SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Bachelor of Science in Industrial Chemistry

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
111429	Bachelor of Science in Industrial Chemistry
ORIGINATOR
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
National First Degree(Min 480)	Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology		Engineering and Related Design
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	480	Not Applicable	NQF Level 08	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered		EXCO 0821/24	2019-09-03	2027-06-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30		2034-06-30

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 in Industrial Chemistry is a professional qualification. The purpose of this qualification is to provide learners with a broad knowledge, skills and applied competencies in the field of Industrial Process Chemistry. As such, the learner as an Industrial Chemist, will be able to examine the physical and chemical composition of substances and then study their physical and chemical changes which occur under different conditions and apply this to the end product, operate a chemical process unit, improve the safety and efficiency in producing chemicals and materials, create new chemical processes that meet identified needs and be part of the optimisation team in production.

The qualification also strengthens and deepens the learners' knowledge in advanced atomic and molecular spectroscopy, separation science, catalysis and synthetic chemistry including advanced physical chemistry principles. The learners will be able to apply their knowledge in the fields of material science, environmental, pharmaceutical, natural and synthetic product chemistry. The qualification enables learners to be registered with the corresponding professional statutory bodies as industrial process chemists, and equipped with basic research skills, to be part of research and development teams contributing innovatively towards economic and social transformation. Learners will be able to apply acquired skills, uphold professional and environmental ethics, values and attributes allowing them to function independently and/or as part of a team in various chemical environments within their scope of practice. The qualification promotes self-discipline to keep up with new developments in the fields of chemical processing and manufacturing enabling learners to articulate with learning qualifications on various levels within the Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework (HEQSF).

Qualifying learners will be able to articulate vertically to a Master's Degree in Chemistry or an equivalent qualification on Level 9 in the main field of study. Horizontally the qualification articulates to a Postgraduate Diploma related to the field of study at the NQF Level 8.

In particular, the learners will be able to:

Demonstrate forefront knowledge to evaluate the design solutions of a product or process that will have some desirable properties and the ability to select and apply a suitable method to solve existing product or process application problems for various familiar and unfamiliar matrices by choosing the most appropriate industrial processing, transformation, characterisation, structure determination procedures.

Select material for a given use based on considerations of cost and performance.

Understand the limits of materials and the change of their properties with use.

Create a new products or processes that will have some desirable properties.

Discriminate between a range of techniques and procedures to select and apply suitable processing and transformation methods to resolve complex challenges applying evidence based solutions and theory-driven arguments.

Demonstrate ethical conduct in research and development laboratories regarding waste disposal and environmental safety.

Critically evaluate processing and transformation data and propose methods to improve on the efficiency and resolution of the process.

Formulate a report that demonstrate the ability to integrate processes of information gathering in material transformation and processing, the ability to validate the sources of information and evaluate, manage and communicate the information, using appropriate academic and professional discourse.

Operate a chemical process unit or practice in a laboratory in a safe and optimal manner.

Rationale:
During a need analysis workshop between stakeholders of the South African Chemical Industries, academia and government held during 2005 a need was identified for the training of scientist who could focus on the improvement and development of processes and products (both new or existing) by studying atomic and molecular level properties of materials for the economic exploitation, beneficiation and value addition of our vast natural resources into secondary and tertiary products.

The needs analysis has also shown an increasing demand for Industrial Process Chemists and the Bachelor of Science in Industrial Chemistry was identified as a well suited qualification to achieve this identified need for the training of Industrial Process Chemists. The current trends in process and product development, value addition to raw materials and products have confirmed the need for properly trained and qualified industrial chemists. Industrial Chemical Process is h offered around the world but not in South Africa by any higher education institution. The needs analysis showed an increasing demand for Industrial Process Chemists within the South African Chemical Industry. However, suitably qualified learners are difficult to find and in most instances training has to take place at the workplace. This situation calls for a refocus of the chemistry programs offered by higher education institutions.

Industrial Chemistry also fits in particular with higher education institutions as they do not primarily aim at creating new basic knowledge, but at the application of existing knowledge for the development of innovative new products and processes. The introduction of the qualification is therefore aimed at addressing existing demands for chemists with this type of qualification, creating new job opportunities for learners (in industry, private sector, government, academia, research and development) and contributing to the growth of the chemical sector within the South African economy.

The South African Council for Natural Science Professions (SACNASP) Advisory Committee for Chemical Sciences was also consulted and a representation for a request for the endorsement of the qualification was made resulting in a strong support for the introduction of the qualification in industrial chemistry. It was agreed that this qualification will bring the chemical scientists and the chemical engineers together in a multidisciplinary field of chemical processing and will facilitate better mutual understanding, communication and appreciation among these two groups having substantially different approaches, attitudes and goals.

