Advanced Diploma in Mechanical Engineering
Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology - Engineering and Related Design
Purpose and Rationale
Qualification Summary
Purpose
This qualification is primarily industry-oriented, emphasizing general principles, application, and technology transfer in Mechanical Engineering. It provides learners with a solid knowledge base and skills in the field, preparing them for specialized and intensive learning. Graduates are equipped to enter the Mechanical Engineering industry with a strong professional and career focus. The aim of educational programs aligned with this qualification is to develop the necessary knowledge, understanding, abilities, and skills needed for further learning to become competent practicing engineering technologists. Graduates will have the capability to apply engineering technology to solve various problems, develop components, systems, and processes, demonstrate leadership in technology application, safety, health, and effective operations, possess well-developed interpersonal skills, work independently with responsibility, and exercise judgment in decision-making related to technology application, health, safety, and associated risks. They will possess a specialized understanding of engineering sciences, specific technologies, as well as knowledge in financial, commercial, legal, social, economic, health, safety, and environmental aspects.
Rationale
The Advanced Diploma in Mechanical Engineering offers a more conceptual education compared to the Diploma in Mechanical Engineering and serves as a bridge to Postgraduate studies. This qualification is in alignment with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DoHET) and the Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework (HEQSF) sub framework document on National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 7. It is designed to prepare learners to become Professional Engineering Technologists and to register with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA). Graduates with this qualification can progress into Postgraduate/Honours (NQF 8), Masters (NQF 9), and eventually a Doctorate (NQF 10). The qualification provides the educational foundation needed for careers in mechanical engineering, technical proficiency, contribution to the economy and national development, and eligibility for registration as a Professional Engineering Technologist with ECSA.
Outcomes
- Apply mechanical engineering principles to systematically diagnose and solve broadly-defined mechanical engineering problems.
- Apply knowledge of mathematics, natural science and engineering sciences to applied mechanical engineering procedures, processes, systems and methodologies to solve broadly-defined mechanical engineering problems.
- Perform procedural and non-procedural design of broadly defined components, systems, works, products or processes in metallurgical engineering to meet 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 metallurgical 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:
- Communicate concepts, ideas, and theories with the aid of Mechanical Engineering principles and approaches.
- Use physical laws and knowledge of the mechanical engineering world as a foundation for the engineering sciences and the solution of integrated engineering problems.
- Use techniques, principles, and laws of engineering science to solve mechanical and engineering problems.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- Apply fundamental and specialist knowledge by bringing mechanical engineering mathematical strategies, numerical analysis, statistical knowledge, and methods to bear on engineering problems.
- Communicate concepts, ideas, and with the aid of Mechanical engineering concepts.
- Describe uncertainty and risk through the use of Probability and Statistics.
- Use physical laws and knowledge of the physical world as a foundation for the engineering sciences and the solution of engineering problems.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Use techniques, principles, and laws of engineering science in procedural and non-procedural design.
- Implement engineering strategies concept to design machinery and to address mechanical and related engineering problems and meet desired industry and community needs.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- Describe uncertainty and risk through the use of Probability and Statistics.
- Solve research informed engineering problems, writing reports, and communicating results.
- Conduct research (Literature reviews, data collection and use of a range of research methodologies).
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
- Apply, implement technology and techniques to solve broadly defined engineering problems.
- Implement Engineering methods, skills, tools, resources including Information technology to develop and design mechanical engineering projects.
- Analyze technology-enhanced strategies in engineering related environments.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
- Use professional communication strategies to communicate engineering related problems, designs, and project development.
- Apply professionalism and ethics according to Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) requirements.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the impact of metallurgical engineering activity on society, economy, industrial and physical environment, and address issues by analysis and evaluation and the need to act professionally within own limits of competencies.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
- Show the ability to work independently and within a team environment.
- Demonstrate the ability to lead a team and to be a leader of a project.
- Demonstrate accountability for independent learning.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
- Demonstrate the ability to be trustworthy and work independently.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:
- Show knowledge and understanding of professionalism in the engineering environment.
- Apply Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) standard code of conduct.
Integrated Assessment:
- The Advanced Diploma in Mechanical Engineering will be offered on a full-time, contact basis.
- 60% of the time will be spent in contact with learners in the form of lectures, practical classes, and tutorials.
- Assessments are formal or informal with a summative assessment at the end of each module.
- Materials to be developed include presentations, practical designs, assignments, learner guides, and notes.
- A combination of formative and summative assessment is used with feedback provided within 10 days after assessment.
- Exit Level Outcomes and Associated Assessment Criteria will be communicated to learners in writing in their learner guides.
- One-on-one consultation sessions are available for learners.
Qualification Details
- Type
- Advanced Diploma
- NQF Level
- 07
- Min. Credits
- 120
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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