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

Master of Science in Chemistry 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
74026  Master of Science in Chemistry 
ORIGINATOR
University of Johannesburg 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  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  180  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 1141/23  2021-07-01  2024-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2025-06-30   2028-06-30  

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 replaces: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
3645  Master of Science: Chemistry  Level 8 and above  NQF Level 09  240  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 Learners and technical staff is essential. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):

    A learner who claims to have achieved entry requirements through experiential learning will be assessed. If the Learner is found to be competent the Learner may gain:
  • Access,
  • Advanced placement,
  • or recognition of Degree status will be granted on condition of continuing education.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Chemistry, NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    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 Learners 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 qualification, 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.

    Integrated Assessment.

    Formative assessment practices that will be implemented:

    Successful presentation of research progress at regular intervals in required. It is also expected from Master's Learners 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 Learner must also submit a manuscript that is ready for publication. Supervisors and Learners are encouraged to submit such manuscripts for publication in recognised scientific journals. However, this does not place a publication obligation on either the Learner or the supervisor. The article may be a summary of the study or part thereof. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The qualification allows for horizontal and vertical articulation possibilities:

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Applied Science in Chemistry NQF Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Science in Chemistry, NQF Level10. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2006; 2009; 2012; 2015. 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced 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. University of Johannesburg 


    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.