What is BAT?
“BAT” is a short term for “Biotechnology Association of Tanzania”. The association unites biotechnology professionals from University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology (DIT) and the Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA). It presents issues/problems related to Biotechnologists to the ones responsible. BLSA is the affiliate of BAT at SUA. Therefore to be recognised by BAT, SUA graduate must be recognised by BLSA (i.e must be an active member of BLSA and must hold a valid membership certificate).How to acquire the BLSA membership certificate?
It is mandatory to pay BLSA membership fee each semester (3,000/= Tshs. per semester) inorder to be awarded the BLSA membership certificate on the completion of your studies. Remember to keep your payment receipt in a safe and accessible place for your own reference.What is the study duration for BLS and DLT programmes?
BSc. in Biotechnology and Laboratory Sciences (BLS) is a three(3) years programme while Diploma in Laboratory Technology (DLT) is a two(2) years programme.Where do BLS graduates fit?
“Biotechnology” and “Laboratory Sciences” are two broad disciplines which make BLS graduates to fit in many roles related to sciences and laboratory field. BLS graduates can be: • Researchers in Sciences. • Molecular Biology scientists in Biomedical settings. • Lab. Scientists, Quality Assurance and Quality Control Officers in various lab. settings including but not limited to industrial settings as well as regulatory bodies such as Regional Water and Sanitation Authorities, TBS and TMDA (formerly known as TFDA). • Academicians in colleges and universities. • and many other roles related to the mentioned above!Where do DLT graduates fit?
Unlike other laboratory-based diploma programmes offered in other colleges, Diploma in Laboratory Technology (DLT) at the Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) is a multidimensional programme allowing a graduate to venture into many fields related to biological sciences and laboratory technology. Therefore, DLT graduates can fit in: • Lab. technician roles, Quality Assurance and Quality Control roles in various lab. settings including but not limited to industrial settings as well as regulatory bodies such as Regional Water and Sanitation Authorities, TBS and TMDA (formerly known as TFDA). • Laboratory technicians roles in colleges/universities as well as secondary school settings. • Research and development laboratories. • Veterinary laboratories. • and other roles related to the mentioned above!Can a BLS graduate secure jobs in a medical health laboratory/hospital setting?
No! BLS graduates have some skills that are applicable in medical laboratories but they aren’t legally licensed for that job. However, one can work in medical laboratory as a part of Field Practical Training (FPT) or as an intern/volunteer.Can DLT graduates secure jobs in a medical health laboratory/hospital setting?
No! DLT programme offered at SUA is not a “medical health laboratory programme” and therefore graduates from this programme can’t be registered by the Health Laboratory Practitioners Council of Tanzania. However, one can work in medical laboratory as a part of Field Practical Training (FPT) or as an intern/volunteer.Is it possible to apply for a bachelor degree as soon you finish DLT programme?
Yes, it is possible! DLT graduates can apply for a bachelor degree programme within the same year that he/she graduates. To be able to do that, it is compulsory to pass all semester 3 and semester 4 exams. Also, good GPA (3.0 and above) will make you to standout in competition lines during admission.What are the degree programmes that DLT graduates are eligible to be enrolled?
DLT graduates are eligible to be enrolled in many Science based programmes. Some are:
• SUA • Bsc. in Biotechnology and Lab. Sciences, Bsc. in Environmental Science and Management, Bsc. in Irrigation and Water Resource Engineering and Bsc. in Human Nutrition.
• UDSM • Bsc. in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Bsc. in Aquatic Sciences and Fisheries, Bsc. in Chemical and Process Engineering, Bsc. in Applied Microbiology and Chemistry, Bsc. in Applied Zoology, Bsc. in Botanical Sciences, Bsc. in Wildlife Science and Conservation, Bsc. in Bee Keeping Science and Technology, Bsc. in Textile Engineering, Bsc. in Textile Design and Technology and Bsc. in Microbiology.
• UDOM • Bsc. in Environmental Engineering, Bsc. in Environmental Sciences, Bsc. in Chemistry, Bsc. in Biology and Bsc. in Physics.
• ARU (Ardhi University) • Bsc. in Environmental Science and Management, Bsc. in Environmental Engineering, Bsc. in Municipal and Industrial Services Engineering and Bsc. in Environmental Laboratory Science and Technology.
• and other Biological Sciences programmes.
To know all degree programmes that a DLT graduate can be enrolled to, it is advised to visit the TCU website and download the “Revised Undergraduate Admission Guidebook for Ordinary Diploma/Equivalent Applicants”. Once you get that document search for the keywords “biological science” or “laboratory technology” or “laboratory science” or “Chemical Laboratory Technology” or “Water Quality Laboratory Technology” or “Water Laboratory Technology”. If you see any result in the column named “Admission Requirements” it means you can be enrolled to that programme. It is also very important to pay attention to other admission requirements such as the minimum GPA required as well as minimum grades for a particular subject in O-level results.
Biotechnology and Laboratory Sciences Students' Association | BLSA 