SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Postgraduate Diploma in Chemistry

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
117947	Postgraduate 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
Postgraduate 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 08	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered		EXCO 0821/24	2020-12-04	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 Postgraduate Diploma in Chemistry is aimed at highly motivated learners holding an existing qualification in Chemistry. It is therefore designed primarily for learners who wish to undertake a strong research-intensive program of postgraduate study in chemistry. Qualifying learners entering the qualification would have completed the basic and advanced theoretical principles of the 4 branches of chemistry, viz, Organic, Inorganic, Physical and Analytical Chemistry.

The qualification delves deeper into the aforementioned courses and includes an extensive research project through advanced reflection and development using a systematic survey of current thinking, practice and research methods in the specialisation of chemistry. The qualification demands a high level of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence, as well as the ability to relate knowledge to a range of contexts in the chemistry environment to undertake or highly-skilled work. The qualification has been structured to develop learners analytical skills and this higher learning path is especially attractive to learners who plan to pursue an industrial or academic career.

Upon completion of this qualification learners will be able to:

Design and implement a research project using relevant research methodology associated with a chosen topic.

Effectively operate and interpret data from analytical instrumentation.

Apply and evaluate the theoretical principles of the various branches of Chemistry, viz., Organic, Inorganic, Physical and Analytical Chemistry.

Rationale:
In South Africa, chemistry is one of the fastest-growing technological fields that have 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 chemists 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 chemistry graduates but also reinforces the need for applied research with promising employment opportunities in various sectors.

The idea behind the qualification is to allow an articulation pathway for postgraduate qualifications (Masters and Doctoral). This qualification has several modules to ensure that graduate chemists have a deeper knowledge and understanding of chemical principles and practices and that the important subject-specific competencies are acquired and nurtured.

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 recognized tertiary education and training to learners.

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 (RPL) possible and applies to all prospective learners to the Department. This qualification may be achieved in part through the Recognition of Prior Learning, which includes formal learning and work experience. If the prospective learner can demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes implicit in this qualification the appropriate credits would be assigned to the prospective learner.

The department's RPL process will be aligned to the institution's Recognition of Prior Learning Policy (2009), the purpose of which is to:

Provide a framework for the implementation of Recognition of Prior Learning procedures within the institution.

Facilitate access and admission to learning qualifications within education and training and career paths.

Accelerate the redress of past unfair discrimination in education, training and employment opportunities.

Promote and facilitate lifelong learning.

Outline general procedures relating to the processing of RPL applications at the institution.

The institution recognises prior learning by assessing the learner's prior knowledge, skills and professional experience in the context of non-formal, informal and experiential learning to determine the extent to which the applicant has achieved the required learning outcomes, competency outcomes, or standards for entry or access into a specified level of study in an academic qualification or qualification. RPL assessments undertaken are evidence-based against qualification learning outcomes as outlined in the curriculum of the relevant qualification. A variety of assessment methods will be used to determine the relevance, depth and extent of the applicant's prior learning. RPL assessment will result in a competent/not yet competent outcome being registered on candidates' records.

RPL seeks to achieve inclusion and to overcome a variety of barriers to access and success in higher education. RPL is premised on overcoming possible barriers to admission or registration for higher education studies for those people who lack the formal prerequisites.

Only formal learning is considered for credit accumulation and transfer (CAT). The process of CAT brings together the diverse features of credit accumulation and credit transfer to facilitate lifelong learning. It allows a learner's achievements to be recognised even if the learner does not achieve a qualification. Any credits for a complete and incomplete qualification may be recognised by the same or a different institution as meeting part of the requirements for a different qualification or may be recognised by a different institution as meeting part of the requirements for the same qualification.

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

Advanced Diploma in Chemistry, NQF Level 7.
Or

Bachelor of Applied Science in Industrial Chemistry, NQF Level 7.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 120 Credits:

Inorganic Chemistry, 20 Credits.

Organic Chemistry, 20 Credits.

Analytical Chemistry, 20 Credits.

Physical Chemistry, 20 Credits.

Scientific Methodology, 8 Credits.

