Bachelor of Applied Science in Industrial Chemistry

Purpose:

The purpose of the Bachelor of Applied Science in Industrial Chemistry is to equip graduates with the necessary theoretical and scientific knowledge of relevant disciplines and fields of study to use in an academic or specialised context. The qualification aims to provide a unique blend of practical application and theory which immerses learners into a wide range of the fastest growing technological fields in South Africa. Industrial Chemistry is the process of development, optimization, and monitoring of fundamental chemical processes used in industry for transforming raw materials and precursors into useful commercial products for society. The theoretical underpinnings of this qualification have a core discipline of the chemical sciences. Thorough grounding in the knowledge, scientific theory, principles, and skills of this qualification will inculcate into the learner. Learners achieving this qualification will be able to conduct basic research, formulate appropriate responses, develop, and improve systems and policy, and combine a wide range of industrial chemistry-related scientific knowledge, skills, and experience within specialised areas of the chemical sector. Upon completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:

1. Critically analyze and apply the theoretical principles of the appropriate fields of Chemistry, viz., Organic, Inorganic, Physical and Analytical Chemistry in accordance with industry standards.
2. Interpret and apply the theoretical understanding of the sciences in relation to the chemical industry and practice.
3. Practically implement theoretical principles and control techniques using analytical instrumentation.
4. Formulate and communicate theoretical knowledge and practices in the chemistry context.
5. Utilize technical and scientific knowledge and skills to conduct basic research.

Learners will be able to comprehend theoretical principles and apply chemistry principles to specialized chemical analyses and syntheses in the laboratory and production. In this way, learners will further develop knowledge that will be beneficial to them in terms of an applicable knowledge base and progressive skills as required by the intended outcomes. The qualification will enhance independent problem-solving in the working environment and will equip learners with scientific knowledge and specialized skills in a natural science discipline that provides opportunities for continued personal intellectual growth, gainful economic activity and rewarding contributions to society.

Rationale:

In South Africa, chemistry is one of the fastest-growing technology 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 chemists find inspiring careers in the public sector within 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 chemistry graduates but also reinforce the need for applied research with promising employment opportunities in various sectors.

The Department of Chemistry in its strategic focus areas has identified Teaching, Research, and Community Engagement as the three key drivers for a sustainable future, in keeping with the broader vision of the Faculty of Applied Science (FAS) by leading innovation through science and technology. Chemistry holds a unique place amongst the sciences in FAS because the Chemistry Department is equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation required for educating learners and boasts a complement of highly qualified and competent staff. The Department of Chemistry has been researching intensively for more than a decade in training learners from undergraduate through to postgraduate level.

The qualification will provide a stronger foundation in this discipline to address the country's need for highly qualified and trained personnel. The qualification will allow for an articulation pathway into postgraduate qualifications (Honours, Master and Doctoral). The qualification is therefore aligned with the institution's plan to contribute further to the generation of modern techniques and emerging technologies, and to integrate them in delivering services, educational (skills) development and awareness. The qualification has several modules to ensure that graduate chemists have a deeper knowledge and understanding of chemical principles and practices and that important subject-specific competencies are acquired and nurtured. On completion of the qualification, graduates may be legible for registration as Certificated Natural Scientists with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP). This qualification is therefore 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.