Bachelor of Science Honours in Biotechnology
Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences - Life Sciences
Purpose and Rationale
Bachelor of Science Honours in Biotechnology
Purpose:
The purpose of the Bachelor of Science Honours in Biotechnology is to provide biotechnology industry practitioners, researchers, and a career path for learners to pursue further educational qualifications with relevant and current developments in the field of Biotechnology and its role in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). The practical hands-on laboratory skills with up-to-date equipment will enable learners to effectively access several careers and employment or to continue with master's study by developing their ability to formulate, undertake and solve more complex theoretical and practice-related problems in the field of Biotechnology.
Upon completion of this qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
- Identify gaps in research and development and/or industry and demonstrate innovative, creative thinking around possible solutions that can be converted into products targeted for the South African bioeconomy.
- Plan and execute a research project that incorporates molecular and analytical biotechniques across the modern biotechnology field, by applying their theoretical and laboratory skills.
- Analyse and interpret findings from various datasets generated during a research project.
- Disseminate and present research findings using appropriate modes of delivery to peers, the public and policymakers.
Rationale:
There is an ever-increasing need for research training and application in the industry of Biotechnology. The development of this qualification directly addresses the needs of South Africa's National Bio-economy Strategy 2030, which encompasses the use of biotechnological processes to grow the gross domestic product (GDP) of the country. In addition, biotechnology forms one of the key components in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) contributing to areas such as biomanufacturing and 3D bioprinting. To achieve this, it is vital to skill the workforce in the principles and techniques that govern biotechnology research and production.
The qualification is primarily designed to develop Biotechnology industry practitioners and researchers to be able to independently integrate and apply advanced scientific principles, techniques, and research methods to improve existing industrial products and/or develop novel products and services in the industry. The formal tuition and practical hands-on laboratory skills with up-to-date equipment enable learners to effectively access several careers and employment from the onset or continue with a Masters in the same field.
The qualification will enhance the professional activities that the learners will be able to competently perform, which include but are not limited to quantitative and qualitative analysis, laboratory production processes, quality assurance, research and development, and judging processes and outcomes to determine and establish appropriate and best practice in Biotechnology industries and educational institutions.
Typical learners will be candidates that are qualified with a relevant undergraduate degree, or a relevant Diploma and Advanced Diploma in Biotechnology and or an equivalent qualification. This qualification may also serve as a career path for learners to pursue further educational qualifications. The learners of this qualification will have broad knowledge and skills relevant to the Biotechnology sector such as in the production of biopharmaceuticals, biofuels, biopolymers and nanomaterials and the bioengineering of sustainable environmentally friendly processes. The emphasis of the qualification will be to ensure that the learners are prepared for a career in Biotechnology in which they contribute innovatively and actively to the growth of the bio-economy in South Africa.
Outcomes
- Identify gaps in research and development and/or industry and demonstrate innovative, creative thinking, techniques around possible solutions that can be converted into products targeted for the South African bio-economy.
- Plan and execute a research project that incorporates molecular and analytical biotechniques across the modern biotechnology field, by applying their theoretical and laboratory skills.
- Analyze and interpret findings from various datasets generated during a research project.
- Disseminate and present research findings using appropriate communication modes of delivery to peers, the public and policy-makers.
Assessment Criteria
Exit Level Outcome 1:
Role of Biotechnology in South Africa's National Bio-economy Strategy:
- Utilize existing literature to identify specific needs in the health, agricultural, and industrial sectors of South Africa that can benefit from biotechnology.
- Explain the different types of intellectual property in biotechnology and their roles.
- Formulate creative ideas for addressing a specific need in South Africa's bio-based economy and outline steps to protect it.
- Develop a comprehensive business plan to support the idea.
Exit Level Outcome 2:
Research Project Planning in Biotechnology:
- Review and reference literature to formulate a research question or hypothesis.
- Plan a research project in a specialized area of biotechnology using core principles and theoretical knowledge.
- Select and apply appropriate biotechniques to answer the research question or prove the hypothesis.
- Make informed predictions on expected data patterns based on existing literature.
- Generate, collect, and validate accurate and reliable data.
Exit Level Outcome 3:
Data Collection and Interpretation in Biotechnology:
- Identify, collect, and present data from instruments and assays commonly used in biotechnology.
- Validate, analyze, and interpret data sets in various formats.
- Compare generated data with similar studies.
- Determine if the data is sufficient to answer the research question or prove the hypothesis.
- Draw appropriate conclusions based on research findings.
Exit Level Outcome 4:
Scientific Communication in Biotechnology:
- Identify and differentiate various modes of scientific communication.
- Determine the appropriate mode of communication for a specific audience.
- Use written communication to present logical arguments, evidence, and conclusions.
- Utilize presentation tools to verbally present key information in a logical manner.
- Respond effectively to audience questions.
Qualification Details
- Type
- Honours Degree
- NQF Level
- 08
- Min. Credits
- 120
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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