Diploma in Analytical Chemistry

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to equip learners with the required knowledge and skills to apply scientific principles and techniques of quantitative and qualitative analysis, quality control of raw materials and finished products, and contribute to research and development within industries such as petroleum, forensics, pharmaceutical, and water treatment and radiochemistry. Learners will gain hands-on practical and laboratory skills using the latest technology. Besides, learners will gain an in-depth understanding of laboratory procedures and production processes applicable to the manufacturing and retail sectors of the chemical industry. The qualification also aims to equip learners with knowledge and skills of quality control and assurance relevant to the field of study.

Learners who complete the qualification will be holistically prepared to face challenges at the workplace, but also respond more meaningfully to the ever-changing demands of society through acquired skills and values such as effective communication, critical thinking, creativity, innovation and emotional intelligence within the context of the field of study of Chemistry.

Rationale

The existing qualification was established approximately 15 years ago to meet the needs of the chemical industry in South Africa. Based on new trends and developments in the field of study, the qualification was revised to enhance the employability of learners. Employment opportunities in the Western Cape require skills in the Chemistry environment about specialised equipment and advanced technology. The Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority (CHIETA) has identified knowledge and high-level technical skills in Chemistry have as scarce skills. The revised curriculum aims to address the skills shortages in regional and national niche industries such as Petrochemical, Forensics, Pharmaceutical, Water Treatment (Environmental) and Radio Chemistry identified through stakeholder engagement as well as in consultation with the South African Chemical Institute (SACI) and South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP).

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process of identifying the knowledge and skills of a learner against the admission requirements of the qualification and for credits against a part thereof. The process involves the identification, mediation, assessment and acknowledgement of knowledge and skills obtained through informal, non-formal and formal learning. The RPL process is multi-dimensional and multi-contextual, based on the individual needs of learners following an institutional RPL policy by a unit dedicated to this activity. The RPL process includes guidance and counselling, as well as the preparation of a body of evidence to be presented by the RPL candidate to meet institutional requirements. An appeal procedure is also in place to accommodate queries. RPL in this qualification will relate to gaining access to the qualification and credits/advanced standing as described in institutional guidelines.

Learners may obtain access to this qualification through recognition of prior learning by means of a portfolio of evidence of relevant work experience and scholarship. Such evidence will be screen by the Faculty Recognition of Prior Learning committee and will be approved by the Faculty Board.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

� National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4, granting access to Diploma studies.

Or

� National Certificate (Vocational) , NQF Level 4, granting access to Diploma studies.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Levels 5 and 6 totalling 366 Credits.

416 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 5: 120 Credits

• Chemistry 1 , 12 Credits.
• Chemical Laboratory Practice 1, 10 Credits.
• Mathematics 1, 8 Credits.
• Communication Skills 1A, 8 Credits.
• Physics 1, 12 Credits.
• Analytical Chemistry 1: Theory, 14 Credits.
• Analytical Chemistry 1: Practical , 6 Credits.
• Inorganic Chemistry 1, 14 Credits.
• Organic Chemistry 1, 14 Credits.
• Physical Chemistry 1, 14 Credits.
• Communication Skills 1B, 8 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 6: 246 Credits

• Analytical Chemistry 2A, 16 Credits.
• Analytical Chemistry 2A: Practical , 6 Credits.
• Inorganic Chemistry 2, 16 Credits.
• Physical Chemistry 2, 16 Credits.
• Quality Assurance 2A , 10 Credits.
• Analytical Chemistry 2B, 16 Credits.
• Analytical Chemistry 2B: Practical , 6 Credits.
• Organic Chemistry 2, 16 Credits.
• Chemical Quality Assurance 2B, 14 Credits.
• Microbiology , 10 Credits.
• Research Methodology 1: Introduction, 12 Credits.
• Chemical Technology 3, 30 Credits.
• Entrepreneurial Skills, 18 Credits.
• Chemistry Project 3, 60 Credits.

1. Apply principles to perform advanced routine chemical analyses and syntheses in the laboratory and in production.
2. Apply management principles to independent problem-solving in the working environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

" Apply mathematical, physical and chemical concepts to tasks in the laboratory and production

" Conduct and interpret accurately, wet chemical and instrumental analyses, using prescribed laboratory procedures.

" Prepare organic and inorganic compounds using standard synthetic and purification procedures.

" Perform calculations to report and evaluate the results of analyses to meet quality assurance and quality control requirements and criteria.

" Report and assess results obtained from the analyses and calculations.

" Apply computer skills relevant to the chemical laboratory.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

" Perform relevant Quality Assurance and Quality Control procedures to ensure that processes remain within designated limits.

" Use interpersonal and communication skills to facilitate teamwork in the working environment.

" Ensure that all assigned work is performed in compliance with relevant occupational health, safety, and environmental laws, legislation and regulations; established policies and procedures; and in accordance with ethical principles.

" Apply problem-solving skills to problems in the work environment.

" Develop a plan for continued professional growth.

Integrated Assessment

Integrated assessment forms part of continuous assessment at the institution and takes the form of an appropriate mix of both formative and summative assessment methods. Assessment policy and practices at the institution promote constructive alignment of the curriculum, student centred-learning and assessment, and the importance of feedback to enhance the learner engagement.

Assessment practices will be fair, reliable and valid. It will also be in keeping with academic disciplinary and professional field norms and standards. Assessments will be scaffolded throughout the qualification, for example, in the first-year learners will be assessed on fundamental chemistry principles and concepts. After mastery of these principles and concepts, they will be exposed to more complicated aspects as they progress to higher levels of study.

Formative assessment is aimed at enhancing the learning and provides learners with an opportunity to reflect critically on their own learning and to improve their own levels of personal accountability and time management. The formative assessment usually consists of a variety of assessment tasks relevant to the field of study. In this qualification it will consist of a variety of tasks such as problem-solving individual and/or group assignments and projects, case studies, portfolio development, class discussions and laboratory practicals and reports.

Summative assessment will take place at the end of a section of work/quarter or semester and is aimed at assessing the learners' attainment against the Exit Level Outcomes. Summative assessments usually consist of a variety of formal assessment tasks relevant to the field of study, including written tests, reports and examination.

In this qualification it will consist of written assessments in the form of written class tests and examination conducted during and at the end of the academic semester/year. Laboratory practical examination and reports also form part of summative assessments.

Integrated assessment often cuts across a number of modules of qualification and is aimed at the holistic development of learners and contributes to the learners' personal and professional development in the field of study in terms of foundational, practical and reflexive competence.

Integrated assessment in this qualification will take place in the third year of study and learners will be assessed holistically by means of project reports, a portfolio of evidence and an oral presentation related to the needs and requirements of the chemistry industry.