Diploma in Analytical Chemistry

Graduates of this course are able to apply the advanced scientific principles and techniques of quantitative and qualitative analysis, quality control of raw materials and finished products, and research and development. Learners benefit from the practical hands-on laboratory skills component with up-to-date equipment as well as direct exposure to the work situation.

Employment may be in a laboratory or production process as well as chemical and laboratory sales. Industries such as detergent, petroleum, plastics, food, pharmaceuticals, mining, water treatment, metallurgy and educational institutions employ graduates from this course. Graduates may work in a practical application such as quality control testing and testing, or a theoretical field such as research and development, with chemists and other technologists or technicians. Quality control and assurance is a field with a growing demand for these graduates.

Opportunities exist for graduates to pursue further educational qualifications. Graduates may apply for associate membership of SACI (South African Chemical Institute).

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Access may be gained to the qualification through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

The qualification will be awarded to a learner who has provided evidence to the satisfaction of the assessors that the stated competence of the qualification, as detailed in the specified outcomes, has been achieved, either through education and training in a single provider`s learning programme, or by a combination of formal and informal learning, and work experience.

Entry Requirements

• National Senior Certificate/Senior Certificate/Further Education and Training Certificate (FETC), NQF Level 4.

Or

• The National Higher Certificate, Level 5 in the field of analytical chemistry or an equivalent qualification.

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.

Specified Outcomes for Exit Level Outcome 1

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

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

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

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

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

1.6. Apply computer skills relevant to the chemical laboratory.

Specified Outcomes for Exit Level Outcome 2

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

2.2. Use interpersonal and communication skills to facilitate team work in the working environment.

2.3. 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.

2.4. Apply problem solving skills to problems in the work environment.

2.5. Develop a plan for continued professional growth.

1.1.1 Mathematical skills such as algebraic equations, functions, factors, ratios, conversions and linear regressions, are used to perform data analyses.

1.1.2 The principles of physics such as heat, sound, light, electricity and mechanics are applied in the use of instrumentation in the chemical laboratory.

1.1.3 The principles of general chemistry such as nomenclature, acid/base theory, stoichiometric calculations and chemical reactions are applied to chemical analyses and syntheses.

1.1.4 The principles of organic, inorganic, analytical and physical chemistry are applied to the analyses and syntheses.

1.2.1 The principles of instrument theory are applied to the performance of chemical analyses.

1.2.2 Prescribed techniques are used for collection, preparation and analyses of samples.

1.2.3 Standard laboratory equipment is calibrated using the appropriate materials in quantitative and qualitative chemical analyses.

1.2.4 Spectrometric, electrometric and chromatographic instruments and their associated data systems are calibrated and used for qualitative and quantitative analyses.

1.2.5 Solutions of known concentrations are prepared and appropriate dilutions for laboratory procedures are performed.

1.2.6 Physical tests such as melting points, boiling points, density and refractive index are performed on chemicals and materials.

1.2.7 Time, equipment and materials are used in a cost-effective manner when performing analyses.

1.3.1 Established synthetic procedures are used to prepare organic and inorganic compounds.

1.3.2 Compounds are separated and purified using standard separation and purification methods such as distillation, crystallization, preparatory chromatography and extraction.

1.3.3 The purity and identity of the products are confirmed using established/stated procedures.

1.4.1 Data from quantitative and qualitative analyses is recorded in the required format.

1.4.2 Relevant mathematical calculations are performed using the recorded data.

1.4.3 Relevant statistical calculations are performed to evaluate the results.

1.5.1 Results in oral or written format are presented as required.

1.5.2 Abnormal results are appropriately responded to and reported according to specified guidelines.

1.6.1 Current software packages such as word processing, spreadsheets and databases are used to express and manipulate chemical technology information.

1.6.2 Computers are set-up and used in the monitoring of laboratory automation.

1.6.3 Relevant software is used to acquire, store, retrieve, process and present information and data.

1.6.4 Relevant software is used to monitor laboratory quality assurance and quality control.

2.1.1 The principles of a variety of relevant quality control/quality assurance programs such as International Organization for Standardization (ISO 9000, ISO 14000 and ISO guide 25) are applied to the working environment.

2.1.2 Quality control charts are constructed and interpreted.

2.1.3 Appropriate corrective protocols are adhered to in response to test results.

2.2.1 Ability to work as part of a team is demonstrated.

2.2.2 Appropriate response(s) is/are given to feedback from supervisors.

2.2.3 Oral and written formats are used to communicate effectively with others.

2.2.4 Scientific and technical data and results are compiled, organized and presented.

2.2.5 Information from appropriate chemical and related literature is gathered and used systematically.

2.2.6 Letters, memos and scientific, technical and business documents and reports are organized, written and produced in the correct format.

2.2.7 Oral presentations of technical information are planned, organized and delivered using appropriate terminology and visual-aids.

2.3.1 Specific industrial practices such as good manufacturing practice (GMP), good laboratory practice (GLP) and International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) are adhered to by subordinates in the working environment.

2.3.2 Environmental, health and safety legislation and their related regulations such as the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System and the Occupational Health and Safety Act are complied with by sub-ordinates in the working environment.

2.3.3 All procedures are performed in accordance with the established workplace safety protocols.

2.3.4 The influence that chemistry has on society in terms of the environment, health and safety is recognized by subordinates.

2.3.5 Ethical guidelines for professional work are followed by every member of the team.

2.4.1 Problems are recognized and defined.

2.4.2 Problem-solving sequence is defined.

2.4.3 Outside advice or information is obtained as required.

2.4.4 Limitations in problem solving are recognized.

2.4.5 The recommendations are implemented or referred to other appropriate personnel/organisations.

2.5.1 Strategies for continued professional development are identified.

2.5.2 Ability to work in a variety of practice locations and types is demonstrated.

2.5.3 Relevant literature is processed to keep up to date.

2.5.4 Plans to upgrade skills as required by technological change are developed.

2.5.5 The role of professional associations and certification are identified.

2.5.6 Self-knowledge of strengths, weaknesses and goals are applied to improve own professional competence.

Integrated Assessment

Formative Assessment

• Written tests.
• Oral presentations.
• Practical tests.
• Assignments.
• Group-work projects.
• Evaluation of experiential learning.

Summative Assessment

• Written examinations.
• Oral examinations.