Advanced Diploma in Chemistry

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to train technologists or graduates who will be able to apply specialised analytical instrumentation to meet requirements of quality control and research and development laboratories. They may be employed as chemists, supervising technicians and technologists in industries such as petrochemical, pharmaceuticals, mining, metallurgy and educational institutions.

Rationale

Graduates of this qualification will be given an opportunity to pursue their studies in a Postgraduate Diploma or in an Honours Degree. Graduates may apply for full membership of SACI (South African Chemical Institute) and for professional registration as National Science Technologists with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP).

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL may be used to demonstrate competence for admission to this qualification.

This qualification may be achieved in part through recognition of prior learning processes. Credits achieved by RPL must not exceed 50% of the total credits and must not include credits at the exit level. The provision that the qualification may be accessed and/or obtained through the Recognition of Prior Learning, facilitates access to an education, training and career path in engineering and thus accelerates the redress of past unfair discrimination in education, training and employment opportunities.

Evidence of prior learning must be assessed through formal RPL processes through recognised methods. Any other evidence of prior learning should be assessed through formal RPL processes to recognise achievement thereof.

While this is primarily a workplace-based qualification, evidence from other areas of learning may be introduced if pertinent to any of the Exit Level Outcomes.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• National Diploma: Analytical Chemistry, Level 6.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at Level 7 totalling 144 Credits.

• Introduction to Research and Basic Laboratory Management, 24 Credits.
• Chemistry Project IV, 24 Credits.
• Physical Chemistry IV, 24 Credits.
• Organic Chemistry IV, 24 Credits.
• Inorganic Chemistry IV, 24 Credits.
• Analytical Chemistry IV, 24 Credits.

1. Apply interdisciplinary scientific knowledge to conduct specialised synthesis, characterisation and chemical analyses in the laboratory.
2. Apply chemical quality assurance principles in the laboratory to ensure adherence to synthetic and chemical procedures and produce reproducible and reliable results.
3. Understand basic principles of research.
4. Use of advanced analytical instrumental techniques and solve technical related problems.

5.Understand and commit to professional ethics, responsibilities and norms of scientific analytical technical practice including health and safety.

1. Engage in independent and life-long learning through well-developed learning skills.
2. Understand and commit to professional ethics, responsibilities and norms of scientific analytical technical practice.

Associated assessment criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Use physics and chemical concepts to undertake processes and synthesis in the laboratory.
• Produce the required compounds by using purification of chemical reagents in organic and inorganic synthetic procedures.
• Characterise and analyse compounds produced using the advanced instrumental analytical techniques in the laboratory.
• Apply mathematical concepts to make calculations and interpret data or results produced from an analysis.
• Use relevant computer software or skills to interpret or manipulate and present data or results from chemical analyses.

Associated assessment criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Use good laboratory practises based on international standards organisation to produce good results.
• Follow synthesis and analytical procedures meticulously with attention to detail.
• Adhere to robust data integrity controls and standard operating procedures.

Associated assessment criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Convert a research problem into a question or statement and successfully do a literature search.
• Identify relevant research methodology and generate data thereof.
• Carry out statistical evaluation or do analysis of data.
• Successfully develop a scientific research proposal and present it without difficulty.

Associated assessment criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Identify various components of the instrumental technique and know its functions.
• Understand and demonstrate principle of operation of instrument from point of sample introduction to producing results.
• Calculate results without use of readout devise, demonstrating understanding of theoretical knowledge.
• Identify and clear errors that commonly occur in the instrument and produce accurate results.

Associated assessment criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Carry out strict adherence to standard operating procedures or manuals without difficulty.
• Explain and demonstrate ways of keeping records in the laboratory including inventory Outline Safety, Health and Environmental issues or regulations and demonstrate its compliance.
• Adhere to rules of the laboratory and demonstrate house-keeping.

Integrated Assessment

An Integrated assessment approach will be applied and it will be comprised of the following

• Formative and self-assessment: Where the learner assesses him/herself.
• Peer Assessment: In which the learner assesses or is assessed by fellow students.
• Summative Assessment: Activities around final and decision-making assessment, example tests or presentations, assignments, practical reports, project work and examinations.