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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Applied Sciences in Chemistry 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
96933  Master of Applied Sciences in Chemistry 
ORIGINATOR
Vaal 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
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  Not Applicable  NQF Level 09  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

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.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
On completion of the qualification, the learner should be able to do the following:
Apply critical thinking to identify and solve problems in a specified area of Chemistry and be competent in collecting, organising, analysing and evaluating information by data into a logical contribution to the knowledge in the particular field chosen for study. Learners must do work effectively as a team member with specialised scientists in the particular field at a high academic level. Qualifying learners will be able to execute a research plan and integrate all the conflicting information pertinent to the study, be able to communicate particularly in scientific terms both verbally and in written reports and publications. Learner will also contribute to knowledge and understanding in the field.

Rationale:
This qualification is intended to produce highly qualified chemists and technologist to address the needs of quality control and product development for the chemical and related industries and also for research. Learners who have completed this qualification will have the necessary skills and ability to proceed to advanced research, apply chemistry principles and theories in solving industrial problems and offer effective solutions. On completion of this qualification, learners would have acquired the necessary skills to manage quality control processes and to perform as research chemists and technologists. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Panel expertise review student prior learning and outcome communicated to Registrar. If outcome is not achieved learners may appeal RPL to faculty outcome, which would be presented to Senate.

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

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
  • Full Dissertation, 180 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Analyse and critically evaluate the literature relevant to the field/area of investigation.
    2. Conduct research by applying appropriate research methods and techniques independently and effectively in the research process to solve complex problems.
    3. Report findings in an appropriate format. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • A comprehensive literature base is critically analysed and evaluated to establish recent trends in technologies, techniques, models and theories in the chosen field.
  • Models, principles, theories, techniques and methodologies in the chosen field are analysed, explained, and used correctly in oral presentations and the dissertation.
  • The research problem is clearly identified, defined and detailed in the research proposal where the stated hypothesis directs the investigation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • The research problem is clearly identified, defined and detailed in the research proposal where the stated hypothesis directs the investigation.
  • The appropriate methods and techniques are selected and applied in the collection of qualitative and quantitative data where appropriate.
  • Experimental research is responsibly and ethically conducted.
  • Logical interpretation of data reflects clear understanding of the relationship between facts in the study and the ability to evaluate contradictory information.
  • The inferences, interpretation and conclusions based on critical review of evidence from measurements and statistical analyses are valid.
  • The inferences, interpretation and conclusions based on critical review of evidence from measurements and statistical analyses are valid.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Information sources are used correctly and appropriately.
  • Information technology is applied effectively in the production of the dissertation/research report.
  • Language and numeracy skills are applied effectively and correctly in clearly communicating the research problem, its investigation, the outcome, and the recommendations.

    Integrated Assessment:
  • Thesis - external/internal examiner assess thesis. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Masters of Applied Sciences in Chemistry qualification is similar to that awarded in
  • The University of British Columbia, Vancouver Campus, Canada.
  • National University of Singapore.

    Both institutions operate a Masters in Chemistry by thesis, which is examined by internal and external examiners. The learners are required to have continuous contact with the promoter and co-promoter, present their research findings by oral and/or poster presentations and publish such findings in peer-reviewed journals. This is in line with proposed Masters of Applied Sciences in Chemistry qualification. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for vertical articulation.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry, NQF Level 10. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    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. Vaal 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.