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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Diploma in Analytical Chemistry 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
97039  Diploma in Analytical Chemistry 
ORIGINATOR
Walter Sisulu University 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Diploma (Min 360)  Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences  Physical Sciences 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Not Applicable  NQF Level 06  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2027-06-30   2029-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
Employment may be in a laboratory or production process as well as chemical and laboratory sales. Graduates of this programme will provide the country with much needed Analytical Chemistry technicians, analysts and chemists. Industries such as detergent, petroleum, plastics, rubber, food, pharmaceuticals, mining, water treatment, metallurgy and educational institutions employ graduates from this course. Graduates may work in a practical application such as quality control testing and testing, or a theoretical field such as research and development, with chemists and other technologists or technicians. Quality control and assurance is a field with a growing demand for these graduates.

Rationale:
Graduates of this course are able to apply the advanced scientific principles and techniques of quantitative and qualitative analysis, quality control of raw materials and finished products, and research and development. Learners benefit from the practical hands-on laboratory skills component with up-to-date equipment as well as direct exposure to the work situation. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Candidates are granted credit for equivalent prior learning and experience as determined by the University rules governing the Recognition of Prior Learning and experience. Applications for RPL are considered in line with the principles of the SAQA and the institution's RPL policy guidelines. It is undertaken within the context of the institution's commitment to broaden access to higher education. Administrative procedures and stipulated requirements must be complied as part of an applicant's RPL process.

Entry Requirements:
Learners who enrol for this qualification should have:
  • National Senior Certificate. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory modules at Level 5 and a combination of compulsory and elective modules at Level 6, totalling 360 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules at Level 5, 69 Credits:
  • Chemistry I (T and P), 15 Credits.
  • Communication Skills I, 9 Credits.
  • Mathematics I, 10 Credits.
  • Physics I (T and P), 10 Credits.
  • Analytical Chemistry I, 15 Credits.
  • Computer Skills I, 10 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules at Level 6, 231 Credits:
  • Analytical Chemistry II, 12 Credits.
  • Analytical Chemistry: Practical II, 12 Credits.
  • Inorganic Chemistry II (T and P), 12 Credits.
  • Organic Chemistry II (T and P), 12 Credits.
  • Physical Chemistry II (T and P), 12 Credits.
  • Physical Chemistry III (T and P), 17 Credits.
  • Inorganic Chemistry III (T and P), 17 Credits.
  • Organic Chemistry III (T and P), 17 Credits.
  • Chemical Quality Assurance, 12 Credits.
  • Analytical Chemistry III, 24 Credits.
  • Analytical Chemistry: Practical III, 24 Credits.
  • Experiential Training, 60 Credits.

    Elective Modules at Level 6, 60 Credits
    Elective 1:
  • Physics II, 12 Credits.
  • Mathematics II, 12 Credits.
  • Polymer Chemistry, 12 Credits.
  • Chemical Process Industries II, 12 Credits.
  • Entrepreneurial Skills I, 12 Credits.

