SCIENCES
ANALYTICAL CHEMIST
WHAT DOES AN ANALYTICAL CHEMIST DO?
The analytical chemist examines the composition, structure and characteristics of a variety of materials and the processes and changes they undergo. In particular, he investigates which substances are present and in what quantities. An analytical chemist also aims to develop new methods of analysis. He conducts his experiments in a laboratory and usually writes his reports in an office.The analytical chemist works closely with a team of chemists who are all specialists in their own fields.
WHAT ARE THE ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS?
Senior Certificate with matric exemption for a degree course. Senior Certificate for a diploma course.
COMPULSORY SUBJECTS: Mathematics, Physical Science
RECOMMENDED SUBJECTS: None
WHERE CAN YOU STUDY? Technikon
AQUATIC SCIENTIST
WHAT DOES AN AQUATIC SCIENTIST DO?
An aquatic scientist studies the physical, chemical, biological and ecological aspects of inland and marine water environments.
The aquatic scientist studies the following aspects of the water environment: the physical aspects such as temperature, the available light and water movements; chemical aspects such as the organic and inorganic composition of the water; biological aspects, which entail detailed observation of the various types of aquatic plants and organisms; interrelated aspects such as the relationship between organisms and their environments; the effect of pollution; the management and utilisation of inland and coastal waters; the cultivation of organisms for the manufacture of chemicals; cultivation for food purposes; the development of plans to ensure the ongoing health of the aquatic ecosystem.
An aquatic scientist’s time is divided between being in the laboratory and being out in a water environment when he is busy with research.
WHAT ARE THE ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS?
Senior Certificate with matric exemption.
COMPULSORY SUBJECTS: Mathematics, Physical Science
RECOMMENDED SUBJECTS: Biology
WHERE CAN YOU STUDY? Technikon
BIOCHEMIST
WHAT DOES A BIOCHEMIST DO?
The biochemist studies the chemical composition of living things. He deals with phenomena that distinguish the living from the non-living in chemical and physical terms. He works with animals, plants or micro-organisms. He endeavours to breach the gap between the highly integrated activity of the living cell (a biological unit) and the properties of its individual components. The nature of the work is determined by the field the biochemist may work in. He may: do research on new products; conduct research into ways of re-using waste materials; develop methods for the purification of water; work in the industry where products are manufactured through chemical processes and reactions (biotechnology); be involved in the control and purification of foods; develop antibiotics and test the reaction of the human body to certain medicines; may be involved in genetics and forensic science.
WHAT ARE THE ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS?
Senior Certificate with matric exemption.
COMPULSORY SUBJECTS:
Mathematics, Physical Science
RECOMMENDED SUBJECTS: Biology
WHERE CAN YOU STUDY? Technikon
GEOPHYSICIST
WHAT DOES A GEOPHYSICIST DO?
The geophysicist studies the earth’s physical features including its atmosphere and hydrosphere. He examines and measures seismic, gravitational, electrical, thermal and magnetic forces, using the principles of physics, mathematics and chemistry. He compiles and analyses the data to: compute the earth’s shape; estimate its composition and the structure of its interior; determine the flow patterns of ocean tides and currents; help locate petroleum and mineral deposits; prepare navigational charts and maps; predict atmospheric conditions; prepare environmental reports; establish water supply and flood-control programmes.
The geophysicist also investigates the origin and activity of volcanoes, glaciers and earthquakes, and studies other planets. Solid earth, fluid earth and the upper atmosphere are three general fields of study for geophysicists. Geophysics is connected to a number of techniques which can be employed to solve a specific problem. The most important of these are the gravity technique, the magnetic method, seismic techniques, electric and electromagnetic methods and radiomagnetic methods.
WHAT ARE THE ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS?
Senior Certificate with matric exemption.
COMPULSORY SUBJECTS: Mathematics, Physical Science
RECOMMENDED SUBJECTS: Geography
WHERE CAN YOU STUDY? Technikon
ENGINEERING
AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING
WHAT DOES AN AERONAUTICAL ENGINEER DO?
The aeronautical engineer is regarded as competent and sufficiently specialised to plan, design, develop, manufacture and test aircraft, missiles, satellites and other relevant aeronautical products and systems. He usually works as part of a team with each team member representing a different area of specialisation.
