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Full-time Education
School of Applied & Health Sciences

higher nitec in chemical technology

Entry Requirements

Applicant will be tested for colour recognition disability on admission.

For GCE 'O' school leavers, you need to have at least Three GCE 'O' Level Grades:

Grades 1 - 8 in English Language,
Grades 1 - 7 in Mathematics (Elementary or Additional) and
Grades 1 - 8 in an approved Science subject.

Note:
Approved Science subjects are Physics, Physical Science, Engineering Science, Science (Physics/Chemistry), Science (Physics/Chemistry/Biology), Science (Physics/Biology), Science (Chemistry/Biology), Biology, Chemistry, Integrated Science and Combined Science.

For ITE graduates, you must have obtained at least a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.3 in your Nitec in Technical Skills.

Training is conducted on a modular basis. You have to complete core, specialisation, Life Skills Modules and a number of electives to obtain the necessary credits for certification. Those who wish to progress to higher level of learning should take the Mathematics electives.

 
Course Synopsis

On completion of the course, students should be able to:

Perform pre-testing activities such as cleaning of laboratory apparatuses and glassware, interpret data sheets and verification of equipment suitability.

Prepare reagents / solutions for products and processes following standardized formulas.
Conduct and analyse test samples using various techniques such as volumetric titration, gravimetric extraction, spectroscopy, chromatography and physical separation.
Compile and compute data, interpret test results and analyses and generate analysis reports.
Perform calibration of test equipment and troubleshooting of minor laboratory equipment breakdown.
Perform laboratory housekeeping activities such as handling and storage of chemicals, and disposing of chemical waste.
Maintain proper records of standards, test procedures and laboratory equipment usage.

 

 
Campus(es) Offering This Course

The duration of this course is 2 years and is conducted at ITE College East.

 
Videoclip on Learning Environment
Currently unavailable.
 
Progression Opportunities

Higher Nitec in Chemical Technology graduates with good results may apply for progression to higher level courses.

 
Career Prospects

Higher Nitec in Chemical Technology graduates are suitable for careers as Chemical Laboratory Technicians / Assistants in the R&D, quality assurance or quality control laboratory of companies in the various industry sectors such as food, chemicals, petrochemicals and pharmaceutical. There are excellent opportunities for career advancement to supervisory positions and beyond. Graduates with good grades may progress to the diploma courses for food science, chemical engineering, material science, biotechnology, and biomedical science being offered in all the 5 local polytechnics.

Some of the job titles held include:

Chemical Laboratory Technician
Chemical Laboratory Assistant

 

 
Course Structure

To obtain the Higher Nitec in Chemical Technology certification, you need to accumulate at least 73 credits.

These must comprise:

CERTIFICATION

Core Modules
55
Life Skills Modules
14
Elective Modules
4
Total
73

CORE MODULES

- Introductory Chemistry (6 credits)
On completion of the module, students should be able to identify the common elements of organic molecules, nomenclature used, chemical structure and bonding, common functional groups, as well as the properties associated with the various functional groups of organic compounds.
- Analytical Chemistry (6 credits)
On completion of the module, students should be able to carry out
laboratory procedures in preparation of reagents and media, as well as applications in maintaining and handling glassware, performing sampling methodology and various separation techniques.
- Laboratory Mathematics (9 credits)
On completion of the module, students should be able to apply the
various mathematical principles such as algebra, logarithms and graphs construction for laboratory operations and analysis.
- Quality Control and Assurance (6 credits)
On completion of the module, students should be able to maintain the quality standards of chemical laboratory, including record--keeping for traceability purposes, calibration of measuring instruments, and application of quality control tools for laboratory applications.
- Sample Handling and Processing (4 credits)
On completion of the module, students should be able to perform common sample pre-treatment methodologies, as well as sampling activities and processes which comply with industrial standards such as cGMP and GLP.
- Basic Instrumental Analysis (7 credits)
On completion of the module, students should be able to perform various modes of spectroscopy, which include ultra-violet and infrared spectrometry, atomic absorption spectrometry thermal analysis and volumetric analysis as well as interpret results obtained. They will also be able to troubleshoot and do maintaintenance of spectroscopic and bench instruments.
- Advanced Instrumental Analysis (6 credits)
On completion of the module, students should be able to perform the various modes of chromatography, which include High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Gas Chromatography (GC), LC-Mass Spectrometry and GC–Mass Spectrometry. They will also be able to troubleshoot and maintain chromatographic instruments.
- Project (10 credits)
On completion of the module, students should be able to work as a team or individually, on a project involving the applications of the principles and concepts learnt throughout the course for various laboratory preparation and testing activities, as well as modes of analysis and interpretations of results.

LIFE SKILLS MODULES

- Life Skills for Personal Development (8 credits) and Life Skills at the Workplace (4 credits)
Life skills in broad terms are the foundation skills and personal qualities that an individual can transfer from one job setting to another to manage and adapt to changes in technology and work environments.
- Sports and Wellness I (1 credit)
On completion of the module, students should be able to maintain a fit and healthy body and develop an appreciation of sports and games.
- Sports and Wellness II (1 credit)
On completion of the module, students should be able to maintain a fit and healthy body and develop an appreciation of sports and games.

ELECTIVES

Electives (Course Specific)
 
 

- Introduction to Microbiology (2 credits)
On completion of the module, students should be able to appreciate the importance of microorganisms to mankind and the environment. They will also learn how to carry out microbiological techniques, such as safehandling, examining and cultivating of microorganisms.
- Essentials in Environmental Science (2 credits)
On completion of the module, students should have an overview of environmental science, which include principles in waste management, pollution control, as well as health and safety legislation and guidelines in manufacturing industries. They will learn to perform water testing and treat waste effluent.
- Principles of Chemical Processing (2 credits)
On completion of the module, students should be able to understand the importance of monitoring and controlling of process parameters which have direct impact on the product specifications. They will be able to perform start-up and shut-down common process equipment, as well as identify and locate process components.


   
Electives (Inter-disciplinary)  
   

- Project Management (2 credits)
On completion of the module, students should be able to use a software application for planning and managing projects.

   
Electives (General)  
 
- Overseas Experiential Programme (2 to 3 credits)
On completion of the module, students should be able to develop leadership qualities, selflf-confidence, independence, cross-cultural interaction skills and other life skills.


 


 
Quick Links
Entry Requirements
Course Synopsis
Campus(es) Offering This Course
Videoclip on Learning Environment
Progression Opportunities
Career Prospects
Course Structure
 
Last updated on 25 Jan 2008