Diploma in Biomedical Sciences (Level 5)

Biomedical Sciences

Overview

This Biomedical Sciences program does not focus on the Health Sector that requires registration with the Health Professions Councils but is designed for other industry sectors such as Mining Laboratories, Food Processing/Manufacturing Laboratories, Fishing Laboratories, Beverages Laboratories, Biological Scientific Laboratories, Chemistry Scientific Laboratories, etc. The courses are taught, assessed and verified by local and international industry experts. The courses are taught, assessed, and verified by local and international industry experts. They are career-specific and are aimed to ensure that our students graduate with the cutting-edge vibrant, entrepreneurial skills and solid competencies to satisfy the increasing demands of the local, regional, international and multinational employers and for self-employment. The qualification level has a broader coverage of the knowledge and practical skills required for the vocational sector. The qualification has the potential to prepare learners for progression to an appropriate Level 6 program in the same or related vocational area and progression to employment in the appropriate vocational sector. Graduates who wish to work in the Health Sector can seek for articulation with other Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) that are registered with the Health Professions Councils. Other learners may want to use this qualification to extend the specialism they studied in other MUTAS programs.

Who is this qualification for?

The Diploma in Biomedical Sciences (Level 5) is an ideal qualification if you’re just starting or want to start a career that involves operations to achieve any given organizational goals and objectives through effective performance. It is aimed at Apprentice level people who are new to the workplace and who need to develop their workplace skills and achieve a recognized qualification. It is also designed as an introductory course for those who aspire to work in operations. It is also appropriate for the induction of new starters and for up-skilling those individuals who are employed within a role that is predominately operations. It allows the student who already has occupational competence within their sector, but is aspiring to enter a role that involves Biomedical Sciences to gain the right level of occupational knowledge in Biomedical Sciences principles. It could be delivered as a standalone qualification or to complement a larger sector or industry-specific qualification and learning program. If you are interested in any of the following, then this could be the course for you:

  • Food Laboratory Assistant/Technician
  • Beverages Laboratory Assistant/Technician
  • Mining Laboratory Assistant/Technician
  • Schools/Universities Laboratory Assistant/Technician
  • Biomaterials Laboratory Assistant/Technician
  • Fishing Biomaterials Laboratory Assistant/Technician
  • Biomedical Informatics Assistant/Technician
  • Biomedical Laboratory Assistant/Technician
  • Biomedical Assistant/Technician
  • Immunology Assistant/Technician

What makes this course special?

The Marvelous University of Technology and Applied Sciences (MUTAS) is one of the world’s most successful and best-preferred applied (hands-on) learning brand. The Marvelous University of Technology and Applied Sciences qualifications place greater emphasis on self-employment and employer engagement and work readiness. Marvelous University of Technology and Applied Sciences(MUTAS) is one of the world’s most successful and best-preferred applied (hands-on) learning brand. The Marvelous University of Technology and Applied Sciences qualifications place greater emphasis on self-employment and employer engagement and work readiness. The MUTAS-Namibia provides 70% practical and 30% theory teaching and learning methodologies coupled with various practical learning focused activities which fully engage our students.

The MUTAS programs in Biomedical Sciences 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 at MUTAS?

At Marvelous University of Technology and Applied Sciences(MUTAS), we know how important it is for career ambitious people to get the right education in order 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 competitive edge, here are the main six (6) reasons why you must choose to study at MUTAS:

Work Readiness

MUTAScourses 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 MUTAS 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

MUTAS higher vocational, technical and professional courses prepare students for employment and self-employment. The MUTAS courses develop a student’s employability skills as they offer the experience of real-life practical tasks and work placements. MUTAS 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 MUTAS programs will make you be sought after by employers locally and globally. MUTAS 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

MUTAS courses are designed and developed with the help of the employers, industrial experts, professional bodies, higher education experts and lecturers. This keeps the MUTAS curriculum to be industry driven and relevant for today and the future’s job market and self-employment. MUTAS 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 MUTAS 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 MUTAS 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 MUTAS 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 students 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 MUTAS qualifications as the courses are industry-centered and directed. In other words, unlike academic programs, the MUTAS 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 MUTAS 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.

The MUTAS Certificate in Biomedical Sciences (Level 4) is also designed to reflect the increasing need for progression onto the high quality professional and technical education at levels 5 to 8 and beyond. These qualifications provide students with a clear career pathway so that they can be empowered to effectively and successfully progress and attain their career goals within the fastest period possible.

