Certificate in Biotechnology (Medical, Food and Pharmaceutical) (Level 4)

Overview

Biotechnology (Medical, Food and Pharmaceutical) is the use of biological systems found in organisms or the use of the living organisms themselves to make technological advances and adapt those technologies to various fields. Biotechnology harnesses cellular and bio-molecular processes to develop technologies and products that help improve our lives and the health of our planet. We have used the biological processes of microorganisms for more than 6,000 years to make useful food products, such as bread and cheese, and to preserve dairy products. Medical biotechnology is the use of living cells and other cell materials to better the health of humans. Primarily, it is used for finding cures as well as getting rid of and preventing diseases.

The NIT qualifications in Biotechnology (Medical, food and Pharmaceutical) were designed to meet the industrial revolution 4.0. They are for the industry and are taught, assessed and verified by local and international industry experts. They are career specific and are aimed at ensuring that the NIT students graduate as Vibrant, Skilled, Competent, and Work-prepared Entrepreneurial Technicians, Technologists, and Professionals to handle and confront the changing and demanding job roles within the medical industry.

Biotechnology (Medical, food and Pharmaceutical) qualifications are for career goal minded individual who would appreciate the career specific and practical fascinating insight of the NIT programs. With a qualification in Biotechnology (Medical, food and Pharmaceutical), you’ll have many career options. What you choose depends on what most interests you.

The qualification level has broader coverage of knowledge and practical skills required for the vocational sector. The qualification has the potential to prepare learners for progression to the Diploma in Biotechnology (Medical, food and Pharmaceutical) (Level 5).

Who is this qualification for?

Biotechnology (Medical, Food and Pharmaceutical) is a field that revolves around utilizing the biological systems with technology to develop a product or a process. The outcomes of biotechnology help in addressing many problems across many industries. Interdisciplinary nature of biotechnology results in numerous products and technologies. Biotechnology (Medical, Food and Pharmaceutical) are critical for the current generation and industry 4.0.The sphere of biotechnology includes medical biotechnology, pharmaceutical biotechnology, plant biotechnology, cellular biotechnology, fermentation biotechnology, food biotechnology, environmental biotechnology, and bioinformatics.

With about 30% of theoretical learning, there will typically be much more of action, hands-on, practical learning to ensure that you are adequately prepared for biotechnological work when you graduate.

Medical Biotechnology

Medical Biotechnology implies the application of biotechnology in the field of healthcare sector. The Healthcare sector is powered by biotechnology companies that always play a major role, be it in developing diagnostic kits, vaccines, biologics, drugs or medical machinery. The domains of biotechnology like molecular biology, cell biology, recombinant technology, and immunotherapeutic succored in the evolution of the medical sector.

Career Opportunities in Medical Biotechnology:

There are many career opportunities available in Research and Development, Pharmaceutical Companies, Hospitals, Diagnostic Centres, Manufacturing Sector of Biotechnology, Academic Sector for students who want to make a career in Medical Biotechnology:

Job Profiles for Graduates in Medical Biotechnology:

• Trainee Clinical Laboratory Technician
• Trainee Biological Supplier Manufacturing Technician
• Trainee Environmental Technician
• Trainee Food Safety Mechanism
• Trainee Pharmaceutical Research Technician

Food Biotechnology

The increasing human population is proportional to the demand of food. Food biotechnology surmounts the difficulties in food production, food processing and food preservation. Biotechnology brings out the alternate sources of food. The best examples are the single cell proteins derived from various microorganisms and development of value-added food products.

Biotechnology always helps in introducing technology which aims to enhance the production, processing, packaging and preservation of food. The scope of biotechnology in this field is limitless.

Employment Sector for Food Biotechnologists

• Storage Units
• Research Units
• Laboratories
• Food and Beverage Department
• Food Marketing
• Processing and Distributing Units

Job Profiles of a Food Biotechnologist

• Trainee Quality Technician
• Trainee Food Technician
• Trainee Regulatory Affairs Officer
• Trainee Technical Brewer
• Trainee Chefs
• Trainee Nutritional Therapist
• Trainee Product Development Scientist

Pharmaceutical biotechnology

Earlier this field only dealt with discovering and developing small molecules (drug) but time has witnessed the evolution of this industry. The horizon of this sector widened. Emergence of Biopharmaceutics has brought a new dimension. Biotechnology was always a part of drug development and discovery, but biologics as therapeutic elements resulted in the surge of biotech companies involved in the pharmaceutical industry. Cell-based therapies, monoclonal antibodies, vaccines and other therapeutics are a few examples to start with.

Job Profiles of a Pharmaceutical Biotechnologist

• Trainee Medical Technician
• Trainee Chemical Technician
• Trainee Biological Technician
• Trainee Chemical Technician

What makes this course special?

