SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Advanced Diploma in Chemistry

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
111354	Advanced Diploma in Chemistry
ORIGINATOR
Durban University of Technology
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-			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 Chemistry ensures learners have the ability to gain and apply a range of new knowledge, skills and understanding designed not only to meet the needs of various chemical industries, but also to provide the most appropriate preparation for further study. The curriculum therefore builds upon and advances the fundamental areas of study in chemistry: organic, physical, inorganic and analytical chemistry, along with a rich set of research-focused and instrumentation intensive laboratory experiences aligned with those areas.

This qualification has a number of modules to ensure that learners have a deeper knowledge and understanding of chemical principles and practices and that the important subject specific competencies are acquired and nurtured.

Rationale:
In South Africa, chemistry is one of the fastest growing technological fields that has the potential to broaden the opportunities for scientists and engineers across various sectors. The chemistry profession is extraordinarily diverse, with career opportunities available in the chemical, petroleum, renewable energy, nuclear power, novel polymeric materials, metals, and pharmaceutical industries, among many others. In addition, to careers in industry and academia, many learners find challenging careers in the public sector in the laboratories of the National Institutes of Health, the Department of Agriculture, the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and the Department of Energy as well as in consulting. The rapid growth and development in the Chemical and Allied Industries not only seems promising for learners, but also reinforces the need for applied research with promising employment opportunities in various sectors.

This qualification is therefore designed to meet the human resource needs of the chemical and allied industries including tertiary educational institutions, by providing nationally and internationally recognised tertiary education and training to learners. Learners who are successful in this qualification may progress to the Bachelor of Applied Science Honours in Chemistry in order to gain access to postgraduate study towards a Masters and thereafter Doctoral qualifications.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The institution has a RPL policy in place that allows learners access to higher education by recognising their prior learning (short courses and work experience). RPL applications for the institution are received by the Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT). The learners are required to complete a RPL application document. Accompanying the RPL application must be certified copies of all previous qualifications and a comprehensive portfolio reflecting on extensive work learning. Once the institution's RPL coordinator has deemed the RPL application as being complete, the portfolio will be sent to the Department for assessment. The Department will assess the learner's portfolio thoroughly against the relevant learning outcomes. The learners will have to demonstrate competence at the applicable Exit Level Outcomes. Successful learners will then be accepted into the qualification. Furthermore, RPL provides for admission or admission with credit.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:

Diploma in Analytical Chemistry, NQF Level 6.
Or

National Diploma: Analytical Chemistry, NQF Level 6.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 7 totalling 124 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, 124 Credits:

Inorganic Chemistry IV, 20 Credits.

Organic Chemistry IV, 20 Credits.

Analytical Chemistry IV, 32 Credits.

Physical Chemistry IV, 20 Credits.

Chemistry Project IV, 32 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Apply knowledge in particular problem-solving competencies relating to both qualitative and quantitative analysis.
2. Exhibit the capacity to maximise the use of analytical instrumentation.
3. Utilise sufficient mathematical and Information Technology (IT) skills in the operation of statistical packages in a laboratory research environment.
4. Apply the theoretical principles of the appropriate fields of Chemistry, viz., Organic, Inorganic, Physical and Analytical Chemistry in accordance with industry standards.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Construct calibration graphs, limits of detection and perform quantitation including linear dynamic ranges.

Apply methods for qualitative and quantitative analyses of mixtures.

Conduct an analysis and interpret data scientifically.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Use associated data systems for required instrumental techniques for the collection, preparation and analyses of complex samples from gaseous, liquid and solid matrices.

Exhibit laboratory skills, running of instruments, analyses of results and problem solving.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Utilise statistical packages and associated skills relating to the Chemistry Project.

Demonstrate a degree of independence in a research environment.

Display formal report writing and oral presentation skills.

Communicate results of the analyses effectively using graphs, control charts, written and oral persuasion.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Interpret, contextualise and apply industry standards to given conditions.

Use theoretical principles underpinning the major components of chemistry to interpret given problems and propose the most suitable solutions.

Integrated Assessment:
To ensure that the purpose of the qualification is achieved:

Assessment practices, both in the theoretical and practical aspects of chemistry, will be open, transparent, fair, valid, and reliable and ensure that no learner is disadvantaged in any way whatsoever. An integrated approach to assessment will therefore be incorporated into the qualification.

Whenever possible, the assessment of knowledge, skills, attitudes and values shown in the Chemistry qualification will be integrated.

Assessment of knowledge of fundamentals of chemistry will be integrated as far as possible with other aspects and will use practical contexts wherever possible.

