Advanced Diploma in Biotechnology
Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences - Life Sciences
Purpose and Rationale
Purpose:
The Advanced Diploma in Biotechnology is a vocational learning programme aimed at broadening and deepening the scope of knowledge and skills in Advanced Molecular, Environmental, Industrial, and Medical Biotechnology. The qualification is designed to enhance learners' understanding of current thinking, practices, theories, and methodologies in the field of Biotechnology. It also aims to prepare learners to contribute to innovative developments in various fields of Biotechnology and engage in entrepreneurial activities. The qualification emphasizes sustainable development, learner-centeredness, and quality-driven approaches. Financial provision and resource allocation for the Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology are integral parts of the institution's planning.
Rationale:
Biotechnology is globally recognized as an evolving and vital technology often referred to as the "technology of hope." In South Africa, Biotechnology is identified as a scarce skill, leading to national strategies for developing Biotechnology and training Biotechnologists. The national biotechnology strategy aims to improve healthcare access, provide affordable nutrition, create manufacturing jobs, and preserve the environment. The Biotechnology industry in South Africa requires well-trained professionals to address food security, public health, industrial, and environmental challenges.
The Advanced Diploma in Biotechnology is a response to the industry demand for qualified and skilled biotechnologists equipped to address these challenges. It aims to fulfill the need for enhanced knowledge among Biotechnologists in South Africa, aligning with the vocational pathway at level 7. The qualification bridges the gap left by the phasing out of the B Tech Degree in Biotechnology and offers a specialized curriculum in Industrial, Environmental, Medical Biotechnology, and advanced Molecular Biology.
By covering subjects like regulations, standards, project management, research management, and quality assurance, the qualification ensures that Biotechnologists are well-prepared for specialized roles in the industry. It also serves as a foundation for further studies at the postgraduate level. The Advanced Diploma enables learners to pursue advanced studies either at the institution or access relevant qualifications nationally or internationally, thus contributing to the development and advancement of Biotechnology in diverse fields.
Outcomes
- Attain and evaluate integrated detailed knowledge and knowledge literacy of the central areas of Biotechnology as well as detailed knowledge in environmental, industrial and medical biotechnology.
- Investigate and critically reflect on a range of methods of enquiry to address complex problems identified in the broad field of Biotechnology ethically and professionally.
- Facilitate and manage activities within a familiar or unfamiliar context, taking decisions and acting ethically, morally and professionally in the field of Biotechnology.
- Communicate ideas using appropriate academic, and occupational discourse by using a variety of technologies and methodologies relevant to the field of Biotechnology.
- Identify, evaluate and address learning needs in a self-directed manner and facilitate collaborative learning processes of peers within the field of Biotechnology.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
- Apply and evaluate key terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules, and theories in Biotechnology and associated industries.
- Recognise, explain, and compare integrated and detailed knowledge of biotechnological concepts, principles, and rules.
- Identify and analyse biotechnology concepts, theories, and strategies in environmental, industrial, medical biotechnology, and advanced molecular biotechnology using applicable examples from the industry.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- Apply evidence-based solutions and theory-driven arguments to resolve biotechnological, microbial, quality, and/or managerial problems.
- Utilise methods of enquiry to investigate complex problems in environmental biotechnology, industrial biotechnology, medical biotechnology, advanced molecular biotechnology, and quality assurance.
- Critically evaluate and apply evidence-based solutions to relevant case studies.
- Distinguish, contrast, and resolve biotechnological, microbial, quality, and/or managerial problems using theory-driven arguments.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Justify decisions and actions, taking full responsibility for work and decision-making, drawing on appropriate ethical values and approaches.
- Identify, formulate, and execute activities, decisions, and actions in environmental, industrial, and medical biotechnology, as well as molecular biology in an ethical, moral, and professional manner.
- Defend ethical values and approaches to management principles and professional practice in decisions and actions.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- Justify and adhere to appropriate academic and occupational discourse using various technologies and methodologies relevant to Biotechnology.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
- Identify, tailor, evaluate, and address continuous development of learning needs in a self-directed manner to facilitate collaborative learning processes within the field of Biotechnology.
Integrated Assessment:
- Integrated assessment combining, interpreting, and communicating knowledge in the field of study.
- Incorporating formative and summative assessment strategies aligned with Exit Level Outcomes and Assessment Criteria.
- Ensuring alignment with the qualification's purpose statement, quality assurance policies, and guided learning environment.
Formative Assessment:
- Continuous assessment methods to inform learners of progress throughout the semester.
- Self and peer assessment using analytical tools for developmental feedback.
- Utilisation of formative assessment strategies like assignments, demonstrations, presentations, tests, and other applicable methods.
Summative Assessment:
- Assessment at the end of a learning experience to determine level of competence.
- Results expressed in marks based on level descriptors, specific outcomes, and assessment standards.
- Includes examinations, portfolios, presentations, and tests for promotional purposes.
Qualification Details
- Type
- Advanced Diploma
- NQF Level
- 07
- Min. Credits
- 120
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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This page includes information from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) . Builtneat Pty Ltd trading as Study Start, has modified all or some of this information. SAQA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.