An aeronautical engineer may specialise in one of the following fields:
Structural analysis: The analysis of static and dynamic loads and the choice of construction materials and production methods of airframe.
Aerodynamics: The study of airflow over an aircraft to determine its configuration, stability, control and performance and power requirements.
Propulsion: The design, development, production, assembly and testing of aircraft engines.
Systems: Definition, simulation, integration and evaluation of subsystems.
Manufacture and production: Ensure a product of high quality with the use of rigid standards and stringent control throughout the production process.
Avionics: This field involves aspects such as flight instrumentation, radar, computers, navigation equipment, communication systems and censors (height and speed).
Servo- and power systems: The use of hydraulic and electric systems for the stability and control of aircraft and missiles.
Certification: Systematic flight tests to prove that an aircraft is airworthy and performs as required.
WHAT ARE THE ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS?
Senior Certificate with matric exemption.
COMPULSORY SUBJECTS: Mathematics and Physical Science on HG
RECOMMENDED SUBJECTS: Computer Studies, Technical Drawing
WHERE CAN YOU STUDY? Universities
AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING
WHAT DOES AN AGRICULTURAL ENGINEER DO?
An agricultural engineer applies engineering principles as well as knowledge of agricultural practice to solve agricultural problems. He combines logic and practical thinking with inventiveness and innovation.
The agricultural engineer manages living things and life-giving resources in such a way as to protect and preserve them by using mechanical, civil and electronic engineering skills. He designs equipment and buildings which can process them more effectively and ensure their renewability.
The agricultural engineer can practise beyond the farm boundary in areas such as forestry, water resource management, food processing, urban and rural development, machinery design and manufacturing. The job functions of the agricultural engineer can include management, development, design, consulting, research, teaching and counselling.
WHAT ARE THE ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS?
Senior Certificate with matric exemption.
COMPULSORY SUBJECTS: Mathematics and Physical Science HG
RECOMMENDED SUBJECTS: Agricultural Science
WHERE CAN YOU STUDY? Universities
BIOMEDICAL ENGINEER
WHAT DOES A BIOMEDICAL ENGINEER DO?
A biomedical engineer uses engineering principles to solve medical and health-related problems. The biomedical engineer designs and develops medical instruments and devices such as the heart-lung machine, the iron lung, the artificial kidney machine, realistic artificial limbs and organs such as heart valves and hips, pacemakers and monitoring devices. He also adapts computers to serve medicine.
The biomedical engineer:
conducts research ranging from the study of engineering aspects of human biological systems to the improvement of existing medical devices; arranges tests to ensure the continuing safety of electronic, electrical and mechanical equipment used for the diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of patients; advises and recommends the purchase of new equipment to administrators; trains and supervises technicians.
WHAT ARE THE ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS?
Senior Certificate with matric exemption.
COMPULSORY SUBJECTS: Mathematics and Physical Science HG
RECOMMENDED SUBJECTS: Biology, Physiology
WHERE CAN YOU STUDY? Universities
FLIGHT ENGINEER
WHAT DOES A FLIGHT ENGINEER DO?
A flight engineer assists the pilot and co-pilot on large aircraft by monitoring and operating many of the instruments and systems and watching for other aircraft. He carries out minor repairs and adjustments before take-off, while the aircraft is in flight and after landing to ensure the constant safety of the aircraft.
Before take-off the flight engineer carries out safety checks against a pre-flight check list. These checks include: inspecting for fuel or oil leaks; checking for electrical, hydraulic or pressurisation system malfunctions; verifying that passengers, freight and fuel do not exceed the weight limitations, and that the weight is evenly distributed.
While the aircraft is in flight the flight engineer needs to focus on the following tasks: monitoring fuel gauges and calculating the rate of fuel consumption; keeping a log of fuel consumption and engine performance; monitoring aircraft speed; maintaining cabin temperature; carrying out minor repairs; taking emergency measures in the case of equipment failure; logging repairs that were not corrected during flight and reporting these to the ground crew on landing.
WHAT ARE THE ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS?
Senior Certificate with matric exemption.
COMPULSORY SUBJECTS: Mathematics and Physical Science HG
RECOMMENDED SUBJECTS: Geography
WHERE CAN YOU STUDY? Universities
NOTE:
The engineering faculties of some universities
offer a support program to help students become
self-sufficient and capable of completing the very
demanding engineering course.
