Advanced Diploma in Analytical Chemistry

Purpose

Qualifying learners will be skilled to devise and apply specialised strategies and relevant management principles in quality control (QC) and research and development (R&D). They may work as chemists, supervising technicians and technologists in product and process development, and quality control. Employment may be in a laboratory, or production or sales environment. Industries such as petrochemical, pharmaceutical, mining, metallurgy, and educational institutions employ learners from this qualification.

Rationale

The qualification is a response to the need by industry to provide highly skilled technicians, chemists or technologists. The qualification will provide the industry with personnel equipped with various chemical analytical techniques at an advanced level. The advisory board has encouraged the institution to offer this qualification to train learners who will be ready to fit into the industry. It will also equip learners to contribute to addressing socio-economic challenges in South Africa through education.

It will further prepare learners to learn basic research activities such as gathering data, interpreting and dissemination of such knowledge to the community yet holding high ethical standards. The National Development Plan (NDP) and Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) post-school education policy requires that higher education institution provide high-level skills training to learners that will help in resolving issues of poverty and unemployment throughout the country.

Qualifying learners may apply for professional registration as National Science Technologists with South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP).

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution has a policy on Recognition of Prior Learning. Learners who do not have a Diploma or Bachelor of Science in Chemistry but are of the view that they meet minimum requirements for admission will apply for access to the Head of Department of Chemistry in line with RPL policy.

The application will be assessed following guidelines as stipulated in the institution's Learning and Assessment policy in conjunction with RPL policy. This will include a compilation of the portfolio of evidence which will be evaluated by the Department of Chemistry and other relevant internal statutory bodies. The final decision will be made by the Senate and communicated to the learner by the Head of Department of Chemistry.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Diploma in Analytical Chemistry or related field, NQF Level 6.

This qualification consists of the compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 7 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 120 Credits.

• Analytical Chemistry IVA,12 Credits.
• Inorganic Chemistry IVA,12 Credits.
• Physical Chemistry IVA, 12 Credits.
• Organic Chemistry IVA, 12 Credits.
• Chemistry Project IVA, 12 Credits.
• Analytical Chemistry IVB, 12 Credits.
• Inorganic Chemistry IVB, 12 Credits.
• Physical Chemistry IVB, 12 Credits.
• Organic Chemistry IVB, 12 Credits.
• Chemistry Project IVB, 12 Credits.

1. Apply advanced mathematical, physical and chemical concepts to related problems in the laboratory and production.
2. Conduct and interpret wet chemical and instrumental analyses using appropriate and innovative laboratory procedures.
3. Synthesise organic and inorganic compounds using various synthetic and purification procedures to obtain an optimum yield of a product.
4. Evaluate calculations and interpret the results of analyses to meet quality assurance and quality control requirements and criteria.
5. Apply computer skills relevant to the chemical laboratory.
6. Perform appropriate quality assurance and quality control procedures to ensure that processes remain within designated limits, and reliable results are generated in the laboratory.
7. Manage projects using interpersonal and communication skills.
8. Ensure that all work is performed in compliance with relevant occupational health, safety, and environmental laws, legislation and regulations; established policies and procedures; and following ethical principles.
9. Develop a plan for continued professional growth.
10. Develop entrepreneurship skills to encourage self-employment.
11. Coordinate and conduct research to solve chemical problems in the laboratory and production.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Use mathematical skills such as algebraic equations, functions, factors, ratios, conversions, linear regressions, and mathematical modelling to perform data analyses and to make predictions based on the data.
• Apply the principles of physics such as heat, sound, light, electricity and mechanics to solve or refer to the problems of instrumentation used in the chemical laboratory.
• Apply the principles of advanced organic, inorganic, analytical and physical chemistry to chemical problems encountered during chemical analyses and syntheses.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Apply the principles of specialist instrumental theory to the performance of chemical analyses.
• Use appropriate techniques for collection, preparation and analyses of samples.
• Calibrate laboratory equipment using the appropriate materials for quantitative and qualitative chemical analyses.
• Use advanced/hyphenated spectrometric, electrometric and chromatographic instruments and their associated data systems for qualitative and quantitative analyses.
• Prepare solutions of known concentrations and appropriate dilutions for laboratory procedures are performed.
• Perform physical tests such as melting points, boiling points, density, and refractive index are on chemicals and materials.
• Use time, equipment and materials cost-effectively when performing analyses.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Use appropriate synthetic procedures to optimise the yield of a product.
• Use appropriate separation and purification methods such as distillation, crystallization, preparatory chromatography and extraction to obtain pure samples.
• Use various procedures to confirm the purity and identity of the products.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Evaluate recorded data of quantitative and qualitative analyses in the required format.
• Evaluate the results of mathematical and statistical calculations to meet quality assurance and quality control requirements and criteria.
• Make and implement recommendations regarding abnormal results.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Select and use appropriate current software packages such as word processing, spreadsheets and databases to express and manipulate chemical technology information.
• Use computers associated with the setting up and monitoring of laboratory automation.
• Utilise software to acquire, store, retrieve, process and present data and/or information.
• Use relevant software to monitor laboratory quality assurance and quality control.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Design systems to ensure that processes remain within designated limits.
• Apply the principles of a variety of relevant quality control/quality assurance programs such as the International Organization for Standardization (ISO 9000, ISO 14000 and ISO guide 25).

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Demonstrate ability to work as a leader in a team.
• Use oral and written formats to communicate effectively when planning and organising projects.
• Compile, organise, prepare and present scientific and technical data and results using appropriate terminology and visual aids.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8

• Adhere to specific industrial practices including good manufacturing practice (GMP), good laboratory practice (GLP) and International Organisation for Standardization (ISO).
• Ensure compliance with environmental, health and safety legislation and their related regulations such as the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System and the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
• Establish and monitor workplace safety protocols.
• Recognise the influence that chemistry has on society in terms of the environment, health and safety.
• Follow ethical guidelines for professional work.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9

• Identify strategies for continued professional development.
• Work in a variety of practice locations and types is demonstrated.
• Process relevant literature to keep up to date with advances in technology.
• Develop plans to upgrade skills as required by technological change.
• Identify the role of professional associations and certification.
• Apply self-knowledge of strengths, weaknesses and goals to improve own professional competence.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10

• Project financial planning for the future following laboratory requirements.
• Develop, substantiate and implement an appropriate budget.
• Demonstrate appropriate stock control strategies.
• Evaluate the economic viability of equipment according to their maintenance record and appropriate action is taken.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 11

• Motivate the relevance of the research project.
• Gather and capture information from a variety of appropriate sources.
• Analyse and interpret data using appropriate technology.
• Present a plan of action/research proposal in a written and oral format.

Integrated Assessment

A course mark is derived from all formative assessments (theory tests and practical laboratory reports).

To qualify to write the final examination, a learner must obtain a minimum final course mark of 40%. Qualifying learners will write a three hour written examination at the end of the semester. The final mark will be determined by combining the course mark and the examination mark using the weightings. A final mark of minimum 50 % is required to pass the qualification. A final mark of 40 % to 49 % qualifies a learner to write a supplementary examination.