Master of Science in Chemistry

Purpose

The Master of Science in Chemistry [MSc (Chemistry)] aims to educate and train researchers who can contribute to the development of knowledge at an advanced level in the field of chemistry.

The purpose of this qualification is to equip learners with advanced and integrated specialist knowledge and practical understanding of chemistry, able to function as effective and critical researchers who can identify, investigate and answer relevant research questions and generate new knowledge in the chosen field of study, thus contributing towards the improved understanding of chemistry. This qualification may be obtained through either the research Master's Degree by dissertation; or structured by coursework and mini-dissertation.

Rationale

The qualification responds to the need to provide qualifying learners with advanced knowledge, specific skills and applied competence in the field of Chemistry. The qualifying learner with expert knowledge in Chemistry may enter the labour market and/or is equipped to make rewarding contributions to society, through research activities.

The qualification will also deliver experts in the field of Chemistry to ensure that the national and international leadership base of innovative and knowledge-based scholarly activity is widened. This includes the requirement of high-level theoretical engagement, intellectual independence and research. Successful completion of this qualification also provides learners with the possibility of further study at the doctoral level.

Qualifying learners will be capable of undertaking all aspects of research, both individually and as part of a team, and may be able to continue with further Postgraduate studies. Qualifying learners who complete this qualification will be employable nationally/internationally in different organisations, as teachers, lecturers at universities and other higher education institutions, as researchers, etc. and ready to commence with doctoral studies.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

An executive dean may, through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) per the institution's Recognition of Prior Learning Policy, grant a learner who does not meet the minimum admission requirements admission to the qualification.

In cases where the learner opted for the coursework variant, advanced standing may be granted by exempting the learner from the recognised modules required for the completion of the qualification. Only proven informal or non-formal learning may be taken into consideration utilising RPL, the process of equivalence-setting between such learning and formal modules must be documented, and its outcome must be recorded on the official learner record. Where a learner was granted an exemption for one or more modules as a consequence of RPL, the remaining HEMIS credits required for the qualification must be obtained by completing the relevant programme. The portion of a qualification may be exempted using RPL.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor Honours Degree in the field of Chemistry, NQF Level 8.

Or

• Postgraduate Diploma at Level 8 in the field of Chemistry, NQF Level 8.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at NQF Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

Coursework route

Compulsory Modules, Level 9, 180 Credits

• Mini-Dissertation, 132 Credits.
• Advanced Chemistry, 48 Credits.

Or

Full research route

Compulsory Module, Level 9

• Dissertation, 180 Credits.

1. Demonstrate specialist knowledge by engaging in current research and practices within the field of Chemistry; to critically evaluate these and to contribute to disciplined thinking about relevant matters related to their specific project.
2. Apply and develop intellectual independence and advanced research skills, sophisticated knowledge and research methodologies to the solution of complex, unfamiliar problems in the field of Chemistry.
3. Design, select and apply appropriate methods, techniques, procedures or technologies to complex practical and theoretical problems within Chemistry, with specific reference to their specialisation area.
4. Analyse complex research questions in the field of Chemistry and to apply specialised problem-solving skills in identifying, conceptualising, designing and implementing methods of inquiry to solve problems within their specialisation area.
5. Design and implement a strategy for the processing and management of information, to conduct a comprehensive review of leading and current research in an area of specialisation to produce significant insights.
6. Engage and initiate in academic and scientific discourse to report and defend substantial ideas that are the results of research in Chemistry.
7. Make recommendations regarding the findings of their research and how this relates to or can influence future research in their area of specialisation.
8. Apply high levels of responsibility, self-reflexivity and adaptability in own management of learning and analyse and evaluate ethical implications of research which affect knowledge production in Chemistry.

8.1 Demonstrate an ability to critically contribute to the development of ethical standards in Chemistry research.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Identify and formulate a problem statement.
• Conduct a thorough investigation of existing knowledge as reflected in the appropriate scientific literature.
• Select appropriate research to solve the problem.
• Scientifically evaluate the results in the context of the problem statement.
• Scientifically communicate the results in the form of a mini dissertation, research report or dissertation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Apply natural science knowledge and methods (with emphasis on those of the specific discipline) to problems.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Apply appropriate scientific methods and to evaluate the results delivered.
• Use computer software for calculations, modelling, simulation and handling of information.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Identify and solve open business and community problems.
• Identify and utilise applications.
• Work with common fundamental expertise across the boundaries of disciplines.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Plan and perform investigations and experiments by utilising scientific modelling techniques.
• Analyse, interpret and derive information from data.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing with scientists (with emphasis on the specific discipline) and the community.
• Use the appropriate structure, style and graphic and electronic support.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Apply methods of information communication for use by others, especially in the world of Natural and Agricultural Sciences and Health Sciences (with emphasis on those of Chemistry).

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8

• Demonstrate a critical awareness of the necessity to act professionally and ethically and to assume responsibility within his/her limitations and skills, while he/she can make judgements according to knowledge and experience.

Integrated Assessment

Coursework

Master's Degree by coursework and mini-dissertation: Calculation of the final mark: 50% modules where a pass mark of 50% per module will be required; and 50% research. The coursework part will make use of continuous formative assessment aimed at determining the learner's progress towards attaining the stipulated outcomes of the different modules and is followed by a summative assessment in the format of a written examination. The learner's ability to use and apply specific methodological skills is furthermore evaluated in his/her critical review of current literature in the subject area. The supervisor assesses continuously while the research is being executed and the mini-dissertation is being written. Examination of the mini- dissertation is finally done by at least two examiners of which one is external, all experts in the field of specialisation.

Master's Degree by dissertation

Learners must submit a single advanced research project, culminating in the production and acceptance of a dissertation or other forms of research. "Dissertation" is a written piece compiled for examination purposes, including one published research article or a couple of published research articles or unpublished manuscript(s) in article or chapter format, following the requirements for documentation, argumentation, language and style, in which a learner must provide proof that he/she is confident with the research methodology and that is presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the prescribed outcomes for a Master's Degree at the institution.

Dissertation

The learner's ability to use and apply specific methodological skills is evaluated in his/her critical review of current literature in the subject area and the formulation and execution of a research project. The learner is to report on it and generate an integrated dissertation of research findings. The supervisor assesses continuously while the dissertation is being written. Examination of the dissertation is finally done by at least two examiners of which one is external, all experts in the field of specialisation. A supervisor may not be appointed as an examiner.