The program is aimed at students from communities which lack proper education facilities.
Only students with matric exemption with a
minimum of a D-symbol (higher grade)
will be considered.
TECHNOLOGISTS
BIOMEDICAL TECHNOLOGIST
WHAT DOES A BIOMEDICAL TECHNOLOGIST DO?
The biomedical technologist works in a laboratory and provides analytical information important for the prevention and cure of diseases to medical doctors and pathologists.
The work of the biomedical technologist is divided into the following main categories:
– Diagnostic work: This forms the major part of biomedical technology and includes: haematology (the study of blood); chemical pathology (analysis of body floods); histopathology (the study of diseases that affect body tissues); microbiology (the study of bacteria, fungi and viruses that can cause disease); cytology (analysing of cells that the body normally exfoliates).
– Blood transfusion technology: The biomedical technologist in the blood transfusion technology field conducts tests on blood to determine blood groups and diseases like Aids and hepatitis. He must be extremely careful because most of the time he works with infected material.
– Research:
– The preparation of serums and vaccines: The biomedical technologist does not work directly with patients. He forms part of a laboratory team and may have to train and supervise laboratory assistants and other technologists.
WHAT ARE THE ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS?
Senior Certificate.
COMPULSORY SUBJECTS: Mathematics, Physical Science and Biology/Physiology
RECOMMENDED SUBJECTS: English
WHERE CAN YOU STUDY? Technikon
EXPLOSIVES TECHNOLOGIST
WHAT DOES AN EXPLOSIVE TECHNOLOGIST DO?
The explosives technologist is the person who manufactures, examines and tests commercial and military explosives. He may, for example, have the responsibility for the demolition of a building, using explosives.
The explosives technologist in the manufacturing industry is responsible for the planning of production plants, processes and analytical methods for the manufacture of explosives. He prepares a scale model of the envisaged plant, plans down to the finest detail and specifies processes.
In the laboratory routine analytical processes and development take place. Raw material is first analysed, then the technologist ensures that production goes according to plan and final products measure up to expectations. Research is done to develop new techniques, processes and products. If these are accepted, the technologist draws up specifications for their implementation.
WHAT ARE THE ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS?
Senior Certificate for a diploma course.
COMPULSORY SUBJECTS: English, Mathematics and Physical Science
RECOMMENDED SUBJECTS: None
WHERE CAN YOU STUDY? Technikon
PAPER TECHNOLOGIST
WHAT DOES A PAPER TECHNOLOGIST DO?
A paper technologist is responsible for controlling the processes involved in the conversion of the raw material into pulp, paper, cardboard and related products.
The paper technologist is involved in: the processes to manufacture pulp from raw materials; supplying the chemicals for the various processes; the design, manufacture and operation of the paper machines; paper and board making; converting and coating; research and development; project management.
The paper technologist applies his knowledge of chemical and mechanical engineering and paper factory technology to these processes to ensure high standards of quality in the final product.
WHAT ARE THE ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS?
Senior Certificate with matric exemption for a degree course. Senior Certificate for a diploma course.
COMPULSORY SUBJECTS: English, Mathematics and Physical Science
RECOMMENDED SUBJECTS: Biology, Woodwork
WHERE CAN YOU STUDY? Technikon
WOOD TECHNOLOGIST
WHAT DOES A WOOD TECHNOLOGIST DO? The wood technologist is trained to function as line manager in saw mills or other timber processing plants. He applies his practical and academic knowledge of timber and timber processing technology to the process of converting raw timber to saleable products like plywood or particle board, thus ensuring quality standards and efficiency.
The wood technologist can be involved in: obtaining of timber; preparation, storage and control of raw materials; efficient and cost-effective conversion of these raw materials; transport within and outside the processing plant; storage and control of finished products; marketing; management and training of staff; cost and quality control; plant safety and equipment maintenance; in-company, industrial and scientific research.
WHAT ARE THE ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS?
Senior Certificate.
COMPULSORY SUBJECTS: Mathematics
RECOMMENDED SUBJECTS: Physical Science, Biology, Accounting, Economics, Woodwork
WHERE CAN YOU STUDY? Technikon