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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Diploma in Analytical Chemistry 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
98010  Diploma in Analytical Chemistry 
ORIGINATOR
Durban 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
Diploma (Min 360)  Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences  Physical Sciences 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  380  Not Applicable  NQF Level 06  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   2033-06-30  

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:
The learner will be taught to apply chemistry principles to perform advanced routine chemical analyses and syntheses in the laboratory and in production. In this way the learner will acquire knowledge that will be beneficial to them in terms of knowledge base and entrepreneurial experience in order to uplift local communities.

The learner will be taught to apply management principles relevant to the chemical industry with a view to independent problem-solving in the working environment. In this way, the learner will understand the significance of his study and place within the community and how to manage in the workplace.

Upon completion of this qualification, a learner should be able to:
  • Utilise sufficient mathematical and IT skills so that they are competent in the operation of statistical packages required by the chemical industry.
  • Apply the principles of physics as it relates to the instrumentation encountered in the chemical industry.
  • Apply the principles of general chemistry such as nomenclature, acid/base theory, stoichiometric calculations and chemical reactions are applied to chemical analyses and syntheses.
  • Familiarise themselves with and understand the operation of analytical instrumentation used in chemistry.
  • Construct and interpret quality control charts. Appropriate corrective protocols are adhered to in response to test results.
  • Develop a knowledge base of good laboratory practice in the workplace in addition to the effect of their work on environmental health and safety.

    Rationale:
    This qualification is designed to meet the needs of various industries. Industries involving detergents, petroleum, plastics, food, pharmaceuticals, mining, water treatment, metallurgy and, in addition, educational institutions may employ graduates from this course. Graduates are required for specific practical applications such as quality control testing and testing, or theoretical fields such as research and development. Quality control and assurance is an especially important field where industries need to verify their standards of operation and quality of manufactured materials. There is therefore a growing demand for graduates in this field.

    Industries are supportive of the furthering education of graduates and hence opportunities exist for graduates to pursue further educational qualifications. Graduates may also apply for associate membership of SACI (South African Chemical Institute). 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    A person may on formal application and payment of the prescribed fee, and with the approval of the Executive Committee of the relevant Faculty Board and the Senex, be admitted for registration for an instructional programme approved by the Institution's Senate, in accordance with the Institution's Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy.

    Entry Requirements:
    Learners are required to have either of the following as minimum entrance requirements:
  • Senior Certificate (SC).
    Or
  • National Senior Certificate (NSC) passed with diploma studies admission.
    Or
  • National Certificate Vocational (NCV) passed with diploma studies admission. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualification comprises compulsory modules at NQF Levels 5 and 6 totalling 380 Credits.

    Modules at NQF Level 5:
  • General and Inorganic Chemistry, 16 Credits.
  • Mathematics I, 16 Credits.
  • Physics I, 16 Credits.
  • Cornerstone 101, 12 Credits.
  • Computer Skills, 8 Credits.
  • Organic and Physical Chemistry, 16 Credits.
  • Communication Skills, 8 Credits.
  • Institutional General Education Elective, 8 Credits.
  • Institutional General Education Elective, 8 Credits.
  • Institutional General Education Elective, 8 Credits.
    Total at NQF Level 5, 116 Credits.

