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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Science Honours in Chemistry 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
101181  Bachelor of Science Honours in 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
Honours Degree  Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences  Physical Sciences 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2021-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

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.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The Bachelor of Science Honours in Chemistry is designed to equip successful students with a solid framework to: Independently handle both high level Postgraduate research in chemistry handle advanced chemical concepts from among the contemporary and emerging discipline areas.

Rationale:
The honours programme seeks to bridge the gap between undergraduate and Master's programmes in chemistry in terms of in depth chemistry content and research skills. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
RPL may be used to demonstrate competence for admission to this qualification. This qualification may be achieved in part through Recognition of Prior Learning processes. Credits achieved by RPL must not exceed 50% of the total credits and must not include credits at the exit level. The provision that the qualification may be obtained through the Recognition of Prior Learning facilitates access to an education, training and career path in Botany and thus accelerates the redress of past unfair discrimination in education, training and employment opportunities.

Evidence of prior learning will be assessed through formal RPL processes through recognized methods. Any other evidence of prior learning will be assessed through formal RPL processes to recognize achievement thereof. Learners submitting themselves for RPL will be thoroughly briefed prior to the assessment and will be required to submit a Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) in the prescribed format to be assessed for formal recognition.

Candidates who complete this degree successfully should be able to find employment in internationally comparative markets and perform well. A graduate from this qualification should qualify for further studies at a Master's level in chemistry at any credible international institution.

Entry Requirements:
  • Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of elective modules at Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

    Elective Modules:
  • Organic Chemistry IV (CHE4104), 16 Credits.
  • Electrochemistry, 4 Credits.
  • Electrochemical Analysis, 8 Credits.
  • Basic One and Two Dimensional Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy, 16 Credits.
  • Organometalic Chemistry, 8 Credits.
  • Catalysis, 8 Credits.
  • Bioinorganic Chemistry, 8 Credits.
  • Transition Metals, 8 Credits.
  • Introduction to Nanotechnology, 8 Credits
  • Inorganic Chemistry, 8 Credits.
  • Natural Product Chemistry, 8 Credits.
  • Organic Synthesis, 8 Credits.
  • Methods in Physical Organic Chemistry, 8 Credits.
  • Introduction to Polymers, 8 Credits.
  • Stereochemistry, 8 Credits.
  • Modern Methods of Identification of Organic Compounds, 8 Credits.
  • Advanced Instrumental Analysis, 8 Credits.
  • Advanced Chemical Techniques, 16 Credits.
  • Physical Chemistry IV (CHE4205), 16 Credits.
  • Analytical Chemistry IV (CHE4202), 16 Credits.
  • Inorganic Chemistry IV (CHE4103) 16 Credits.
  • Crystal Symmetry and Structure, 8 Credits.
  • Molecular Electronic Calculationsfor the Chemist (CHE42035), 8 Credits.
  • Molecular Electronic Spectroscopy, 8 Credits.
  • Seminar presentation, 2 Credits.
  • Molecular Electronic Spectroscopy, 8 Credits.
  • Research Methods in Science, 2 Credits.
  • Project/Dissertation, 36 Credits.
  • Project/Dissertation (CHE4208), 40 Credits.
  • Thermodynamics, 4 Credits.
  • Instrumental Methods of Chemical Analysis, 16 Credits.
  • Surface Chemistry, 4 Credits.
  • Elementary Statistical Mechanics, 4 Credits.
  • Molecular Symmetry and Structure, 8 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Successfully conduct accurate physical laboratory measurements.
    2. Successfully conduct complex laboratory synthesis and extractions.
    3. Successfully conduct sample analysis using advanced laboratory instrumentation.
    4. Interpret scientific data incorporating the limitations of the measuring instrument.
    5. Analyse laboratory results imaginatively, display and discuss the results and draw appropriate conclusions from the results measurements. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Understand chemical phenomenon through experiments and theoretical tools.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Execute complex synthetic processes in chemistry.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Develop critical thinking and analysis of detailed steps in chemical processes.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Develop critical understanding and analysis of molecular processes as seen through spectroscopic tools such as nmr, ir and ms.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Understand scientific writing and effective communication in science by way of reports/publications/scientific journals.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The programme as designed requires a student to take and pass a minimum of 120 Credits. Modules in group C (40 Credits) are compulsory and design competent and proficient in nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to develop and enhance the student's research capability and skills. The additional 64 Credits are freely selected from the remaining CHEMISTRY groups. The Y group is a stand alone group and is compulsory by default.

    The department currently houses two high field nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometers ,hence we require our students to be competent and proficient in nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. All modules final examination papers are moderated externally and the scripts are assessed by both the course instructor and the external examiner. All projects reports are assessed by both internal and external examiners with the final mark being the average of these two. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The programme offers modules which are of International Standard. There are competent staff who perform their duties with a high degree of perfection. The programme is on the PQM of the institution. The programme serves as a spring-board for students who desire to work in a research or higher academic environment with basic interest on issues affecting the immediate community such as food production, food security and biodiversity. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification enables the following articulation opportunities:

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Masters of Science in Chemistry. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS 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.