Diploma in Chemical Engineering

The intended purpose of this qualification is to give the successful learner a professional, vocational and sound understanding of the general theoretical principles and their applications in the field of Chemical Engineering qualification.

This qualification is intended for the growing demand of chemical engineering technicians working in the process related industries. Learners achieving this qualification have the competence to apply existing process technology to chemical engineering problems in chemical processes and plant operations.

The Institutional Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy and procedures are followed. Learners who do not meet entry requirements can apply for access to the qualification through RPL against a module, or part/full qualification for learning obtained through formal, informal and non-formal learning. Learners need to submit a Portfolio of Evidence which will be internally assessed. Credits may be awarded based on the assessment results and learners have the opportunity to appeal against the assessment result where credits were not awarded.

The minimum requirement is

• National Senior Certificate. National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 4.

This qualification comprises of compulsory modules at NQF Level 5, 6 totalling at 402 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 138 Credits

• Engineering Chemistry 1, 10 Credits.
• Mathematics 1, 10 Credits.
• Physics 1, 10 Credits.
• Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Skills 1, 10 Credits.
• Safety Principles and Law 1, 5 Credits.
• Social Intelligence 1, 3 Credits.
• Applied Communication Skills 1.2, 8 Credits.
• Computing Applications 2, 7 Credits.
• Applied Communication Skills 1.1, 8 Credits.
• Engineering Drawing 1, 10 Credits.
• Introduction to Chemical Engineering 1, 12 Credits.
• Physics 2, 10 Credits.
• Mathematics 2, 10 Credits.
• Engineering Skills 1, 5 Credits.
• Engineering Chemistry 2, 10 Credits.
• Management 1, 10 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 264 Credits

• Heat and Mass Transfer 1, 12 Credits.
• Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics 1, 12 Credits.
• Chemical Process Industries 1, 12 Credits.
• Engineering Chemistry 3, 10 Credits.
• Applied Communication Skills 2.1, 8 Credits.
• Applied Communication Skills 2.2, 8 Credits.
• Chemical Engineering Laboratory 1, 12 Credits.
• Mathematics 3, 10 Credits.
• Chemical Engineering Laboratory 2, 12 Credits.
• Mechanical Operation 1, 12 Credits.
• Process Fluid Dynamics 1, 12 Credits.
• Process Control 1, 12 Credits.
• Material and Energy Balance 2, 12 Credits.
• Chemical Process Design, 12 Credits.
• Reactor Technology 1, 12 Credits.
• Applied Thermodynamics 2, 12 Credits.
• Experiential Learning 1 (Chemical), 60 Credits.
• Environmental Engineering 1, 12 Credits.
• Separation Processes 1, 12 Credits.

1.Identify, evaluate, formulate and solve process related technical and operational problems.

2.Design process equipment in order to modify existing sections of the plant.

3.Plan and implement the production of required products.

4.Plan and implement projects using project management tools and skills.

5.Communicate effectively both orally and in writing with a variety of audiences using appropriate language structure, style and graphical support.

6.Have knowledge of the Safety, Health and Environmental (SHE) impacts of chemical processing activities in order to identify the impacts and measures used to control these impacts.

7.Use Information Technology (IT) in the application of engineering methods, skills and tools.

Associated Assessment Criteria are applied in an integrated manner

• Apply relevant mathematic, scientific and engineering principles in solving specific engineering problems.
• Apply existing monitoring techniques to evaluate the process.
• Identify the crucial parameters for the operation of process equipment when solving process related problems.
• Analyse a given design problem, identify the theoretical principles involved, do calculations, and propose alternative solutions.
• Produce sensible and workable drawings for modifications to the process/plant.
• Specify correctly and select equipment e.g. pumps, heat exchangers or any other equipment with reference to applicable codes, materials of construction and duty requirements.
• Complete the process section of data sheets for pumps, pressure vessels, tanks, heat exchangers distillation columns, relief valves, etc., according to requirements.
• Check the hydraulics of a distillation column or packed tower and identify flooding and up rating opportunities.
• Rate heat exchangers for fouling.
• Specify correctly sizing of pipes (pressure drop calculations).
• Write safe operating procedures.
• Establish clear priorities, schedule activities to ensure optimum use of time and resources, monitor performance against objectives.
• Plan and monitor handling activities by using relevant safety and hazardous information on materials/chemicals to safeguard the environment.
• Submit an operating budget.
• Determine priorities and deadlines with multitasking. Identify possible problems or conflicting demands in time so that contingent action can be taken.
• Work effectively as an individual, in a team and in multidisciplinary environments.
• Plan and conduct investigations and experiments using appropriate equipment to test the feasibility of proposed options.
• Analyse, interpret and derive information from data.
• Evaluate possible alternatives through economic justification and their impact on social, legal, health, safety and environmental aspects.
• Write a report in the required format on a specific design problem.
• Present, facilitate and exchange information on the above to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Identify the main aspects of chemical processing activities that impact on the safety and health of people and on the environment.
• Identify the Safety Health and Environmental (SHE) risks applicable to the use of a chemical for a certain activity given the Material Safety Data sheet.
• Demonstrate knowledge of Environmental legislation (water act, air pollution act) to a given problem.
• Apply the methodology of hazard identification and waste minimisation to a given environmental situation.
• Evaluate the results of appropriate methods and demonstrate information technology skills in the application of tools.
• Demonstrate computer literacy by accessing, processing and storing appropriate information.

Integrated Assessment.

Both formative and summative assessments are integral components of all modules within the qualification and have application to both traditional summative and continuous assessment, ensuring overall applied competence. All teaching and learning activities in the qualification are aligned to the assessment approach of the individual modules indicating a constructive alignment approach in the design of the qualification. The assessment activities form an integral part of the teaching and learning process and are systematically and purposefully used to generate data for grading. Timely feedback to learner's forms part of the assessment strategy of the institution and is used to inform teaching and learning and to improve the curriculum. Learning outcomes in all modules give an indication as to what will be assessed in the module and thus ensures constructive alignment of the modules within the qualification.