SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Understand and apply chemical principles 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
246436  Understand and apply chemical principles 
ORIGINATOR
Chemical Industries SGB 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology Manufacturing and Assembly 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 4  NQF Level 04  8 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard is intended for a person in the work place where knowledge and application of chemical principles are essential, especially in the laboratory environment.

A person credited with this unit standard is able to:
  • Understand and apply principles of redox reactions and equations.
  • Understand and apply principles of acid-base reactions and equations.
  • Demonstrate understanding of common gases.
  • Concepts of concentration.
  • Chemical rate, mechanism and equilibrium.

    This unit standard will contribute to the full development of the learner by providing recognition, further mobility and transportability within the sub-fields of manufacturing and assembly, physical sciences, life sciences, environmental sciences, earth and space sciences. The skills, knowledge and understanding demonstrated within this unit standard are essential for social and economic transformation and upliftment. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Description of required skills:
  • Communication, mathematical literacy and natural science, NQF Level 3.
  • Introductory principles of chemistry, NQF Level 3.
  • Knowledge about the use and application of the Periodic Table.
  • Knowledge of fundamental chemical equations, NQF Level 3. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The typical context of this unit standard is described in the different range statements listed under the relevant assessment criteria.

    The level assigned to this unit standard is appropriate because the process requires a wide range of technical skills and offers a considerable choice of procedures. A broad knowledge base incorporating some theoretical concepts, analytical interpretation of information, informed judgement and a range of sometime innovative responses to concrete but often unfamiliar problems are employed. The application of this unit standard is to qualify the person for certification in advanced trade and technical occupations. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Understand and apply principles of redox reactions and equations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Oxidation, reduction and redox reactions are defined and explained according to standard chemical principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Oxidising and reducing agents are defined and their properties explained according to standard chemical principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Redox reaction equations are balanced using standard chemical principles and methodology. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Three examples are balanced by means of the inspection method and three examples balanced by means of the valence (oxidation state) method.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Half reactions for redox reactions are defined and explained according to standard chemical principles. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The definition and explanation include:
  • Definition of half reactions.
  • Measurement of cell (electrochemical) potential.
  • Redox half reactions.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Understand and apply principles of acid-base reactions and equations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Acid-base reactions are defined and explained according to standard chemical principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Acids and bases are defined and their properties explained according to standard chemical principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Acid-base reaction equations are balanced using standard chemical principles and methodology. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Three examples are balanced by means of the inspection method and three examples balanced by means of the valence (oxidation state) method.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Half reactions for acid-base reactions are defined and explained according to standard chemical principles. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Demonstrate understanding of common gases. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Common gases include oxygen, hydrogen, carbon dioxide, water vapour and nitrogen. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Physical and chemical properties of common gases are described for each of the common gases. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Three common reactions with other elements or compounds are described and balanced for each of the common gases. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Three examples are balanced by means of the inspection method and three examples balanced by means of the valence (oxidation state) method.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    A practical experiment is demonstrated to test for existence of each of the common gases. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Advantages and disadvantages of each of the common gases are listed in terms of nature and the environment. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Understand and apply concepts of concentration. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The concept of the mole is explained according to standard chemical principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The application of the mole is explained at the hand of three examples according to standard chemical principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Units applied for expressing concentration are identified and explained at the hand of one example for each of the range statements and according to standard chemical principles. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Units for expressing concentration include:
  • Parts per million (ppm).
  • Molarity.
  • Normality.
  • Milli-equivalents.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    An explanation of the pH-scale is given by correlating it with acidity and alkalinity, as well as with concentrations of H+ and OH-, according to standard chemical principles. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Understand and apply principles of chemical rate, mechanism and equilibrium. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The types of chemical bonds are identified and described according to standard chemical principles. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Types of chemical bonds include:
  • Covalent.
  • Polar.
  • Ionic.
  • Metallic.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The way in which the rate of chemical reactions is measured is explained according to standard chemical principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Factors affecting chemical reaction rates are identified and explained according to standard chemical principles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Enthalpy in chemical reactions is defined and explained according to standard chemical principles. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The definition and explanation includes:
  • Change in enthalpy during chemical reactions.
  • Measurement of heat transfer (enthalpimetry).
  • Thermo-chemical equations and laws.
  • Heat of reaction, combustion, neutralisation, formation and binding.
  • First law of thermodynamics, including relation between H and E.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Equilibrium of chemical reactions is explained according to standard chemical principles. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The explanation includes:
  • Dynamic equilibrium.
  • Reversal of chemical reactions.
  • Equilibrium constants.
  • Quantitative calculation of equilibrium.
  • Le Chatelier's principle.
  • Equilibrium in solutions.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    An understanding of stoichiometry is applied to chemical reactions according to standard chemical principles and at the hand of three examples. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Internal moderation.
  • External moderation.
  • An assessor, accredited by the relevant ETQA, will assess the learner's competency.
  • Assessment procedures will be supplied by the ETQA in alignment with NSB requirements.
  • All assessment activities must be fair, so that all candidates have equal opportunities. Activities must be free of gender, ethnic or other bias.
  • Assessment and moderation procedures, activities and tools must be transparent, affordable and support development within the field, sub-field and NQF.
  • Questions and answers to determine theoretical knowledge are expected.
  • Examination of an assessment portfolio.
  • Reporting skills are demonstrated by effective communication, using verbal (language) and/or writing skills.
  • Direct observation in simulated or actual work conditions.
  • Practical demonstration of applying chemical equations. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    The qualifying learner understands and can apply:
  • Principles of redox reactions and equations.
  • Principles of acid-base reactions and equations.
  • Understanding of common gases.
  • Concepts of concentration.
  • Chemical rate, mechanism and equilibrium. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems in which response displays that responsible decisions, using critical and creative thinking, have been made by:
  • Using standard chemical principles to balance a range of equations.
  • Identifying and explaining factors affecting chemical reaction rates.

