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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Demonstrate knowledge of fundamental principles of biochemistry 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
12767  Demonstrate knowledge of fundamental principles of biochemistry 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Food 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology Manufacturing and Assembly 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 3  NQF Level 03  7 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2004-10-13  2007-10-13  SAQA 0556/04 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2008-10-13   2011-10-13  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
A person credited with this unit standard is able to demonstrate knowledge of:
  • Cells in living organisms,
  • Vital processes and systems in living organisms,
  • Enzymes in living organisms,
  • Hormones in living organisms.

    This unit standard is for anyone who needs to apply the fundamental principles of biochemistry in the world of work.

    This unit standard will contribute to the full development of the learner by providing recognition, further mobility and transportability within the field of manufacturing and assembly. The skills, knowledge and understanding demonstrated within this unit standard are essential for social and economic transformation and upliftment within the manufacturing and processing environment. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Description of required skills:
  • Introductory principles of chemistry and physics.
  • Introductory principles of microbiology. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The scope of this unit standard is for anyone who needs to apply the fundamental principles of biochemistry in the world of work.

    The typical context of this unit standard is described in the different range statements listed under the relevant assessment criteria.

    The level assigned to this unit standard is appropriate because the process is moderate in range, established and familiar and offers clear choices of routine responses. The learning demand employs basic operational knowledge and readily available information. The application of this unit standard is to qualify the person for certification in sub-trades. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate knowledge of cells in living organisms. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The basic structure of a plant cell is identified and described in terms of structural components and functions of the structural components. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The basic structure of an animal cell is identified and described in terms of structural components and functions of the structural components. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The differences between plant and animal cells are identified and described according to standard biological principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The use of a microscope to study the cells of living organisms is described and demonstrated according to standard biological principles and methodology. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The basic structure of a bacterial cell is identified and described in terms of structural components and functions of the structural components. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Demonstrate knowledge of vital processes and systems in living organisms. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The structural components of living human organisms are identified and described according to standard biological principles. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The identification and description include:
  • Cells,
  • Tissues,
  • Organs,
  • Systems,
  • Organisms.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The vital processes and systems in the living plant organism are identified and explained according to standard biological principles. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The identification and explanation include:
  • Respiration (aerobic and anaerobic),
  • Nutrition and water absorption,
  • Photosynthesis,
  • Transpiration,
  • Growth and development.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The vital processes and systems in the living human/animal being are identified and explained according to standard biological principles. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The identification and explanation include:
  • Nutrition,
  • Respiration,
  • Excretion,
  • Growth and development.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Demonstrate knowledge of enzymes in living organisms. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Enzymes are described according to standard biochemical principles. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The description includes:
  • Definition of enzymes,
  • Function of enzymes,
  • Fundamental structure of enzymes.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The principles of enzyme activity are explained according to standard biochemical principles. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The explanation refers to:
  • Mechanism of enzyme activity,
  • Enzyme specificity,
  • Substrate and end-products,
  • Factors that influence enzyme activity,
  • Enzymes as biochemical catalysts.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Examples of enzyme activity as applied in the world of work are given. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Three (3) examples are given.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Examples of natural occurring enzyme activity are given. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Three (3) examples are given.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Demonstrate knowledge of hormones in living organisms. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Hormones are described according to standard biochemical principles. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The description includes:
  • Definition of hormones,
  • Function of hormones,
  • Fundamental structure of hormones.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The principles of hormone activity are explained according to standard biochemical principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Examples of where hormones are naturally found are given. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Three (3) examples are given.
     


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Internal moderation.
  • External moderation.
  • An assessor, accredited by the relevant ETQA, will assess the learner's competency.
  • Assessment procedures will be supplied by the ETQA in alignment with NSB requirements.
  • All assessment activities must be fair, so that all candidates have equal opportunities. Activities must be free of gender, ethnic or other bias.
  • Assessment and moderation procedures, activities and tools must be transparent, affordable and support development within the field, sub-field and NQF.
  • Questions and answers to determine theoretical knowledge are expected.
  • Examination of an assessment portfolio.
  • Reporting skills are demonstrated by effective communication, using verbal (language) and/or writing skills.
  • Direct observation in simulated or actual work conditions.
  • Practical demonstration of the use of a microscope to study the cells of living organisms. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Embedded knowledge is reflected within the assessment criteria of each specific outcome. 

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems in which response displays that responsible decisions, using critical and creative thinking, have been made by:
  • Studying living cells under a microscope.
  • Demonstrating knowledge of living cells, vital processes/systems of living cells, enzymes and hormones.
    Evident in all Specific Outcomes. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively by:

    Studying living cells under a microscope.
    Evident in the following Specific Outcome:
  • Demonstrate knowledge of cells in living organisms. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information by:

    Studying living cells under a microscope.
    Evident in the following Specific Outcome:
  • Demonstrate knowledge of cells in living organisms. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others by:

    Studying living cells under a microscope.
    Evident in the following Specific Outcome:
  • Demonstrate knowledge of cells in living organisms.

    Demonstrating knowledge of living cells, vital processes/systems of living cells, enzymes and hormones.
  • Evident in all Specific Outcomes. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    Contribute to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of the society at large.
  • Evident in all Specific Outcomes. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    Supplementary Information:

    Legal requirements:

    The following acts and/or codes, current and future regulations and amendments will be applicable:
  • Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act, No. 54 of 1972,
  • Health Act, No 63 of 1977,
  • Occupational Health and Safety Act, No. 85 of 1993,
  • SABS Food Hygiene Management Code 49: 1989. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  23138   National Certificate: Food and Beverage Laboratory Practices: Food and Beverage Laboratory Analysis  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Registered"     		 2005-12-04  Was FOODBEV until Last Date for Achievement 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.