Advanced Diploma in Computer Systems Engineering
Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology - Engineering and Related Design
Purpose and Rationale
Qualification Purpose:
- This qualification is industry-oriented, emphasizing general principles and their application or technology transfer in Computer Systems Engineering.
- Provides learners with a solid knowledge base to apply in a specific career context and prepares them for more specialized and intensive learning.
- Aims to equip learners to enter a specific niche in Computer Engineering.
- Designed to build the necessary knowledge, understanding, abilities, and skills for becoming a competent practicing engineering technologist or certificated engineer.
- Provides preparation for careers in Computer Systems Engineering, contributing to technical proficiency, economy, and national development.
- Offers the educational base required for registration as a Professional Engineering Technologist and/or Certificated Engineer with ECSA.
- Enables entry to NQF Level 8 programs such as Honours, Postgraduate Diploma, B Eng Qualifications, and further progression to Masters qualifications.
Rationale:
- Due to the phasing out of the Bachelor of Technology (BTech) Computer Systems qualification, the new Advanced Diplomas (NQF Level 7) are essential for progression and articulation.
- Aligned with the Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework requirements.
- Focuses on equipping learners with a solid knowledge base in Computer Systems Engineering to meet changing needs, markets, and technological advancements.
- Prepares learners to become Computer Systems Engineering Technologists aligned with ECSA standards.
- Provides experience in design and application of technologies in the Computer Engineering field.
- Includes a research component to prepare learners for further studies and progression to higher qualifications.
- Benchmarking with national and international institutions ensures comparability.
- Stakeholder input and advisory committee feedback aligned the qualification with industry needs.
- Learners with this Advanced Diploma can articulate into higher qualifications up to Doctorate level.
- Accredited by ECSA meeting the standard E-05-PT Rev3 24 March 2016.
Overall, this qualification aims to meet industry demands for skilled Computer Systems Engineering professionals and provides a pathway for further academic and professional advancement in the field.
Outcomes
- Apply engineering principles to diagnose and solve broadly-defined engineering problems systematically.
- 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 usually 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 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 Outcomes:
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Integrate engineering knowledge, principles, and advanced skills:
- Identify, analyze, diagnose, plan, and implement creative solutions for engineering problems.
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Utilize integrated knowledge, principles, and practice:
- Systematically diagnose, interpret, and solve broadly-defined engineering problems through appropriate application.
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Design a project according to standards, codes of practice, and legislation:
- Utilize components, systems, engineering works, products, or processes relevant to engineering for evidence in an employment situation.
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Engage with broadly defined problems relevant within an employment situation:
- Produce knowledge and understanding through investigation and experimentation within specific fields of specialization.
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Integrate, utilize, and apply Sub-discipline-specific tools, processes, or procedures:
- Use appropriate techniques, resources, problem-solving skills, and modern diagnostic tools.
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Effectively communicate information:
- Communicate verbally and in writing within various contexts to engineering peers, related personnel, and laypersons.
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Act professionally:
- Integrate knowledge of technological practice, engineering activities, and their impact on social, economic, workplace, and physical environmental factors.
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Manage an engineering project:
- Incorporate leadership and managerial knowledge, skills, and principles to function within or lead a diverse team.
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Utilize well-developed learning skills:
- Engage in independent and lifelong learning within a broadly-defined learning context using information from technological literature.
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Demonstrate understanding and capability to apply professional ethics:
- Adhere to professional ethics, responsibilities, and norms of practice within complex engineering systems.
Integrated Assessment:
- Assessment of modules in the Advanced Diploma in Engineering in Computer Systems aligns with the institution's assessment policy.
- Formative and Summative Assessments will be used by the lecturer.
- Formative Assessments include both formal and informal methods to develop learner competence.
- Informal assessments may involve discussions, quizzes, feedback sessions, and peer assessments.
- Formal assessments may include class tests, presentations, assignments, practical work, and simulations.
- Summative Assessments encompass semester tests, examinations, portfolios, or project proposals.
- Learners have a second examination opportunity according to the institution's policy.
- All assessments are at the appropriate NQF Level (NQF 7) and moderated externally to ensure standards.
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.