Biotechnology

"Biotechnology" refers to the use of living organisms or their products to modify or improve human health, and the human environment, by creating products or to do tasks for human beings.

Plants, animals and even micro-organisms like bacteria are used to produce some benefit to mankind. In the medicine and agriculture field industry, biotechnology helps in producing foods, test for diseases and to remove waste. Biotechnology can also be used to solve problems and to help in research.

The earliest biotechnologists were farmers who developed improved species of plants and animals by cross pollenization or cross breeding. In recent years, biotechnology has expanded in sophistication, scope, and applicability.

Almost every aspect of human life is touched by biotechnology. We continue to look for ways to improve our health, increase food production with an eye to feeding the poor in less industrialized countries, and clean up our environment.

Careers in Biotechnology 

There are many career possibilities in Biotechnology ranging from Agriculture and wildlife, Bioscience communication, Business, Engineering disciplines, Medicine etc.

List of careers in Biotechnology 

Food Technology    

The Food Industry employs approximately 1 500 000 people. It is the second largest employer in South Africa, and has an annual turnover in excess of R20 billion

Food Technology deals with science and technology of processing and manufacturing food products from raw materials for local and international markets. It is the application of food science to the selection, preservation, processing, packaging, distribution, and use of safe, nutritious, and wholesome food. The learner obtains a sound knowledge of: Food technology; Microbiology and Biochemistry.

Careers in Food Technology

Food Technologists with possibilities in food production, quality control, quality assurance, processing, development of new products and research.

More information on careers in Food  Technology

Postgraduate Studies

Contact details                                                                                  General Enquiries
Department of Biotechnology & Food Technology                      Maria Visser
Tshwane University of Technology                                                 012 382-6366
Private Bag x680                                                                                 vissermp@tut.ac.za  
Pretoria
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