Advanced Diploma in Electrical Engineering
Physical Planning and Construction - Electrical Infrastructure Construction
Purpose and Rationale
Purpose:
The primary purpose of this industry-oriented Diploma emphasises general principles and application or technology transfer within the field of Electrical Engineering. The qualification provides students with a sound knowledge base in a particular field or discipline of Electrical Engineering and the ability to apply their knowledge and skills to particular career or professional contexts, while equipping them to undertake more specialised and intensive learning. The programme leading to this qualification have a strong professional or career focus and holders of this qualification are prepared to enter a specific niche in the labour market. The purpose of this educational programme is to build the necessary knowledge, understanding, abilities and skills required for further learning towards becoming a competent practicing Electrical Engineering Technologist. This qualification provides:
- Preparation for careers in Electrical Engineering itself and areas that potentially benefit from engineering skills, for achieving technological proficiency and to make a contribution to the economy and national development.
- The educational base required for registration as a Professional Engineering Technologist with the Engineering Council of South Africa.
Rationale:
The Electrical Engineering profession contributes, among others to the technological, socio-economic, manufacturing, industrial and automotive sectors of the country. The expertise, skill and knowledge of Electrical Engineering Technologists are required by power utilities, industry, manufacturers, local and district municipalities, national government departments, parastatal organisations and engineering consultancies. Job opportunities and services provided by this sector include, among others power generation, transmission and distribution, research and design, electronics, communication networks, control systems, manufacturing, automation, testing, commissioning and maintenance. The sector within which Electrical engineering resides fulfill a critical component within the South African economy. The practice of Electrical Engineering at a professional level involves a number of roles, recognised in categories of registration under the Engineering Profession Act. This qualification provides the educational base that enable graduates to register with the Engineering Council of South Africa as candidates within the Professional Engineering Technologist category. The profile of Professional Engineering Technologist are characterised by the ability to apply established and newly developed engineering technology to solve broadly-defined problems, develop components, systems, services and processes. They provide leadership in the application of technology in safety, health, engineering and commercially effective operations and have well-developed interpersonal skills. They work independently and responsibly, applying judgement to decisions arising in the application of technology and health and safety considerations to problems and associated risks. Professional Engineering Technologists have a specialized understanding of engineering sciences underlying a deep knowledge of specific technologies together with financial, commercial, legal, social and economic, health, safety and environmental matters. Learners achieving the Advanced Diploma in Electrical Engineering qualification have the ability to apply techniques, procedures, practices and codes to solve broadly-defined problems in a particular field of Electrical Engineering. Qualified learners will be equipped with the relevant engineering skills and achieve technical proficiency to enable them to contribute to the development of the national economy.
Outcomes
- Apply engineering principles to systematically diagnose and solve broadly-defined engineering problems.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with engineering audiences and the affected parties.
- 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.
- 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.
- Engage in independent and life-long learning through well-developed learning skills.
- Comprehend and apply ethical principles and commit to professional ethics, responsibilities and norms of engineering technology practice.
Assessment Criteria
Exit Level Outcomes
Exit Level Outcome 1
- Analyse and define the problem and the criteria 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.
Exit Level Outcome 2
- Utilise 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 effectively.
- Perform reasoning about and conceptualising engineering materials, components, systems or processes.
- Handle uncertainty and risk.
- Work within the boundaries of the practice area.
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 deal with constraints.
- Acquire and evaluate knowledge, information and resources to apply appropriate principles and design tools for a workable solution.
- Perform design tasks including analysis, quantitative modelling and optimisation.
- Evaluate alternatives for implementation and select a preferred solution.
- Assess the selected design in terms of social, economic, legal, health, safety, and environmental impact.
- Communicate the design logic and relevant information in a technical report.
Exit Level Outcome 4
- Plan and conduct investigations and experiments within an appropriate discipline.
- Search available literature and critically evaluate for suitability to the investigation.
- Perform necessary analysis in the investigation.
- Select and use equipment or software as appropriate.
- 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.
Exit Level Outcome 5
- Assess the applicability and limitations of methods, skills or tools against the required result.
- Apply methods, skills or tools correctly to achieve the required result.
- Test and assess results produced against the required results.
- Create, select and use computer applications as required.
Exit Level Outcome 6
- Demonstrate appropriate structure, style and language in written and oral communication.
- Utilise graphics and visual materials effectively.
- Utilise accepted methods for providing information to others.
- Deliver oral communication fluently with clear meaning.
Exit Level Outcome 7
- Explain the impact of technology in terms of benefits and limitations to society.
- Analyse the impact of the engineering activity on occupational and public health and safety, as well as on the physical environment.
- Consider personal, social, economic, cultural values and requirements of those affected by the engineering activity.
Exit Level Outcome 8
- Explain the principles of planning, organising, leading and controlling.
- Carry out individual work effectively, strategically and on time.
- Contribute to team activities that support the team's output.
- Demonstrate functionality as a team leader.
- Organise and manage a design or research project.
- Carry out effective communication in individual and team work.
Exit Level Outcome 9
- Manage learning tasks autonomously and ethically.
- Reflect on learning undertaken and determine own learning requirements and strategies.
- Source, organise and evaluate relevant information.
- Comprehend and apply knowledge acquired outside of formal instruction.
- Challenge assumptions critically and embrace new thinking.
Exit Level Outcome 10
- Describe ethical dilemmas and implications of decisions made.
- Apply ethical reasoning to evaluate engineering solutions.
- Maintain continued competence through keeping up-to-date with tools and techniques.
- Understand and embrace continuing professional development.
- Accept responsibility for consequences of own actions.
- Make judgements in decision making during problem solving and design.
Integrated Assessment
- Applied competence will be achieved through the Exit Level Outcomes.
- Critical Cross-Field Outcomes must be assessed.
- Assessment tools should be appropriate and consider the whole person development.
- A detailed portfolio of evidence is required.
- Formative and summative assessment methods will be used.
- Workplace assessment can be utilized.
Methods of Assessment
- Portfolio of Evidence.
- Written tests.
- Practical tests.
- Oral assessment methods.
- In-situ (on-the-job) observations.
- Simulation.
- Structured classroom discussions and oral tests.
- Role-play and/or Simulations.
- Knowledge tests, exams, case studies, projects, etc.
By adhering to these assessment criteria and methods, learners can demonstrate their competence in various engineering tasks and activities.
Qualification Details
- Type
- Advanced Diploma
- NQF Level
- 07
- Min. Credits
- 140
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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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.