Reputation and Prestige

  • The industry relevance, practicality, career specific and quality of the MUTAS 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, MUTAS makes your CV and profile standout.
  • MUTAS is known for stringent quality standards which govern the provision of its higher vocational, technical and professional courses. MUTAS 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 MUTAS will grant you the respect, reputation and prestige within the industry sector you will work.

Qualification Purpose and Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, graduates will be able to:

  • Use acquired knowledge and skills needed to perform Biomedical Science related tasks with proficiency on rules, regulations and ethos governing the science sector.
  • Demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate and properly and effectively communicate laboratory data and information from the scientific literature.
  • Apply an understanding of the structure and function of the human body in health and disease.
  • Showcase and exhibit an understanding of a variety of laboratory and computer skills/techniques/calculations that are used in biomedical research and clinical laboratories.
  • Explain and demonstrate safe laboratory practices.
  • Illustrate an understanding of ethical standards in science and the regulation of clinical laboratories.
  • Identify challenges/problems and formulate ideas and solve problems in various sub-disciplines of basic biomedical sciences.
  • Discuss fundamental knowledge in other aspects of current trends in biomedical sciences.
  • Progress to Diploma in Biomedical Sciences (Level 6).

How will I learn?

The MUTAS 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 twelve (12) 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 Biomedical Science sector by regularly visiting Health and Social Service organizations, reading news and articles related to the sector, etc.

Assessment Methods

The MUTAS programs are assessed using a combination of:

  • Informal Assessments
  • 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:

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

What are the Career Progression Opportunities?

Learners who have achieved the Level 4 Biomedical Sciences could progress on to a Level 5 Diploma in Biomedical Sciences that demonstrates occupational competency for the potential job roles listed below at this level, including an apprenticeship in business. Learners can also progress onto the MUTAS the Level 5 Biomedical Sciences. Learners could also progress into roles such as Biomedical Practitioner, Senior Supervisor, or Assistant Manager (biomedical sciences).

What are Articulation Opportunities?

The credit transfers from other programs offered by other institutions or other MUTAS programs will be dealt with according to MUTAS rules and regulations on Recognition of Prior Learning. Provided that an applicant has qualification accredited by NQA and verifiable through the NQF, the MUTAS 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 MUTAS are 50% of the credits for a qualification.

Graduates who wish to work in the Health Sector can seek for articulation with other Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) that are registered with the Health Professions Councils. Other learners may want to use this qualification to extend the specialism they studied in other MUTAS programmes.

What career opportunities can this lead to?

The Certificate in Biomedical Sciences (Level 4) is suitable for people working or planning to work in firstly entry job roles such as:

  • Food Laboratory Assistant/Technician
  • Beverages Laboratory Assistant/Technician
  • Mining Laboratory Assistant/Technician
  • Schools/Universities Laboratory Assistant/Technician
  • Biomaterials Laboratory Assistant/Technician
  • Fishing Biomaterials Laboratory Assistant/Technician
  • Biomedical Informatics Assistant/Technician
  • Biomedical Laboratory Assistant/Technician
  • Biomedical Assistant/Technician
  • Immunology Assistant/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. MUTAS 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 MUTAS policies. For more details, refer to the Students Registration Agreement and the Withdraw Policy.

Program Structure

The Diploma in Biomedical Sciences is a Level 5 qualification made up of twelve (12) 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 modules you will cover in this program:

  • 3BSC201       Diseases and Infections
  • 3BSC202       Genetics and Genetic Engineering 
  • 3BSC203       Human Regulation and Reproduction
  • 3BSC204       Biological Molecules and Metabolic Pathways
  • 3BSC205       Food Technology
  • 3BSC206       Laboratory Techniques and their Application
  • 3BSC207       Human Health and Nutrition
  • 3BSC208       Pharmacological Principles of Drug Actions
  • 1STU201       Entrepreneurship and Business Development
  • 1STU203       Project Management
  • 1STU204       Professional Work Etiquettes and Employability
  • 1STU205       Specialized Industrial related Project

Work placement/experience requirements

Although there are no specific mandatory elements of work placement/experience required for the Certificate in Biomedical Sciences (Level 5), 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 MUTAS .
  • Please note that MUTAS 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?

MUTAS 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 MUTAS :

  • 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?

The entry to this qualification shall be based on:

The applicant must meet the MUTAS minimum the General Admission Requirements of MUTAS . Specifically, applicants must have passed 80% or all the course (units) work for Certificate in Biomedical Sciences (Level 4).

Qualifications obtained from other higher education institutions will be considered for entry to this program on subject to subject similarity and comparability basis and in terms of the MUTAS regulations.

Resources for Prospecting Students

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