Advanced Diploma in Mechanical Engineering
Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology - Engineering and Related Design
Purpose and Rationale
Purpose: The primary purpose of this industry-oriented diploma is to emphasize general principles and the application or technology transfer within the field of Mechanical Engineering. This qualification provides learners with a solid knowledge base in a specific field of Mechanical Engineering and the ability to apply their knowledge and skills to particular career or professional contexts. It also equips them for more specialized and intensive learning. The qualification prepares holders to enter specific niches in the labor market and provides the necessary knowledge, understanding, abilities, and skills for further learning to become competent practicing Mechanical Engineering Technologists.
This qualification provides:
- Preparation for careers in Mechanical Engineering and related areas that benefit from engineering skills.
- Preparation for achieving technological proficiency and contributing to the economy and national development.
- The educational foundation required for registration as a Professional Engineering Technologist with the Engineering Council of South Africa.
Rationale: The Mechanical Engineering profession plays a vital role in various sectors of the country, including technological, socio-economic, manufacturing, industrial, and automotive sectors. Mechanical Engineering Technicians' expertise, skills, and knowledge are in demand by various industries and organizations. Job opportunities in this sector range from research and design to construction, manufacturing, testing, commissioning, and maintenance of products, equipment, and systems. The Mechanical Engineering sector is a critical component of the South African economy.
Professional Engineering Technologists play essential roles in applying engineering technology to solve problems, develop components, systems, services, and processes. They provide leadership in technology application, safety, health, and effective operations, and possess well-developed interpersonal skills. Graduates of this qualification can register with the Engineering Council of South Africa as learners in the Professional Engineering Technologist category. They demonstrate specialized understanding of engineering sciences, specific technologies, and considerations such as financial, legal, social, economic, health, safety, and environmental aspects.
Learners who achieve the Advanced Diploma in Mechanical Engineering can apply techniques, procedures, practices, and codes to solve broadly-defined problems in the field. They are equipped with engineering skills, technical proficiency, and the ability to contribute to national economic development.
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
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
- Analyse and define the problem, identify criteria for an acceptable solution.
- Identify relevant information, engineering knowledge, and skills for solving the problem.
- Generate possible approaches and formulate workable solutions.
- Model and analyse possible solutions.
- Evaluate possible solutions and select the best one.
- Formulate and present the solution appropriately.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- Apply knowledge of mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, natural science, and engineering science.
- Use theories, principles, and laws in solving engineering problems.
- Perform formal analysis and modelling on engineering materials, components, systems, or processes.
- Communicate concepts, ideas, and theories effectively.
- Reason and conceptualise engineering materials, components, systems, or processes.
- Handle uncertainty and risk within the practice area.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Formulate a design problem to meet user needs, standards, codes, and legislation.
- Plan and manage the design process, focusing on important issues and constraints.
- Acquire and evaluate knowledge, information, and resources for a workable solution.
- Perform design tasks, analysis, quantitative modelling, and optimisation.
- Evaluate design solutions for implementation, select a preferred solution based on techno-economic analysis.
- Assess the design's impact on social, economic, legal, health, safety, and environmental aspects.
- Communicate design logic and information in a technical report.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- Plan and conduct investigations and experiments within a discipline.
- Search available literature, critically evaluate material for investigation.
- Perform necessary analysis for the investigation.
- Select and use equipment or software appropriately.
- 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 applicability and limitations of methods, skills, or tools.
- Apply methods, skills, or tools correctly to achieve required results.
- Test and assess results against required outcomes.
- Create and use computer applications as required.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
- Ensure appropriate structure, style, and language in written and oral communication.
- Use graphics effectively to enhance the meaning of text.
- Use visual materials to enhance oral communications.
- Provide information using accepted methods within the engineering activity.
- Deliver fluent oral communication with clear intended meaning.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
- Explain the impact of technology on society, occupational and public health, safety, and the physical environment.
- Analyse the engineering activity in terms of its impact on personal, social, economic, and cultural values.
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.
- Contribute to team activities to support the team's output.
- Demonstrate functioning as a team leader.
- Organise and manage a design or research project.
- Conduct effective communication in individual and team work contexts.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
- Manage learning tasks autonomously and ethically.
- Reflect on learning and determine personal learning requirements and strategies.
- Source, organise, and evaluate relevant information.
- 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 up-to-date tools and techniques.
- Understand and embrace the system of continuing professional development.
- Accept responsibility for consequences stemming from own actions.
- Make judgements in decision-making during problem-solving and design within the current competence area.
Qualification Details
- Type
- Advanced Diploma
- NQF Level
- 07
- Min. Credits
- 120
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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