Diploma in Biotechnology

Purpose

The intended purpose of this Qualification is to give the successful learners a professional, vocational and sound understanding of the general theoretical principles and their applications in the field of Biotechnology qualification. Graduates may apply for registration with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions as Certificated Natural Scientists. Individuals who want to become registered Medical Technologists will work in a registered Medical training laboratory. After registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA), they may work in government, private and research health care laboratories. To practice independently as a Medical Technologist 2 year post-registration experience is required. Unregistered Biomedical Technologists may work in non-diagnostic laboratories.

Rationale

This qualification has been designed to attract learners in the Biotechnology field. Learners 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. The qualifying learner will be able to perform and organize laboratory operations in clinical diagnostic laboratories and related fields in compliance with statutory requirements for ethics, safety and quality assurance. Supervisory, management and research skills are developed.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

The Institutional Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy and procedures are followed. Learners who do not meet entry requirements can apply for access to the qualification through RPL against a module, or part/full qualification for learning obtained through formal, informal and non-formal learning. Learners need to submit a Portfolio of Evidence which will be internally assessed. Credits may be awarded based on the assessment results and learners have the opportunity to appeal against the assessment result where credits were not awarded.

Entry Requirements.

The minimum requirement is

• National Senior Certificate. National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 4.

This qualification comprises of compulsory modules at Level 5, 6 and 7 totalling 383 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 102 Credits

• Microbiology 1 (Practical), 7 Credits.
• Chemistry 1 (Biotechnology), 16 Credits.
• Information and communications technology (ICT) Skills 1, 10 Credits.
• Calculations and Statistics 1.1, 10 Credits.
• Microbiology 1 (Theory), 8 Credits.
• Microbiology 2 (Practical), 7 Credits.
• Biodiversity and Ecology 1, 10 Credits.
• Applied Communication Skills 1.2, 8 Credits.
• Microbiology 2 (Theory), 8 Credits.
• Applied Communication Skills 1.1, 8 Credits.
• Entrepreneurship 1, 10 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 191 Credits

Biochemistry 2 (Theory), 9 Credits.

• Analytical Chemistry 2 (Biotechnology), 10 Credits.
• Biochemistry 2 (Practical), 8 Credits.
• Disease and Immune Response 2, 10 Credits.
• Microbiology 3 (Practical), 7 Credits.
• Analytical Biochemistry 3, 14 Credits.
• Applied Communication Skills 2.1, 8 Credits.
• Applied Communication Skills 2.2, 8 Credits.
• Fermentation Technology 2 (Practical), 7 Credits.
• Introductory Genetics 2, 10 Credits.
• Microbial Biochemistry 3 (Theory), 9 Credits.
• Microbiology 3 (Theory), 8 Credits.
• Quality Assurance (Biological), 6 Credits.
• Microbial Biochemistry 3 (Practical), 9 Credits.
• Fermentation Technology 2 (Theory), 8 Credits.
• Biotechnology Laboratory Practice 1, 60 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 90 Credits

• Food Microbiology 3 (Practical), 8 Credits.
• Food Microbiology 3 (Theory), 7 Credits.
• Bioprocessing 3 (Practical), 8 Credits.
• Bioprocessing 3 (Theory), 7 Credits.
• Biotechnology Laboratory Practice 2, 60 Credits.

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.

Associated Assessment Criteria.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Comply with relevant safety legislation and procedures.
• Adhere to relevant operating manuals and procedures.
• Comply with code of ethics.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Plan and write a work schedule/research proposal according to guidelines given by superiors.
• Perform allocated tasks/planned experiments in a satisfactorily manner.
• Report on work/research project demonstrating understanding of subject area.
• Compile a report under appropriate headings in acceptable format.
• Communicate findings effectively and clearly.
• Present findings/reports orally and visually to an appropriate audience.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Comply with instructions.
• Follow correct channels of communication in the workplace.
• Recognise problems and use problem solving strategies to meet the challenges.
• Participate in group work.
• Communicate effectively with colleagues.
• Comply with codes of practice.

Associated Assessment Criteria 4

• Source relevant equipment and material from supplies.
• Obtain quotes and specifications for desired equipment and materials.
• Select appropriate suppliers.
• Request purchase according to appropriate procedures.
• Recognise hazards in the workplace.
• Assess risk associated with hazards.
• Take appropriate precautions to avoid exposure of self and others to risk.
• Comply with appropriate legislation and regulations.
• Consider environment in practice.
• Show respect for other cultures and norms.
• Exhibit capability to work independently.
• Exhibit responsible use of science and technology.
• Source and access Information.
• Assess reliability of information.
• Explain cause-effect relationships.
• Exhibit desire for lifelong learning and explain how communication, work ethic and experience can improve development of people and organisations.

Integrated Assessment.

Both formative and summative assessments are integral components of all modules within the qualification and have application to both traditional summative and continuous assessment, ensuring overall applied competence. All teaching and learning activities in the qualification are aligned to the assessment approach of the individual modules indicating a constructive alignment approach in the design of the qualification. The assessment activities form an integral part of the teaching and learning process and are systematically and purposefully used to generate data for grading. Timely feedback to learner's forms part of the assessment strategy of the institution and is used to inform teaching and learning and to improve the curriculum. Learning outcomes in all modules give an indication as to what will be assessed in the module and thus ensures constructive alignment of the modules within the qualification.