    Refer to the following Specific Outcome/s:
  • Understand and apply principles of redox reactions and equations.
  • Understand and apply principles of acid-base reactions and equations.
  • Demonstrate understanding of common gases.
  • Understand and apply principles of chemical rate, mechanism and equilibrium. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community:
  • Maintaining sound relations with co-learners during the performance of experiments.

    Refer to the following Specific Outcome/s:
  • Understand and apply principles of redox reactions and equations.
  • Understand and apply principles of acid-base reactions and equations.
  • Demonstrate understanding of common gases. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively by:
  • Working in an organised way when doing practical experiments and giving examples.

    Refer to the following Specific Outcome/s:
  • Understand and apply principles of redox reactions and equations.
  • Understand and apply principles of acid-base reactions and equations.
  • Demonstrate understanding of common gases. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information when:
  • Understanding and applying chemical principles and methodology.
  • Doing practical experiments to prove conclusions.

    Refer to all Specific Outcomes. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively by using mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentations by:
  • Using scientific chemical terminology.
  • Giving examples to prove understanding.

    Refer to all Specific Outcomes. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others when:
  • Using chemical methods when doing experiments.

    Refer to the following Specific Outcome/s:
  • Understand and apply principles of redox reactions and equations.
  • Understand and apply principles of acid-base reactions and equations.
  • Demonstrate understanding of common gases.
  • Understand and apply principles of chemical rate, mechanism and equilibrium. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation by:
  • Understanding and applying chemical principles to activities.

    Refer to all Specific Outcomes. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    Contribute to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of the society at large by:
  • Understanding the role of chemical principles in the laboratory environment and the effect it has on the growth and development of the organisation, its customers and employees.

    Refer to all Specific Outcomes. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  58952   Further Education and Training Certificate: Laboratory Analysis  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Registered"     		 2008-08-05  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 
    Core  64950   Further Education and Training Certificate: Laboratory Analysis  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.