Advanced Diploma in Chemistry
Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences - Physical Sciences
Purpose and Rationale
Advanced Diploma in Chemistry
Purpose:
The Advanced Diploma in Chemistry ensures learners have the ability to gain and apply a range of new knowledge, skills, and understanding designed not only to meet the needs of various chemical industries but also to provide the most appropriate preparation for further study. The curriculum builds upon and advances the fundamental areas of study in chemistry: organic, physical, inorganic, and analytical chemistry, along with a rich set of research-focused and instrumentation-intensive laboratory experiences aligned with those areas. This qualification has a number of modules to ensure that learners have a deeper knowledge and understanding of chemical principles and practices and that the important subject-specific competencies are acquired and nurtured.
Rationale:
In South Africa, chemistry is one of the fastest-growing technological fields that has the potential to broaden the opportunities for scientists and engineers across various sectors. The chemistry profession is extraordinarily diverse, with career opportunities available in the chemical, petroleum, renewable energy, nuclear power, novel polymeric materials, metals, and pharmaceutical industries, among many others. In addition to careers in industry and academia, many learners find challenging careers in the public sector in the laboratories of the National Institutes of Health, the Department of Agriculture, the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and the Department of Energy as well as in consulting. The rapid growth and development in the Chemical and Allied Industries not only seem promising for learners but also reinforce the need for applied research with promising employment opportunities in various sectors. This qualification is designed to meet the human resource needs of the chemical and allied industries, including tertiary educational institutions, by providing nationally and internationally recognized tertiary education and training to learners. Learners who are successful in this qualification may progress to the Bachelor of Applied Science Honours in Chemistry to gain access to postgraduate study towards a Masters and thereafter Doctoral qualifications.
Outcomes
- Apply knowledge in particular problem-solving competencies relating to both qualitative and quantitative analysis.
- Exhibit the capacity to maximise the use of analytical instrumentation.
- Utilise sufficient mathematical and Information Technology (IT) skills in the operation of statistical packages in a laboratory research environment.
- Apply the theoretical principles of the appropriate fields of Chemistry, viz., Organic, Inorganic, Physical and Analytical Chemistry in accordance with industry standards.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1
- Construct calibration graphs, limits of detection, and perform quantitation including linear dynamic ranges.
- Apply methods for qualitative and quantitative analyses of mixtures.
- Conduct an analysis and interpret data scientifically.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2
- Use associated data systems for required instrumental techniques for the collection, preparation, and analyses of complex samples from gaseous, liquid, and solid matrices.
- Exhibit laboratory skills, running of instruments, analyses of results, and problem-solving.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3
- Utilize statistical packages and associated skills relating to the Chemistry Project.
- Demonstrate a degree of independence in a research environment.
- Display formal report writing and oral presentation skills.
- Communicate results of the analyses effectively using graphs, control charts, written and oral persuasion.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4
- Interpret, contextualize and apply industry standards to given conditions.
- Use theoretical principles underpinning the major components of chemistry to interpret given problems and propose the most suitable solutions.
Integrated Assessment
- Assessment practices will be open, transparent, fair, valid, and reliable.
- An integrated approach to assessment will be incorporated into the qualification.
- Assessments will include a variety of methods such as portfolios, journals, assignments, case studies, presentations, and written class tests.
- Assessment will be ongoing and systematic, with formative assessments to support learner development.
- Integrated assessments will combine the assessment of different skills simultaneously.
- Summative assessments will provide a judgement of achievement and contribute to the final mark.
Qualification Details
- Type
- Advanced Diploma
- NQF Level
- 07
- Min. Credits
- 120
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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