Bachelor of Applied Science in Biotechnology
Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences - Life Sciences
Purpose and Rationale
Qualification in Biotechnology
Purpose:
The qualification prepares learners with focused knowledge, practical skills, attitudes, and values necessary for the technological application of biological systems, living organisms, or derivatives thereof, to make or modify products or processes for specific use in the biotechnology workplace whilst contributing to environmental sustainability. Graduates may seek employment in industrial and research laboratories such as drug and pharmaceutical research, public-funded laboratories, chemicals, environmental control, water and waste management, energy, food processing, and bio-processing industries.
Upon successful completion of this qualification, learners will be able to:
- Exhibit an understanding of the relationship between biological and chemical principles and operations in the biotechnology laboratory.
- Apply a working knowledge of laboratory safety and the safe handling of chemical and biological reagents including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and plant and mammalian cell culture systems.
- Utilize information about biological systems to develop techniques for the commercial production of food, pharmaceuticals, environmental protection, bio-chemicals, and clinical assays.
- Demonstrate written and oral skills with the ability to summarize, evaluate, synthesize, and appropriately communicate scientific concepts to a variety of audiences.
- Critically analyze the principles of current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) and industry management.
- Execute laboratory activities commonly carried out in the biotechnology laboratory including, but not limited to, DNA and protein isolation, PCR, electrophoresis, centrifugation, enzyme manipulations, solution preparation, the culture of biological organisms, production of bio-products, and instrumental analysis.
- Maintain a professional code of conduct, work ethic, and uphold confidential company intellectual property.
The purpose of the qualification is to focus on the generation of knowledge and expertise in the emerging areas of science and technology by developing state-of-the-art knowledge and skills to produce quality learners needed in biotechnology and related fields for societal and industrial benefit. The Biotechnology qualification is driven by the development of a theoretical knowledge base as well as the business needs of the biotechnology sector. It involves a flexible model where the content would continuously evolve with the rapid changes occurring in the Biotechnology Industry. The qualification would provide competence in biotechnology by providing training in the areas of microbiology, biochemistry, analytical techniques, molecular biology, and bioinformatics. Lectures, seminars, and hands-on projects, both in-house and during project-based learning, will be part of the learning process. The thrust is towards the integration of theoretical knowledge with hands-on practical experience. The learners of this qualification would interact closely with researchers in this area and also participate actively in ongoing research projects. The thrust areas of research are industrial products, water and wastewater technology, medicinal biotechnology, and molecular biology.
Unique Attributes:
The 3rd year incorporates a research project which is not restricted to a single final-year module but can be based on any of the final year modules or even several of these modules. This project, in itself, is unique in that it requires learners to prepare and present a research proposal, a written project report, and an oral presentation in the final year. The project will be community-based, and learners will be encouraged to research topics that directly affect their communities. Alternatively, the project can be industry-linked. It is envisaged that such projects will eventually lead to a compulsory "community-service" module that allows for the translation of Biotechnology and Food Technology benefits to our wider community.
Rationale:
Biotechnology is a multi-faceted discipline, which has been making a steady impact in South Africa. Globally, the discipline has made a massive contribution in the science and technology arena. Biotechnologists are skilled to respond to issues of food and water contamination, bioremediation, the manufacture of environmentally friendly bio-products, food safety, and quality control - issues that significantly affect society and the economy. This qualification aims to provide the foundational knowledge to meet the needs of the new wave of biotechnology, especially in green biotechnology such as the biofuels industry. It further provides a strong foundation for postgraduate studies enabling career path development and lifelong learning in biotechnology research and development, as well as industry management and entrepreneurship. Graduates may find research and development career opportunities in parastatal research institutions such as Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Medical Research Council (MRC), Agricultural Research Council (ARC), and Technology Innovation Agency (TIA).
