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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Master of Science: Chemistry 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
3645  Master of Science: Chemistry 
ORIGINATOR
Rand Afrikaans University 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
Was CHE until Last Date for Achievement  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Master's Degree  Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences  Physical Sciences 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  240  Level 8 and above  NQF Level 09  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 2663/05  2006-07-01  2009-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2010-06-30   2013-06-30  

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 is replaced by: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
74026  Master of Science in Chemistry  Level 8 and above  NQF Level 09  180  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
The primary purpose of this qualification is to provide qualifying learners with:
  • an understanding of advanced chemical theory in the field of specialization selected for the studies.
  • the ability to conduct fundamental or applied research in a specialized field of chemistry
  • competence in the application of standard experimental methods and techniques of the modern chemical research laboratory in a safe and responsible manner.
  • competence in generating, processing, interpreting, and presenting research data orally and in written form.
  • the ability to use of the scientific literature and information retrieval systems to extract the relevant information to conduct research
  • the ability to identify , assess, formulate, and solve chemical problems of a limited scope.
  • the ability to write concise, clear and logical scientific and technical reports
  • the ability to work in a research team where positive interaction with the research supervisor(s), fellow research students and technical staff is essential. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Learners accessing this qualification should demonstrate:
  • An understanding of advanced chemical theory in the four main disciplines of chemistry, i.e. organic, inorganic, physical and analytical, at the level required for the BSc Honours degree in Chemistry or equivalent qualification
  • Practical laboratory skills and competence in the use of chemical equipment and instrumentation at the level required for the BSc Honours degree in Chemistry or equivalent qualification
  • A work ethic and the integrity to acquire and process chemical data in a professional manner and the objectivity to judge from a scientific perspective on the basis of facts only
  • An Honours degree in Chemistry from an accepted accredited university or an appropriate equivalent qualification of similar standard.
  • Candidates must be able to use general English language and technical terminology with a high degree of competence.

    Recognition of prior learning:

    A learner who claims to have achieved entry requirements through experiential learning will be assessed. If the student is found to be competent the student may gain
  • access,
  • advanced placement
  • or recognition of degree status will be granted on condition of continuing education 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    The learners should be able to:

    1. Identify, assess, formulate, and solve chemical problems of a limited scope

    2. Work in a research team with the research supervisor(s), fellow research students and technical staff.

    3. Plan activities, set targets and reach defined objectives independently within the time constraints of the research project.

    4. Conduct fundamental or applied research in the field of chemistry by planning a work programme, running experiments, generating, processing and interpreting data and presenting results in a systematic manner.

    5. To effectively communicate by:
  • writing concise, clear and logical scientific and technical reports
  • Meaningfully present and discuss scientific results orally at research seminars

    6. Assess the risks and dangers involved in the use of chemical and chemical technology and to use chemicals responsibly and safely.

    7. Apply flexible independent and lateral thinking processes.

    8. Learn effectively through research, study of the scientific literature, conferences and scientific discussions

    9. Participate responsibly in activities that impinge on and lead to an improvement of societal quality of life.

    10. Evaluate the impact of chemical science on a multicultural society and the environment.

    11. Investigate employment possibilities as a professional chemist within discipline related fields such as chemical manufacturing, environmental monitoring, mineral benefaction, chemical research, chemical education, marketing of chemical products and technology.

    12. Evaluate entrepreneurial possibilities in the field of chemistry to start an own business. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The learner can:

    1. Apply a thorough knowledge of the field of study towards solving problems of a chemical nature.
    Construct a working hypothesis to solve problems scientifically.
    Carry out an appropriate research programme
    Analyse and interpret results correctly

    2. Work constructively in a team with fellow students and with research supervisor

    3. Demonstrate a mastery of subject material by independent study.
    Reach defined objectives within the time constraints of the research project.

    4. Plan a work programme and design suitable experiments within the programme framework
    Generate, process, interpret and present results in a systematic manner
    Motivate the reasoning behind the research proposal
    Apply general, standard and advanced chemistry-specific research methodologies
    Relate the new information obtained to that which is known through a thorough understanding of applicable scientific literature.