While this academic qualification will only be the beginning of a career in industrial process chemistry and its applications, there was a need for continuing professional development as a mechanism by which professionals maintain their knowledge after the formal education process has been completed. In order to maintain competence, continuing professional development and abiding by an acceptable code of conduct the qualification would be suitable to be a professional qualification which SACNASP has agreed to accredit the qualification.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The structure of this qualification makes the Recognition of Prior Learning possible. Recognition of Prior Learning includes formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience in the fields of Process Chemistry. Structured means for the assessment of the level of achievement (practical as well as theoretical) of individual learners against the Exit Level Outcomes of the qualification. Such procedures, and the assessment of individual cases, are subject to moderation by independent assessors. The necessary evidence as required by the Exit Level Outcomes, and presented by the applicant, should meet the following principles: currency of evidence, sufficiency of evidence, validity of evidence and authenticity of evidence. Care will be taken that the mechanism used provides the learner with an opportunity to demonstrate competence and is not so onerous as to prevent learners from taking up the RPL option towards gaining qualification.

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

Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 with endorsement.
Or

National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 granting access to Bachelor's studies.
Or

National Certificate (Vocational) Level 4 granting access to Bachelor's studies.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at NQF Level 5, 6, 7 and 8 totalling 480 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at Level 5,96 Credits:

Chemistry I, 24 Credits.

Mathematics I, 24 Credits.

Physics I, 24 Credits.

Computer Literacy, 10 Credits.

Communication for Academic Purpose, 10 Credits.

Life Skills, 2 Credits.

Academic, 2 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at Level 6,132 Credits:

Inorganic Chemistry IIA, 12 Credits.

Inorganic Chemistry IIB, 18 Credits.

Mathematics II, 24 Credits.

Physical Chemistry IIA, 12 Credits.

Physical Chemistry IIB, 18 Credits.

Organic Chemistry IIA 12 Credits.

Organic Chemistry IIB 18 Credits.

Chemical Process Industries II, 18 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at Level 7,132 Credits:

Industrial Synthesis III, 18 Credits.

Separation Science III, 18 Credits.

Material Science IIIA, 12 Credits.

Material Science IIIB, 12 Credits.

Physical Chemistry III, 12 Credits.

Process Control III, 18 Credits.

Molecular Spectroscopy III, 18 Credits.

Environmental Science and Technology III, 24 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at Level 8, 120 Credits:

Industrial Synthesis IV, 18 Credits.

Molecular Spectroscopy IV, 18 Credits.

Physical Chemistry IV, 12 Credits.

Research Methodology IV, 12 Credits.

Industrial Chemistry Project IV, 30 Credits.

Industrial Chemistry Practice IV, 30 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Apply knowledge of industrial chemistry, process chemistry concepts, principles and rules, research methodologies and methods and techniques relevant to the chemical process industries in an international and South African scientific context.
2. Interrogate multiple sources of knowledge in the field of industrial chemistry and evaluate knowledge and processes knowledge production.
3. Demonstrate understanding of the complexities and uncertainties of selecting, transferring appropriate procedures, processes or techniques to unfamiliar problems in Industrial Process Chemistry.
4. Identify, analyse and address complex or abstract problems drawing systematically on the body of knowledge and methods appropriate to industrial chemistry.
5. Identify and address ethical issues based on critical reflection on the suitability of different ethical value systems to local and global contexts.
6. Critically review information gathering, synthesis of data, evaluation and management processes in specialised contexts in order to develop creative responses to problems and issues.
7. Take full responsibility for his or her work, decision-making and use of resources, and full accountability for the decisions and actions of others where appropriate.
8. Operate effectively within a team of professionals from various fields, or manage this system based on an understanding of the roles and relationships between these various experts within the chemical operation process.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Industrial processes are well defined, discussed, applied, analysed, evaluated and transferred into mass produced goods in terms of organic and inorganic chemical processes, optimisation of chemical processes, environmental and polymer chemistry, transformation of small-scale chemical discoveries into mass-produced goods, analysis of compounds and substances, development or improvement of products, formulas, analytical methods and processes and process control of industrial equipment.

A research product is systematically conducted and applied in terms of the knowledge of and insight into the theory and principles of research and the process of conducting research to a particular complex and real-life problem in a selected area of specialisation in the form of a research proposal by independently conducting the collection, analyses and interpretation of theoretical, quantitative and qualitative data and information.

Critical and coherent thoughts are demonstrated by means of well-rounded, theory-driven, evidence-based arguments and self-reflection with clear articulation of judgments and conclusions based on collected data.

Methods and techniques are recognised, explained, compared and scientifically applied to the chemical process industry relevant examples demonstrating applied knowledge and skills typically required from an industrial chemist within the chemical industry.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Current research and multiple sources of scholarly or professional literature are reviewed, critiqued and evaluated in an independent manner and sound theoretical judgements are made by using well-reasoned, theory-driven and evidence based arguments.

Advanced scholarship in the various specialisation areas of the chemical industry is critically and systematically reviewed and evaluated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Standard procedures, processes or techniques are selected, translated, sketched, interpreted and implemented to deal with or investigate unfamiliar, complex and real-life South African or global problems in the field of Industrial Chemistry.

Specifications and process parameters are listed as per process unit and the principles of unit processes are described and applied.

Deviations from standard conditions are documented and relevant data collected.

