Advanced Diploma in Analytical Chemistry
Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences - Physical Sciences
Purpose and Rationale
Qualification Title: Advanced Diploma in Chemical Quality Control and Research Development
Purpose:
Qualifying learners will be skilled to devise and apply specialised strategies and relevant management principles in quality control (QC) and research and development (R&D). They may work as chemists, supervising technicians and technologists in product and process development, and quality control. Employment may be in a laboratory, or production or sales environment. Industries such as petrochemical, pharmaceutical, mining, metallurgy, and educational institutions employ learners from this qualification.
Rationale:
The qualification is a response to the need by industry to provide highly skilled technicians, chemists or technologists. The qualification will provide the industry with personnel equipped with various chemical analytical techniques at an advanced level. The advisory board has encouraged the institution to offer this qualification to train learners who will be ready to fit into the industry. It will also equip learners to contribute to addressing socio-economic challenges in South Africa through education. It will further prepare learners to learn basic research activities such as gathering data, interpreting and dissemination of such knowledge to the community yet holding high ethical standards.
The National Development Plan (NDP) and Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) post-school education policy requires that higher education institution provide high-level skills training to learners that will help in resolving issues of poverty and unemployment throughout the country. Qualifying learners may apply for professional registration as National Science Technologists with South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP).
Outcomes
- Apply advanced mathematical, physical and chemical concepts to related problems in the laboratory and production.
- Conduct and interpret wet chemical and instrumental analyses using appropriate and innovative laboratory procedures.
- Synthesise organic and inorganic compounds using various synthetic and purification procedures to obtain an optimum yield of a product.
- Evaluate calculations and interpret the results of analyses to meet quality assurance and quality control requirements and criteria.
- Apply computer skills relevant to the chemical laboratory.
- Perform appropriate quality assurance and quality control procedures to ensure that processes remain within designated limits, and reliable results are generated in the laboratory.
- Manage projects using interpersonal and communication skills.
- Ensure that all work is performed in compliance with relevant occupational health, safety, and environmental laws, legislation and regulations### established policies and procedures### and following ethical principles.
- Develop a plan for continued professional growth.
- Develop entrepreneurship skills to encourage self-employment.
- Coordinate and conduct research to solve chemical problems in the laboratory and production.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
- Use mathematical skills such as algebraic equations, functions, factors, ratios, conversions, linear regressions, and mathematical modeling for data analyses and predictions.
- Apply principles of physics (heat, sound, light, electricity, mechanics) to solve instrumentation problems in the chemical laboratory.
- Apply principles of advanced organic, inorganic, analytical, and physical chemistry to chemical problems encountered.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- Apply specialist instrumental theory to chemical analyses.
- Use techniques for sample collection, preparation, and analyses.
- Calibrate laboratory equipment for quantitative and qualitative chemical analyses.
- Utilize spectrometric, electrometric, and chromatographic instruments for qualitative and quantitative analyses.
- Prepare solutions of known concentrations and appropriate dilutions.
- Perform physical tests on chemicals and materials efficiently.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Use synthetic procedures to optimize product yield.
- Employ separation and purification methods to obtain pure samples.
- Confirm purity and identity of products.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- Evaluate recorded data of quantitative and qualitative analyses.
- Interpret mathematical and statistical calculations for quality assurance.
- Make recommendations regarding abnormal results.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
- Utilize software packages for expressing and manipulating chemical technology information.
- Utilize computers for laboratory automation and data management.
- Monitor laboratory quality assurance and control.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
- Design systems for process control.
- Apply principles of quality control/assurance programs like ISO standards.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
- Demonstrate leadership in a team setting.
- Communicate effectively in oral and written formats.
- Present data and results using appropriate terminology and visual aids.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
- Adhere to industrial practices and regulations.
- Ensure compliance with environmental, health, and safety legislation.
- Recognize the societal impact of chemistry.
- Follow ethical guidelines.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
- Identify professional development strategies.
- Stay updated on technological advances.
- Recognize the role of professional associations.
- Improve professional competence based on self-assessment.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:
- Project financial planning following laboratory requirements.
- Develop and implement an appropriate budget.
- Evaluate equipment economic viability.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 11:
- Motivate research project relevance.
- Gather information from appropriate sources.
- Analyze data using technology.
- Present research proposals effectively.
Integrated Assessment:
- Course mark derived from formative assessments.
- Final examination requires a minimum course mark of 40%.
- Final mark determined by combining course mark and examination mark.
- Minimum 50% final mark required to pass qualification.
- 40% to 49% qualifies for a supplementary examination.
Qualification Details
- Type
- Advanced Diploma
- NQF Level
- 07
- Min. Credits
- 120
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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This page includes information from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) . Builtneat Pty Ltd trading as Study Start, has modified all or some of this information. SAQA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.