REGULATIONS FOR THE BACHELOR OF EDUCATION HONOURS DEGREE IN CHEMISTRY AND APPLIED TECHNOLOGIES (EDU19)

Duration:     2years

Actual Credit Load   300

Minimum Credit Load:    240

Maximum Credit Load: 300

Total MBKS Credit Load:     192

ZNQF Level: 8

 

1.0   PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAMME

To prepare in-service teachers to teach chemistry up to ‘A ‘Level and produce highly qualified personnel for educational institutions, government departments and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs).

2.0   ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Normal Entry:

Diploma/Certificate in Education or equivalent from an accredited and recognized institution.

3.0   PROGRAMME CHARACTERISTICS

Areas of Study:

Chemistry Education

Specialist Focus:

Training teachers in chemistry education

Orientation:

Research and innovation-oriented. Teaching and learning are professionally oriented and focused on practical aspects

4.0   CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AND FURTHER EDUCATION

Employability:

Graduates can be employed as teachers, lecturers, education inspectors, training officers, consultants, laboratory technicians in related chemical industries etc.

Further Studies:

Master’s and Doctoral studies in Chemistry Education

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

Level 1 Semester 1                                                           

Code           Module Description                                                                                                               Credits

BCHS 131   Cultural and Heritage Studies                                                                                       12

BED 133      Information Communication Technology in Education                                 12

BED 144      Schools Curriculum Competencies and Innovation                                        12

SECH 114    Fundamentals of Analytical Chemistry                                                             12

SECH 112    Principles of Inorganic Chemistry                                                                      12

SECH 115    Laboratory Skills and Techniques                                                                       12

        

Level 1 Semester 2

BED131       Research Methods and Statistics                                                                       12

BED231       Assessment and Evaluation Technique                                                          12

SECH 113    Fundamental Principles of Organic Chemistry                                             12

SECH 111    Principles of Physical Chemistry                                                                             12

SECH 116    Environmental Chemistry                                                                                        12

 

Electives

EFS 131:      Sociological Issues in Education                                                        12

or

EFPS 131:    Psychological Issues in Education                                                     12

or

EFPH 131:   Philosophical Issues in Education                                                      12

 

Level 2 Semester 1

EDGS231    Gender Studies for Educators                                                                              12

BEIE501      Entrepreneurship and Industrialisation in Education                                 12

BEFM231    School Administration and Financial Management in

Education                                                                                                                                                     12

SECH 214    Principles of Chemical Instrumentation and Analysis                               12

SECH 212    Coordination, Bioinorganic and Organometallic Chemistry                 12

SECH 215    Advanced Pedagogics in Chemistry                                                                       12

 

Level 2 Semester 2

SECH 213    Organic Synthesis and Spectroscopy                                                                   12                    

SECH 216    Industrial Chemistry                                                                                                   12

SECH 217    Nano chemistry and Nano Technology                                                                  12

SECH 211    Quantum Mechanics and Molecular Spectroscopy                                         12

SECH 218                Green Chemistry and Sustainable Development                                 12

BED232       Research Project                                                                                                              24

BED135       Contemporary Issues in Education                                                                      12

 

Module Synopses

BCHS 131: Culture and Heritage Studies

This module introduces scholars to the definition terms of culture and heritage. The module shall expose the learners to issues like civic education, spirituality, and tangible and nontangible Zimbabwean resources. History of Zimbabwe and its different ethnic groupings in different geographical locations. Learners would be challenged to be tolerant and enjoy the multicultural status of the nation.

BED 133: Information Communication Technology in Education

This module seeks to equip students with skills for improving learning and teaching through the use of various instructional media that include audio-visual communication. The module will also familiarise students with different computer software including MS Word, MS Excel, MSAccess, PowerPoint and Published.

BED 144: Schools Curriculum Competencies and Innovation

The module introduces students to the schools’ curriculum and basic theories of curriculum development. It explores the philosophy of the Zimbabwean competence-based curriculum and its implications for teaching. The specific competencies in the curriculum are analysed in relation to how they empower students with life-long competencies that prepare students for sustainable livelihoods outside formal employment. Such competencies include creativity, innovation, industrialisation, and entrepreneurship.  