Chemistry Project, 32 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Design and implement a research project using relevant research methodology associated with a chosen topic.
2. Effectively operate and interpret data from analytical instrumentation.
3. Apply and evaluate the theoretical principles of the various branches of Chemistry, viz, Organic, Inorganic, Physical and Analytical Chemistry.
4. Communicate with peers and the broader community about their area of expertise related to the Chemistry project.
5. Contextualise, interpret and respond to the various demands within the chemistry industry.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Identify advanced chemistry problems and the research project designed using scientific methods.

Implement proposed solutions to chemistry problems.

Demonstrate a degree of independence in a research environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Operate advanced analytical instruments effectively.

Apply creative problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.

Collect, analyse and scientifically interpret associated data systems for specialised instruments.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Apply progressive theories, principles and practices about Organic, Inorganic, Physical and Analytical Chemistry.

Evaluate complex topics about Organic, Inorganic, Physical and Analytical Chemistry are evaluated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Compile and communicate a research report, using appropriate language, structure, style and graphical support.

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

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Apply appropriate policies, principles and processes to industry-based problems and challenges.

Interpret, contextualise and apply industry standards.

Integrated Assessment:
According to the institution's Assessment Policy (2014), 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.

Formative and Summative Assessment:
Formative Assessments will be used to support the learner developmentally and to 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 several outcomes together; assessing several 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 contribute to the final mark.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

Globally educational institutions offer the Postgraduate Diplomas as a single entity or components thereof in higher degree offerings such as the BSc (Honours) Degree. Such qualifications offer specialised knowledge in a specific subject to prepare learners for careers in their desired fields. The qualification focus and duration vary, as do academic requirements for admission. Qualifications outlined below were evaluated and the best practices adopted and contextualised.

Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Chemistry by the University of Western Australia (Australia):
The entry requirement for Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Chemistry is a minimum of 65 % in the Level 3 units of the Chemistry major. In this qualification topics such as nuclear magnetic resonance; electrochemistry; chemical catalysis; molecular reaction dynamics; spectroscopy; computational chemistry; mass spectrometry; X-ray crystallography and Research Methodology, Data Acquisition and Evaluation are offered. The South African qualification includes some of these specialized components.

Bachelor of Science (Honours) by University of Brighton (Great Britain):
The Chemistry BSc(Hons) course is a one-year full-time offering with entry requirements in the range of A-levels or BTECH. The qualification is structured around three subject areas: core chemistry embracing organic, inorganic and physical theory, and laboratory work; analytical chemistry containing theoretical and practical aspects of analysis, including experimental design and validation, data handling and instrumental techniques and chemical skills encompassing problem-solving, mathematics, information management and molecular modelling skills. A learner can follow either a biochemistry or geochemistry theme, which will determine the remaining modules. Learning occurs through lectures, interactive workshops, laboratory classes and various e-learning tools. Most of these topics are covered in the South African qualification that except the Biochemistry or Geochemistry choice offered to develop a research project.

Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Chemistry by Trent University, Peterborough (Canada):
The Chemistry Department at Trent University offers a comprehensive range of courses in the fundamentals of analytical, biochemical, environmental, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry. Upper-level courses include study in advanced fundamentals, as well as computational, bioinorganic, and materials chemistry. Chemistry education at Trent involves working closely with faculty and staff informal lecture and informal laboratory and tutorial/workshop settings. Learners enrol in either a General or an Honours program. Many learners in the Honours program choose to do a research project in which they obtain the first-hand experience in modern chemical research design and methods. The single-major Honours degree program in Chemistry is accredited by the Canadian Society for Chemistry. The study pathway is similar to the South African qualification.

The Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Chemistry at the University of Ibadan (Nigeria):
Subjects offered for this program are Advanced Analytical Chemistry and Applications, Inorganic Chemistry IV, Special topics in Inorganic chemistry, Advanced Chemical Kinetics, Molecular Spectroscopy, Colloid and Surface Chemistry, X-ray Crystallography, Spectroscopy and Organic Structure Determination, Synthetic Methods in Organic Chemistry, Research Project and Special Topics in Industrial Chemistry. Most of these sub-disciplines are offered at the Postgraduate Diploma.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

Horizontal Articulation:

Bachelor of Science Honours in Biochemistry, Level 8.

Bachelor of Science Honours in Chemistry, Level 8.

Vertical Articulation:

Master of Applied Science in Chemistry, Level 9.

Master of Philosophy in Chemistry, Level 9.

Master of Applied Science in Chemistry, Level 9.

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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