Advanced Diploma in Mechanical Engineering in Mechatronics
Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology - Engineering and Related Design
Purpose and Rationale
Qualification Overview
Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to provide learners with a sound knowledge base of Mechatronics and enable them to apply their knowledge and skills to a particular career or professional context. This qualification aims to prepare individuals to enter the Mechatronics labor market with a strong professional or career focus. Graduates will be equipped to undertake more specialized and intensive learning, building necessary knowledge, understanding, abilities, and skills required to become competent practicing Mechatronic Engineering Technologists or Certificated Engineers. Professional Mechatronic Engineering Technologists are characterized by their leadership in applying technology to solve problems, develop components, systems, services, and processes. They have well-developed interpersonal skills, work independently and responsibly, and possess a specialized understanding of Mechatronic engineering sciences.
Rationale:
This qualification aligns with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) Standard E-05-PT and enables graduates to register as Professional Engineering Technologists. It prepares individuals for careers in Mechatronic Engineering, contributing to technical proficiency, economic development, and national progress. Additionally, it provides the educational foundation required for registration as a Professional Engineering Technologist and/or Certificated Engineer with ECSA. Graduates can use this qualification as a stepping stone towards Level 8 qualifications such as Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Honours), Postgraduate Diploma, Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) Programs in Mechatronics, and further studies at the Masters level in Mechatronics or related fields.
Outcomes
- Apply engineering principles to systematically diagnose and solve broadly-defined engineering problems.
- Apply knowledge of mathematics, natural science and engineering sciences to applied engineering procedures, processes, systems and methodologies and solve broadly-defined engineering problems.
- Perform procedural and non-procedural design of broadly-defined components, systems, works, products or processes to meet the desired needs normally within applicable standards, codes of practice and legislation.
- Define and conduct investigations and experiments of broadly-defined problems.
- 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 and the need to act professionally within own limits of competency.
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of engineering management principles and apply these to one's own work, as a member or leader in a diverse 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 practice within own limits of competence.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
- Analyse and define the Mechanical engineering problem and identify the criteria for an acceptable solution.
- Use relevant information and Mechanical Engineering knowledge and skills for solving the problem.
- Formulate various approaches based on Mechanical Engineering for workable solutions.
- Model and analyse Mechanical Engineering solutions.
- Evaluate and select the best solution.
- Present the solution appropriately.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- Apply knowledge of mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, natural science, and engineering science to solve Mechanical engineering problems.
- Use Mechanical Engineering theories, principles, and laws.
- Utilize simulation software (i.e CFD) for fluids mechanics problems.
- Communicate Mechanical Engineering concepts effectively.
- Reason about Mechanical Engineering and conceptualise engineering materials, components, systems, or processes.
- Handle uncertainty and risk using probability and statistics.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Formulate Mechanical Engineering design problems to meet user needs, standards, codes of practice, and legislation.
- Plan and manage the design process focusing on important issues and constraints.
- Acquire and evaluate Mechanical Engineering knowledge, information, and resources.
- Perform design tasks including analysis, modeling, and optimization.
- Evaluate alternatives based on techno-economic analysis.
- Assess the social, economic, legal, health, safety, and environmental impact of designs.
- Communicate design logic and information in technical reports.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- Plan, design, and conduct investigations and experiments on Mechanical Engineering systems.
- Critically evaluate relevant literature and materials.
- Analyze information from Mechanical Engineering systems.
- Record outcomes in technical reports.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
- Select and assess mechanical engineering systems and software for applicability.
- Apply systems correctly to achieve results.
- Test and assess results critically.
- Use computer applications as required.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
- Submit project outcomes as technical reports and oral presentations.
- Ensure communication structure, style, and language are appropriate.
- Use graphics and visual materials effectively.
- Deliver oral communication fluently.
- Tailor written communications to the audience.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
- Identify the impact of Mechanical Engineering technology on society.
- Analyze impacts on health, safety, and the environment.
- Consider personal, social, economic, and cultural values in engineering activities.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
- Explain principles of planning, organizing, leading, and controlling.
- Work effectively and support team activities.
- Organize and manage projects.
- Communicate effectively in individual or team settings.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
- Manage learning tasks autonomously and ethically.
- Reflect on learning and determine strategies.
- Source, organize, and evaluate relevant information.
- Challenge assumptions and apply knowledge critically.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:
- Describe ethical dilemmas and implications.
- Apply ethical reasoning to evaluate solutions.
- Maintain competence through professional development.
- Accept responsibility for decisions in Mechanical Engineering.
Integrated Assessment:
- Utilize a variety of teaching and learning methods.
- Include classroom teaching, tutorials, practicals, and independent research.
- Incorporate work-integrated learning and problem-based learning.
- Align Teaching and Learning strategies with Assessment strategies.
- Provide multiple assessment opportunities for learners.
- Adhere to institutional Assessment policies and guidelines.
Qualification Details
- Type
- Advanced Diploma
- NQF Level
- 07
- Min. Credits
- 120
- 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.