Postgraduate Diploma in Biotechnology

Purpose

The purpose of the Postgraduate Diploma in Biotechnology is to enable working professionals in biotechnology and in allied disciplines to systematically undertake advanced reflection and development of contemporary thinking, practice, and research in biotechnology, and to deepen their understanding of the relevant theories, contexts, and skills upon which a sustainable, ethical, and socially responsible bioeconomy depends.

The qualification also carries with it a valuable research focus. Such research skills are currently scarce in South Africa and are required to identify the needs of the community, conceptualise research projects to address these needs, identify appropriate theories on which to build the research, plan and professionally carry out biotechnological research, be cognizant of and demonstrate competence in bioethics and biosafety, and finally communicate findings in an ethical and professional manner, onto which further scientific research may be built. This is crucial to keep abreast with the rapidly advancing and dynamic field of Biotechnology, in the greater global bioeconomy.

Candidates who may already be working in industry, but who wish to advance their qualifications, were also considered. Hence, the qualification will also be offered on a part-time basis, over two years. Whilst full-time learners will be expected to complete the six subjects to make up 120 credits over a one-year period, part-time learners need only take three subjects per year, affording working professionals the opportunity to manage their work and studies, through a blended teaching and learning approach.

Some of the envisaged learners attributes are an intellectual ability grounded in both discipline and general biotechnology knowledge; development of critical thinking; technical knowledge that is both practice and contextually appropriate; an ability to manage time and work in a team; an appreciation of ethics (professional and biology-related) and accountability in general and specifically in the practice of biotechnology; and community engagement towards societal good and effective citizenship.

Learners, equipped with state of the art in knowledge and interdisciplinary skills will be in high demand across the various industries of the bioeconomy, with roles that include new product development, process improvement technologists, research scientists, entrepreneurs, sustainability managers, innovation managers, marketing and communication, policy, intellectual property practitioners and funding applicants and reviewers, to name a few. Significant recent advances in the field of Biotechnology, specifically in genomics, medicine, pharmaceuticals, and green technologies have attracted the interest of diverse industries, all seeking to understand the technology to derive its benefits and advance the field in a responsible, sustainable, and ethical manner. As a result, technology has become democratised, and given its power and potential, this has not come without challenges. It has therefore become imperative that inter-disciplinary collaboration takes place, both nationally and internationally. The qualification aims to bring together working professionals, who already possess an undergraduate qualification either in biotechnology or in any industry that has an interest in biotechnology, to engage in the knowledge of this rapidly-advancing field, to deeply understand the technology, its applications and its implications, so that we build capacity to safely adopt, adapt, and further develop this field for the benefit of the diverse people and environments of South Africa and Africa.

Upon completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be able to

• Demonstrate an ability to conceive, plan, conduct and manage a biotechnology-related research proposal, data, and project.
• Communicate findings in both written and oral formats, taking cognizance of research ethics, accountability, standard operating procedures, data collection, time management, teamwork, proposal, report writing, statistically-sound data processing, interpretation, and academic decorum.
• Critically evaluate ethical, safety and quality regarding biotechnological practices. The consequences of such practices should also be interrogated, and the principles of legislation for the present and forecasted developments in the field of biotechnology understood in those contexts.
• Demonstrate an awareness of social and ethical responsibilities of postgraduate members of society, good environmental and scientific practices, community engagement, life-long learning, and effective, productive citizenship.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy which is applicable to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications. RPL may be applied for access, credits from modules and credits for or towards the qualification.

RPL for access

• Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.
• To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations should they be allowed entrance into the qualification.

RPL for exemption of modules

• Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from modules that form part of the qualification. For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

RPL for credit

• Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.
• Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Advanced Diploma in Biotechnology, NQF Level 7,

Or

• Bachelor of Applied Science in Biotechnology, NQF Level 7,

Or

• Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology, NQF Level 7,

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 8,104 Credits

• Sectors of the Bioeconomy, 24 Credits.
• Biotechnology for sustainability, 24 Credits.
• Research methods and project, 24 Credits.
• Quality control, bioethics, and legislation, 16 Credits.
• Biotechnology and data, 16 Credits.

Elective Modules, Level 8, 16 Credits (Select one module from the following options)

• Current trends in molecular biology, 16 Credits.
• Biotechnology management, 16 Credits.

