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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Science in Biotechnology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
96976  Master of Science in Biotechnology 
ORIGINATOR
University of Johannesburg 
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  Not Applicable  NQF Level 09  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
2027-06-30   2029-06-30  

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:
The purpose of the Master of Science in Biotechnology is to provide students with specialised advanced education and training to master the required experimental and technological skills and necessary fieldwork competencies such as innovation, decision-making, strategic thinking and organisational skills.

The qualifying student will be able to conduct research in the Biotechnology field, and contribute to knowledge production in that field. The qualification will produce graduates whom are academically prepared for a career in Biotechnology and related industries including the necessary skills to perform the required tasks as is required by the Industry.

Rationale:
The Master of Science in Biotechnology has been developed in consultation with industry via Advisory Committee feedback from and is primarily designed to develop biotechnology industry practitioners who can integrate and apply scientific technical/vocational principles and techniques. Integration of skills and principles is a specific need in this industry.

Typical students of the Master of Science in Biotechnology are individuals that have successfully mastered a biotechnology (or equivalent qualification) and gained relevant industrial experience associated with the profession. The professional activities that the graduates will need to engage in includes research and development in the Biotechnology field such as Biochemical Microbiological, Bioprocessing and Pharmaceutical Industries and research concerns. The emphasis of the program will be to ensure that the graduates are not only academically prepared for a career in the Biotechnology and related industries but that they also have the necessary skills to perform the required tasks as is required by the Industry.

The Master of Science in Biotechnology results in graduates that are professionally prepared to effectively access a number of careers and employment in the Biotechnology field. These Industries are typically very successful and contributes significantly to the economy of the country. The programme develops Biotechnology professionals that do not only have globally equivalent skills, but who are socially responsible and conscious of their role in contributing to the national development effort and social transformation. As such this qualification contributes to realisation of the National Imperatives that includes high-level skills training that includes the training and provision of person power to strengthen this country's enterprises, services and infrastructure. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
University of Johannesburg (UJ) Policy regulation:

The Faculty of Science accepts Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) as an integral part of education and academic practice. It is acknowledged that all learning has value and the Faculty of Science will endeavour to assess prior learning and award credit where relevant.
The Faculty of Science manages RPL according to the University of Johannesburg's RPL policy, which will be applied as follows for purposes of this programme as set out in the Faculty of Science policy:
  • Through RPL a student may gain access, or advanced placement, or recognition of status, on condition that he/she continues his/her studies at the UJ.
  • Recognition takes place in terms of requirements and procedures applied by the Faculty of Science.
  • RPL in the case of a student not complying with the formal entry requirements.
    > Is conducted after payment of the prescribed fees in accordance with the policy and guidelines of the University.
    > Is based on other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience.
    > Is considered only where prior learning corresponds to the required NQF-Level.
    > Takes place where prior learning in terms of applied competencies is relevant to the content and outcomes of the programme.
    > Is considered in terms of an assessment procedure that includes a motivated recommendation by an assessment panel to the Dean's Committee of the Faculty of Sciences and is finally decided upon by the Faculty of Science Dean's Committee.
  • A qualification that does not satisfy the formal entrance requirements for a Masters Degree in Biotechnology programme, but the holder of a such a qualification, may apply for admission to the Masters degree in Biotechnology through RPL, which application may be granted subject to such conditions as may be considered to be appropriate.

    The following Faculty documentation can be accessed from the yearbook as it pertains to this programme.
  • Admission policy for this programme.
  • RPL policy.

    Entry Requirements:
  • Any NQF 8 qualification in the biotechnology field. Student not meeting the Entry Level requirements will be able to access the programme via the UJ RPL policy and other relevant UJ policies and rules and regulations. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate a comprehensive, systematic and integrated specialist knowledge and skills of the discipline/field.
    2. Display advanced research skills.
    3. Present and communicate the results of research by appropriate academic/professional discourse. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 1:
  • Apply the theories, research methodologies, epistemologies, and methods/techniques relevant to the biotechnology discipline.
  • Use a range of specialised biotechnology related skills to identify analyse and deal with complex problems and issues.
  • Cite relevant literature and recent trends in the technologies, techniques, models and theories in the field of biotechnology and science.
  • Demonstrate advanced information retrieval and processing skills to identify, analyse, synthesise and independently evaluate quantitative and/or qualitative data in the field of Biotechnology, using appropriate technology.
  • Operate in specialised science contexts and utilise ethical decision-making skills in dealing with complex ethical and professional issues and make informed judgements on such issues.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 2:
  • Clearly identify and define the research problem.
  • Develop and present a research project by applying the correct research methodologies and techniques.
  • Draw systematically and creatively on the theories, research methodologies, methods/ techniques (including statistical and mathematical techniques), literature and materials of their discipline/field of choice.
  • Operate autonomously and take responsibility for their own work and be accountable for the work of others when working with others in a team.
  • Critique and evaluate current research and participate in scholarly debates, addressing both theory and practice, in the science area of specialisation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 3:
  • The research problem, its justification, process and outcome is reported in a dissertation which complies with the generally accepted norms for research at this level.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Formative Assessment:
  • Seminar presentations and student/supervisor consultations.

