Doctor of Philosophy in Bioinformatics
Bioinformatics is an inter-disciplinary field and is ideally suited to a broad range of science learners, including biologists, computer scientists and mathematicians. The Bioinformatics research Doctor of Philosophy will provide training that is suitable for learners that have gained experience through a Master's degree training in Bioinformatics, or a related discipline. It will provide them with valuable training to enable them to pursue a career in genomics of pathogens, gene expression biology, or the rapidly growing bio-technology arena in South Africa or worldwide and industry.
Source: SAQA official qualification record. Yiba Verified does not own the underlying qualification data shown on this page.
Qualification type
Doctoral Degree
Credits
360
Sub-framework
HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
Providers listed
1
Qualification snapshot
Official qualification identity fields captured from the qualification record.
Originator
University of the Western Cape
Quality assurance functionary
CHE - Council on Higher Education
Field
Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences
Subfield
Physical Sciences
Qual class
Regular-Provider-ELOAC
Recognise previous learning
Y
Important dates
These dates are carried directly from the qualification record.
Registration start
2024-07-01
Registration end
2027-06-30
Last date for enrolment
2028-06-30
Last date for achievement
2031-06-30
Purpose and entry context
Official SAQA text formatted for easier reading.
Purpose and rationale
Bioinformatics is an inter-disciplinary field and is ideally suited to a broad range of science learners, including biologists, computer scientists and mathematicians. The Bioinformatics research Doctor of Philosophy will provide training that is suitable for learners that have gained experience through a Master's degree training in Bioinformatics, or a related discipline. It will provide them with valuable training to enable them to pursue a career in genomics of pathogens, gene expression biology, or the rapidly growing bio-technology arena in South Africa or worldwide and industry.
The Bioinformatics research Doctor of Philosophy will provide learners with an insight into biology as an information science. Learners will develop an understanding of and the ability to research in leading edge technologies in the "new biology" including Genomics and Bioinformatics. Learners will have the ability to compete globally in the biological sciences by focusing on the most recent developments and international trends, as well as providing considerable intellectual stimulation and appreciation of an increasingly important scientific discipline.
This research qualification will provide learners with the necessary basis to participate in meaningful research in the areas of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology. Currently there is still a deficit of research training in Bioinformatics in South Africa. Although other institutions are beginning to develop programmes, none have as deep and broad a base of expertise as at this institution.
Rationale
This institution is considered as a centre of international significance in Genomics and Bioinformatics due to its connection with SANBI. SANBI specialises in Genomics, especially in transcripttomics and pathogen bioinformatics and has been involved in Bioinformatics training both in this institution and at other institutions for the past 5 years, as well as establishment of the National Bioinformatics network ad hoc training programme. The current application will provide the opportunity to turn that expertise and training into nationally recognised qualifications.
Entry requirements and RPL
Recognition of Prior Learning
Access to the qualification can also be provided in terms of the institution's Recognition of Prior Learning policy and its admission criteria stipulated by Senate. In the Recognition of Prior Learning process learners have to undergo a Portfolio Development Course to support the learner's admission. The PDC will focus on written submission explaining the reasons for the learners' interest in Bioinformatics as an adjunct to their existing professional competencies and indicating the nature of a possible research project.
Entry Requirements
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is
- Master of Science in Bioinformatics, NQF Level 8.
Structure and assessment
Qualification rules, exit outcomes, and assessment criteria from the SAQA record.
Qualification rules
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is
- Thesis, 360 Credits.
Exit level outcomes
- Demonstrate an excellent foundation in Bioinformatics and a detailed knowledge of a specialist bioinformatics or genomics area. The learners will be able to work independently in a Bioinformatics environment in a commercial or academic setting. Learners will have a firm basis in biological science as well as the training required to manage information and carry out research on a computer. More than one peer reviewed publication is normally to be expected.
- Excellent literature skills and ability to perform critical reading of scientific research papers. Learners will regularly be required to present oral and written reviews of relevant topics in Bioinformatics.
- Develop the capacity to undertake a research project and to present the results of their own research clearly both orally and in written form.
Associated assessment criteria
Integrated Assessment
The learners' knowledge of Bioinformatics will be assessed by SANBI faculty members based upon assessment criteria which have been developed by the SA National Bioinformatics Network and also the International Society for Computational Biology guidelines. Learners will present a formal proposal for Doctor of Philosophy research by the end of their first year. This will be assessed by a committee of at least three professors, one of which must be external. Learners will complete a research project to be presented as a thesis. Assessment of the thesis will be carried out by SANBI faculty members and external examiners.
Progression and comparability
Articulation options
This qualification allows for horizontal articulation.
Horizontal Articulation
- Cognate Doctor, Level 9.
International comparability
This institution is conscious of the need to be a place of quality in learning in a context which is increasingly international. It is clear that if the institution intends to consolidate its position as a national institution of quality it must play to its strengths. SANBI is the national centre for Bioinformatics and is recognised as the most important institution in this field in South Africa. Its reputation abroad has enhanced the reputation of the institution considerably in recent years and it is this reputation which provides the opportunity for this institution to participate in the S* Alliance. Up to now Bioinformatics has been a developing discipline with few formal qualifications. This situation has been changing rapidly in recent years and many institutions have started formal courses in Bioinformatics. The need for formal Bioinformatics education in South Africa is clear and a number of other institutions in South Africa have expressed the need for formal education in this area. The current qualification allows this institution to capitalise on the hard work and progress of SANBI over the past 7 years and to maintain its position as the primary provider of Bioinformatics and Genomics technology, education and training to South African scientists.
The relevance of Genomics and Bioinformatics for South is clear. South Africa is a nation with pressing health problems. Genomics and Bioinformatics can be used to extract benefit for South Africans to assist the response to the challenges the country is facing from disease.
The international perspective afforded by this qualification is crucial, particularly in the fields of Genomics and Bioinformatics. These fields are rapidly changing and dominated by the Internet and information sharing. It is impossible to make a meaningful contribution in isolation and both learning and research benefit enormously from adapting to the international framework.
Notes
As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2009; 2012; 2015.
NOTES
N/A
Providers currently listed
This reflects provider names published on the official record. It is useful for qualification discovery, but it should not be treated as a substitute for checking the relevant quality body’s latest provider status.
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