SAQA 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
117035  Advanced Diploma in Analytical Chemistry 
ORIGINATOR
Mangosuthu 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  2020-05-28  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:
Qualifying learners will be skilled to devise and apply specialised strategies and relevant management principles in quality control (QC) and research and development (R&D). They may work as chemists, supervising technicians and technologists in product and process development, and quality control. Employment may be in a laboratory, or production or sales environment. Industries such as petrochemical, pharmaceutical, mining, metallurgy, and educational institutions employ learners from this qualification.

Rationale:
The qualification is a response to the need by industry to provide highly skilled technicians, chemists or technologists. The qualification will provide the industry with personnel equipped with various chemical analytical techniques at an advanced level. The advisory board has encouraged the institution to offer this qualification to train learners who will be ready to fit into the industry. It will also equip learners to contribute to addressing socio-economic challenges in South Africa through education.

It will further prepare learners to learn basic research activities such as gathering data, interpreting and dissemination of such knowledge to the community yet holding high ethical standards. The National Development Plan (NDP) and Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) post-school education policy requires that higher education institution provide high-level skills training to learners that will help in resolving issues of poverty and unemployment throughout the country.

Qualifying learners may apply for professional registration as National Science Technologists with South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP). 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The institution has a policy on Recognition of Prior Learning. Learners who do not have a Diploma or Bachelor of Science in Chemistry but are of the view that they meet minimum requirements for admission will apply for access to the Head of Department of Chemistry in line with RPL policy.

The application will be assessed following guidelines as stipulated in the institution's Learning and Assessment policy in conjunction with RPL policy. This will include a compilation of the portfolio of evidence which will be evaluated by the Department of Chemistry and other relevant internal statutory bodies. The final decision will be made by the Senate and communicated to the learner by the Head of Department of Chemistry.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Diploma in Analytical Chemistry or related field, NQF Level 6. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 7 totalling 120 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 120 Credits.
  • Analytical Chemistry IVA,12 Credits.
  • Inorganic Chemistry IVA,12 Credits.
  • Physical Chemistry IVA, 12 Credits.
  • Organic Chemistry IVA, 12 Credits.
  • Chemistry Project IVA, 12 Credits.
  • Analytical Chemistry IVB, 12 Credits.
  • Inorganic Chemistry IVB, 12 Credits.
  • Physical Chemistry IVB, 12 Credits.
  • Organic Chemistry IVB, 12 Credits.
  • Chemistry Project IVB, 12 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply advanced mathematical, physical and chemical concepts to related problems in the laboratory and production.
    2. Conduct and interpret wet chemical and instrumental analyses using appropriate and innovative laboratory procedures.
    3. Synthesise organic and inorganic compounds using various synthetic and purification procedures to obtain an optimum yield of a product.
    4. Evaluate calculations and interpret the results of analyses to meet quality assurance and quality control requirements and criteria.
    5. Apply computer skills relevant to the chemical laboratory.
    6. Perform appropriate quality assurance and quality control procedures to ensure that processes remain within designated limits, and reliable results are generated in the laboratory.
    7. Manage projects using interpersonal and communication skills.
    8. Ensure that all work is performed in compliance with relevant occupational health, safety, and environmental laws, legislation and regulations; established policies and procedures; and following ethical principles.
    9. Develop a plan for continued professional growth.
    10. Develop entrepreneurship skills to encourage self-employment.
    11. Coordinate and conduct research to solve chemical problems in the laboratory and production. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Use mathematical skills such as algebraic equations, functions, factors, ratios, conversions, linear regressions, and mathematical modelling to perform data analyses and to make predictions based on the data.
  • Apply the principles of physics such as heat, sound, light, electricity and mechanics to solve or refer to the problems of instrumentation used in the chemical laboratory.
  • Apply the principles of advanced organic, inorganic, analytical and physical chemistry to chemical problems encountered during chemical analyses and syntheses.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Apply the principles of specialist instrumental theory to the performance of chemical analyses.
  • Use appropriate techniques for collection, preparation and analyses of samples.
  • Calibrate laboratory equipment using the appropriate materials for quantitative and qualitative chemical analyses.
  • Use advanced/hyphenated spectrometric, electrometric and chromatographic instruments and their associated data systems for qualitative and quantitative analyses.
  • Prepare solutions of known concentrations and appropriate dilutions for laboratory procedures are performed.
  • Perform physical tests such as melting points, boiling points, density, and refractive index are on chemicals and materials.
  • Use time, equipment and materials cost-effectively when performing analyses.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Use appropriate synthetic procedures to optimise the yield of a product.
  • Use appropriate separation and purification methods such as distillation, crystallization, preparatory chromatography and extraction to obtain pure samples.
  • Use various procedures to confirm the purity and identity of the products.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Evaluate recorded data of quantitative and qualitative analyses in the required format.
  • Evaluate the results of mathematical and statistical calculations to meet quality assurance and quality control requirements and criteria.
  • Make and implement recommendations regarding abnormal results.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Select and use appropriate current software packages such as word processing, spreadsheets and databases to express and manipulate chemical technology information.
  • Use computers associated with the setting up and monitoring of laboratory automation.
  • Utilise software to acquire, store, retrieve, process and present data and/or information.
  • Use relevant software to monitor laboratory quality assurance and quality control.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Design systems to ensure that processes remain within designated limits.
  • Apply the principles of a variety of relevant quality control/quality assurance programs such as the International Organization for Standardization (ISO 9000, ISO 14000 and ISO guide 25).

