Master of Science in Biotechnology

Purpose

The primary purposes of the programme is to educate and train researchers who can contribute to the development of knowledge at an advanced level, or prepare graduates for advanced and specialised professional employment. A Master's Degree must have a significant research component.

The qualification may be earned by completing a single advanced research project, culminating in the production and acceptance of a thesis or dissertation.

Qualifying learners must be able to deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, make sound judgement using data and information at their disposal and communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences, demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional or equivalent level, and continue to advance their knowledge, understanding and skills.

Rationale

The rationale for the qualification is the development of highly advanced knowledge and skills and applied competence in the area of Biotechnology and to the benefit of learners; and to provide opportunities for continued personal intellectual growth, as well as the pursuit of gainful economic activity and the ability to make rewarding contributions to society.

The second rationale of the qualification is to provide South Africa with significant numbers of experts in the area of Biotechnology in order to ensure that the local leadership base of innovative and knowledge - based scholarly activity is widened. This includes the development of new knowledge frameworks for the expansion of the field of Biotechnology in general.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Access to the qualification can also be provided in terms of the institution's RPL policy and its admission criteria stipulated by Senate. In addition, in the RPL process learners have to undergo a Portfolio Development Course (PDC) to support the learner's admission. The PDC will focus on written submission explaining the reasons for the candidates' interest in in the discipline as an adjunct to their existing professional competencies and indicating the nature of a possible research project. Furthermore, an application can be made in terms of rule A.2, the competency rule via Senate.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Science Honours in Biotechnology, NQF Level 8.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory module at National Qualifications Framework Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

Compulsory Module, Level 9

• Full Thesis, 180 Credits.

1. Demonstrate specialist knowledge or practices, including an advance understanding and scholarship of the key terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories related to the area of Biotechnology.
2. Acquire expertise in the techniques, procedures, instrumentation and its applications in the chosen area of Biotechnology.
3. Take account of, and act in accordance with prescribed organisational and professional ethical codes of conduct, values and practices and to seek guidance on ethical and professional issues as prescribed within the area of Biotechnology.
4. Analyse and critically evaluate literature relevant to the area of investigation.
5. Select an appropriate research approach and topic, conduct research under supervision using a prescribed research method and submit a thesis for assessment.
6. Collect data using a variety of analytical techniques and information technologies relevant to the area of Biotechnology.
7. Take full responsibility for managing their own work, especially in the write up of the thesis.
8. Take full responsibility for decisions taken in the execution of their studies, taking into account the needs and demands placed on key equipment and facilities.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria applies across all Exit Level Outcomes

• Identify a specific/focused research problem,
• Conduct and complete comprehensive, systematic research,
• Critically evaluate the originally and validity of source material on the basis of historical validation techniques of internal and external criticism,
• Select relevant information to solve the research problem in historical context,
• Submit a well written logical and systematic thesis/ Mini thesis including exposition and findings.

Integrated Assessment

The learners' knowledge in the area of research will be continuously evaluated and guided by the supervisor commencing with the submission of a proposal for a Master's research by the end of their first year. This will be further evaluated by a committee of the Faculty before submission to Senate Higher Degrees Committee. Learners will complete a research project to be presented as a thesis. Assessment of the thesis will be carried out where possible by international external examiners.