Applied Sciences
Agriculture
Biotechnology and Consumer Sciences
Chemistry
Conservation and Marine Sciences
Environmental and Occupational Studies
Food Science and Technology
Horticultural Sciences
Mathematics and Physics
Business & Management Sciences
Education
Engineering & the Built Environment
Health & Wellness Sciences
Informatics & DesignBiotechnology and Consumer Sciences
Vision
To be a leading African biotechnology and consumer science department with resilient graduates who sustainably drive all bioeconomy sectors, consumer nutrition, and well-being.
Mission
- To provide students with a multi-model, holistic, and innovative education system (including teaching, industry exposure, community engagement, and research).
- To grow the South African bioeconomy by promoting niche, economically sound green bioprocesses, contributing towards sustainable ecosystems and enhanced quality of life.
- To grow the South African consumer markets by promoting food and nutrition science, using renewable resources for value-added products, thereby committing to food security for a growing nation.
Biotechnology
Biotechnology is one of the fastest-expanding sciences internationally. The CPUT biotechnology programme offers a Diploma (3-4 years), an Advanced Diploma (1 year), and a Postgraduate Diploma (1 year).
Diploma
The Diploma presents an intensive series of courses (theory and practice) which will produce a qualified biotechnologist equipped with the necessary skills required to embark on a successful career in biotechnology at both the academic and industrial levels. During the first and second semesters, students acquire broad insights into biotechnology's microbiological and biochemical underpinnings. During the third and fourth semesters, teaching and training focus on in-depth theoretical and practical knowledge in microbial biochemistry, molecular biology, fermentation technology, and bioprocessing. The learners will also be familiarised with ethics and basic business principles.
Advanced Diploma
The Advanced Diploma course is structured to provide diplomats who are competent in theoretical, applied and general skills across a variety of scientific and technology disciplines. The Advanced Diploma in Biotechnology graduates will be adequately prepared to take on a vital role in Research & Development as well as Quality Control sectors of the economy. They may also, should they choose, articulate into a degree program. Some of the envisaged graduate attributes are an intellectual ability grounded in both discipline and general biotechnology knowledge, development of critical thinking, technical knowledge that is both practice and contextually appropriate, an ability to manage time and work in a team, an appreciation of ethics and accountability in general and specifically in the practice of biotechnology; and community engagement towards societal good and effective citizenship.
Postgraduate Diploma
The Postgraduate Diploma in Biotechnology (PDBIOT) programme is to provide a platform where Biotechnology graduates come together with other graduates of diverse scientific, commercial, and different backgrounds to learn and contribute to the development of Biotechnology and the Bioeconomy in South Africa, Africa and the world. The programme examines industry practices, applied research, and entra- and intra-preneurship. In addition to current industry practitioners/intrapreneurs, candidates who wish to access higher (research) degrees and those who want to venture into bio-entrepreneurship are welcome to participate.
The Postgraduate Diploma in Biotechnology, therefore, provides an articulation route for such Biotechnologists, as well as provides for working professionals who wish to enter the postgraduate stream to deepen their knowledge of Biotechnology, its role in the economy and to gain an understanding of contemporary thought concerning sustainable, legislated and ethical practices in Biotechnology and associated disciplines. Hence, this Postgraduate Diploma in Biotechnology represents the fulcrum at which the traditional academic, the vocational, and the holistic and interrelated learning streams meet. The graduates of the Postgraduate Diploma in Biotechnology will be adequately prepared to take on a vital role in existing Research & Development and Quality Control sectors and new companies they play a role in forming for themselves. They may also, should they choose, articulate into higher degree programmes.
Graduates may apply for registration with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions as Certificated Natural Scientists.
Consumer Sciences
Consumers are becoming more aware of the relationship between lifestyle choices and health. The food industry, comprising the manufacturing and retail sectors, addresses consumer concerns regarding the need for good quality, healthy, and safe food. Access to healthy and safe food is also high on the national agenda, leading to a need for qualified graduates with a sound knowledge of food and nutrition.
The Consumer Science: Food and Nutrition programme is unique in its integration of the study fields of food and nutrition, which is linked to an understanding of the consumer. Academic learning is complemented by the development of culinary skills. Knowledge of food science and nutritional principles is used in the development and production of food products, with the emphasis on short-lived convenience foods.
This programme offers students interested in working with food and people a wide range of career destinations in the food and retail industries.
Former students are working in test kitchens, formulating and developing recipes for industrial food production; training employees in retail and food manufacturing; implementing quality control systems; advising consumers on food and nutrition products; managing the preparation and production of convenience food products; supervising food retail departments and managing food service facilities.
Students also have the background to become entrepreneurs, as these skills are developed by combining business subjects with knowledge of food and nutrition and culinary skills.
