Postgraduate Diploma in Biotechnology

Purpose

This qualification is a vocational entry level research learning programme on Level 8 of the NQF. The qualification is multi- and interdisciplinary in nature and serves to strengthen and deepen the biotechnologist's knowledge and skills. The scope of knowledge within this qualification includes (but not limited to) research methodology, biometrics, bioinformatics, applied molecular biology, bioethics, as well as a research project, to enable the technologist to undertake advanced reflection and critical thinking by applying and practicing research methods relevant to this field of study.

The qualification demands a high level of theoretical and practical engagement, and the development of intellectual independence under supervision. The technologist will demonstrate the ability to relate the knowledge and research skills acquired to address current and future Biotechnological issues directed at environmental, agricultural, industrial, medical and ecological problems and developments.

The technologist will demonstrate the ability to relate the knowledge and research skills acquired to address current and future water, soil and climate problems, which will impact negatively on the rich biodiversity and natural resources of South Africa.

Rationale

Nationally, biotechnology has been identified and documented as a scarce skill, resulting in various national strategies to further develop the field of biotechnology. This qualification will serve to strengthen and deepen the knowledge of qualified biotechnologists in this discipline or profession. The scope of knowledge within this qualification includes (but not limited to) research methodology, biometrics, bioinformatics, applied molecular biology, bioethics as well as a research project, to enable the technologist to undertake advanced reflection and critical thinking by applying and practicing research methods relevant to this field of study. The qualification demands a high level of theoretical and practical engagement, and the development of intellectual independence under supervision.

Currently, biotechnologists who have completed the National Diploma enrol for the current Bachelor of Technology (BTech): Biotechnology .This academic pathway will be phased out nationally and replaced with the Diploma (360 Credits on Level 6) and Advanced Diploma (120 Credits on Level 7) in Biotechnology. The B Tech Degree was developed to gain deeper knowledge in the field of Biotechnology, thereby improving the skills (including basic research skills) of the biotechnologists. Qualified biotechnologists will, after completion of the Advanced Diploma will be able to continue their academic development by progressing to the Postgraduate Diploma in Biotechnology. The biotechnologist will be exposed to the specialisation fields of Biotechnology as stated above.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Biotechnology enables biotechnologists to continue with specialised development in the field of Biotechnology. Successful students completing the Advanced Diploma in Biotechnology at Level 7 will be able to articulate to the Postgraduate Diploma qualification, as it has relevant subjects to Level 8. This will enable students to continue their studies at the institution where they originally enrolled, or allow them articulation to other relevant programmes nationally or internationally such as a Master of Applied Science.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The University provides for Recognition of Prior Learning, as stipulated in the RPL policy, in order to prevent the repetition of offerings already obtained which correspond with the current offering being pursued at the institution. Prior-learning and or experience relevant to the field of Biotechnology will be evaluated and considered for access to the qualification . Candidates may apply at the Office of the Registrar for RPL or for admission via the Senate's discretionary route. The specific relevant documentation will be requested from these applicants, and these cases will be handled on an individual basis. Candidates are encouraged to contact the Office of the Registrar.

Entry Requirements

The minimum requirements for admission into the Postgraduate Diploma studies is either

• An Advanced Diploma in Biotechnology, Level 7.

Or

• A Bachelor's Degree in Biotechnology or Microbiology, Level 7.

This qualification comprises elective and compulsory modules at Level 8 totalling 120 Credits

Compulsory Modules Level 8, 120 Credits

• Research Methodology and Ethics, 12 Credits.
• Postgraduate Research Project, 24 Credits.
• Biometrics, 12 Credits.
• Applied Molecular Biology, 36 Credits.
• Bioinformatics, 18 Credits.
• Bioethics, 18 Credits.

