Walter Sisulu University

Advanced Diploma in Civil Engineering

Physical Planning and Construction - Civil Engineering Construction

Purpose and Rationale

Purpose: The primary purpose of this industry-oriented Diploma is to emphasize general principles and the application of technology transfer within the field of Civil Engineering. The qualification provides learners with a solid knowledge base in a specific field or discipline of Civil Engineering, enabling them to apply their knowledge and skills in particular career or professional contexts. It also prepares them for more specialized and intensive learning. Holders of this qualification are prepared for entry into a specific niche in the labor market and to become competent practicing Civil Engineering Technologists. The qualification offers specializations in Transportation Engineering and Water Engineering, preparing individuals for careers in Civil Engineering and related areas requiring engineering skills to contribute to the economy and national development. It also provides the educational foundation required for registration as a Professional Engineering Technologist with the Engineering Council of South Africa.

Rationale: The Civil Engineering profession plays a significant role in the technological, socio-economic, built environment, and environmental infrastructure of the country. Civil Engineering Technicians are essential for infrastructure development projects in various sectors like local and district municipalities, government departments, engineering consultancies, and construction companies. This includes projects related to roads, rail, ports, airports, water systems, health services, industrial development, and housing. Graduates of this qualification can register with the Engineering Council of South Africa as candidates within the Professional Engineering Technologist category, which is crucial for practicing Civil Engineering at a professional level. Professional Engineering Technologists are known for their ability to apply engineering technology to solve complex problems, provide leadership in technology applications, and exhibit strong interpersonal skills. They possess a deep understanding of engineering sciences, specific technologies, and various other matters related to engineering practice. This qualification equips learners with the necessary skills to contribute to the national economy through their technical proficiency in water engineering or transportation engineering.

Outcomes

  1. Apply engineering principles to systematically diagnose and solve broadly-defined engineering problems.
  2. Apply knowledge of mathematics, natural science and engineering sciences to defined and applied engineering procedures, processes, systems and methodologies to solve broadly-defined engineering problems.
  3. Perform procedural and non-procedural design of broadly defined components, systems, works, products or processes to meet desired needs normally within applicable standards, codes of practice and legislation.
  4. Conduct investigations of broadly-defined problems through locating, searching and selecting relevant data from codes, data bases and literature, designing and conducting experiments, analysing and interpreting results to provide valid conclusions.
  5. Use appropriate techniques, resources, and modern engineering tools, including information technology, prediction and modelling, for the solution of broadly-defined engineering problems, with an understanding of the limitations, restrictions, premises, assumptions and constraints.
  6. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with engineering audiences and the affected parties.
  7. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the impact of engineering activity on the society, economy, industrial and physical environment, and address issues by analysis and evaluation.
  8. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of engineering management principles and apply these to one's own work, as a member and leader in a team and to manage projects.
  9. Engage in independent and life-long learning through well-developed learning skills
  10. Comprehend and apply ethical principles and commit to professional ethics, responsibilities and norms of engineering technology practice.

Assessment Criteria

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

  • Analyse and define the problem and the criteria identified for an acceptable solution.
  • Identify relevant information and engineering knowledge and skills for solving the problem.
  • Generate and formulate possible approaches that would lead to a workable solution for the problem.
  • Model and analyse possible solutions.
  • Evaluate possible solutions and select the best solution.
  • Formulate and present the solution in an appropriate form.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

  • Bring to bear a solution an appropriate mix of knowledge of mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, natural science and engineering science at a fundamental level and in a specialist area of broadly-defined engineering problems.
  • Utilise theories, principles and laws.
  • Perform formal analysis and modelling on engineering materials, components, systems or processes.
  • Communicate concepts, ideas and theories.
  • Perform reasoning about and conceptualising engineering materials, components, systems or processes.
  • Handle uncertainty and risk.
  • Perform work within the boundaries of the practice area.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