Advanced Diploma
The Advanced Diploma in Consumer Science in Food and Nutrition (ADCSFN) is focused on the development of food products based on knowledge of food science principles, food product development theory and practice, and sound nutritional concepts. The aim is to enhance the quality of life of the consumer. Graduates will be able to work as part of a food and nutrition research team applying the principles of research methodology in a food or food-related field. Former students are employed as food product developers, product/technical representatives, food promotion consultants, and food research and development professionals. Further career prospects are similar to those of the Diploma but with better opportunities for advancement in research and managerial positions.
Postgraduate Diploma
The Postgraduate Diploma in Consumer Science in Food and Nutrition (PDCSFN) programme empowers learners with advanced knowledge in consumer behaviour food and nutrition science, providing opportunities for career advancement or research through articulation into postgraduate programs. Graduates are equipped to address contemporary consumer food and nutrition challenges, contributing to improved well-being by aligning product development strategies with consumer preferences and nutritional needs.
The PDCSFN not only equips graduates with technical expertise but empowers them to make meaningful contributions to public health initiatives and industry practices. The food industry requires capable professionals who can address evolving consumer needs. This qualification aims to cultivate such competence among graduates, enabling them to contribute to industry. Upon completion of the Postgraduate Diploma in Consumer Science in Food and Nutrition, graduates will have a thorough understanding of evidence-based food and nutrition principles, enabling them to play essential roles not only in new food product development of fresh convenience foods aligned with dietary recommendations but also to educate consumers through effective product labelling and marketing messages. Furthermore, the program offers a pathway for advancing into additional qualifications within the realm of consumer science, specifically in food and nutrition.
The program utilises blended learning methodologies to accommodate working professionals, fostering innovation and problem-solving. A key benefit of this qualification is its role in enhancing capacity within the food industry. The Postgraduate Diploma in Consumer Science in Food and Nutrition can be used to deepen working professionals' knowledge of food and nutrition whilst keeping the ever-evolving consumers' well-being at the centre. The Postgraduate Diploma in Consumer Science in Food and Nutrition (PDCSFN) programme empowers learners with advanced knowledge in consumer behaviour food and nutrition science, providing opportunities for career advancement or research through articulation into postgraduate programs. Graduates are equipped to address contemporary consumer food and nutrition challenges, contributing to improved well-being by aligning product development strategies with consumer preferences and nutritional needs.
Master's Degree
The Master in Consumer Science in Food and Nutrition programme will equip graduates with advanced disciplinary knowledge, skills, and research capacity to independently produce high-quality research projects and dissertations, meeting academic and professional standards. By integrating fields of food and nutrition, the qualification prepares graduates for specialised employment within the South African food industry, focusing on improving consumer well-being through research integration. Learners also develop transferable skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and time management, enhancing their career prospects within the South African food sector. The qualification addresses national and regional concerns regarding consumer wellness by underlining the importance of food and nutrition in combatting lifestyle diseases, thus positively impacting public health and reducing strain on healthcare expenditure. Through extensive consultation and feedback from stakeholders, the program has been tailored to meet the evolving needs of the food industry, offering opportunities for graduates to advance their academic and research careers while specialising in areas such as functional food development, consumer awareness analysis, and food safety practices, thereby enhancing their competitive edge and contributing to global food market standards. The Master in Consumer Science in Food and Nutrition provides a pathway for vertical articulation to a doctoral degree in consumer science or a related field.
Qualifications
Biotechnology
- Diploma (Mainstream) 3 years
- Diploma (ECP) 4 years
- Advanced Diploma (1 Year Full-time and 2 Years Part-time)
- Postgraduate Diploma (1 Year Full-time and 2 Years Part-time)
Consumer Science: Food and Nutrition
- Diploma (Mainstream) 3 years
- Diploma (ECP) 4 years
- Advanced Diploma (1 year Full-time and 2 years Part-time)
- Postgraduate Diploma (1 year Full-time and 2 years Part-time)
- Master’s Degree (2 years full-time and 3 years part-time)
Work-Integrated Learning (WIL)
WIL is an educational approach that integrates theoretical academic knowledge with hands-on experience gained in real work environments. By affording students opportunities to implement theoretical knowledge acquired in the classroom, we foster the development of their professional skills, employability, and career preparedness.
Work-integrated learning (WIL) initiatives encompass training programmes, fieldwork, and industry projects at Research Councils, Biotechnology, and Consumer Science industries. Work-integrated learning incorporates several important attributes and advantages, namely experiential learning, enhanced employability, collaboration within the industry, skill development, and networking prospects.
The Consumer Science WIL is a three-month internship completed from August 1st to October 31st during the final year of the Diploma. To be admitted for WIL, the student must have completed all low-level subjects. Students are encouraged to secure their own placements, which will be approved by the programme; this is an important skill when seeking employment.
Biotechnology students are required to undergo a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 12 months of relevant training in a suitable organisation. This needs to be done under the guidance of a qualified biotechnologist/technologist/microbiologist, etc., with an M+4 qualification. The employer of biotechnology student(s) must ensure strict compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act no. 85 of 1993 requirements and the relevant regulations.
Local and International Collaborations
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Name: Amelia Weigt |
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Name: Andrea Schröder |