Master of Philosophy in Chemistry

Purpose

The primary purpose of this qualification is to provide qualifying learners with

• An understanding of advanced chemical theory in the field of specialisation selected for the studies.
• The ability to conduct fundamental or applied research in a specialised field of chemistry.
• Competence in the application of standard experimental methods and techniques of the modern chemical research laboratory in a safe and responsible manner.
• Competence in generating, processing, interpreting, and presenting research data orally and in written form.
• The ability to use of the scientific literature and information retrieval systems to extract the relevant information to conduct research.
• The ability to identify, assess, formulate, and solve chemical problems of a limited scope.
• The ability to write concise, clear and logical scientific and technical reports.

Rationale

• The Master of Philosophy dissertation is to provide students with specialised advanced education and training while meeting the requirements of a specific research component so that students can master the required experimental and technological skills.
• The Master's study programme comprises a research project based on an approved topic. A dissertation, which gives evidence of the research capability of the candidate, is required.

Learners accessing this qualification should demonstrate

• An understanding of advanced chemical theory in the four main disciplines of chemistry, i.e. organic, inorganic, physical and analytical, at the level required for the Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Chemistry or equivalent qualification.
• Practical laboratory skills and competence in the use of chemical equipment and instrumentation at the level required for the Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Chemistry or equivalent qualification.
• A work ethic and the integrity to acquire and process chemical data in a professional manner and the objectivity to judge from a scientific perspective on the basis of facts only.
• An Honours degree in Chemistry from an accepted accredited university or an appropriate equivalent qualification of similar standard.
• Candidates must be able to use general English language and technical terminology with a high degree of competence.

Recognition of Prior Learning

A learner who claims to have achieved entry requirements through experiential learning will be assessed. If the student is found to be competent the student may gain:

• Access.
• Advanced placement.
• Recognition of degree status will be granted on condition of continuing education.

Minimum credits required at specific levels: 240.

Learning components

Core

• Chemistry: Dissertation (CEM0118), 120 Credits, NQF Level 8.
• Chemistry: Dissertation (CEM0128), 120 Credits, NQF Level 8.

Exit Level Outcomes and the Associated Assessment Criteria

Students should be able to

• Identify, interpret, analyse and address complex problems, using both routine and advanced skills, conceptual and/or evidence-based enquiry and theory-driven arguments.
• Work effectively with others in a team by being answerable for their own work and the work of others.
• Identify, evaluate and address their own professional and on-going learning needs.
• Demonstrate efficient and effective information retrieval and processing skills, using appropriate ICT.
• Demonstrate a comprehensive, systematic and critical knowledge and understanding of the principles, scope, theories and epistemologies of their respective science discipline/field.
• Evaluate their own and others' academic work and initiatives against informed criteria.
• Present and communicate ideas and texts, offering professional insights, interpretations and solutions to problems and issues appropriate to the science context.
• Use science and technology in complex and challenging contexts and make autonomous ethical decisions on complex professional issues in accordance with recognised professional and/or ethical standards.
• Critique current research and advanced scholarship in the science area of specialisation and make sound theoretical judgements based on evidence.
• Identify, select and apply a range of research methodologies and methods/techniques to research problem/s in their science area of specialisation.
• Identify, analyse, synthesise and undertake independent evaluation of quantitative and/or qualitative data, and to engage with and evaluate current research and scholarly or professional literature in their respective discipline/field.

Integrated Assessment

The students are assessed through tests, assignments, practicals and presentations. Those who meet minimum requirements of 40% are then eligible for examinations at the end of each semester:

• Every module in the Honours programme has to be passed separately and individually for the Honours Degree to be awarded.
• Re-registration for a failed module can only be done with the specific approval of the Executive Dean on recommendation of the Head of Department involved.