1. Demonstrate and evaluate knowledge and engage in the central areas of Biotechnology, as well as demonstrate knowledge in research methodology, biometrics, bioinformatics, applied molecular biology, bioethics, as well as research in biotechnology/microbiology.
2. Investigate and critically reflect on a range of specialised skills and methods of enquiry to identify, analyse and address complex/abstract problems identified in the field of Biotechnology ethically and professionally.
3. Critically reflect, facilitate and manage activities within a specific context, taking decisions and acting ethically, morally and professionally in the fields of biotechnology and microbiology.
4. Produce and communicate ideas and results using appropriate academic and occupational discourse by using a variety of technologies and methodologies relevant to the field of research within the field of Biotechnology and Microbiology.
5. Identify, evaluate and address learning needs in a self-critical manner, and facilitate collaborative learning processes of peers within an appropriate research environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Demonstrate the ability to integrate multiple sources of knowledge, as well as to evaluate and process the key terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories relevant to the specific fields of biotechnology and relevant industries.
• Recognise, research, evaluate, process and apply integrated and detailed knowledge and knowledge literacy of biotechnology and microbiological concepts, principles and rules to relevant examples in the fields of biotechnology and microbiology.
• Identify, analyse and resolve microbiological, biotechnological, molecular and bioinformatics concepts, theories and strategies in the research fields of advanced biotechnology, microbiology and molecular biology using applicable examples typically to the industry.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Draw on the body of knowledge and research methods to critically reflect, apply, communicate and present evidence-based research solutions and research-driven arguments to a range of audiences.
• Gather, synthesise and manage research based information in order to investigate biotechnological/microbiological and molecular related issues in specialised contexts.
• Utilise methods of enquiry to investigate complex problems in the fields of: Applied Biotechnology and Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics and current research topics.
• Evaluate evidence-based solutions critically and apply to case studies relevant to the fields above.
• Distinguish, contrast and apply methods in advanced biotechnology, microbiology and molecular biology, to resolved problems using research and theory-driven arguments.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Effectively justify for decisions and actions in a self-critical manner, taking full responsibility and accountability for actions, their work and decision making, drawing on appropriate ethical values and approaches within the environment under supervision.
• Identify, formulate and execute activities, decisions and actions regarding research methodology and research practice within an appropriate and controlled research environment by critically reflecting, facilitating and managing the research process in an ethical, moral and professional manner.
• Defend, appraise and judge ethical values and approaches to research-management principles and research practice, with regards to decisions and actions decided on, based on research results, to assess the validity and appropriateness of the research.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Justify and adhere to appropriate academic and occupational discourse by using an assortment of technologies and methodologies relevant to research in the field of Biotechnology and Microbiology.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Identify, tailor, evaluate and address continuous development of learning needs in a self-critical manner in order to facilitate collaborative learning processes of both the technologist and his/her peers within an appropriate research environment.

Integrated Assessment

Integrated assessment is an interdisciplinary approach to assessment of learning. It is based on combining, interpreting and communicating knowledge in this field of study. In this qualification, integrated assessment is ensured by incorporating both formative and summative assessment strategies into the learning programme. Assessment strategies are underpinned by the Exit Level Outcomes and Associated Assessment Criteria, which are designed in articulation with the level descriptors and the scope of practice. As such, all elements are aligned with the purpose statement of the programme. Integrated assessment will take place within the context of an active learning environment, in adherence to: quality assurance policies, procedures and processes in a guided and supported learning environment.

Formative assessment will thus mainly involve integrated types of assessment, used to inform students about their progress on a continuous basis throughout the semester. Self and peer assessment (with the aid of relevant analytical assessment tools) will contribute to formative assessment. Marks collected from this evidence may be recorded for promotional purposes or may be used for the sole purpose of student and lecturer reflection, growth and development. Formative assessment will be used to support the student developmentally and to provide feedback to all involved in the learning process of how teaching and learning can be improved. Throughout the programme, formative assessment strategies will be used to ensure that exit level and critical cross-field outcomes are achieved, such as:

• Assignments.
• Demonstrations.
• Presentations.
• And/or any other applicable methods required within a specific teaching and learning experience.

Summative assessment will involve assessment opportunities that take place at the end of a learning experience. Information will be gathered about a student's level of competence upon completion of a unit, module or programme. Results may be expressed in marks in terms of the level of competence achieved, with regard to level descriptors, specific outcomes and assessment standards. This type of assessment is used for promotional purposes and does take the form of (including, but not limited to):

• Examinations (theoretical).
• Portfolios.

< Presentations.

• Tests.
• Research Report/Portfolio.