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. |
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY |
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: |
Advanced Diploma in Analytical Chemistry |
SAQA QUAL ID | QUALIFICATION TITLE | |||
110827 | Advanced Diploma in Analytical Chemistry | |||
ORIGINATOR | ||||
Cape Peninsula University of Technology | ||||
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY | NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK | |||
CHE - Council on Higher Education | HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework | |||
QUALIFICATION TYPE | FIELD | SUBFIELD | ||
Advanced Diploma | 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 07 | Regular-Provider-ELOAC |
REGISTRATION STATUS | SAQA DECISION NUMBER | REGISTRATION START DATE | REGISTRATION END DATE | |
Reregistered | EXCO 0821/24 | 2019-08-19 | 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 Advanced Diploma in Analytical Chemistry offers specialiation for Analytical Chemistry qualifying learners. This qualification is designed to prepare learners for postgraduate study through the deepening of disciplinary knowledge by enhancing their understanding of the theories, methodologies, and practices of Analytical Chemistry. It provides articulation into higher qualifications such as Postgraduate Diploma at any institution in South Africa. Subject content (and names) have been selected (based on a comprehensive benchmarking exercise) to ensure articulation with equivalent national and international Higher Education (HE) qualifications. The purpose of the proposed curriculum is to build the necessary knowledge, understanding, abilities, and skills required for further learning through an intensive, focused and applied specialisation. Specifically, the qualification provides learners with the necessary skills to achieve the following outcomes: Rationale: The qualification seeks to address the needs of the South African society and the economy as outlined in the National Scarce Skills List (Government Gazette, No. 39604, January 2016) via a coherent curriculum underpinned by a constructivist educational philosophy. Qualifying Learners will successfully complete the qualification will be in high demand in diverse careers such as Analysts, Technicians, Quality Control Chemists, Laboratory Managers, Research and Development, Water Quality Analysts, and Teachers. The occupation cluster of Technicians and Associate Professionals, under which the occupation of Chemistry Technicians (OFO Code 311101) falls on the National Scarce Skills List (2016) and is listed under occupations which are in high demand in South Africa. Analytical Chemistry technicians in particular are sought-after in a range of industries such as Mining, Pharmaceutics, Petroleum, Environment/Sanitation and Food and Beverage; there is hardly a chemical industry that does not require analysts. Qualifying learners are in high demand to work as Analysts, Technicians, Quality Control Chemists, and Laboratory Managers and in Research and Development. Analytical chemists can also be employed as Water Quality Analysts, Air Pollution Analysts, (all of them also listed as occupations in high demand on the National Scarce Skills list). Furthermore, Analytical Chemists can be trained as educators and pursue careers as Natural Science teachers. As a result of this lack of specialisation, industries are often burdened with the task of giving new graduate employees specialised training - this is costly, both in monetary terms and time. The qualification seeks to find a balance between conceptual and contextual knowledge. This knowledge continuum is evident in the selection of and names given to the fundamental subjects: Applied Inorganic Chemistry, Applied Organic Chemistry and Applied Physical Chemistry. Knowledge is contextualised in a 30 Credit-subject (Instrumental Techniques in Chemical Analysis) that integrates theory and practice through the incorporation of a blend of work-directed theoretical learning, problem-based learning and project-based learning in a simulated work environment. |
LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING |
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
In keeping with national policy frameworks and the institution's mission and vision, widening of access is promoted through Recognition of Prior Learning. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process of identifying the knowledge and skills of an applicant against a qualification or part thereof. The process involves the identification, mediation, assessment and acknowledgement of knowledge and skills obtained through informal, non-formal and/or formal learning. The RPL process is multi-dimensional and multi-contextual in nature, aimed at the individual needs of applicants and is handled in accordance with an institutional RPL policy by a unit dedicated to this activity. The RPL process includes guidance and counselling, as well as the preparation of a body of evidence to be presented by the RPL candidate to meet institutional requirements. An appeal procedure is also in place to accommodate queries. Entry Requirements: The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is: Or Or |
RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? |
Y |
QUALIFICATION RULES |
This qualification consists of the following compulsory and/or elective modules at Level 7 totalling 120 Credits.
