National Diploma (Analytical Chemistry)
Students that complete a Diploma in Analytical Chemistry usually find jobs in the chemical industry as chemical analysts, research assistants, laboratory managers, quality control etc.
A qualification with a study duration of three years. The admission requirement is a Senior Certificate, preferably with a Matric exemption, or equivalent qualification. Since the Department can accommodate only a limited number of students, a D higher grade, or higher symbol in Physical Science, Mathematics, and English in your final school year, is a strong recommendation..
YEAR I
Level 1: Mathematics I; Chemistry I; Physics I; Computer Skills; Analytical Chemistry I
Level 2: Analytical Chemistry II, Inorganic Chemistry II, Organic Chemistry II and Physical Chemistry II.
YEAR II
Level 3: Analytical Chemistry III, Inorganic Chemistry III, Organic Chemistry III, Physical Chemistry III, Chemical Quality Assurance, and Statistics for Analytical Chemists.
YEAR III
Year in industry. During this year you will work in an industry to gain experience in the working place and to directly apply the knowledge that you gained during the first two years of study.
Students planning to enrol for the Advanced Diploma (Chemistry) may enroll for the following bridging subjects during this year:
Mathematics II
National Diploma (Polymer Technology)
What is Polymer Technology?
Polymer Technology can be described in brief as the manufacture, processing, analysis and application of long chain molecules. Materials that are typically classified as polymers include: plastics, paints, rubber, foams, adhesives, sealants, varnishes and many more. These materials, today, fully control the high technology era we life in to such an extent that it has become impossible to live life as we know now, without these products. Industries that are totally dependent on polymers include information technology, aerospace, music, clothing, medical, motor manufacturing, building, packaging, and many more.
As a study field, Polymer Technology is not well known among prospective students, but has vast employment potential. It therefore often happens that students enter the polymer field from areas such as Analytical Chemistry or Engineering and have to undergo retraining to function effectively in the polymer environment. Chemistry forms the basis and starting point of Polymer Technology but it also leans on other scientific study-areas such as engineering and manufacturing
What does a Polymer Technologist do?
A Polymer Technologist is an applied scientist in the true sense of the word and the study field offers a diverse scope of opportunities under its umbrella.
There are opportunities in production and production management of manufactured articles such as tyres moulded plastic articles, paints etc. Polymer Technologists are also found in the technical divisions of companies were design of manufactured products and the polymer mixtures to produce them are done.
Quality control in manufacturing of above-mentioned articles is another opportunity. Problem solving, research and consultative work using amongst other skills, analytical techniques for polymer analysis holds further opportunity.
Marketing of polymer raw materials and manufactured products is another direction that can offer a very rewarding career in the Polymer industry.
Apart from career opportunities in existing industries, there is vast potential for entrepreneurial activities, the setting up of an own business, manufacturing polymeric goods such as moulded plastic or rubber articles etc.
Qualities of a Polymer Technologist
The Polymer Technologist need to be self motivated, have an enquiring and logical mind. The ability to work with other people is important. Leadership potential can lead to rapid advance into senior managerial positions.
Employment opportunities
With this training as background, the motor-manufacturing and related supply- and service-industries of the Eastern Cape, such as the paint, tyre and plastic-component industries offer a wide scope of employment opportunities in the areas as
What school subjects are required?
Compulsory: Mathematics & Physical Science
The Training programme
Admission requirements: Senior Certificate or equivalent qualification
Course: National Diploma: Polymer Technology
Duration of course: Two years full time study followed by a year in-service training in industry.
Curriculum
NOTE: Semester 1 of the first year is shared and common with Analytical Chemistry
First Year
Semester 1
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Mathematics I
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Physics I
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Computer skills
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Chemistry I
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Analytical Chemistry I
Semester 2
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Organic Chemistry II
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Polymer Technology II
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Paint Technology II
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Polymer Raw Materials II
Second Year
Semester 1 and 2
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Polymer Science II
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Polymer Raw Materials III
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Paint Technology III
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Polymer Technology III
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Analytical Techniques III
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Polymer Science III
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Process Chemistry
Third Year
Semester 1 and 2
Over a period of four years candidates are taught the basic theories, principles and experimental methods and are introduced to the philosophy of chemistry. If after four years the students have mastered the basics of chemistry to international standards, they may be admitted to post-graduate programs.
Below you will find information on our various courses:
1 credit = 10 notional hours of learning