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Demonstrate ability to work as a leader in a team.
  • Use oral and written formats to communicate effectively when planning and organising projects.
  • Compile, organise, prepare and present scientific and technical data and results using appropriate terminology and visual aids.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Adhere to specific industrial practices including good manufacturing practice (GMP), good laboratory practice (GLP) and International Organisation for Standardization (ISO).
  • Ensure compliance with environmental, health and safety legislation and their related regulations such as the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System and the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
  • Establish and monitor workplace safety protocols.
  • Recognise the influence that chemistry has on society in terms of the environment, health and safety.
  • Follow ethical guidelines for professional work.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
  • Identify strategies for continued professional development.
  • Work in a variety of practice locations and types is demonstrated.
  • Process relevant literature to keep up to date with advances in technology.
  • 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.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:
  • Project financial planning for the future following laboratory requirements.
  • Develop, substantiate and implement an appropriate budget.
  • Demonstrate appropriate stock control strategies.
  • Evaluate the economic viability of equipment according to their maintenance record and appropriate action is taken.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 11:
  • Motivate the relevance of the research project.
  • Gather and capture information from a variety of appropriate sources.
  • Analyse and interpret data using appropriate technology.
  • Present a plan of action/research proposal in a written and oral format.

    Integrated Assessment:

    A course mark is derived from all formative assessments (theory tests and practical laboratory reports).
    To qualify to write the final examination, a learner must obtain a minimum final course mark of 40%. Qualifying learners will write a three hour written examination at the end of the semester. The final mark will be determined by combining the course mark and the examination mark using the weightings. A final mark of minimum 50 % is required to pass the qualification. A final mark of 40 % to 49 % qualifies a learner to write a supplementary examination. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    There are offerings that are designed to perform the same function, as well as provide similar articulations with this qualification. All of them make provision for an Advanced Diploma as a type of qualification, the purpose of which is to provide specialised knowledge in a range of advanced skilled and as a pathway for further learning. Advanced Diploma qualifications are on Level 6 of the Australian Qualifications Framework. The Advanced Diploma in Analytical Chemistry is one year qualification requiring a first Diploma. This is similar to the South African design, whereby a graduate can articulate to a Postgraduate Diploma.

    The University of Bradford in the United Kingdom offers a similar Advanced Diploma in Analytical Sciences, in which Chemistry is an option. The duration of this qualification is one year, full-time, and the qualification develops experience and techniques required to be an independent practitioner of modern analytical science, with the skills required for research and by industry." The qualification comprises modules in analytical chemistry including several elective options. Learners must complete a Degree in chemistry, a closely related discipline or have substantive equivalent experience.

    The University of Melbourne, Australia, offers a Graduate Diploma in Science (Advanced). The Graduate Diploma in Science (Advanced) provides the learner with access to a higher degree, by enabling the learner to acquire the research skills necessary in a scientific field. Learners can choose to focus on Chemistry and can complete the qualification by coursework alone (100 points). Learners who continue with the research aspects have access to higher degrees. The qualification requires 100 Credits over one full-time year of study, and entrants require an undergraduate qualification with a major in the discipline.

    In the USA, some undergraduate and community colleges offer a two-year Associate in Applied Sciences. For example, City Colleges (Chicago) has a Chemical Laboratory technology qualification and Delta College (Michigan) has a Chemical Technology qualification. However, although these qualifications are aimed at producing learners who will be able to find employment in laboratories dealing in chemical analysis, the qualifications can also be used as stepping stones to a Bachelor's Degree. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for horizontal and vertical articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Advanced Diploma in Quality Management, NQF Level 7.
  • Advanced Diploma in Chemistry, NQF Level 7.
  • Advanced Diploma in Environmental Chemistry, NQF Level 7.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma 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: 
     
    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. Mangosuthu University of Technology 


    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.