degree  Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences  Life Sciences 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Not Applicable  NQF Level 10  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

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.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
To offer an opportunity for Master's Degree graduates to further their research careers by pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in Biotechnology, as well as address the national scarce skills shortage in the biotechnology field. Acquiring the Doctor of Philosophy as well as supervising the students will contribute to capacity development and foster research collaboration across the biotechnology spectrum both internationally and nationally.

Rationale:
Numerous factors are continuing to place an ever-increasing demand on the Biotechnology Industry with regard to environmental issues (Biofuel, Air, Water and Soil Pollution, Bioremediation). Therefore, a high demand for researchers in Biotechnology to address these threatening pertinent environmental issues.

The Government's National Biotechnology Strategy, as well as industry's demands to address these environmental issues, has created a need for more researchers at the Doctor of Philosophy level. As a result of the changing face of research at industrial level, industry looks to Higher Education Institutions to support and to make meaningful contributions in these critical areas.

It has come to light in consultation with stakeholders at advisory board meetings, that collaborative research is the only way to address the country's biotechnological needs. To support such research endeavours and to become globally competitive, it is imperative that researchers hold higher qualifications like the Doctor of Philosophy. On a more personal level students who have successfully completed their Master's Degree will look to moving to the next step in their career path and that would be to pursue a Doctor of Philosophy. This will also address the countries needs of scarce skills and under-qualified researchers.

Currently the Biotechnology Programme has a cohort of 13 registered Master of Technology in Biotechnology students. On completing the Degree the students will have acquired the necessary skills to conduct scientific research under minimal guidance and supervision in their respective chosen fields.

The department has also acquired high end equipment which will support the intended research projects. Coupled with this, the department has a number of senior qualified researchers who currently have very active research groups and who will provide the impetus and support for the Doctor of Philosophy programme. The expertise extends to other Departments within the university who are currently engaged in inter - departmental collaborative research projects viz. Chemistry, Chemical Engineering as well in Biotechnology. It is envisaged that these staff will also support the supervision of the Doctor of Philosophy students. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Recognition of Prior Learning may be used to grant admission to those who do not meet the requirements to enrol for the qualification.

The university policy on RPL will be applied should there be an applicant who meets the criteria as laid out in the university RPL policy requirements. RPL is a way of recognising what individuals already know and can do. RPL is based on the premise that people learn both inside and outside the formal learning structures.
RPL in this context can be used at the institution for the following purposes:
  • Entry to a qualification.
  • Accreditation and exemption of modules in a qualification.
  • For entry into a Postgraduate qualification. Should the candidate apply for RPL to do further studies, "Status" can be awarded for the preceding qualification.

    The assessment evidence and procedure are subject to the moderation by independent moderators appointed by the university.
    The general assessment policy of the institution will apply to the assessment of RPL candidates.

    Entry Requirements:
    Admission requirement into the Doctor of Philosophy programme will be a pass of 65% at Master of Technology or Master of Science level or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualification consists of one module worth 360 Credits:
  • Biotechnology/Microbiology, 360 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Contribute to original knowledge in a particular field, through the application of research methods, theories and techniques, and produce a thesis that meets international standards requirements. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • The research problem is clearly identified, defined, and detailed in the research proposal.
  • Experimental research is carried out responsibly and ethically.
  • The listed and cited literature and exposition of the research reflects mastery of relevant and recent trends in technology, techniques and theories in the chosen field.
  • Models, principles, theories, techniques and methodologies in the chosen field are analysed, explained and juxtaposed correctly in oral presentations and the written research report.
  • Appropriate mathematical and statistical methods are correctly applied to analyse quantitative and qualitative data.
  • Inference interpretation and conclusion from measurements and analyses of information are valid.
  • Presentation of both final written thesis and oral presentation comply with international standards.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The assessment methods were also reviewed and compared to International and National norms and standards, it must be noted that the majority of institutions appoint two external examiners at Doctor of Philosophy level, one being international and the other National. All International Universities reviewed also require the student to challenge the research prior to the Degree being awarded. This is seen as a good tool to judge the student proficiency in the chosen research field and will be taken under consideration by the student:
  • A completed supervised Thesis is submitted for examination at the end of the research work.
  • Examiners with credibility in the field are nominated by the head of department.
  • Names with acceptance forms signed together with CV's are submitted to Higher Degree Committee (HDC) for approval.
  • External examiners are appointed and approved by HDC to assess the Thesis.
  • A mark is allocated and taken to HDC for approval. The approved marks go to SENATE which will finally accept and approve a final judgment for awarding the Degree. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The qualification has been compared to international institutions i.e. Universities in Australia and the United Kingdom. The majority of the international institutions choose to offer the Doctor of Philosophy as a course work qualification although some and the more traditional universities offer a research-based Doctor of Philosophy. Nationally most universities offer a research-based Doctor of Philosophy. The findings thus reveal that the research-based Doctor of Philosophy compares well with international and national norms and standards.

    The University of Lincoln in the United Kingdom (UK) offers the Doctor of Philosophy in Biotechnology similar to this one. The qualification offers specialist research training in biotechnology, as well as grounding in related professional skills. Research degree supervision is offered across a range of biotechnological research areas. Learners conduct their research in our well-equipped laboratories using state-of-the-art equipment. Learners undertake a bespoke programme of research, including literature reviews, experimental design, laboratory field research, data analysis and interpretation and scientific writing. Research areas include molecular biotechnology; microbial biotechnology; medical biotechnology; environmental biotechnology. Honours Degree or/and a Master's Degree in a relevant subject area is required for entry into the qualification.

    The University of Queensland in Australia offers a Doctor of Biotechnology (DBiotech). The qualification is designed to train scientists in the application of principles of management, to develop an understanding of management issues for research enterprises and technology ventures and the integration of specialist training in the area of biotechnology and research. Learners in the doctorate will undertake courses at an advanced level in areas such as regulatory and legal issues, innovation, and biotechnology venture management. Entry requirements for the qualification is a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Biotechnology with Class I or IIA Honours OR equivalent OR coursework Masters.

    Conclusion:
    The entrance requirements in the UK and Australia requires Master's Degree, having completed Comprehensive research-based dissertation is the same as what is required in most universities in South Africa for entrance to the qualification. The defining characteristic of this qualification is that the candidate is required to demonstrate high levels of research capability and to make a significant and original academic contribution at the frontiers of a discipline or field. The work must be of a quality to satisfy peer review and merit publication. The degree may be earned through pure discipline-based or multidisciplinary research or applied research. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Although this Doctoral Degree is the highest qualification type awarded for this framework, the learner can articulate horizontally to Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Biotechnology. 

    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 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. Vaal 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.