Advanced Diploma in Biotechnology

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

• Demonstrate a deep understanding of concepts and applications of environmental, industrial, plant and animal biotechnology, such as wastewater treatment, waste disposal, biodegradation, biosorption, molecular diagnostics, factors that determine the growth and maintenance of animal, plant and microbial cells.
• Demonstrate knowledge of various biological systems, such as cellular biology, environmental biology, microbiology, etc.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

• Predict, grow, maintain, and manipulate the conditions for plant, animal and microbial cell culture, using a range of laboratory equipment for both research and industrial applications.
• Demonstrate the ability to conduct various biotechnological procedures in a range of contexts.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

• Demonstrate an appreciation and knowledge of legislation surrounding general scientific and specifically biotechnological practices.
• Interpret legislation, business and management practices, budget construction, IPR and accountability.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

• Plan, conduct, and report on a particular biotechnology-related research exercise.
• Understand scientific practical parameters, from data collection, statistical processing, data interpretation, sourcing relevant literature, proposal writing, time management (with respect to deadlines), and effective scientifically-acceptable communication, in both the written and oral forms.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

• Effectively operate a range of instruments, troubleshoot, select the correct instrument for a given application and context.
• Conduct a research project, with all the associated parameters, using the range of apparatus and instruments available.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

• Plan and operate a biotechnology-related business.
• Demonstrate knowledge of IPR, budget construction, legal considerations of biotechnology businesses and labour legislations.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

• Display knowledge and appreciation of research ethics, environmental sustainability, waste management, bioethical principles, community engagement and cognitive conditioning.
• Understand environmental impacts of biotechnological practices, intellectual property rights, scientific decorum and research ethics.
• Demonstrate awareness of societal responsibilities and act in an accountable and fair manner, make decisions for the greater good, and display qualities of good citizenship.

Integrated Assessment:

Being a year-long qualification, the Advanced Diploma in Biotechnology comprises both core (7 modules) and elective (4 modules) offerings. In designing the various assessment criteria for the qualification, the rationale for effective assessment practices was adhered to. Assessments seek to promote equity and confidence in the classroom, prioritise appropriate individual, social and economic transformation goals, enhance key competencies and attributes in graduates, solidify disciplinary knowledge, improve the quality of teaching, and encourage throughput and quality within a qualification. 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. Integrated assessment for the Advanced Diploma in Biotechnology incorporates a variety of formative and assessment methods, such as formal tests and examinations, problem solving assignments, case studies to demonstrate bioethics, oral presentations, portfolios of evidence, research projects, and assessments of practical, technical and methodological competence, both in the laboratory environment and in the field and/or industry. Integrated assessment therefore aims to assess the following graduate attributes, in order for the Diploma to be awarded:

• The extent to which learners have grasped theoretical concepts and practical experience, which is context-specific, for good biotechnological practice
• Evaluate the extent to which learners demonstrate societal responsibility towards better citizenship and role models in communities
• The extent to which the intended learning outcomes of each of the compulsory and elective modules have been met.

Formative assessment:

Tutorials, practical reports, oral presentations, research proposals and research reports.

Summative assessment:

Written tests, research reports, oral presentations, final examinations, business plans.