Advanced Diploma in Analytical Chemistry

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

• Analyse data using mathematical skills such as statistical analysis, factors, ratios, conversions, linear regressions.
• Analyse and evaluate physical and chemical concepts of chemical substances based on data and mathematical modeling.
• Apply principles of physics such as fluid dynamics, electronics, wave theory and electromagnetic radiation to relate to the problems of instrumentation used in the chemical laboratory.
• Apply principles of Organic, Inorganic, Physical and advanced Analytical Chemistry to chemical problems encountered during chemical analyses and synthesis.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

• Apply principles of specialist instrumental theory to the performance of chemical analyses.
• Calibrate laboratory equipment using the appropriate materials for quantitative and qualitative chemical analysis.
• Calibrate advanced/hyphenated spectrometric, electrometric and chromatographic instruments and use their associated data systems for qualitative and quantitative analyses.
• Prepare solutions of known concentrations and perform appropriate dilutions for laboratory procedures.
• Use time, equipment and materials in a cost-effective manner when performing analyses.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

• Evaluate recorded data of quantitative and qualitative analyses in the required format.
• Evaluate results of mathematical and statistical calculations to meet quality assurance and quality control requirements and criteria.
• Implement recommendations regarding abnormal results.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

• Select appropriate current software packages such as word processing, spreadsheets and databases and use them to express and manipulate chemical technology information.
• Use computers associated with the setting up and monitoring of laboratory automation.
• Acquire, store, retrieve, process and present data and/or information using software.
• Use relevant software to monitor laboratory quality assurance and quality control.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

• Design systems to ensure that processes remain within designated limits by applying 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).

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

• Demonstrate the ability to work as a leader in a team.
• Use oral and written formats to communicate effectively when planning and organising projects.
• Compile, organise, prepare and present scientific and technical data and results using appropriate terminology and visual aids.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

• Apply adherence to specific industrial practices including good manufacturing practice (GMP), good laboratory practice (GLP) and International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) consistently in a manner that reflects a clear understanding and interpretation of the standards.
• Observe and comply with environmental, health and safety legislation and their related regulations such as the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System and the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
• Monitor and establish workplace safety protocols.
• Recognise the influence that chemistry has on society in terms of the environment, health and safety.
• Demonstrate awareness and follow ethical guidelines for professional work.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:

• Identify strategies for continued professional development.
• Demonstrate ability to work in a variety of laboratory environments.
• Consult and process relevant literature to keep up to date with advances in technology.
• Develop plans to upgrade skills as required by technological change.
• Identify the role of professional associations (such as SACI) and certification.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:

• Gather and capture information relevant to a project/task from a variety of appropriate sources.
• Analyse and interpret data using appropriate technology.
• Present a plan of action to resolve a given problem in a written and oral format.

Integrated Assessment:

• Continuous Assessment consists of both formal and Summative Assessments.
• A variety of assessment methods have been selected, each aimed to assess different skills, practices and knowledge while meeting the cognitive demands for the level of learning (National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 7).
• These methods will include tasks that both monitor (summative) and facilitate (formative) learning.
• Assessment tasks will vary in complexity and include tests, projects (written reports), oral presentations (seminars), assignments, peer assessments, and case studies.
• Fundamental subjects will be assessed using a maximum of three Summative assessment tasks.
• Core subjects will have a maximum number of five summative assessment tasks.
• Elective subjects will include mainly case studies and assignments.
• The qualification will be awarded to a learner who has provided evidence that the multiple learning outcomes of the programme have been achieved.