Bachelor of Science in Chemistry

Purpose

The qualification produces qualifying learners with solid foundations in all traditional branches of chemistry. The qualifying learners take appropriately selected mathematics and physics modules to understand the chemistry phenomenon independently.

The qualification trains learners to use a chemical laboratory and technical instruments independently, analyse scientific data obtained through measurements and write technical scientific reports. Qualifying learners of this qualification work with minimal supervision in a laboratory and can use acquired skills to solve chemical laboratory challenges in the work environment. In particular, the design of the industrial and environmental chemistry modules enable learners to understand their environments and to make them environmentally conscious and responsive.

Rationale

In the developed world, the qualification is internationally recognisable. The level and standard of offering the qualification are almost universal. The qualification is the first step in the journey of becoming a professional chemist. South Africa is not categorised as a developed country yet. However, the direction of change and the aspirations of its people all point to a progressively developing country, as such, this qualification is in resonance with the direction of development in South Africa and should be one of the significant drivers for real developmental change for its people. The South African Chemical Institute (SACI) is the professional body to which chemistry belongs in South Africa.

Learners who complete their qualifications raise the standard of living in their home base through their knowledge of chemistry. Learners work in positions as competent chemistry science teachers, analysts in chemical industries, advisers in farming concerning the identity and levels of nutrients in the farming soils, pollution monitors in rivers and on land. Learners will be able to own small chemical industries such as cosmetics and cleansers for beautiful skin and hair and natural remedies that receive a scientific assessment for their potency and non-toxicity.

The qualification is one of the uniquely placed qualifications in the sciences because it connects naturally with all the major scientific disciplines such as engineering through chemical engineering, pharmacy through pharmaceuticals, biochemistry, molecular biology, and medicine to list the prominent ones. A sound level of mathematics with physics up to NQF Level 6 or higher, is essential to equip a learner adequately for a qualification in chemistry. The Bachelor of Science Honours in Chemistry is a possible further learning avenue for a person who holds this qualification. The minimum entry qualification is the Senior Certificate with a minimum of a 4 in Physical Science, Mathematics and English. A National Diploma in Analytical chemistry is also a possible route through which to enter the qualification.

Employment of Chemists is in every sphere of human activity; of all the sciences, enables learners to be employable. This qualification is a good basis for further Postgraduate studies in chemical sciences, studies in chemical engineering, in finance and even business studies. The learner develops an analytical mind that inculcates skills that empowers one to consider self-employment and in turn, create jobs for others.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution's admissions policy and the Faculty of Natural Sciences prospectus guides the RPL requirements for entry into the qualification as highlighted below:

• Experience in the field of Environmental Sciences.
• Learners who do not qualify for admission, i.e. without a matriculation endorsement but have extensive experience in the field of Environmental Chemistry Studies/Management of Chemical Laboratory/Chemical Sciences and have good recommendations from their employers can receive consideration.
• Such learners must have attempted the following subjects at the National Senior Certificate level: English, Mathematics, Physical Science, Geography and Life Sciences.

All learners attend aptitude tests to establish interest and commitment to the profession and service. Learners applying through RPL receive a thorough briefing before the assessment and submit a Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) in a prescribed institution format.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• National Senior Certificate NQF Level 4 granting access to Bachelor's studies.

Or

• National Certificate Vocational NQF Level 4, granting access to a Bachelor's studies.

Or

• National Diploma in Analytical Chemistry, NQF Level 6.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and electives modules at National Qualifications Framework Levels 5, 6 and 7 totalling a minimum of 376 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 5, 128 Credits

• English for Academic Purposes, 16 Credits.
• General Chemistry I Theory, 16 Credits.
• Pre-calculus and calculus I, 16 Credits.
• General Physics I Theory, 16 Credits.
• General Chemistry I Theory, 16 Credits.
• Pre-calculus and calculus II, 16 Credits.
• General Physics II Theory, 16 Credits.
• Computer Literacy I, 8 Credits.
• Computer Literacy II, 8 Credits.

Compulsory Level, NQF Level 6, 120 Credits

• Analytical Chemistry II Theory, 16 Credits.
• Physical Chemistry II Theory, 16 Credits.
• Multivariate Calculus, 8 Credits.
• Mechanics and Waves, 16 Credits.
• Inorganic Chemistry II Theory, 16 Credits.
• Organic Chemistry, 16 Credits
• Ordinary Differential Equations, 8 Credits.
• Linear Algebra I, 8 Credits.
• Thermodynamics and Modern Physics, 16 Credits.

Elective module, NQF Level 6 with 8 Credits

• Real Analysis I, 8 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 7, 64 Credits

• Inorganic Chemistry III, 16 Credits.
• Organic Chemistry III, 16 Credits.
• Analytical Chemistry III Theory, 16 Credits.
• Physical Chemistry III Theory, 16 Credits.

Elective Modules, NQF Level 7, 56 Credits choose two (2) modules of 16 Credits each and one (1) module of 24 Credits

• Research, Seminar and Report, 16 Credits.
• Industrial Chemistry, 16 Credits.
• Environmental Chemistry, 16 Credits.
• Electromagnetism and Quantum Mechanics, 24 Credits.
• Solid-State and Statistical Physics, 24 Credits.

1. Understand integrating concepts in chemistry and demonstrate knowledge in chemistry through planning and conducting laboratory experiments under supervision.
2. Execute laboratory synthesis of pure chemical compounds using a set of prescribed elementary instructional steps and use common laboratory instrumentation to characterise the compound prepared fully.
3. Collect and correctly interpret simple spectroscopic measurements and physical chemistry principles commonly applied in the different major branches (analytical, inorganic, organic and physical) of undergraduate chemistry.
4. Understand a scientific report and compile it from experimental laboratory data in the IMRAD style or comparable style.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Understand key concepts in chemistry, and integrate associated chemistry concepts to solve chemistry problems.
• Obtain and interpret laboratory measurements from laboratory experiments.
• Use relevant chemical equations to interpret experimental measurements.
• Present experimental data neatly through the use of appropriate tables, graphs and visually.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Conduct a laboratory synthesis from an instructional procedure to prepare a pure compound in good yield.
• Identify major functional groups in a simple compound correctly using laboratory instrumentation.
• Use melting point to assess the degree of purity of a prepared compound.
• Use pertinent literature to compare measured physical parameters for a prepared compound with those in the literature, and to make proper citations.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Use spectroscopic tools to arrive at a plausible chemical structure.
• Apply physical chemistry principles from spectroscopy to solve problems in undergraduate chemistry.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Compile a formal scientific report incorporating the IMRAD style.
• Present the experimental results in a tabulated, clear and neat format.
• Carry out calculations relevant to the measurement.
• Present experimental data graphically where necessary.
• Discuss the experimental findings to bring out theoretical knowledge about the topic.
• Cite relevant and current literature for possible comparison of the physical parameters measured and or calculated.

Integrated Assessment

The assessment for the qualification follows the standard guidelines issued by the institution.

Formative assessment

Continuous assessment contributes 60% to the final mark, and the final examination contributes 40%. Continuous assessment contributions are a maximum of assignments (10%), tests (60%) laboratory practicals (30%) in each case. Assessment of laboratory work includes writing laboratory reports, presentation of the results to a departmental audience if the course is mainly laboratory-based and followed up with writing a formal scientific report in the style of a typical journal article.

Summative

The margin of variation in percentage contribution is approximately 5% either way from the stipulated maxima. In the case where the module is fully laboratory-based, the presentation of the work to a departmental audience contributes 20%, and the rest comes from a written scientific report.