Master of Science in Biotechnology

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.

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.

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 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.