  • Formulate the design problem to satisfy user needs, applicable standards, codes of practice and legislation.
  • Plan and manage the design process to focus on important issues and recognises and deals with constraints.
  • Acquire and evaluate knowledge, information and resources in order to apply appropriate principles and design tools to provide a workable solution.
  • Perform design tasks including analysis, quantitative modelling and optimisation of the product, system or process subject to the relevant premises, assumptions, constraints and restrictions.
  • Evaluate alternatives for implementation and select a preferred solution based on techno-economic analysis and judgement.
  • Assess the selected design in terms of the social, economic, legal, health, safety, and environmental impact and benefits.
  • Communicate the design logic and relevant information in a technical report.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

  • Plan and conduct investigations and experiments within an appropriate discipline.
  • Search available literature and critically evaluate material for suitability to the investigation.
  • Perform analysis as necessary to the investigation.
  • Select and use equipment or software as appropriate in the investigations.
  • Analyse, interpret and derive information from available data.
  • Draw conclusions from an analysis of all available evidence.
  • Record the purpose, process and outcomes of the investigation in a technical report.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

  • Assess the method, skill or tool for applicability and limitations against the required result.
  • Apply the method, skill or tool correctly to achieve the required result.
  • Test and assess results produced by the method, skill or tool against required results.
  • Create, select and use computer applications as required by the discipline.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

  • Demonstrate appropriate structure, style and language of written and oral communication for the purpose of the communication and the target audience.
  • Utilise graphics appropriate and effective in enhancing the meaning of text.
  • Utilise visual materials to enhance oral communications.
  • Utilise accepted methods for providing information to others involved in the engineering activity.
  • Deliver oral communication fluently with the intended meaning being apparent.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

  • Explain the impact of technology in terms of the benefits and limitations to society.
  • Analyse the engineering activity in terms of the impact on occupational and public health and safety.
  • Analyse the engineering activity in terms of the impact on the physical environment.
  • Ensure that personal, social, economic, cultural values and requirements are taken into consideration for those who are affected by the engineering activity.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:

  • Explain the principles of planning, organising, leading and controlling.
  • Carry out individual work effectively, strategically and on time.
  • Ensure contributions to team activities support the output of the team as a whole.
  • Demonstrate functionality as a team leader.
  • Organise and manage a design or research project.
  • Carry out effective communication in the context of individual and team work.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:

  • Manage learning tasks autonomously and ethically, individually and in learning groups.
  • Reflect on learning undertaken and determine own learning requirements and strategies to suit personal learning style and preferences.
  • Source, organise and evaluate relevant information.
  • Comprehend and apply knowledge acquired outside of formal instruction.
  • Challenge assumptions critically and embrace new thinking.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:

  • Describe the nature and complexity of ethical dilemmas.
  • Describe the ethical implications of decisions made.
  • Apply ethical reasoning to evaluate engineering solutions.
  • Maintain continued competence through keeping abreast of up-to-date tools and techniques available in the workplace.
  • Understand and embrace the system of continuing professional development as an ongoing process.
  • Accept responsibility for consequences stemming from own actions.
  • Make judgements in decision making during problem solving and design.
  • Limit decision making to area of current competence.

Qualification Details

Type
Advanced Diploma
NQF Level
07
Min. Credits
120
SAQA Source
More Information

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Walter Sisulu University
Walter Sisulu University
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Description
Walter Sisulu University (WSU) is a comprehensive university located in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. It was established in 2005 through the merger of three institutions: the University of Transkei, the Eastern Cape Technikon, and the Border Technikon. WSU offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including arts and humanities, business and management sciences, education, health sciences, natural sciences, and engineering. The university is committed to providing quality education and promoting social justice, equity, and sustainable development. WSU has multiple campuses spread across different regions of the Eastern Cape, including Mthatha, Butterworth, Buffalo City (East London), and Queenstown. Each campus offers a unique learning environment and facilities to cater to the diverse needs of students. The university is named after Walter Sisulu, a prominent anti-apartheid activist and leader of the African National Congress (ANC). It aims to honor his legacy by fostering a culture of activism, social responsibility, and community engagement among its students and staff. Overall, Walter Sisulu University strives to be a leading institution of higher learning in South Africa, providing accessible and relevant education to empower individuals and contribute to the development of the Eastern Cape region and the country as a whole.

This page includes information from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) . Builtneat Pty Ltd trading as Study Start, has modified all or some of this information. SAQA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.