Diploma in Pulp and Paper Technology

Purpose

This qualification is primarily directed at the pulp and paper industry. The pulp and paper industry is a specialised field of Chemical Engineering. There are many processes and technologies which are very specific to the industry, which are not covered in standard chemical engineering course offerings. The curriculum of the Diploma in Pulp and Paper Technology provides very industry-specific knowledge, methods and techniques. The qualification emphasises general principles and application or technology transfer. The qualification provides learners with a sound knowledge base in pulp and paper technology and the relevant disciplines of science and chemical engineering and the ability to apply their knowledge and skills to particular career or professional contexts, while equipping them to undertake more specialised and intensive advanced learning. This qualification has a strong professional and career focus and holders of this qualification are normally prepared to enter a specific niche in the pulp, paper and allied industries.

Rationale

The Department of Chemical Engineering currently offers a National Diploma in Pulp and Paper Technology and a Bachelor of Technology in Pulp and Paper Technology. The National Diploma in Pulp and Paper Technology will be replaced by a 3-year, 360-credit Diploma in Pulp and Paper Technology.

The South African Forest Products industry employs over 165000 people and contributed 6.2% to manufacturing Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2012. The South African pulp and paper industry operates in a very competitive global market, and needs to maintain its competitive position by having competent operational staff to operate modern plant and equipment, and who can adapt to future advances in technology. The Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa (PAMSA) has historically supported pulp and paper qualifications at the University by seconding appropriate lecturing staff. This support will continue into the future, although the exact form of support might evolve over time.

The National Development Plan has as an objective of re-industrialisation of the South Africa's economy. This implies that the manufacturing activity, inter alia the pulp and paper industry will be encouraged and stimulated. The industry would thus need specialised scarce skills at technician and technologist levels.

It is anticipated that the Diploma in Pulp and Paper Technology will continue to supply the anticipated annual need for between 10 and 20 process controllers and technologists in the South African pulp, paper and paper processing industry. According to the industry's Sector Skills Plans, about 10 process technologists, 10 production managers, 10 process controllers and 30 plant operators are required per year.

This qualification is primarily directed at the pulp and paper industry. The pulp and paper industry is a specialised field of Chemical Engineering. There are many processes and technologies which are very specific to the industry, which are not covered in standard chemical engineering qualifications. The curriculum of the Diploma in Pulp and Paper Technology provides industry-specific knowledge, methods and techniques. The qualification emphasises general principles and application or technology transfer.

The Diploma in Pulp and Paper technology will provide opportunities for vocational careers in the pulp, paper and paper processing industry for Grade 12 learners with the appropriate subjects and levels of achievement.

Graduates with a 360-credit Diploma in Pulp and Paper Technology will be able to progress to the Advanced Diploma in Pulp and Paper and will also be able to articulate into a cognate Bachelor of Engineering Degree.

Learners with cognate diplomas and other science or engineering qualifications may articulate into the Diploma in Pulp and Paper Technology.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may be used to demonstrate competence for admission or granting credits to this qualification. This qualification may be achieved in part through recognition of prior learning processes.

• The structure of this qualification makes RPL possible, if the learner is able to demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes implicit in this first stage engineering qualification.
• Learners who already work in the pulp and paper or allied industry who believe they possess competencies to enable them to meet some or all of the Exit Level Outcomes (ELOs) listed in the qualification will be able to present themselves for assessment against those outcomes.
• Evidence of prior learning will be assessed through formal University's RPL process.
• Learners submitting for RPL will be thoroughly briefed prior to the assessment and will be required to submit a Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) in the prescribed format to be assessed for formal recognition.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• National Senior Certificate (NSC), NQF Level 4, granting access to Diploma studies.

Or

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

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Levels 5, 6 and 7 totalling 360 Credits.

Compulsory Modules NQF Level 5, 132 Credits

• Mathematics A, 12 Credits.
• Chemistry A, 12 Credits.
• Cornerstone 101 (general module), 12 Credits.
• Physics A, 8 Credits.
• Pulp and Paper Engineering Fundamentals A, 12 Credits.
• Technical Literacy, 8 Credits.
• Mathematics B, 12 Credits.
• Physics B, 8 Credits.
• Chemistry B, 12 Credits.
• Pulp and Paper Science 1, 12 Credits.
• Pulp and Paper Engineering Fundamentals B, 12 Credits.
• Computer Applications, 12 Credits.

