Diploma in Analytical Chemistry

Purpose

The learner will be taught to apply chemistry principles to perform advanced routine chemical analyses and syntheses in the laboratory and in production. In this way the learner will acquire knowledge that will be beneficial to them in terms of knowledge base and entrepreneurial experience in order to uplift local communities.

The learner will be taught to apply management principles relevant to the chemical industry with a view to independent problem-solving in the working environment. In this way, the learner will understand the significance of his study and place within the community and how to manage in the workplace.

Upon completion of this qualification, a learner should be able to

• Utilise sufficient mathematical and IT skills so that they are competent in the operation of statistical packages required by the chemical industry.
• Apply the principles of physics as it relates to the instrumentation encountered in the chemical industry.
• Apply the principles of general chemistry such as nomenclature, acid/base theory, stoichiometric calculations and chemical reactions are applied to chemical analyses and syntheses.
• Familiarise themselves with and understand the operation of analytical instrumentation used in chemistry.
• Construct and interpret quality control charts. Appropriate corrective protocols are adhered to in response to test results.
• Develop a knowledge base of good laboratory practice in the workplace in addition to the effect of their work on environmental health and safety.

Rationale

This qualification is designed to meet the needs of various industries. Industries involving detergents, petroleum, plastics, food, pharmaceuticals, mining, water treatment, metallurgy and, in addition, educational institutions may employ graduates from this course. Graduates are required for specific practical applications such as quality control testing and testing, or theoretical fields such as research and development. Quality control and assurance is an especially important field where industries need to verify their standards of operation and quality of manufactured materials. There is therefore a growing demand for graduates in this field.

Industries are supportive of the furthering education of graduates and hence opportunities exist for graduates to pursue further educational qualifications. Graduates may also apply for associate membership of SACI (South African Chemical Institute).

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

A person may on formal application and payment of the prescribed fee, and with the approval of the Executive Committee of the relevant Faculty Board and the Senex, be admitted for registration for an instructional programme approved by the Institution's Senate, in accordance with the Institution's Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy.

Entry Requirements

Learners are required to have either of the following as minimum entrance requirements

• Senior Certificate (SC).

Or

• National Senior Certificate (NSC) passed with diploma studies admission.

Or

• National Certificate Vocational (NCV) passed with diploma studies admission.

The qualification comprises compulsory modules at NQF Levels 5 and 6 totalling 380 Credits.

Modules at NQF Level 5

• General and Inorganic Chemistry, 16 Credits.
• Mathematics I, 16 Credits.
• Physics I, 16 Credits.
• Cornerstone 101, 12 Credits.
• Computer Skills, 8 Credits.
• Organic and Physical Chemistry, 16 Credits.
• Communication Skills, 8 Credits.
• Institutional General Education Elective, 8 Credits.
• Institutional General Education Elective, 8 Credits.
• Institutional General Education Elective, 8 Credits.

Total at NQF Level 5, 116 Credits.

Modules at NQF Level 6

• Analytical Chemistry I, 20 Credits.
• Analytical Chemistry II, 24 Credits.
• Applied Inorganic Chemistry, 12 Credits.
• Applied Organic Chemistry, 12 Credits.
• Applied Physical Chemistry, 12 Credits.
• Analytical Chemistry III: Chromatography, 12 Credits.
• Analytical Chemistry III: Atomic Spectroscopy, 12 Credits.
• Analytical Chemistry III: Molecular Spectroscopy, 12 Credits.
• Analytical Chemistry III: Electro analytical Chemistry, 12 Credits.
• Chemistry Project II, 12 Credits.
• Chemical Quality Assurance, 16 Credits.
• Community Engagement and Development, 12 Credits.
• Experiential Learning I, 12 Credits.
• Chemistry Project I, 36 credits
• Experiential Learning II, 48 Credits.

Total at NQF Level 7 264 Credits.

1. Utilise sufficient mathematical and IT skills so that they are competent in the operation of statistical packages required by the chemical industry.
2. Apply the principles of physics as it relates to the instrumentation encountered in the chemical industry.
3. Apply the principles of general chemistry such as nomenclature; acid/base theory; stoichiometric calculations and chemical reactions.
4. Familiarity with, and understand, the operation of analytical instrumentation used in chemistry.
5. Construct and interpret quality control charts and then ensure that appropriate corrective protocols are adhered to in response to test results.
6. Develop a knowledge base of good laboratory practice in the workplace in addition to the effect of the work on environmental health and safety.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Mathematical skills such as algebraic equations, functions, factors, ratios, conversions and linear regressions, are used to perform data analysis.
• Data from quantitative and qualitative analysis is recorded in the required format. Results in oral or written format are presented as required.
• Current software packages such as word processing, spreadsheets and databases are used to express and manipulate chemical technology information.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• The theoretical concepts are applied and tested when applied to chemical instrumentation.
• Practical applications of physics to instrumentation are tested to assess the learners' competency.
• The principles of instrument theory are applied to the performance of chemical analyis.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Prescribed techniques are used for collection, preparation and analysis of samples.
• Solutions of known concentrations are prepared and appropriate dilutions for laboratory procedures are performed.
• Physical tests such as melting points, boiling points, density and refractive index are performed on chemicals and materials.
• Time, equipment and materials are used in a cost-effective manner when performing analysis.
• Established synthetic procedures are used to prepare organic and inorganic compounds.
• Compounds are separated and purified using standard separation and purification methods such as distillation, crystallisation, preparatory chromatography and extraction.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• The principles of instrument theory are applied to the performance of chemical analysis.
• Prescribed techniques are used for collection, preparation and analyses of samples for use in instrumental analysis.
• Standard laboratory equipment is calibrated using the appropriate materials in quantitative and qualitative chemical analysis.
• Spectrometric, electrometric and chromatographic instruments and their associated data systems are calibrated and used for qualitative and quantitative analysis.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• The principles of a variety of relevant quality control/quality assurance programs such as International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO 9000, ISO 14000 and ISO guide 25) are applied to the working environment.
• Quality control charts are constructed and interpreted.
• Appropriate corrective protocols are adhered to in response to test results.
• Ability to work as part of a team is demonstrated.
• Appropriate response(s) is/are given to feedback from supervisors.
• Oral and written formats are used to communicate effectively with others.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• 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.
• 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.
• All procedures are performed in accordance with the established workplace safety protocols.
• The influence that chemistry has on society in terms of the environment, health and safety is recognised by subordinates.
• Ethical guidelines for professional work are followed by every member of the team.

Integrated Assessment

This is to ensure that the purpose of the qualification is achieved

• Assessment practices, both in the theoretical and practical aspects of analytical chemistry, will be open, transparent, fair, valid, and reliable and ensure that no learner is disadvantaged in any way whatsoever. An integrated approach to assessment will therefore be incorporated into the qualification.
• Whenever possible, the assessment of knowledge, skills, attitudes and values shown in the Analytical Chemistry qualification will be integrated.
• Assessment of fundamentals of analytical chemistry will be integrated as far as possible with other aspects and will use practical contexts wherever possible. A variety of methods such as online testing, practical testing in the laboratory and theoretical testing will be used in assessment. Learners will be assessed in the workplace or on-the-job.