    5. Display a knowledge of current information retrieval systems and processes
    Demonstrate a mastery of the use of technical and professional language and terminology in the presentation of concise, clear and logical scientific and technical reports of an oral and a written nature.
    Use computer-based presentations and computer aids.

    6. Demonstrate awareness and recognition of the need for careful and correct laboratory technique.
    Use chemical equipment and appropriate technology correctly, safely and responsibly through an awareness of the impact of chemicals on the environment.

    7. Display the ability to apply profound understanding of the theory and methods of chemistry to assess problems of a scientific nature.

    8. Learn through own research, consulting chemical and technical literature, discussion, and participating in seminars.
    Demonstrate the ability to continue study so as to remain constantly up to date with developments in science and technology

    9. Contribute to the improvement of quality of life based on science and technology

    10. Contribute to the protection of the environment in South Africa through awareness of the impact of the chemicals on the environment.
    Contribute to the intellectual debate and decision-making processes in the field of science and technology.

    11. Demonstrate an awareness of where the chosen fields of study impinges on society and where further studies may be done
    Demonstrate the ability to relate the field of study to society and thus know where those skills are likely to be required.

    12. Demonstrate awareness of entrepreneurial possibilities related to the field of chemistry

    Formative assessment practices that will be implemented:

    Successful presentation of research progress at regular intervals in required. It is also expected from Master's students to engage in regular formal discussions with the supervisor(s), not just to demonstrate his/her progress, but to highlight research problems that have been encountered

    Summative assessment practices that will be implemented:

    Integrated assessment, focusing onto the achievement of the exit-level outcomes, will be done by the following means:
  • Learners must submit a research dissertation on the selected topic within the field of chemistry. The dissertation should clearly demonstrate competency in the standard research methodology of the discipline and should constitute a contribution to the knowledge of and insight into the field of study
  • Every master's student must also submit a manuscript that is ready for publication. Supervisors and students are encouraged to submit such manuscripts for publication in recognised scientific journals. However, this does not place a publication obligation on either the student or the supervisor. The article may be a summary of the study or part thereof 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
  • Access to qualifications on a lower level:

    As per rules of access for the qualification.
  • Access to qualifications on the same level:

    Learners, who wish to continue their masters studied at this institution, may do so if they can provide formal evidence of their previous academic training on a master's study level. Their previous exposure to master's training will be assessed by the Dean's Committee, whereupon the necessary status and credit will be recognized. The dean may refuse a candidate to continue with the master's degree, if in his/her opinion the applicant's prior training or academic standard is insufficient. Such a candidate may appeal to the Executive Committee of the Senate. A supplementary study programme may be required as condition for mid-stream entry.

    Learners, who wish to switch to another qualification or to another field of research at the master's level, may do so, after consultation with their supervisor(s) or the departmental head. Credit will be retained for appropriate results achieved. The transition to another institution will only be possible after careful deliberation with the supervisor(s) and corresponding departments at that institution.
  • Access to qualifications on a higher level:

    Having obtained this qualification, the following possibilities for further study within other higher education programmes exist:
  • A PhD or D.Phil degree programme at any university.
  • A D.Tech degree programme at any technikon. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    External examiners are recommended by the supervisor and head of department and ratified by the faculty board. At least one appropriately qualified external examiner (from a different tertiary education institution, research institution or industry) is appointed for evaluation of the thesis. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    Assessors should preferably have a doctoral degree (PhD or DSc) but at least a level 8 qualification in the appropriate chemistry discipline, for example organic, inorganic, physical or analytical chemistry or closely related discipline. Assessors should be recognized authorities in the appropriate discipline and knowledgeable in the area concerning the specialized field of study. Assessors should preferably be affiliated to a tertiary education institution or function at a level of equivalent status outside the tertiary establishment.
    Assessors should have adequate exposure to assessment practices at tertiary or equivalent level 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2006. 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some of their learning programmes are moved to being recorded against the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replacement.
     
    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.