Doctor of Philosophy in Biotechnology

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.

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).

The qualification consists of one module worth 360 Credits

• Biotechnology/Microbiology, 360 Credits.

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 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.