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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
97000  Doctor of Philosophy 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
Doctoral Degree  Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences  Physical Sciences 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Not Applicable  NQF Level 10  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:
(a). Identify a research problem and workout a detailed proposal on how to apply chemistry concepts to study, understand and resolve the problem identified.
(b). Search and compile recent relevant literature concerning trends, techniques and technologies in the field.
(c). Design and perform experiments to provide useful information needed to give answers to the problems identified in a responsible and ethical manner.
(d). Use models, principles, theories, techniques and methodologies in his/her field to analysed, explained, and juxtaposed correctly in oral presentations and the written research record.
(e). Apply mathematical and statistical methods correctly to analyse quantitative and qualitative data.
(f). Interpret relevant data generated from experimental work to make sound conclusions.
(g). Present a final written thesis and oral presentations comply with international standards.

Rationale:
This qualification is developed to meet the demands for high-level competent chemists and technologists required in academic environment, research facilities and chemical industries. Learners who have attained this qualification will be competent in leading and conducting independent research, contribute significantly to knowledge production through the understanding, application and evaluation of existing knowledge. On completion of this qualification, learners would have acquired the necessary skills to lead and manage research projects and develop new knowledge in the specific field. 

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

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Master of Philosophy in Chemistry, NQF Level 9. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
  • Full Dissertation, 360 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Contribute to original knowledge in a particular field through the application of research methods, theories and techniques and produce a thesis that meets international standards and requirements.
    2. Develop new knowledge in the relevant fields of Chemistry. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be applied in the integrated way:
  • Identify, define and detail in the research proposal the research problem clearly.
  • Carry out the experimental research responsibly and ethically.
  • List, cite literature and expose the research and reflect mastery of relevant recent trends in technology, techniques and theories in the chosen field.
  • Analyse, explain, and juxtapose models, principles, theories, techniques, methodologies in the chosen field correctly in oral presentations and the written research record.
  • Anayse quantitative and qualitative data appropriate in Mathematical and statistical methods correctly.
  • Infer, interpret and conclude from measurements and analyses of information are valid.
  • Comply with international standards in the presentation of both the final written thesis and oral presentations.

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

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The qualification is similar to that awarded in the University of British Columbia, Vancouver Campus, Canada and National University of Singapore. Both institutions operate a PhD 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 Doctor of Philosophy in Chemistry qualification. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows for horizontal articulation only.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Cognate Doctoral, 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.