Compulsory Modules NQF Level 6, 212 Credits

• Chemistry C, 12 Credits.
• Physics C, 8 Credits.
• Pulp and Paper Technology A, 12 Credits.
• Pulp and Paper Laboratory A, 8 Credits.
• Unit Operations A, 12 Credits.
• Pulp and Paper Technology B, 12 Credits.
• Pulp and Paper Laboratory B, 8 Credits.
• Transfer Processes, 12 Credits.
• Process Instrumentation and Control, 12 Credits.
• Unit Operations B, 12 Credits.
• Thermodynamics, 12 Credits.
• Pulp and Paper Technology C, 12 Credits.
• Pulp and Paper Laboratory C, 8 Credits.
• Pulp and Paper Manufacturing, 72 Credits.

Compulsory Modules NQF Level 7, 16 Credits

• Principles of Management A, 8 Credits.
• Project Management, 8 Credits.

1. Apply scientific principles and engineering tools to systematically diagnose and solve well-defined process problems in a pulp and paper context.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of pulp, paper and paper product processing technology to solve well-defined process problems.
3. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with technical audiences and affected parties.
4. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of technical management principles and apply these to one's own work, as a member and leader in a team and to manage projects.
5. Engage in independent and life-long learning through well-developed learning skills.
6. Comprehend and apply ethical principles, responsibilities and norms of technology practice in a pulp and paper context.
7. Demonstrate an understanding of workplace practices to solve processing problems consistent with academic learning achieved.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Analyse and define the problem and identify the criteria for an acceptable solution.
• Identify relevant information and engineering tools for solving the problem.
• Generate and formulate possible approaches that would lead to a workable solution for the problem.
• Apply the method or tool correctly to achieve the required result.
• Test and assess results produced by the method or tool against required results.
• Evaluate possible solutions and select the best solution.
• Formulate and present the solution in an appropriate form.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Apply knowledge of mathematics, natural science, engineering science and pulp and paper technology on the solution of well-defined technological problems.
• Use theories, principles and laws.
• Communicate concepts, ideas and theories.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Ensure the structure, style and language of written and oral communication are appropriate for the purpose of communication and the target audience.
• Use graphics appropriately and effectively in enhancing the meaning of text.
• Use visual materials to enhance oral communications.
• Use accepted methods for providing information to others involved in the technical activity, for example engineering drawings, as well as subject-specific methods.
• Deliver oral communication fluently with the intended meaning being apparent.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• The principles of planning, organising, leading and controlling.
• Carry out individual work effectively, strategically and on time.
• Ensure contributions to team activities, including at disciplinary boundaries, support the output of the team as a whole.
• Demonstrate the capacity to function as a team leader.
• Carry out effective communication in the context of individual and team work.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Manage learning tasks autonomously and ethically, individually and in learning groups.
• Reflect on learning undertaken and determine own learning requirements and strategies to suit personal learning style and preferences.
• Source, organise and evaluate relevant information.
• Comprehend and apply knowledge acquired outside of formal instruction.
• Challenge assumptions critically and embrace new thinking.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Describe the nature and complexity of ethical dilemmas.
• Describe the ethical implications of decisions made.
• Apply ethical reasoning to evaluate engineering solutions.
• Maintain continued competence through keeping abreast of up-to-date tools and techniques available in the workplace.
• Understand and embrace the system of continuing professional development as an on-going process.
• Ensure responsibility is accepted for consequences arising from own actions.
• Make judgements in decision making during problem solving and design.
• Ensure decision making is limited to area of current competence.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Demonstrate orientation to the working environment in terms of company structure and conventions, rules, policies, working hours, dress codes and reporting lines.
• Discuss labour practices used in the workplace in accordance with relevant legislation.
• Apply workplace safety rules to ensure compliance with relevant safety, health and environmental legislation. General administration procedures are applied in an authentic workplace context.
• Conduct work activities in a manner suited to the work context. Range: Work activities include assisting, contributing, observing and applying.
• Report knowledge and understanding gained from the work-integrated learning period in a prescribed format, using appropriate language and style.

Integrated Assessment

The pulp and paper technology qualification will combine formative, summative and diagnostic assessment methodologies for theoretical knowledge and practical skills. There will be multiple assessment opportunities for the learner to develop and demonstrate the various Exit Level Outcomes associated with this qualification. There will be constructive alignment between the development of the Exit Level Outcomes, learning activities and assessment activities. Some of the assessment methodologies will include: tests, assignments, practicals, examinations, projects, portfolios, oral assessments, presentations and tutorials. In terms of the institutional policy all summative assessments will be subjected to internal moderation. In addition, all exit level modules will be subjected to external moderation.