Advanced Diploma in Electrical Engineering
Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology - Engineering and Related Design
Purpose and Rationale
Purpose
The Advanced Diploma in Electrical Engineering offers learners the opportunity to deepen their knowledge within a specific chosen area of specialization. The core component of the curriculum keeps the learner focused on the application of the Exit Level Outcomes in the context of a research and engineering project and keeping the content within the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) requirements. Elective options require that the learner maintains focus within a specific engineering discipline. Elective options provide the opportunity to add supporting knowledge from related engineering technologies which may aid in the completion of the research and engineering project. This qualification is primarily industry oriented. The knowledge emphasizes general principles and application or technology transfer.
The purpose of this qualification is to equip learners with a sound knowledge base in the field of electrical engineering and the ability to apply knowledge and skills of this field to a particular career or profession. Trends in electrical engineering are dynamic and thus always redirect the expertise in the field. The purpose of this qualification is to equip learners in learning how to gain the necessary knowledge, understanding, abilities, and skills required, facilitating further learning towards becoming a competent practicing Electrical Engineering Technologist. The qualification provides a critical analysis of the principles and practice of electrical engineering in a national and global context. The learner will gain a thorough knowledge of electrical engineering in preparation for a career in electrical engineering itself and an area that potentially benefits from engineering skills, for achieving technological proficiency and to make a contribution to the economy and national development.
This qualification will develop the learner's ability to think both analytically and critically to an advanced level and to produce reasoned arguments encompassing the complex and constantly changing themes and debates within the field of electrical engineering. The qualification will develop the educational base required for registration as a Professional Engineering Technologist with ECSA in the broader, changing social-cultural, political, and economic environment. The qualification provides opportunities for learners to learn a strategic approach to utilize electrical principles and implement them in the various power generation, electronic communication, manufacturing, petrochemical, iron, mining, and smaller type industries. It will enable learners to be strategic thinkers and enhance their capabilities.
Rationale
The qualification is developed within the standards for an Advanced Diploma in Engineering as set by ECSA, the professional governing body for engineering. To cope with the changing needs, markets and the latest technology, this qualification focuses on equipping learners with a sound knowledge base in the field of electrical engineering and the ability to apply knowledge and skills of this field to a particular career or profession. This qualification prepares a learner to become an electrical engineering technologist. Learners learn to apply engineering principles of electrical engineering and gain experience in design and the application of the different technologies addressed in the electrical engineering fields. These advanced skills prepare learners for a position in the field of electrical engineering in various industries in South Africa.
Through benchmarking with national and international higher education institutions as well as consultation with relevant stakeholders, it has become clear that a research component should be included in the qualification to prepare learners for further studies. Learners with an Advanced Diploma in a relevant discipline will be able to articulate into the Postgraduate Diploma (NQF Level 8), thereafter Masters (NQF Level 9) and eventually a Doctorate (NQF Level 10). Learners completing this qualification will have an advantage in the discipline of electrical engineering.
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 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.
- 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:
- Apply advanced mathematical principles of Integration to solve broadly defined engineering problems.
- Use Laplace transforms to solve engineering problems.
- Make use of first order differential equations and D-operators in solving advance mathematical problems.
- Evaluate and solve engineering problems with two dimensional Laplace equations.
- Evaluate and develop contracts and tenders.
- Apply planning techniques to projects.
- Exercise financial planning and control of projects.
- Manage labour, plant and materials.
- Perform project scheduling.
- Develop budgets.
- Manage cash flow and exercise cost control.
- Comply with labor law in the engineering environment.
- Solve well-defined engineering problems.
- Understand basic concepts of research and its methodologies.
- Identify appropriate engineering research topics.
- Select and define appropriate engineering research problems.
- Describe the problem parameters.
- Prepare a project proposal.
- Understand how to organize and conduct research.
- Know how to write a project/research report.
- Know how to write a project/research grant proposal.
- Identify different tools (computer software, electronic components and equipment) available to address a specific engineering problem.
- Apply engineering project, research, and design and development skills to design a problem solution.
- Apply the skills in problem-solving, research, and design to address the problem.
- Apply mathematics, science, and engineering standards to hands-on skills in the development of the projects.
- Document and present the project.
- Use engineering notebooks to document a project report.
- Prepare and present the project.
- Formulate the causes and effects of climate changes.
- Evaluate the possible consequences of climate changes.
- Apply fundamentals of alternative energy efficiency.
- Systematically assess problematic energy areas.
- Conduct financial assessment of alternative energy solutions.
Integrated Assessment:
- Assessment methods: class tests, reports, group work, assignments, presentations, demonstrations, laboratory evaluation, practical reports, portfolio, project, written examination, oral examination.
- Assessment is continuous and can be formative or summative.
- Learners are allowed a second examination opportunity, regardless of their results in the main examination.
- Assessment is in accordance with the institution's assessment policy.
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.