Doctor of Engineering

This qualification is intended for chemical engineers or technologists working in process related industries. Learners achieving this qualification have the competence to conduct independent research under minimal guidance in the field of chemical engineering, and contribute significantly to knowledge production through the understanding, application and evaluation of existing knowledge. The research problem, its justification, process and outcome is reported in a dissertation which complies with the generally accepted norms for research at that level

Descriptive entry level

A learner at this level is competent in compiling a dissertation based on scientific research in the field of chemical engineering.

The applicant should be in possession of a Higher Education and Training Higher Degree or Equivalent (Level 9) in Chemical Engineering.

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 through experience that complies with the stated specified outcomes. The Recognition of Prior Learning will be conducted according to outcomes as well as experience gained in the relevant industry.

The qualifying learner will have the ability to

1. Collect and organise information in the selected field/area of research.
2. Apply research methods and techniques appropriately and correctly.
3. Make a significant contribution by recommending improvements to existing Chemical Engineering Science and Technology.
4. Function as an authority within his/her field of leadership.

Specified Outcomes

The qualifying learner will have the competence to

• Consult various sources of information in the selected field of research.
• Order and classify relevant information.
• Select the appropriate research method for the investigation.
• Apply the correct scientific methodology correctly in the research process.
• Apply research tools effectively and correctly in the research process.
• Submit an article for publication under the guidance of the supervisor/study learner.
• Presentation of either artefacts or patents.
• Act as study leader to post graduate students.

The qualifying learner should provide evidence of his/her abilities to

• Compile a literature of the literature survey and exposition of the research, which reflects familiarity with relevant and recent trends in technologies, techniques, models and theories in the chosen field.
• Models, principles, theories techniques and methodologies in the chosen field are analysed, explained and juxtaposed correctly in oral presentations and written record of research.
• The use of literature surveys, experimentation, correlation and causal analysis is justified fully and correctly in oral presentation and the written record of research.
• The research problem is clearly identified, defined and detailed in the research proposal.
• The stated hypothesis directs the investigation.
• Logical interpretation of data reflects clear understanding of the relationship between facts in the study and the ability to evaluate contradictory information.
• Information sources are used correctly and appropriately and include a range of media.
• Information technology skills are applied effectively in information searches, data analyses, data presentation and the production of the dissertation.
• The appropriate mathematical and statistical methods are applied correctly to quantitative and qualitative data.
• The inferences, interpretations and conclusions from measurements and statistical analyses are valid.
• Language and numeric skills are applied effectively and correctly in the clear communication of the research problem, its investigation, outcome and recommendations.
• The article must provide clear identification of the problem, how it was analysed, arriving at logical conclusions/diagnoses, recommending improvements. It must also comply to technical requirements.
• Lead at least one post-graduate student to complete his/her studies successfully.

Integrated Assessment

• Formative evaluation through study leadership/guidance.
• Panel evaluation of dissertation.