Advanced Diploma in Metallurgical Engineering
Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology - Engineering and Related Design
Purpose and Rationale
Advanced Diploma in Metallurgical Engineering
Purpose:
The Advanced Diploma in Metallurgical Engineering is primarily industry-oriented, focusing on general principles, technology application, and knowledge transfer. The qualification equips learners with a solid knowledge base in Metallurgical Engineering and the practical skills to apply this knowledge. It also prepares them for further specialized studies. This qualification is designed with a strong professional and career focus, enabling holders to enter the metallurgical industry in physical metallurgy and extractive metallurgy disciplines. Specifically, the qualification aims to:
- Provide preparation for careers in metallurgical engineering and contribute to the economy and national development.
- Offer the educational foundation required for registration as a Professional Engineering Technologist with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA).
- Enable entry to NQF Level 8 qualifications like Honours, Post Graduate Diplomas, and Masters Qualifications.
Rationale:
The program prepares learners to become Professional Engineering Technologists eligible for registration with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA). Professional Engineering Technologists are known for their ability to apply engineering technology to solve complex problems, develop systems and processes, and lead in applying technology for safe and effective operations. These professionals possess strong interpersonal skills, work independently, and exercise judgment in decision-making. They have a deep understanding of engineering sciences, technologies, and broader aspects such as financial, legal, social, and environmental considerations.
Benchmarking against international standards ensures that this qualification aligns with global practices. Stakeholder input, including advisory committee feedback, has been incorporated to meet industry demands. Graduates are well-equipped to meet community needs, with various employment opportunities available for qualified learners.
Outcomes
- Apply metallurgical engineering principles to systematically diagnose and solve broadly-defined metallurgical engineering problems.
- Apply knowledge of mathematics, natural science and engineering sciences to applied metallurgical engineering procedures, processes, systems and methodologies to solve broadly-defined metallurgical 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 in metallurgical engineering.
- Use appropriate techniques, resources, and modern engineering tools, including information technology, prediction and modelling, for the solution of broadly-defined metallurgical 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
The following Associated Assessment Criteria will assess the Exit Level Outcomes in an integrated manner:
-
Apply relevant metallurgical engineering principles, information, knowledge, and skills to identify, analyse, systematically diagnose and formulate workable solutions to acceptably solve metallurgical engineering problems.
-
Integrate and apply knowledge of mathematics to engineering analysis and modelling fundamental knowledge of natural science and applied metallurgical engineering procedures, processes, systems, and methodologies to innovatively solve broadly-defined metallurgical engineering problems.
-
Conduct a procedural and non-procedural design project which is impacting on society (e.g. socially, economically, legally, health, safety, and environmentally) and involves selecting equipment, components, systems, works, products, or processes in metallurgical engineering to meet desired needs normally within applicable standards, codes of practice, and legislation.
-
Conduct scientific research (e.g. literature review, investigating, experimenting, and drawing conclusions from analyzing all relevant evidence of problems in metallurgical engineering, and being recorded in a technical report) within the metallurgical engineering field of study.
-
Utilize appropriate techniques, resources, and modern engineering tools, including information technology, prediction, and modeling to critically test and assess produced results with an understanding of the limitations, restrictions, premises, assumptions, and constraints to achieve the solution required for solving metallurgical engineering problems.
-
Create, select, and use computer applications as required by the discipline.
-
Apply accepted and appropriate methods and material (e.g. engineering graphics, drawing, and technical tools) to effectively enhance the meaning of oral and written information/reports being professionally communicated with other individuals or team members involved in the engineering activity, as well as with engineering audiences and relevant stakeholders.
-
Integrate and demonstrate an understanding of advanced knowledge to analyze and evaluate the need to act professionally and ethically regarding the impact of metallurgical engineering activity on society, economy, industrial and physical environment, and taking into consideration personal, social, economic, cultural values, and requirements of those who are affected by the physical engineering activity.
-
Exhibit knowledge integration and understanding of engineering management principles (e.g. planning, organizing, leading, and controlling) applicable to human and projects management, including the ability to apply these principles as contributing factors to individual and team activities that support effective and on-time output.
-
Develop and implement acquired appropriate learning skills to engage in independent and life-long learning autonomously and ethically.
-
Display competence in describing the complexity of ethical dilemmas, ethical reasoning, and in decision-making during problem-solving and design as applied to evaluate metallurgical engineering solutions and accepting responsibility for consequences stemming from actions taken.
Integrated Assessment:
- In this qualification, the institution uses assessments for learners to demonstrate practical and reflective competencies.
- A combination of formative and summative assessment is used.
- Formative assessment includes written tests, practical tests, assignments, and oral presentations.
- Summative assessments include written examinations, practical examinations, and the submission of technical reports and a research project report, which are moderated externally.
- Outcomes and assessment criteria are communicated to learners in writing in their learner guides.
- One-on-one consultation sessions are also available for learners.
- There is no WIL component to this qualification.
Assessment methods:
- Practical tests.
- Written tests.
- Combined theory and practical written examination.
- Written theory examination.
- Practical experiments.
- Class presentation.
- Portfolio of evidence.
- Class quizzes.
- Assignment quizzes.
Qualification Details
- Type
- Advanced Diploma
- NQF Level
- 07
- Min. Credits
- 120
- SAQA Source
- More Information
Education Cost Calculator
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.