SECH 111: Fundamental Principles of Physical Chemistry

The module explores the fundamental principles of chemical thermodynamics and its application to common chemical situations. In addition, the 1st and 2nd laws of thermodynamics are addressed, including topics such as thermochemistry, electrochemistry, chemical equilibrium and reaction kinetics. The laboratory practicals also form an integral part of the module.

SECH 112: Principles of Inorganic Chemistry

This module is an introduction to the fundamentals of atomic structure and chemical bonding. Simple Bonding Theories (Lewis structures, VSEPR theory, valence bond theory) Molecular Orbital Theory (sigma and pi bonding polyatomic MO diagrams). The module covers the chemical periodicity of period 2 and 3 elements, the chemistry of groups II, IV, VII as well as the chemistry of nitrogen and sulphur. Laboratory practicals are based on qualitative analysis.

SECH 115: Laboratory Skills and Techniques

This module is an introduction to the chemistry lab and it demonstrates the principles of chemistry and laboratory techniques.  The module offers an opportunity to learn and master the basic chemistry lab techniques for carrying out experiments. The module also accords experience of basic laboratory skills in experimental planning, preparation, execution and documenting experimental results.

BED 131: Research Methods and Statistics

The module introduces the learners to the basic principles of research. Qualitative and Quantitative approaches to research shall be used. A mixed methods research approach shall be introduced in this module. Research instruments shall be explored to give the learners an appreciation of these instruments.

BED231: Assessment and Evaluation Techniques

The module covers assessment and evaluation issues in education across all subject areas. The content of the module includes an analysis of the concepts of evaluation, assessment and measurement in education; contemporary ideas on how to improve assessment and evaluation in schools; test designing; analysis of test results; national examinations and grading.

SECH113 Fundamental Principles of Organic Chemistry

The module is an introductory course to organic chemistry, focusing primarily on the basic principles to understand the structure and reactivity of organic molecules. It includes extensive treatment of hydrocarbons, halogen derivatives, hydroxyl compounds, carbonyl compounds, carboxylic acids and derivatives, nitrogen compounds as well as polymerisation. The module provides an introduction to the chemistry of aromatic compounds.                                   

SECH114 Fundamentals of Analytical Chemistry

The emphasis of this module is on the theory and applications of classical analytical techniques as well as the evaluation of experimental results.  Topics including chemical equations and stoichiometry, introduction to statistical treatment of analytical data; theory and application of gravimetric and titrimetric methods of analysis are covered by the module. The module includes laboratory practicals. 

SECH116 Environmental Chemistry

The module provides students with the chemical basis for understanding our surroundings, and the global environment. This module examines the chemistry of the environment, emphasising the composition of the natural environment and the processes of natural and anthropogenic chemicals in the environment. It provides a broad overview of many important environmental issues thus providing the chemical basis for understanding the environment and environmental problems.

SECH211 Quantum Mechanics, Molecular Spectroscopy and Surface Chemistry

This module explores the fundamental principles of quantum mechanics and its application in modern chemistry as well as the interaction between matter and electromagnetic waves. The module covers fundamental and applied aspects of phase equilibria, surface chemical processes; theories of molecular adsorption/desorption, physical adsorption, chemisorption, adsorption isotherms and practical physical chemistry.

EDGS231 Gender Studies for Educators

The module empowers the students with knowledge and skills that enable them to be gender sensitive in the university, workplace and all their social interactions. Topics covered include Understanding Gender, Theories of Gender Inequalities, Historical Development of Gender, Gender Analysis, Gender Issues in society, Redressing Gender Imbalances, Empowerment and Strategies for creating a gender- responsive environment. Every student has to pass the module to graduate.

BE1E501 Entrepreneurship and Industrialisation in Education

This module equips the students with the relevant knowledge of how to set up and successfully operate business/production units within and outside educational institutions. It covers issues such as how to identify the educational needs of communities, factors to consider in deciding to set up an educational institution, the legal framework including the Education Act and Statutory Instruments, the need for school rules and regulations, disciplinary procedures, staff recruitment, training and development, budgets and budgetary control and how to market the new educational institution.

