Advanced Diploma in Biotechnology
Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences - Life Sciences
Purpose and Rationale
Purpose:
The Advanced Diploma in Biotechnology is designed to provide learners with a deep and systematic understanding of current theories, practices, and methodologies in the field of Biotechnology. The qualification aims to equip learners with the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values necessary for the application of biological systems, living organisms, or their derivatives in a technological context. By completing this qualification, learners will be able to develop or modify products and processes specific to the biotechnology industry, with a focus on environmental sustainability. Additionally, this diploma serves as preparation for learners interested in pursuing further studies at the postgraduate level, thereby enhancing their expertise in the Biotechnology field.
Rationale:
Biotechnology plays a crucial role in various industries, including food and beverages, agriculture, water, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals. The discipline addresses pressing issues such as food and water contamination, bioremediation, bio-products manufacturing, and food safety, making a significant impact on society and the economy. With the emergence of green biotechnology, particularly in the biofuels industry, this diploma provides essential knowledge to meet the demands of this evolving field.
Furthermore, the qualification lays a solid foundation for learners to pursue careers in Biotechnology research and development, as well as in industrial management and entrepreneurship. Graduates can explore opportunities in research institutions like CSIR, MRC, ARC, and Technology Innovation, contributing to the National Biotechnology Strategy and the bio-economy. The scarcity of skilled biotechnologists underscores the importance of this qualification, with opportunities for research funding and career development in alignment with green occupations.
The increasing establishment of Biotechnology start-ups at national, provincial, and regional levels offers employment prospects for qualified individuals. This qualification is designed to ensure that biotechnologists possess the necessary 'green skills' essential for the biofuels and bioremediation industries, meeting the evolving needs of the sector and contributing to environmental sustainability.
Outcomes
- Apply knowledge of various theoretical aspects of relevant fields in biotechnology, such as Industrial, Environmental, Plant and Medical Biotechnology.
- Exhibit a deep understanding of microbial metabolism, biochemistry, methods and techniques in molecular biology, microbial cell culture, both in theory and as these relate to environmental and industrial biotechnological practices, in a context-specific manner.
- Attain an understanding of ethical practices about biotechnology, as they relate to legislation, intellectual property rights (IPR) and accountability.
- Develop an ability to plan and conduct a biotechnology research project and communicate findings in both an oral and written format.
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of various industrially and research-applicable equipment, the ability to troubleshoot, and the ability to apply these practices in multiple contexts.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
- Identify, describe, and explain concepts and principles of the discipline.
- Evaluate relationships between concepts and principles.
- Identify the range and limits of applicability of concepts and principles.
- Apply concepts and principles to standard problems in the field of biotechnology, such as Industrial, Environmental, Plant, and Medical Biotechnology.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- State underlying principles of microbial metabolism, biochemistry, methods, and techniques in molecular biology, microbial cell culture.
- Develop practical strategies to apply those principles in the industry.
- Apply knowledge of microbial metabolism, biochemistry, methods, and techniques in molecular biology to solve environmental and industrial biotechnological problems.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Apply knowledge, skills, and ethics relevant to current industry and professional standards and codes of ethics and practice.
- Demonstrate awareness and sensitivity to conflict, culture, and context.
- Reflect and develop personal capability to meet professional standards, including actively seeking professional development opportunities and reflecting upon feedback.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- Formulate, critically analyze, and solve foundational and abstract problems in familiar and unfamiliar contexts.
- Apply theory knowledge to project contexts.
- Integrate knowledge from various disciplines or modes of enquiry to solve scientific problems encountered in the project.
- Demonstrate good listening, writing, verbal communication skills, and procedures.
- Interpret and communicate technical material and journal articles related to different fields of biotechnology.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
- Demonstrate technical and troubleshooting skills using laboratory equipment, tools, materials, and computer software.
- Understand laboratory procedures, including health and safety, and scientific methods.
- Analyze abstract concepts and theories critically within a research context.
- Demonstrate scientific inquiry and problem-solving skills for application in various biotechnological contexts.
- Demonstrate collaborative learning and teamwork skills in laboratory settings.
Integrated Assessment:
- Integrated assessments will combine different elements and require learners to demonstrate applied competence.
- Assessments will combine practical, foundational, and reflective competence.
- Use various methods and instruments to achieve outcomes.
- Assessment practices will be open, transparent, fair, valid, and reliable.
- Integrated assessments will assess theoretical and practical components together.
Formative and Summative Assessments:
- Formative assessments support learner development and provide feedback.
- Summative assessments make judgements about achievement and provide snapshot information about a student's competence.
- Assessment marks contribute to the final mark.
Qualification Details
- Type
- Advanced Diploma
- NQF Level
- 07
- Min. Credits
- 120
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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