The National Institute of Technology (NIT) is one of the world’s most successful and best-preferred applied (hands-on) learning brand. The National Institute of Technology qualifications place greater emphasis on self-employment and employer engagement and work readiness. The NIT-Namibia provides 70% practical and 30% theory teaching and learning methodologies coupled with various practical learning-focused activities that fully engage our students. The NIT programs in Mechanical Engineering are work-related qualifications for students taking their first steps into employment, or for those already in employment and seeking career development opportunities.

Why you must study with NIT?

At the National Institute of Technology (NIT), we know how important it is for career ambitious people to get the right education to start and further develop their careers.

With today’s industry and employers demanding so much more than just a qualification to contain the effects of global competition and to attain a competitive edge, here are the main six (6) reasons why you must choose to study at NIT:

Work Readiness

NIT courses will give you real hands on experience in pursuing your education. It is what is called learning by doing it or action learning. Based on a 70% practical (action learning, action research, projects, reflective thinking, critical thinking, etc.) and 30% theory teaching and learning and assessments methodologies, all the NIT students become work ready (prepared) during their first year of study and graduate with strong work ethics, analytical, problem solving, communication and entrepreneurial skills which are the major factors that employers are looking for in their new recruits.

Employability

NIT’s higher vocational, technical and professional courses prepare students for employment and self-employment. The NIT courses develop a student’s employability skills as they offer the experience of real-life practical tasks and work placements. NIT’s qualifications are generally well-regarded by employers as the courses enable students to develop useful hands-on skills in respective fields of study and in critical areas such as problem solving, time management, entrepreneurial, communication, work behavior, visionary and focus minded, team work, and project planning, execution to evaluation. The knowledge and skills you get from NIT programs will make you be sought after by employers locally and globally. NIT helps students to gain strong knowledge and skills that are essential to start and successfully run their own businesses and/or to be appreciated competent and productive employees that every employer would like to hire.

Relevant

NIT courses are designed and developed with the help of the employers, industrial experts, professional bodies, higher education experts and lecturers. This keeps the NIT curriculum to be industry driven and relevant for today and the future’s job market and self-employment. NIT’s qualifications provide students with industry-specific knowledge, skills and competencies which make graduates’ work outputs to be relevant to their employers’ missions, visions and goals.

Practical Teaching and Assessments

The NIT’s teaching and learning is based on the seven (7) major principles teaching and learning through which theory knowledge is practically applied into various practical teaching and learning methods including action learning, projects supported by verifiable tangible evidences (outcomes), critical reflective thinking, case scenarios, job placements, industrial site visits, public lectures led by industrial experts, etc.

The assessment for NIT courses is largely based on regular coursework and work experience, which makes them an ideal option for those who crumble under the pressure of exams.

All the NIT programs are assessed through objective and rigor-based assignments and projects for which origination is examined through the Turnitin IT Application to ensure that each student submits his/her own true work. The outcome of these assignments must be in an implementable practical and quality standard.

Career and Education Progression

Employers value NIT’s qualifications as the courses are industry-centered and directed. In other words, unlike academic programs, the NIT courses give students the industry-specific knowledge and skills which makes them readily employable. This, combined with the problem solving, time management, entrepreneurial, communication, work behavior, visionary and focus minded, team work, and project planning skills they gained throughout their learning process give the NIT graduates a strong competitive edge to progress in senior job positions and to further pursue their postgraduate professional degrees such as Masters to Professional Doctorate Degree programs at various reputable higher education institutions/universities.

Reputation and Prestige

• The industry relevance, practicality, career specific and quality of the NIT qualification will make you to standout and visibly be seen and noticed in a cloud of many academically qualified graduates.
• As more employers expect their new employees to have relevant practical skills and competencies than costly academic knowledge, NIT makes your CV and profile standout.
• NIT is known for stringent quality standards which govern the provision of its higher vocational, technical and professional courses. NIT is also known for its practical, relevance and Industry driven courses.
• The above values, compounded with the work ethics, entrepreneurial and problem-solving skills you will learn and practice while studying at NIT will grant you the respect, reputation and prestige within the industry sector you will work.

Qualification Purpose and Outcomes

Upon completion of Certificate in Biotechnology (Medical, Food and Pharmaceutical) (Level 4), graduates will be able to:

• Examine the structures and properties of molecules found within a cell and understanding the interactions between the various systems of a cell. The knowledge gained from this module will enable students to understand how DNA, RNA and protein biosynthesis regulated
• Gain the skills on basic principles of biophysics, biochemistry and physiology, as related to the mechanisms of drug action, biodistribution and metabolism.
• Utilize entrepreneurial skills to set-up and successfully run their own Biotechnology (Medical, Food and Pharmaceutical) institution or related any field of specialization.
• Examine the discipline at the intersection of chemistry, chemical synthesis and development for market of pharmaceutical agents, or bio-active molecules (drugs).
• Progress to the Diploma in Biotechnology (Medical, Food and Pharmaceutical) (Level 5) thereby widening their professional horizon in the biotechnological sector.