Data is analysed with respect to historical data and graphs, charts and flow diagrams are interpreted.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Complex problems related to the field of industrial process chemistry are accurately identified, formulated, critically reviewed, critiqued and interpreted, taking into consideration their impacts on safety, the environment and the efficiency of the process unit.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Ethical decisions which affect knowledge production or complex chemical unit operation that include both environmental or professional issues are acknowledged identified, described, defined, discussed, applied, analysed and evaluated.

Awareness of the consequences of ethical decisions is described, recognised and documented.

Critical self-assessment reflecting an awareness of their own activities, ethical behaviour and continued professional development, in the field of industrial chemistry is demonstrated.

Trends in deviations, prioritisation, common causes and possible problems are identified and a checklist(s) for potential solutions is compile.

Solutions are ranked in terms of success, time, finance, safety and environmental parameters and a small-scale test-run is designed, performed and evaluated.

Results of interventions are monitored and explained then the success or failure of the intervention is evaluated recorded and communicated.

A flow diagram of the process is drawn according to chemical process unit design.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

Detailed knowledge and knowledge literacy of industrial chemistry concepts, principles and rules are recognised, identified, explained, examined, compared, reviewed and scientifically applied to industry relevant examples.

Applied knowledge and skills typically required from an industrial chemist within the chemically process industry in possible problems identification are demonstrated.

A checklist(s) for potential solutions is compiled in relation to information on chemical substances of interest from published literature, stakeholders and various databases and data modelling approaches for the purpose of Risk Assessment and for making scientific decisions on the toxically of chemicals or processing in terms of environmental legislation.

Scientific information is compared and reviewed for its quality and reverence to the South African context.

Methodologies, reproducibility as well as experimental or modelling conditions are reviewed to determine how data should be considered.

Categories of the products of the chemical industry are identified, classified, described, discussed and listed under the auspices of basic, specialty and consumer chemicals.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

Activities, decisions and actions regarding project and risk management, and the development of process chemistry techniques are identified, formulated and executed by facilitating and managing the process in an ethical, moral and professional manner.

Ethical values and approaches to management principles and professional practice, with regards to decisions and actions made, are defended, appraised and judged to assess the validity and appropriateness of the actions taken in the work environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:

Continuous professional development of learning needs are intensified, tailored, evaluated and addressed in a self-directed manner in order to facilitate collaborative learning processes of both the industrial chemist and his/her peers within the chemical industry.

Integrated Assessment:
Integrated assessment is ensured by incorporating both formal and informal continuous assessment strategies into the qualification to ensure that not only assessment of learning takes place but also assessment for learning. Assessment strategies are underpinned by the Exit Level Outcomes, which are designed in articulation with the level descriptors and the scope of practice. As such, all elements are aligned with the purpose statement of the qualification. Integrated assessment will take place within the context of an active learning environment, in adherence to:

Quality assurance policies, procedures and processes.

A guided and supported learning environment.

Formative assessment will involve integrated types of assessment, used to inform learners about their progress on a continuous basis through the whole year. Marks collected from this evidence may be recorded for promotional purposes or may be used for the sole purpose of learner and lecturer reflection, growth and development. Formative assessment will be used to support the learner developmentally and to provide feedback to all involved in the learning process of how teaching and learning can be improved. Throughout the qualification, formative assessment strategies will be used to ensure that exit level are achieved, which include:

Assignments.

Practical work.

Projects.

Tests.

And/or any other applicable methods.

Summative assessment will involve assessment opportunities that take place at the end of a learning experience. Information will be gathered about a learner's level of competence upon completion of a unit, module or qualification. Results may be expressed in marks in terms of the level of competence achieved, with regard to level descriptors, specific outcomes and assessment standards. This type of assessment is often used for promotional purposes and may take the form of:

Examinations.

Portfolios.

Presentations.

Tests.

And/or other applicable methods.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

The qualification has been compared to the:

Bachelor of Science (Industrial Chemistry) from the University of South Wales in Australia. The qualification is comparable to this qualification in terms of the number of credits is 480 total equals 360 for BSc Degree + 120 for BSc Honours. The duration of study is 3 + 1 year. The qualification encompass classroom teaching and research at Honours of at least 30 Credits. The qualification provides entry to Master of Science (MSc).

The Bachelor of Science Honours Chemistry in Industrial Chemistry from the Central Queensland University in Queensland Australia. The qualification is comparable to this qualification in terms of the number of credits is 480 total equals 360 for BSc Degree + 120 for BSc Honours. The duration of study is 3 + 1 year. The qualification encompass classroom teaching and research at honours of at least 30 Credits. The qualification provides entry to Master of Science (MSc).

The Bachelor of Science in Industrial Chemistry from the University of Nairobi, Kenya. The qualification is comparable to this qualification in terms of the number of credits is 480 Credits. The duration of study is four years. The qualification encompass classroom teaching and research at honours of at least 30 Credits. The qualification provides entry to Master of Science (MSc).

All these qualifications are comparable to the Bachelor of Science in Industrial Chemistry.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

Horizontal Articulation:

Bachelor of Science Honours in Chemistry, Level 8.

Postgraduate Diploma in Laboratory Management, Level 8.

Vertical Articulation:

Master of Sciences in Applied Sciences, Level 9.

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.

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