National, Provincial, and Local Employment Needs:
The government has recognized the importance of biotechnology and implemented the National Biotechnology Strategy over the last decade. Biotechnology has been identified as a scarce skill due to its potential contribution to environmental sustainability and the bio-economy. Research funding from both the National Research Foundation (NRF) and Department of Science and Technology (DST) has been made available for undergraduate and postgraduate pursuits in biotechnology careers. Biotechnology has been identified as a green occupation in the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) Organizing Framework for Occupations (OFO) 2013. There has been a steady increase in the establishment of biotechnology start-ups at national, provincial, and regional levels, providing employment opportunities for graduates. This qualification has been designed to address these needs, particularly focusing on developing competencies in 'green skills' required in the biofuels and bioremediation industries.
Outcomes
- Exhibit an understanding of the relationship between biological and chemical principles and operations in the biotechnology laboratory.
- Apply a working knowledge of laboratory safety and the safe handling of chemical and biological reagents including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and plant and mammalian cell culture systems.
- Utilise information about biological systems to develop techniques for commercial production of food, pharmaceuticals, environmental protection, bio-chemicals and clinical assays.
- Demonstrate written and oral skills with the ability to summarize, evaluate, synthesize, and appropriately communicate scientific concepts to a variety of audiences.
- Critically analyse and apply the principles of current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) and industry management.
- Execute laboratory activities commonly carried out in the biotechnology laboratory including, but not limited to, DNA and protein isolation, PCR, electrophoresis, centrifugation, enzyme manipulations, solution preparation, the culture of biological organisms, production of bio-products and instrumental analysis.
- Maintain a professional code of conduct, work ethic and uphold confidential company intellectual property.
Assessment Criteria
Associated assessment criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
- Evaluate the structure and inter-relationships within the Biotechnology sector.
- Analyze the roles and responsibilities of individuals within the Biotechnology sector.
- Review and integrate contemporary issues and novel concepts in the field of Biotechnology into practice.
Associated assessment criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- Demonstrate legal and ethical responsibilities when working with biological specimens.
- Understand the importance of responsibility, commitment to peer review, and truthful reporting in investigations.
- Use scientific knowledge to solve practical problems while considering human values and limitations.
- Demonstrate understanding and implementation of emergency procedures in hazardous situations.
Associated assessment criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Identify local biotechnology companies specializing in various products.
- Compare the benefits of biotechnological products to a non-biotechnological environment.
- Design and produce experiments and industrially important products at a laboratory scale.
- Utilize knowledge of different career fields related to biotechnology.
Associated assessment criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- Demonstrate good listening, writing, and verbal communication skills.
- Recognize and address potential errors in protocols.
- Demonstrate research, manufacturing, quality control, or quality assurance skills while working in a team.
- Develop observational skills and related documentation strategies.
Associated assessment criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
- Develop an understanding of cGMP, Quality, and its significance in the industry.
- Implement practical strategies to apply quality principles in the workplace.
- Identify areas of GMP non-compliance and propose corrective actions.
- Define and evaluate international and national GMP compliance based on current trends.
Associated assessment criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
- Apply technical and manipulative skills in using laboratory equipment, tools, materials, and computer software.
- Understand laboratory procedures, health and safety, and scientific methods.
- Demonstrate skills of scientific enquiry and problem-solving.
Associated assessment criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
- Apply knowledge, skills, and ethics relevant to industry standards and codes of ethics and practice.
- Display awareness and sensitivity to conflict, culture, and context.
- Demonstrate ongoing reflection and development of personal capability to meet professional standards.
Integrated Assessment:
- Combined different elements and require learners to demonstrate applied competence.
- Utilize various assessment methods and instruments to achieve outcomes.
- Acquire evidence from sources such as supervisor's reports, testimonials, portfolios, and journals.
- Ensure assessment practices are open, transparent, fair, valid, and reliable.
Continuous assessment methods:
- Portfolios.
- Simulations.
- Workplace assessments and practical workbooks.
- Written assignments.
- Written tests.
- Case studies and case presentations.
- Peer group evaluation.
- Competency evaluations of clinical skills.
- Face to face contact with learners.
Qualification Details
- Type
- National First Degree
- NQF Level
- 07
- Min. Credits
- 360
- 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.