    Elective 2:
  • Chemistry Project III, 60 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply mathematical, physical and chemical concepts to tasks in the laboratory and production.
    2. Conduct and interpret accurately, wet chemical and instrumental analyses, using prescribed laboratory procedures.
    3. Prepare organic and inorganic compounds using standard synthetic and purification procedures.
    4. Perform calculations to report and evaluate the results of analyses to meet quality assurance and quality control requirements and criteria.
    5. Report and assess results obtained from the analyses and calculations.
    6. Apply computer skills relevant to the chemical laboratory.
    7. Perform relevant Quality Assurance and Quality Control procedures to ensure that processes remain within designated limits.
    8. Use interpersonal and communication skills to facilitate team work in the working environment.
    9. Ensure that all assigned work is performed in compliance with relevant occupational health, safety, and environmental laws, legislation and regulations; established policies and procedures; and in accordance with ethical principles.
    10. Apply problem solving skills to problems in the work environment.
    11. Develop a plan for continued professional growth. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Use mathematical skills such as algebraic equations, functions, factors, ratios, conversions and linear regressions to perform data analyses.
  • Apply the principles of physics such as heat, sound, light, electricity and mechanics in the use of instrumentation in the chemical laboratory.
  • Apply the principles of general chemistry such as nomenclature, acid/base theory, stoichiometric calculations and chemical reactions to chemical analyses and syntheses.
  • Apply the principles of organic, inorganic, analytical and physical chemistry to the analyses and syntheses.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Apply the principles of instrument theory to the performance of chemical analyses.
  • Use prescribed techniques for collection, preparation and analyses of samples.
  • Use appropriate materials in quantitative and qualitative chemical analyses to calibrate standard laboratory equipment.
  • Calibrate and use spectrometric, electrometric and chromatographic instruments and their associated data systems for qualitative and quantitative analyses.
  • Prepare solutions of known concentrations and perform appropriate dilutions for laboratory procedures.
  • Perform physical tests such as melting points, boiling points, density and refractive index on chemicals and materials.
  • Use time, equipment and materials in a cost-effective manner when performing analyses.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Use established synthetic procedures to prepare organic and inorganic compounds.
  • Use standard Compounds separation and purification methods such as distillation, crystallization, preparatory chromatography and extraction to separate and purify compounds.
  • Confirm the purity and identity of the products by using established/stated procedures.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Record data from quantitative and qualitative analyses in the required format.
  • Perform relevant mathematical calculations by using the recorded data.
  • Perform relevant statistical calculations to evaluate the results.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Present results in oral or written format as required.
  • Appropriately report and respond to abnormal results according to specified guidelines.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Use current software packages such as word processing, spreadsheets and databases to express and manipulate chemical technology information.
  • Set up and use computers in the monitoring of laboratory automation.
  • Use relevant software to acquire, store, retrieve, process and present information and data.
  • Use relevant software to monitor laboratory quality assurance and quality control.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Apply the principles of a variety of relevant quality control/quality assurance programs such as International Organization for Standardization (ISO 9000, ISO 14000 and ISO guide 25) to the working environment.
  • Construct and interpret quality control charts.
  • Adhere to appropriate corrective protocols in response to test results.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Demonstrate the ability to work as part of a team.
  • Respond appropriately to feedback from supervisors.
  • Use oral and written formats to communicate effectively with others.
  • Compile, organise and present scientific and technical data and results.
  • Gather and systematically use information from appropriate chemical and related literature.
  • Organise, write and produce letters, memos and scientific, technical and business documents and reports.
  • Plan, organise and deliver oral presentations of technical information by using appropriate terminology and visual-aids.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
  • Ensure that specific industrial practices such as Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and International Organisation for Standardization (ISO) are adhered to by subordinates in the working environment.
  • Ensure that environmental, health and safety legislation and their related regulations such as the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System and the Occupational Health and Safety Act are complied with by sub-ordinates in the working environment.
  • Perform all procedures in accordance with the established workplace safety protocols.
  • Ensure that the influence that chemistry has on society in terms of the environment, health and safety is recognized by subordinates.
  • Ensure that ethical guidelines for professional work are followed by every member of the team.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:
  • Recognise and define problems in the work environment systematically.
  • Define the problem -solving sequence in the work environment.
  • Obtain outside advice or information as required.
  • Recognise limitations in problem solving.
  • Implement or refer recommendations to other appropriate personnel/organisations.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 11:
  • Identify strategies for continued professional development.
  • Demonstrate the ability to work in a variety of practice locations and types.
  • Process and keep up to date relevant literature.
  • Develop plans to upgrade skills as required by technological change.
  • Identify the role of professional associations and certification.
  • Apply self-knowledge of strengths, weaknesses and goals to improve own professional competence.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The assessment methods will be selected carefully based on the purpose of the assessment. For example, written tests will be used to assess knowledge and practical tests to assess skills acquired in the laboratory.

    Formative Assessment:
    Formative Assessment will take place by means of written tests, oral presentations, practical tests, laboratory experiment reports, assignments, group-work projects and evaluation of experiential learning.

    Summative Assessment:
    Summative Assessment will take place by means of written examinations and oral examinations. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The qualification can be evaluated and it will be recognized as equivalent with other international programmes in Analytical Chemistry. Competent recognition bodies such as higher learning institutions are tasked with making such a determination. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification offers the following articulation possibilities:

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Diploma in Industrial Physics, Level 6
  • Diploma in Chemical Process Technology, Level 6.
  • National Diploma in Water Care, Level 6.
  • Diploma in Chemical Engineering.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Advanced Diploma in Analytical Chemistry, Level 7.
  • Bachelor Degree in Laboratory Management at Level 7. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced qualification.
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. Walter Sisulu University 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.