Biotechnology at a glance
Biotechnology is the application of living organisms or the individual cellular components of these organisms for commercial purposes or environmental control. It is a subject which has developed largely over the last decade, to cover a number of different areas. These involve quality control, sterilization testing, manufacturing of alcoholic beverages, bread making, cheese production, vaccines, chemicals, diagnostic kits, biosensors, chemotherapeutic drugs, nitrogen fertilizers, alcohol, antibiotics, insecticides and biomass production.
A person working in the field of biotechnology will have a working knowledge of such disciplines as biochemistry, microbiology, process engineering, genetics, molecular biology and physics. Persons achieving this qualification will be competent to apply theoretical and practical fundamental knowledge and skills in the fields of biotechnology, microbiology and biochemistry to the relevant biotechnology industries and research institutions. Graduates may apply for registration with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions as Certified Natural Scientists.
Food Technology at a glance
In South Africa, the second largest industry is the food and beverages industry. The industry is highly diversified and embraces sectors such as dairy, meat, fish, poultry, cereals, confectionary, canned and frozen products and a vast number of fast moving consumer goods.
Food Technologists are responsible for
maintaining and improving the quality of processed food. They
continually strive to make better use of food resources and to find more
efficient mass-production methods while maintaining the highest level of
quality control. Food Technologists may eventually specialize in one of
the following areas:
·
Quality Assurance/Quality Control
·
Product Research and Development
·
Production/Management
As there is presently a shortage of well-qualified Food Technologists, promotion opportunities to Supervisory or Management positions are good, provided students are prepared to work hard, possess leadership ability and are willing to study further.
Designed and maintained by : F.M. Swalaha
The SASM -KZN Regional symposium was hosted by the Department on 28 October 2010 . Read more here..