1. Demonstrate a deep theoretical and practical knowledge of the inter-connectedness of Biotechnology with various sectors and stakeholders in the industry.
2. Critically engage with recent developments in Biotechnology, such as in the agricultural, pharmaceutical, food, data, etc. sectors, in a context-specific manner. This understanding must also demonstrate knowledge of their roles in the Bioeconomy, implications for sustainability, and forecasts of future developments in Biotechnology.
3. Demonstrate an ability to conceive, plan, conduct and manage a Biotechnology-related research proposal, data, and project.
4. Communicate findings in both written and oral formats, taking cognizance of research ethics, accountability, standard operating procedures, data collection, time management, teamwork, proposal, and report writing, statistically-sound data processing, interpretation, and academic decorum.
5. Critically evaluate ethical, safety and quality regarding Biotechnological practices. The consequences of such practices should also be interrogated, and the principles of legislation for the present and forecasted developments in the field of Biotechnology understood in those contexts.
6. Demonstrate an awareness of social and ethical responsibilities of postgraduate members of society, good environmental and scientific practices, community engagement, life-long learning, and effective, productive citizenship.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Examine the inter-disciplinary nature of the Biotechnology industry and the drivers of the Bioeconomy.
• Identify needs for the advancement of the Bioeconomy, and the stakeholders that are instrumental in various contexts to meet those needs.
• Apply, deeply and engage with key theories upon which the field of Biotechnology is built.
• Deepen knowledge of current and future trends in selected areas of Biotechnology.
• Discuss the developments in other industries influence and advances in technology adoption in Biotechnology.
• Critically engage with theory and practice to describe what sustainability, climate change, and resource management means in a Biotechnology context.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Deepen knowledge of the various sectors that constitute the field of 'Biotechnology'.
• Assess the impacts of pharmaceutical, environmental, food, agricultural, and other Biotechnology sectors.
• Analyse the role of data, in all its forms, in the description and advancement of Biotechnology.
• Predict about the influences of automation and artificial intelligence on the future of Biotechnology.
• Identify the factors that determine the success of a Biotechnology business, within the broader context of industry and role players.
• Critically evaluate the merits of a Biotechnology operation in the industry.
• Manage a Biotechnology operation or endeavour, from deep engagement with funding applications to various aspects of a Biotechnology project, developing goals and timelines of delivery, and identify relevant industry partners in the value chain.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Analyse the nature of research relevant to Biotechnology and related fields of professional practice
• Locate, evaluate, and select information from a range of current, relevant sources to contextualize the research question and compile a brief literature perspective of its background.
• Evaluate guidance from a supervisor, identify an authentic, practice-based research problem in Biotechnology or in an associated field that informs Biotechnology practice, management and/or governance.
• Evaluate guidance from a supervisor, generate research question(s), aims and objectives for the research project based on criteria and guidelines relevant to the field of study.
• Propose appropriate research methods and techniques to guide the investigation and to collect appropriate data.
• Draw selectively and critically on the published work of various scholars and professional practitioners in specialization, demonstrating an ability to analyse complex and/or abstract ideas and apply them creatively to the research question.
• Use and defend the appropriateness of selected data collection and analysis methods and techniques for investigating the complexities of the research question.
• Integrate results from different data collection methods, or from different data sets, to provide a coherent, synthesized, and complete representation of the data.
• Collect research data and discuss the role of big data in the future of Biotechnology and the Bioeconomy.
• Become proficient in the essentials of business management, as it relates to the Biotechnology industry.
• Develop and apply sustainable business strategies, resource management and allocation.
• Explain the essentials of project management, product development entrepreneurship, marketing, finance, and funding for a Biotechnology business.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Present the research findings and conclusions, in verbal, written and/or visual form to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.
• Develop coherent, arguments, based on research data and results, and with reference to key ideas in the literature perspectives presented to support conclusions in the research report.
• Use Harvard referencing techniques according to institutional guidelines for both in-text and bibliographic referencing.
• Apply institutional policies and requirements in terms of ethical considerations and plagiarism.
• Manage time effectively by meeting submission deadlines.
• Adhere to the academic writing style of the discipline.
• Develop oral communication skills by preparing and presenting results to an audience of industry and academic peers.
• Apply cognizant of ethical, professional, and accountable practices in conducting research and in communication thereof.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Identify and apply bioethics and the principles that delineate ethical scientific conduct.
• Understand the philosophy behind legislation.
• Discuss the implications of Biotechnology research and practice, malpractice, wider consequences, and legislative enforcement.
• Develop guidelines for emerging technologies using principles of ethics in general and bioethics and biosafety.
• Scrutinise developments in Biotechnology, with a view to projecting future trends and appreciating the ethical implications of those trends in a broad context.
• Develop a framework for risk assessments, corporate responsibility, and responsible and ethical management practices in the Biotechnology sector.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Identify societal needs and identify the sectors of Biotechnology that can address those needs.
• Explain the importance of working with communities - local, national, or international - to tackle specific needs in the context of Biotechnology or an associated discipline.
• Develop an appreciation of the importance of ensuring that the needs of communities (people and environment) are met in an ethical and professional manner.
• Cultivate an ethos of deep, lifelong learning by developing inquiry, responsibility, and ownership of knowledge.

Integrated Assessment

The institutional assessment policy and practices promote constructive alignment of the learning outcomes, student-centred learning activities and assessment tasks. Assessment practices will be fair, reliable, and valid. Assessment is aligned with academic disciplinary and professional field norms and standards.

In designing the various assessment criteria for the qualification, the rationale for effective assessment practices was adhered to, in line with the intended learning outcomes for each subject and for the qualification. Assessments seek to promote equity and confidence in the classroom, prioritise appropriate individual, social and economic transformation goals, enhance key competencies and attributes in qualifying learners, solidify disciplinary knowledge, improve the quality of teaching, encourage throughput and quality within a qualification, and prepare qualifying learners for higher-level employment in industry, or for further research careers. The assessment strategies also reflect the institutional requirements, depending on the module, with respect to class marks, feedback, disciplinary and appeals procedures, duly performance, condoned passes, etc.

Formative Assessment

Integrated assessment for the qualification incorporates a variety of assessment methods, such as

• Formal tests.
• Problem solving assignments.
• Case studies to demonstrate bioethics and biosafety.
• Oral presentations.
• Portfolios of evidence.
• Mini research projects.

Summative Assessment

Integrated assessment therefore seeks to holistically develop the learners personal and professional being in the field of study. It aims to assess the following qualifying learner's attributes for the qualification to be awarded. 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, about level descriptors, specific outcomes, and assessment standards. This type of assessment is used for promotional purposes and does take the form of, but not limited to:

• Examinations (theoretical).
• Portfolios.
• Presentations.
• Tests.
• Research Report.