Compulsory Modules, 110 Credits: Elective Modules, 10 Credits (Choose/Select one module): |
EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES |
1. Apply mathematical, physical and chemical concepts to related problems in the laboratory and production.
2. Conduct and interpret accurately, wet chemical and instrumental analyses, using appropriate and innovative laboratory procedures. 3. Perform and critically evaluate calculations and interpret the results of analyses to meet quality assurance and quality control requirements and criteria. 4. Report and communicate results obtained from the analyses effectively to a specialist and non-specialist audience using graphs, written and oral presentations. 5. Perform relevant Quality Assurance and Quality Control procedures to ensure that processes remain within designated limits and reliable results are generated in the laboratory. 6. Manage projects using interpersonal and communication skills. 7. 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. 8. Develop a plan for continued professional growth. 9. Conduct research to solve complex, real-life problems in the laboratory. |
ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA |
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9: Integrated Assessment: Continuous Assessment consists of both formal and Summative Assessments. A variety of assessment methods have been selected, each aimed to assess different skills, practices and knowledge while meeting the cognitive demands for the level of learning (National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 7). These methods will include tasks that both monitor (summative) and facilitate (formative) learning. Due to its mix of contextual and conceptual knowledge ranging between extreme semantic codes (strong sematic gravity/density to moderate gravity/density), various assessment tasks have been selected. These tasks include tests, projects (written reports), oral presentations (seminars), assignments, peer assessments, and case studies. Fundamental subjects (e.g. Applied Inorganic Chemistry; Applied Physical Chemistry; Applied Organic Chemistry; Scientific Reasoning, Ethics and Communication, etc.) are semester subjects that will be assessed using a maximum of three Summative assessment tasks including at least one integrated assignment that will cover aspects of the fundamental, the core and the elective subjects. The two core subjects are offered over a year and will have a maximum number of five summative assessment tasks according to the institution Assessment Policy. Instrumental Techniques in Chemical Analysis is a highly practical subject underpinned by appropriate contextualized knowledge. Learning activities for this subject will mainly include projects (maximum three) designed in collaboration with industry partners. Learners will be expected to apply critical thinking skills and solve complex problems situated within a maximum of three industries in which learners would potentially find employment upon successful completion of the qualification. As such assessment tasks will not include tests or examinations, but technical (laboratory) reports and oral PowerPoint presentations of the results of the investigative projects. Elective subjects will include mainly case studies and assignments (max two per subject). The qualification will be awarded to a learner who has provided evidence that the multiple learning outcomes of the programme have been achieved. |
INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY |
The institution conducted an international comparability exercise to ensure that the Advanced Diploma in Analytical Chemistry compares favourably with international best practice. The purpose was to compare the qualification design and/or subject content with that of as many international Higher Education Institutions (HEI's) as possible, and therefore the benchmarking exercise was discipline-specific, with greater bias towards Analytical Chemistry as compared to Chemistry in general. The south African institution compared and evaluated curriculum elements such as qualification structure, subject offerings and levels of subject offerings, subject content and Exit Level Outcomes.
This exercise revealed that very few international HEI's offer the Advanced Diploma in Analytical Chemistry. Some Institutes of Technology offer a Higher Certificate in Chemistry (which is vocational), while some traditional HEI's offer a Postgraduate (also called Graduate) Diploma which serves as an entry qualification for an Master Science (MSc) Degree. The following universities were identified which offer an Advanced Diploma in Analytical Chemistry or some variation of it: United Kingdom: The Higher Educational System in England, allows Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) that are work-related higher education qualifications. These qualifications are offered over two years (full-time) designed to teach skills required in a particular area of work and are at Level 5 of the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications. It appears that the HND qualification is similar to this qualification offered in South Africa. Birkbeck College (University), over a period of one year at a FHEQ Level 7 and it is offered on a part-time and full-time level. In another case, The University of Aberdeen (Scotland) was found to offer a Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental Analytical Chemistry, which is also not at the same level as this qualification. France: The Higher Education System in France offers a Technology University Diploma (DUT) over a 2-year period at a Technological University Institute (IUT). It takes 120 Credits to obtain the DUT and learners that received a "good" or "very good" grade at completion, obtains automatic admission into a Bachelor's Degree. France further has a "License Professionelle" that is offered at an "Instituts Universitaire de Technologie" at some universities in the country. The University of Aix-Marseille was found to offer a "License Professionally" in Methods and Techniques of Chemical and Biological Analysis. This French qualification was found to be the closest qualification to the Advanced Diploma in Analytical Chemistry. Australia: In Australia a two-year Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree is offered at their AQF Level 6 that enables learners to specialise in knowledge related to the field of study. In Australia, the Associate Degree qualification is further used as an alternative entry route to a Bachelor's Degree. The aim of this qualification is not quite at the same level as this qualification. Canada: The Higher Education System in Canada offers an Advanced Diploma after their secondary school programme, over 2 to 3 year period. This qualification can be used to enter into a Bachelor's Degree in any field and is therefore closer to this qualification in South Africa. In summary, the comparability of the qualifications offered in other countries indicates that only a few of the international countries offer a qualification with similar aims as the Advanced Diploma in Analytical Chemistry. |
ARTICULATION OPTIONS |
This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.
Horizontal Articulation: Vertical Articulation: |
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. |
NONE |
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. |