According to the institution's Assessment Policy, to which the Department's assessment strategy is aligned, will ensure that learners will be assessed on an ongoing basis using appropriate methods. Assessments will take the form of, but not limited to, either portfolios, journals, assignments, case studies, presentations and/or written class tests. An assessment plan will be included in each Study Guide. The plan will include a schedule of assessments to be conducted during the year. It will also include assessment criteria, assessment methods, weighting and timing of assessment.

The institution's Assessment Policy, to which the Department's assessment strategy is aligned, states that the assessments will be systematic, regular and formative in nature. Formative assessments will be used to support the learner developmentally and to provide feedback into the teaching and learning process. This links the relationship between assessment, learning and teaching and ensures that assessment informs and strengthens both the teaching and learning process. Integrated assessments will be used to combine the assessment of a variety of different skills at the same time; assessing a number of Exit Level Outcomes together; assessing a number of Associated Assessment Criteria together; using a combination of assessment methods and instruments. Summative assessments will be used to make a judgement about achievement and to provide "snapshot" information about a learner's level of competence at a given time. This includes assessment marks that will contribute to the final mark.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

Globally educational institutions offer the Advanced Diploma qualifications as a single entity or components thereof in higher degree offerings such as Masters. Such qualifications offer specialised knowledge in a specific subject to prepare learners for careers in their desired fields. The qualifications focus and duration vary, as do academic requirements for admission.

India: Advanced Diploma Programme in Technical and Analytical Chemistry by the Maharashtra State Board of Technical Education. The study pathway is similar to this qualification except that a 2 semester vocational training is built into the Diploma in Analytical Chemistry offered at this institution.

Australia: The Graduate Diploma in Science (Advanced) offered by the University of Melbourne.
The entry requirement for this qualification is any one of Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm), Bachelor of Technology (BTech) (Dairy), Diploma in Dairy Technology, and Chemical Engineering/Environmental Engineering. In this qualification topics such Instrumental Techniques of Analysis, Statistical Techniques, Industrial Safety, Pharmaceutical and Microbiological Analysis, Analysis of Food, Oils and Fats, Project on In-plant Training and Seminar on Projects are offered. The Advanced Diploma in Chemistry includes some of these specialised components.

Asia: Advanced Diploma in Specialty Chemicals offered by Singapore Polytechnic.
The Graduate Diploma in Science (Advanced) is a potential pathway to a research Degree. It enables a learner to acquire research skills and develop current, in-depth knowledge in a scientific field. For learners this is a potential pathway to a Research Higher Degree (RHD), if a research component is completed. It includes a module on communication for research scientists, which covers effective science writing and oral presentations across a number of formats: writing a thesis; preparing, submitting and publishing journal papers; searching for, evaluating and citing appropriate references. These aspects are offered in the Research Project IV module to be offered in the Advanced Diploma in Chemistry.

United State of America: Advanced Diploma in Chemistry is offered at the University of Massachusetts Lowell.
This is a one-year qualification aimed at the baccalaureate scientist who would like to expand his/her expertise in a pertinent area of modern chemistry. The qualification consists of two required modules from the concentration core, plus two approved electives. Course credits earned through the qualification are directly applicable to the course credit requirements of the Master Science (M.S) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph. D) Degrees.

Australia: Advanced Diploma, Associate Degree at Australian Universities.
This Degree can take anywhere from 2-3 years, and counts for approximately 3 to 4 semesters of Bachelor's work. Advanced Diplomas are awarded to learners studying technical or vocational fields. Learners must be in possession of a Diploma in Chemistry which normally takes about 2 years to obtain. The study pathway is similar to this qualification except that a 2 semester vocational training is built into the Advanced Diploma in Chemistry.

Ethiopia: Bachelor of Science in Chemistry offered at Addis Ababa University.
This is a three-year full-time qualification of 110-112 Credits. The third year offers core electives some of which are applicable to some components of the Advanced Diploma in Chemistry.

Kenya: Bachelor of Science in Analytical Chemistry offered at the University of Nairobi.
This is a four-year full-time qualification. The fourth-year subjects are relevant to the Advanced Diploma in Chemistry.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

Horizontal Articulation:

Advanced Diploma in Analytical Chemistry, NQF Level 7.

Bachelor of Science in Applied Chemistry, NQF Level 7.

Vertical Articulation:

Bachelor of Applied Science Honours in Chemistry, NQF Level 8.

MODERATION OPTIONS

N/A

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

N/A

NOTES

N/A

LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION:

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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.

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