Diploma: Biotechnology (Extended)
Course Information and Fees
The course is structured to provide diplomats who are competent in theoretical, applied and general skills across a variety of scientific and technology disciplines. During the first and second semester students acquire broad insights into the microbiological and biochemical underpinnings of biotechnology. During the third and fourth semester the focus of teaching and training is on in-depth theoretical and practical knowledge in microbial biochemistry, molecular biology, fermentation technology and bioprocessing fields. Research-orientated graduates are facilitated to achieve higher qualifications and play a role in the development, production and analysis of biotechnology-important products in the bioprocessing/ biomanufacturing industries.
Purpose and rationale of the qualification
The purpose of the Diploma in Biotechnology is to provide graduates who are able to apply theoretical and practical scientific knowledge in the Microbiological-, Biochemical-, Analytical- and Bioprocessing fields to the Biotechnology industry. The graduates will perform routine production operations as well as troubleshoot in the pharmaceutical-, environmental-, medical-, and food industry sectors. They will furthermore be able to function as Biotechnologists in multidisciplinary teams which include engineers, scientists and business/operations managers. Graduates who successfully complete the Diploma in Biotechnology will be able to demonstrate detailed theoretical and applied knowledge relevant to an array of Biotechnology fields, thus partake in technology transfer for the benefit of communities, advocating bioethics, social responsibility and environmental sustainability. They will be technologically adept, technically skilled thus employable, socially responsive, problem solving in their thinking and actions as well as being environmentally conscious – core values of CPUT as a technological university.
Career Opportunities
Biotechnology is a scarce skills area as identified in the National Skills Development Strategy. One such scarce skills area which is serviced by biotechnologists is Medicinal and Phamaceutical Biotechnology, including Biomedical engineering, use of genetics to study population and migration patterns, gene and paternity testing, DNA forensics, medical genetics, Gene testing and gene therapy, Pharmacogenomics, chemical, vaccine, medicine development and production; pathogen (disease) identification, and biological and chemical warfare protection. A second area is that of Food and Agriculture, including genetic modification of foods and seeds, biopesticides and neutriceutical development and bioprocessing chamber design and production. A third area is that of Energy and the Environment, including environmental studies, toxic waste clean-up, and creation of new energy sources via engineering and life science research.
Admission requirements
Undergraduates
For all Certificate, Diploma and National Diploma applications, consult the General admission requirements.
General admission requirements
Some courses require students to submit additional information as part of their application.
Additional admission requirements
Postgraduates
For all Honours, Masters and Doctorate applications, consult the Postgraduate admission requirements.
Postgraduate admission requirements
Please Note:
The fees for 2024reflected below may be subject to change.
Please confirm the final fee amount by contacting the relevant Faculty Office or contact person as listed at the bottom of this page.
Offering Type and Duration
Full-Time /
Course is offered on District Six Campus.
For any queries get in touch with:
Contact: Faldelah Adams (Administrative Assistant)
Telephone: +27 21 460 3190
Fax: –
Email: adamsfa@cput.ac.za
Contact: Nokululeko Nokhepheyi (Faculty Office)
Telephone: +27 21 460 3218
Fax: –
Email: nokhepheyin@cput.ac.za