    Summative Assessment:
  • Research Dissertation. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    University of San Francisco, United States of America (USA):

    Professional Science Master's (PSM) Degree in Biotechnology:
  • PSMs are graduate programs in which students pursue advanced training in the sciences while developing highly sought-after business skills.
  • Each PSM Degree is developed in concert with employers as preparation for science-based careers in innovative organisations and industries.
  • Since most biologists are trained with few or no business tools, the PSM offers more versatile training than a traditional Master of Science Degree.
  • The program is a two-year, four-semester interdisciplinary program that provides students with a multi-disciplinary background that integrates scientific, business, and ethical aspects of biotechnology. The program is intended for students who do not wish to pursue a PhD but still seek a career in the industry. The curriculum focuses on a combination of biotechnology-related and MBA-level business courses. Students can start the graduate program each year in the fall or spring.
  • The program of study is planned by the student in collaboration with his or her faculty adviser during the first semester of studies.
  • The curriculum integrates the fundamentals of molecular biology, technology, and business to build a comprehensive program that fully prepares graduates for jobs in the industry.

    It is a coursework program. Modules are:
    > Molecular Biology.
    > Information of Biotech.
    > Legal, Social and Ethical Implications of Biotech.
    > Biotech Internship Seminar.
    > Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology.
    > Business Teams and Small Group Dynamics.
    > Local and National Biotech.
    > Bioinformatics.
    > Advanced Research Methods Lab.
    > Biotech Internship.
    > Elective.
    > Molecular Biology Seminar.

    Master in Biotechnology:
    Students have to obtain credits in the following categories:
  • Core subjects, 18 Credits at D-BSSE.
  • Elective subjects, 10 Credits at University of Basel.
  • Research project, 20 Credits.
  • Master's Thesis, 40 Credits.
  • Science in Perspective (SiP), 2 Credits.
  • Core Subjects - Corresponding Majors.

    There are three majors offered at D-BSSE: Biotechnology, Systems Biology and Synthetic Biology. Of the minimal necessary 18 Credits, at least 6 credits have to be out of the core subjects of the chosen major.
    Please note: As a Biotechnology bachelor student of ETH you are only allowed to take core subject exams in case you need 12 Credits at the most to acquire your bachelor diploma. If you are admitted to the master's programme on condition of additional requirements, you are only allowed to take core subject exams in case you need 10 Credits at the most to fulfill the respective additional requirements.

    Elective Subjects:
    Elective subjects include a broad spectrum of advanced topics in chemical and bioengineering, process engineering, biotechnology as well as topics from related areas. Students may also take core subjects as elective subjects.

    Research Project:
    Students have to carry out a research project in a core subject or elective subject area. Students are free to choose the area.

    Master's Thesis:
    The Master's thesis is carried out under the supervision of a professor in a research group of the Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering. Students are free to choose the area. The duration of the Master's thesis is 32 weeks.

    Science in Perspective (SiP):
    All students must collect credits in the SiP category. These courses can be taken in the faculty of humanities or faculty of business and economics at the University of Basel.

    Synopsis:
  • Duration is 1.5 years, the maximum duration is 3 years.
  • Science program - medical orientation.
  • Does not include Internship.

    Master's Degree in Biotechnology:
    > The program aims at developing an understanding of biotechnology theory and research, including human physiology and genetics, cancer, proteomics, genomics, and epigenetics.
    > Build knowledge of current industry practices, including biotechnology innovation and molecular biology techniques.
    > Gain experience in experimental or case study design, scientific data analysis, writing and communication, ethical practices, and effective collaboration.
    > The program consists of nine courses three of which is taken to gain admission and a thesis.
    > The remaining six can be chosen from a large selection of related courses.
    > Study is through a combination of on-campus and online courses.

    Synopsis:
    Two Year Coursework as well as thesis Program.
  • Science program - medical orientation.
  • Does not include Internship.

    University of Massachusetts Boston, USA:
    Master of Science Degree in Biotechnology and Biomedical Science.
  • This MS program in biotechnology and biomedical science trains students in the theory and laboratory techniques used in biotechnology and biomedical science- two high technology areas of expanding national and local importance.
  • The program provides a firm foundation in the principles underlying modern biotechnology techniques, and integrates this theoretical understanding with intensive training in a variety of laboratory skills and in computer applications to biotechnology.

    The curriculum of the program consists of:
  • Required courses in biology and biophysics. These required courses are: biotechnology, molecular genetics, tissue culture, computerised laboratory technology.
  • A required two-semester research experimentation course.
  • Elective courses that include biology, chemistry, and physics.
    > Each student prepares a written report on his or her research work and must also take an oral examination, which will not necessarily be limited to the topic of the report.
    > The student must submit an outline of the report to his or her advising committee before taking the oral examination.
    > Students may choose either an internship option or a thesis option, which will enable them to pursue a thesis research project in the laboratory of a faculty member.
    > Thesis students have the option of taking 4 additional research credits, as Biol 699. This, in combination with two semesters of Biol 696, will allow for a maximum of 10 Credits toward research.

    Synopsis:
  • Coursework as well as Thesis or Internship Program.
  • If the Internship option is chosen the student may pursue a thesis research project in the laboratory of a faculty member. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows for possibilities of both vertical and horizontal articulation.
  • Cognate Master's Degrees such as Food Technology and Biochemistry. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    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. University of Johannesburg 


    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.