How will I ?

The NIT tutors/lecturers are equipped with various traditional teaching methods which are all used to create and develop Vibrant, Skilled, Competent, and Work-prepared Entrepreneurial Technicians, Technologists, and Professionals.

The teaching and learning practices involve 70% practical and 30% theory methodologies by applying a wide range of action learning techniques stipulated in the course specification.

What does the course involve?

You will study a combination of theory, applied theory, and practical subjects across a broad range of units. To succeed, your effective time management and focus are both very critical. You will cover eleven (13) units. For each unit, you will do a main test, assignment, and examination in addition to an integrated project. These assessments do not include the informal tests, homework, and assignments that your lecturers will require you to do in each learning outcome. To pass this applied qualification, it is critical that constantly monitor, formalize yourself with and operate alongside developments taking place within the Biotechnology (Medical, Food and Pharmaceutical) field by regularly visiting different Biotechnological related projects and/or organizations, reading news and articles, etc.

Assessment Methods

The NIT programs are assessed using a combination of:

1. Informal Assessments
2. Formal Assessments

Informal assessments are conducted by lecturers on each covered component of the unit outcome to weigh knowledge created into his/her students so that necessary teaching practices adjustments can be made as appropriate.

Formal Assessments are further classified into two parts:

• Formal Continuous Assessments which comprise of:
  1. Major Test
  2. An Integrated Action Project
• Formal Final Assessments which comprise of:
  1. Major Examination
  2. Unit Assignments

What are the Career Progression Opportunities?

Learners who have achieved the Certificate in Biotechnology (Medical, Food and Pharmaceutical) (Level 4) can progress on to Diploma in Biotechnology (Medical, Food and Pharmaceutical) (Level 5). They can also competently serve in any of the below-listed job areas.

What are Articulation Opportunities?

The credit transfers from other programs offered by other institutions or other NIT programs will be dealt with according to NIT rules and regulations on Recognition of Prior Learning. Provided that an applicant has qualification accredited by NQA and verifiable through the NQF, the NIT rules provide for course by course credits as well as credit transfer by volume under certain conditions. Maximum credits that can be granted from none technical (hands-on) programs are 15% of the credits for a qualification. Maximum credits that can be granted from the technical (hands-on) programs of similar standards with those of NIT are 50% of the credits for a qualification.

What career opportunities can this lead to?

The Certificate in Biotechnology (Medical, Food and Pharmaceutical) (Level 4) is an ideal qualification for anyone who works in any of the below-listed fields and seeks to develop career-specific skills and gain a solid qualification in Biotechnology (Medical, Food and Pharmaceutical) to support his/her position and anyone who wants to enter into or has just started a career in any of the following career areas:

• Trainee Clinical Laboratory Technician
• Trainee Biological Supplier Manufacturing Technician
• Trainee Environmental Technician
• Trainee Food Safety Mechanism
• Trainee Pharmaceutical Research Technician
• Trainee Quality Technician
• Trainee Food Technician
• Trainee Regulatory Affairs Officer
• Trainee Technical Brewer
• Trainee Chefs
• Trainee Nutritional Therapist
• Trainee Product Development Scientist
• Trainee Medical Technician
• Trainee Chemical Technician
• Trainee Biological Technician
• Trainee Chemical Technician

What are the Fees?

Our fees include:

• Application/Registration Fees
• Tuition Fees
• Other Fees include Laboratory Fees, Study Manuals, industrial site tours, action research, etc. (where and if applicable).

For more information about our fees, please contact any of our Call Centre at any of our Campuses or the Marketing and Public Relationships Department.

Funding Opportunities

There are many funding options for the NIT’s accredited programs. Most of our students have over the past years been funded by their employers while others finance their studies on their own. Students can also apply for study loans with Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund. NIT also provides scholarships and bursaries to students who meet requirements as stipulated in our annual prospectus.

Withdrawal/Cancellation

Any cancellations/withdraw or refunds are executed as per the NIT policies. For more details, refer to the Students Registration Agreement and the Withdraw Policy.

The Certificate in Biotechnology (Medical, Food and Pharmaceutical) (Level 4) is made up of eleven units. It is structured to be studied for one year through Distance Learning, Online, Virtual Campus, Part-Time, Full-Time, Or Blended Learning.