BEFM231 School Administration & Financial Management in Education

The module introduces students to sound administration and financial management practices followed in schools and other educational institutions. It tackles the basic tenets of the nature and purpose of administration and familiarises students with skills in budgeting and budgetary control. Students are further introduced to the accounting requirements of Treasury Instructions, the School Services Fund, the General-Purpose Fund and School Development Association Funds. Students shall have been equipped with financial literacy to establish their business enterprises.

EFS131 & EFPS131 & EFPH131: Applied Educational Foundations

This module enhances students with basic philosophical, psychological and sociological theories that are central to the learning and development of learners from diverse backgrounds. The module also interrogates the interconnection between educational foundations and innovation, thereby further equipping students with vibrant critical thinking skills to awaken the creative capabilities inherent in them.

SECH212 Coordination, Bioinorganic and Organometallic Chemistry  

The module introduces the fundamental concepts of transition metal chemistry and coordination chemistry. It also focuses on the study of electronic structures and bonding in transition metal, electronic spectra of transition metal complexes, magnetic properties of transition metal complexes, organometallic chemistry, bioinorganic chemistry. 

SECH215 Advanced Pedagogics in Chemistry

The module focuses on the development of the Chemistry teacher’s pedagogical skills. Emphasis is on contemporary issues in chemistry education such as aims of chemistry education, philosophical issues in chemistry education, learning cycles, conceptual change models, constructivist approach to chemistry teaching and learning, cultural perspective of science education, curriculum issues in chemistry education, practical work in chemistry and administrative issues in science education.

SECH213 Organic Synthesis and Spectroscopy

The module introduces the key concepts of organic chemistry through a survey of the basic synthetic methods and reaction mechanisms. It also considers the application of spectroscopic technologies for the determination of molecular structure. 

SECH214 Principles of Chemical Instrumentation and Analysis

This module equips the student with knowledge of instrumental methods of chemical analysis.  Applications in different fields (environmental, medical, food, industrial, forensics, and materials science) will be highlighted. The fundamental principles of instrumental analytical chemistry through the learning of analytical methods based on the use of spectroscopic, electrochemical and chromatographic technologies will be addressed.                                                                                   

SECH217 Nano chemistry and Nano Technology

The course introduces students to issues such as nanoscale which refers to materials with dimensions on the scale of nanometres, Control of the material world at the scale of atoms and molecules which can produce materials with fundamentally different properties and behaviour and has been touted as the next technological revolution.

SECH216 Industrial Chemistry

The module deals with the development, optimisation and monitoring of various chemical processes used in industry for transforming raw materials etc., into useful commercial products for society. Industrial chemistry as an applied science plays a vital role in diverse areas that influence human society. The module equips students with knowledge and skills related to chemistry for job opportunities in industries in both private and public sectors such as manufacturing and processing industries, industries related to petroleum, and the environment.

SECH218 Green Chemistry and Sustainable Development

This module introduces the concept of sustainable chemistry and a holistic perspective of chemistry along the life cycle of chemical products. The module considers a range of factors that should be considered when designing more sustainable chemical products and processes for the future. It familiarises students with the principles for the design of chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate the use and generation of hazardous substances.

BED232 Research Project

In the final year of their studies, students carry out research in a subject-related area. The research project enables the students to sharpen their research skills and at the same time apply the content learnt during the studies. At the end of the projects, students are expected to have acquired research skills and learnt presentation and project proposal writing skills.

BED135 Contemporary Issues in Education

The module exposes students to the most current global trends like Globalisation, Sustainable Development Goals, Gender, Human Rights, and Health pandemics and how these feed into and also how they affect the Zimbabwean Education system.  The thrust is to leverage current trends in promoting innovation, industrialisation and modernisation through Education 5.0.

 

BED136 Educational Management

The module introduces students to the basics of education management that speak to issues of sustainable development, innovation and industrialisation through effective and efficient management of school organisations.  Students are familiarised with basic theories of educational management and the foundational building blocks of educational management namely, planning, organising, controlling, commanding and coordinating.