    Modules at NQF Level 6:
  • Analytical Chemistry I, 20 Credits.
  • Analytical Chemistry II, 24 Credits.
  • Applied Inorganic Chemistry, 12 Credits.
  • Applied Organic Chemistry, 12 Credits.
  • Applied Physical Chemistry, 12 Credits.
  • Analytical Chemistry III: Chromatography, 12 Credits.
  • Analytical Chemistry III: Atomic Spectroscopy, 12 Credits.
  • Analytical Chemistry III: Molecular Spectroscopy, 12 Credits.
  • Analytical Chemistry III: Electro analytical Chemistry, 12 Credits.
  • Chemistry Project II, 12 Credits.
  • Chemical Quality Assurance, 16 Credits.
  • Community Engagement and Development, 12 Credits.
  • Experiential Learning I, 12 Credits.
  • Chemistry Project I, 36 credits
  • Experiential Learning II, 48 Credits.
    Total at NQF Level 7 264 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Utilise sufficient mathematical and IT skills so that they are competent in the operation of statistical packages required by the chemical industry.
    2. Apply the principles of physics as it relates to the instrumentation encountered in the chemical industry.
    3. Apply the principles of general chemistry such as nomenclature; acid/base theory; stoichiometric calculations and chemical reactions.
    4. Familiarity with, and understand, the operation of analytical instrumentation used in chemistry.
    5. Construct and interpret quality control charts and then ensure that appropriate corrective protocols are adhered to in response to test results.
    6. Develop a knowledge base of good laboratory practice in the workplace in addition to the effect of the work on environmental health and safety. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Mathematical skills such as algebraic equations, functions, factors, ratios, conversions and linear regressions, are used to perform data analysis.
  • Data from quantitative and qualitative analysis is recorded in the required format. Results in oral or written format are presented as required.
  • Current software packages such as word processing, spreadsheets and databases are used to express and manipulate chemical technology information.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • The theoretical concepts are applied and tested when applied to chemical instrumentation.
  • Practical applications of physics to instrumentation are tested to assess the learners' competency.
  • The principles of instrument theory are applied to the performance of chemical analyis.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Prescribed techniques are used for collection, preparation and analysis of samples.
  • Solutions of known concentrations are prepared and appropriate dilutions for laboratory procedures are performed.
  • Physical tests such as melting points, boiling points, density and refractive index are performed on chemicals and materials.
  • Time, equipment and materials are used in a cost-effective manner when performing analysis.
  • Established synthetic procedures are used to prepare organic and inorganic compounds.
  • Compounds are separated and purified using standard separation and purification methods such as distillation, crystallisation, preparatory chromatography and extraction.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • The principles of instrument theory are applied to the performance of chemical analysis.
  • Prescribed techniques are used for collection, preparation and analyses of samples for use in instrumental analysis.
  • Standard laboratory equipment is calibrated using the appropriate materials in quantitative and qualitative chemical analysis.
  • Spectrometric, electrometric and chromatographic instruments and their associated data systems are calibrated and used for qualitative and quantitative analysis.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • The principles of a variety of relevant quality control/quality assurance programs such as International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO 9000, ISO 14000 and ISO guide 25) are applied to the working environment.
  • Quality control charts are constructed and interpreted.
  • Appropriate corrective protocols are adhered to in response to test results.
  • Ability to work as part of a team is demonstrated.
  • Appropriate response(s) is/are given to feedback from supervisors.
  • Oral and written formats are used to communicate effectively with others.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Specific industrial practices such as Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) are adhered to by subordinates in the working environment.
  • Environmental, health and safety legislation and their related regulations such as the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System and the Occupational Health and Safety Act are complied with by sub-ordinates in the working environment.
  • All procedures are performed in accordance with the established workplace safety protocols.
  • The influence that chemistry has on society in terms of the environment, health and safety is recognised by subordinates.
  • Ethical guidelines for professional work are followed by every member of the team.

    Integrated Assessment:
    This is to ensure that the purpose of the qualification is achieved:
  • Assessment practices, both in the theoretical and practical aspects of analytical chemistry, will be open, transparent, fair, valid, and reliable and ensure that no learner is disadvantaged in any way whatsoever. An integrated approach to assessment will therefore be incorporated into the qualification.
  • Whenever possible, the assessment of knowledge, skills, attitudes and values shown in the Analytical Chemistry qualification will be integrated.
  • Assessment of fundamentals of analytical chemistry will be integrated as far as possible with other aspects and will use practical contexts wherever possible. A variety of methods such as online testing, practical testing in the laboratory and theoretical testing will be used in assessment. Learners will be assessed in the workplace or on-the-job. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    It is difficult to find international qualifications that are identical to the one to be offered at the Institution. Therefore the examples below represent a cross-section of similar types of qualifications offered.

    Stockholm University, Sweden:
    In the case of this university, the definition of a Diploma is somewhat different and verges on that of a project-oriented research qualification. The courses offered are advanced courses in Analytical Chemistry. Owing to the foregoing, comparison with the qualification is not appropriate although the project-based part is common.

    Mount Kenya University:
    This university offers a similar qualification (Diploma) but with the addition of engineering and industry-specific courses. The latter components, which may be useful to industry and which may enhance the learners' employability, may be included in a higher qualification since they require more advanced knowledge.

    Okanagan University, Canada:
    The qualification here is known as the Analytical Chemistry Technical Diploma. The purpose of the qualification is the same as our qualification. The content is similar with the addition of some chemical engineering/industry-specific modules. This compares favourably with the qualification. One noteworthy difference is that the entrance requirements are somewhat higher - English, Science and Mathematics with level 5 passes. In addition, 'challenge' tests may be required for entrance to the qualification.

    Euromaster - Measurement Science in Chemistry:
    This qualification is offered at the Masters' level (at various universities in Europe) and hence cannot be directly compared with the qualification offered at our institution. There are certain aspects which have however been included in the current qualification both written and practical project work. The entrance requirements are, of course, in accordance with a Masters' qualification.

    Conclusion:
    The qualification share more similarities that indicate favourably comparison with these qualifications. The qualifications considered from other institutions from other countries for this purpose offer similar modules with some of them consisting of the same number of credits. These qualifications also allow learners a chance to apply for further studies at a higher level after completion of their studies as this one does. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontally the qualification articulates with either of the one mentioned below:
  • Diploma in Chemical Process Technology, at NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Industrial Chemistry, at NQF Level 6.

    Vertical articulation can occur with the:
  • Advanced Diploma in Analytical Chemistry, at NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Chemical Engineering, at NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS 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. Durban 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.