Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical Engineering

Purpose

The purpose of the PhD qualification includes

• Accrediting candidates' capacity to undertake well-founded research in the field of Chemical Engineering.
• Providing candidates with advanced professional and academic knowledge in the field of Chemical Engineering. The programme will enable the department to successfully conclude some of the research that ended at master's level that still demands further studies.

Access will be opened to candidates with a Master of Technology, or Master Science in Chemical Engineering from South Africa and other parts of the world.

Rationale

The recent student increases in the Department of Chemical Engineering in Bachelor's Degree and Master's Degree programmes have created a need for the Doctor of Philosophy programme in the Chemical Engineering Department, to meet national demands for skills capacity at this level.

The programme will enable the department to successfully conclude some of the research that ended at Master's level that still demands further studies. Access will be opened to candidates with a Master of Technology, or Master Science in Chemical Engineering from South Africa and other parts of the world. A Doctor of Philosophy will enhance human capacity at the department by allowing young staff members to work and study at the same time. In conclusion, the programme is expected to satisfy national requirements to produce more Doctor of Philosophy candidates in Chemical Engineering that can support research and development nationwide.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL may be used to grant admission to those who do not meet the requirements to enrol for the qualification.

The university policy on RPL will be applied should there be an applicant who meets the criteria as laid out in the university RPL policy requirements. RPL is a way of recognising what individuals already know and can do. RPL is based on the premise that people learn both inside and outside the formal learning structures.

RPL in this context can be used at Vaal University of Technology for the following purposes

• Entry to a qualification.
• For entry into a Postgraduate qualification. Should the candidate apply for RPL to do further studies, "Status" can be awarded for the preceding qualification.

The assessment evidence and procedure are subject to the moderation by independent moderators appointed by the university.

The general assessment policy of the Vaal University of Technology will apply to the assessment of RPL candidates.

Entry Requirements

Admission requirement into the Doctor of Philosophy programme will be a pass of 65% at Master of Technology or Master of Science level.

The qualification consists of only one compulsory module worth 360 Credits.

• Chemical Engineering.

1. Contribute to original knowledge in a particular field, through the application of research methods, theories and techniques, and produce a thesis that meets international standards requirements.

Associated Assessment Criteria Exit Level Outcomes

• The research problem is clearly identified, defined, and detailed in the research proposal.
• Experimental research is carried out responsibly and ethically.
• The listed and cited literature and exposition of the research reflects mastery of relevant and recent trends in technology, techniques and theories in the chosen field.
• Model, principles, theories, techniques and methodologies in the chosen field are analysed, explained and juxtaposed correctly in oral presentations and the written research report.
• Appropriate mathematical and statistical methods are correctly applied to analyse quantitative and qualitative data.
• Inference interpretation and conclusion from measurements and analyses of information are valid.
• Presentation of both final written thesis and oral presentation comply with international standards.

Integrated Assessment

• The assessment methods were also reviewed and compared to International and National norms and standards, it must be noted that majority of institutions appoint two external examiners at PhD level one being international and the other National. All International Universities reviewed also require the student to challenge the research prior to the Degree being awarded. This is seen as a good tool to judge the student proficiency in the chosen research field and will be taken under consideration by the student.
• A completed supervised Thesis is submitted for examination at the end of the research work.
• Examiners with credibility in the field are nominated by the head of department.
• Names with acceptance forms signed together with CV's are submitted to Higher Degree Committee (HDC) for approval.
• External examiners are appointed and approved by HDC to assess the Thesis.
• A mark is allocated and taken to HDC for approval. The approved marks go to SENATE which will finally accept and approve a final judgment for awarding the degree.