Total Unit/Modules

The following is a compressive list of course units/modules you will cover in this program:

Certificate in Biotechnology (Medical, Food and Pharmaceutical) (Level 4)

• 3BSC101  Anatomy and Human Physiology
• 3BSC102  Genetics Analysis
• 3BSC103  Medicinal Chemistry
• 3BSC104  Chemistry for Applied Biologists
• 3BSC105  Mathematical Calculations for Science
• 3BSC106  Principles of Pharmacology
• 3BSC107  Food and Beverage Services and Techniques
• 3BSC108  Cell Biology
• 3BSC109  Principles of Programing
• 3BSC110  Biochemistry of Macromolecules and Metabolic Pathways
• 1STU101 Applied Business Communication and Technology
• 1STU102 Principles of Entrepreneurship
• 1STU104 Applied Business Ethics

Work placement/experience requirements

Although there are no specific mandatory elements of work placement/experience required for the Certificate in Biotechnology (Medical, Food and Pharmaceutical) (Level 4), students are expected to apply theories learned through various methods and carry out the practical learning activities as provided in the qualification specification.

Completion of Study Enrolment Form

Download and complete the Student’s Enrolment Agreement (SEA) form or obtain one from our Call Centre at any of our Campuses, print and complete it and submit it with proof of payment for the stipulated registration fees together to any of our Campuses before the stipulated application deadlines to avoid paying late application/registration fees. To be considered for approval, the completed enrolment agreement form must be accompanied by certified copies of documents as stipulated on the Student’s Enrolment Agreement (SEA) form.

Applicant must ensure that:

• The enrolment agreement form is properly and fully completed and that each page is initialed and signed;
• He/she provides all the required documentation such as certified copies of qualifications, Identity Card/Passport photos, Supporting letters from employers,
• He/she deposit registration fees into the respective Campus’ Bank Account provided on the enrolment agreement form and submits the original copy of the deposit as proof before being issued with an official receipt
• He/she is issued with an official Institutional Receipt, stamped with Official Company Stamp, and Signed by the Head of Call Centre for every payment made to the NIT.
• Please note that NIT does not receive cash payments,
• He/she obtains a written acknowledge letter confirming that his/her completed enrolment agreement form has been received
• He/she obtains the status of his/her application for studies within 30 working days.
• If admitted, an Admission letter issued by the Admissions section in the Office of the Registrar is obtained through the respective campus together with the timetable, program specifications, syllabuses, student’s details of student’s portal, student’s handbook, and rules and regulations, student card, and any other information.

When can I apply?

NIT has a whole year circle of accepting new applications from students from all over the world. However, please take note that applications for the First Semester which starts in January/February each year are only considered up to March of each year. This period includes late registration. Unsuccessful applications for First Semester and applications that are received late are considered for the Second Semester which starts in July each year.

The following are two (2) annual teaching and learning intakes for students to register to study on this program at NIT:

• January/February – June
• June/July – November

Applications must be made in-time to avoid late registration fees and to be disappointed if spaces are allocated to earlier applicants.

What must I have to qualify?

Applicants must meet any of the following entry requirements:

Twenty-five (25) points in grade 12 (now grade 11) in five (5) subjects with a D or better symbol in English (of which English shall be part of the five (5) subjects you must have completed).

Accredited equivalent qualification at NQF level 3 with total credit value as required by the NIT policy/regulation.

Mature age entry provided that applicant:

• Is 23 years old or over at the time of making the application,
• Has at least five (5) years’ work experience in a related field and
• Has at least passed grade 10 which must include E in English and provides an acceptable reference from a reputable respective employing organization.
• Must pass an Aptitude Test with a minimum of 60%

OR

• Is 23 years old or over at the time of making the application,
• Has at least three (3) years’ work experience in a related field and
• Has at least passed grade 12 which must include E in English and provides an acceptable reference from a reputable respective employing organization.
• Must pass an Aptitude Test with a minimum of 60%

PLEASE NOTE THAT:

• Applicants with Twenty (20) and above points in grade 12 (now grade 11) in six (6) subjects with an E or better symbol in English (of which English shall be part of the 6 subjects) may be accepted provided that they have passed an Aptitude Test with a minimum of 60%.
• International applicants must have a minimum of five (5) General Certificate of Education (GCSEs) at an ordinary level or their equivalent including passes in Maths and English.

Resources for Prospecting Students

• Qualifications Brochure
• Prospectus
• Online Application
• Application Form

Resources for Registered Students

• Students Handbook
• Institutional Calendar
• Learning and Assessments Policies
• Qualifications Specifications
• Assessments Schedules
• Recorded Lessons’ Presentations
• Virtual Classrooms
• Virtual Library
• Virtual Laboratories
• Study Manuals and Books