Advanced Diploma in Electrical Engineering

Purpose

The Advanced Diploma in Electrical Engineering offers learners the opportunity to deepen their knowledge within a specific chosen area of specialisation. 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 emphasises 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 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 utilise electrical principles and implement them in the various power generation, electronic communication, and 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.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

To determine relevance of other undergraduate qualifications, the learner has the opportunity for an RPL process. The details of the RPL policy are as follows, presuming prior accredited learning has taken place:

• Learners may apply for RPL against a module, or part/full qualification.
• An exemption form is completed for the RPL of modules or part/full qualification.
• Credits are awarded for relevant, approved prior learning (RPL).
• Only then may the prospective candidate continue with full registration.

Where NO prior accredited learning has taken place

• The candidate applies for RPL against module, or part/full qualification.
• If the credit is not awarded, an appeals application to independently appointed moderator or institution's registrar can be done.
• If the RPL is awarded, an exemption form is completed and the candidate may continue with registration.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Diploma in Electrical Engineering, NQF Level 6, 360 Credits.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at Level 7 totalling 145 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, 65 Credits

• Advanced Engineering Mathematics, 15 Credits.
• Engineering Management, 10 Credits.
• Engineering Research Methods, 15 Credits.
• Electrical Engineering Project, 25 Credits.

Elective Modules, 80 Credits: (Choose/Select four modules on the personal specialisation)

Specialisation Power Engineering: 80 Credits.

• Electrical Machines, 20 Credits.
• Electrical Power Systems, 20 Credits.
• Electrical Protection, 20 Credits.
• High Voltage Engineering, 20 Credits.
• Micro Systems Design, 20 Credits.
• Power Electronics, 20 Credits.

Specialisation Power Engineering: 80 Credits

• Electronics, 20 Credits.
• Microwave Engineering, 20 Credits.
• Radio Engineering, 20 Credits.
• Satellite Communication, 20 Credits.

Specialisation Process Control and Instrumentation: 80 Credits

• Electronics, 20 Credits.
• Digital Control Systems, 20 Credits.
• Digital Systems, 20 Credits.
• Process Instrumentation, 20 Credits.
• Signal Processing, 20 Credits.

Specialisation Alternative Energy: 80 Credits

• Alternative Energy, 20 Credits.
• Electrical Machines, 20 Credits.
• Electrical Power Systems, 20 Credits.
• Electrical Protection, 20 Credits.
• Electronics, 20 Credits.
• Energy Efficiency, 20 Credits.
• High Voltage Engineering, 20 Credits.
• Opto-Electronics, 20 Credits.
• Power Electronics, 20 Credits.

Specialisation Computer Engineering: 80 Credits

Group A: Choose two modules

• Circuit Analysis, 20 Credits.
• Digital Signal Processing, 20 Credits.
• Hardware Design, 20 Credits.
• Industrial Network System, 20 Credits.
• Micro Systems Design, 20 Credits.
• Software Engineering, 20 Credits.
• Systems Engineering, 20 Credits.

Group B: Choose two modules

• Artificial Intelligence, 20 Credits.
• Expert Systems, 20 Credits.
• Database Administration, 20 Credits.
• Database Programming, 20 Credits.
• Operating Systems, 20 Credits.
• Computer Network Security, 20 Credits.
• Internet Applications, 20 Credits.
• New Technology Programming, 20 Credits.
• Specialised Networking, 20 Credits.
• Wireless Data Communications, 20 Credits.
• Alternative Energy, 20 Credits.

1. Apply engineering principles to systematically diagnose and solve broadly-defined engineering problems.
2. Apply knowledge of mathematics, natural science and engineering sciences to applied engineering procedures, processes, systems and methodologies to solve broadly-defined engineering problems.
3. 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.
4. Define and conduct investigations and experiments of broadly-defined problems.
5. 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.
6. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with engineering audiences and the affected parties.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. Engage in independent and life-long learning through well-developed learning skills.
10. Comprehend and apply ethical principles and commit to professional ethics, responsibilities and norms of engineering practice within own limits of competence.

Associated Assessment Criteria are applied in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes

• 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 to labour 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 organise 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 and 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 project. Use engineering notebooks to document a project report.
• Prepare and present the project.
• Formulate the causes of effects of climate changes.
• Evaluate the possible consequences of climate changes.
• Apply fundamentals of alternative energy efficiency.
• Systematic access problematic energy areas.
• Conduct financial assessment of alternative energy solutions.

Integrated Assessment

Assessment of modules in this qualification will be in accordance with the assessment policy of the institution The methods can be any combination of, but is not limited to the following, namely, Class tests, Reports, Group work, Assignments, Presentations, Demonstrations, Laboratory evaluation, Practical reports, Portfolio, Project, Written examination, Oral examination etc. Assessment takes place on a continuous basis by means of a variety of these methods to determine the final mark. Formative and Summative Assessments can be used. Formative assessments could be either formal or informal. Formative Assessments include class tests, presentations, assignments, practical work and simulation. Summative assessments will typically include, but are not limited to, semester tests, examinations, portfolios or a proposal with regards to the engineering project. In accordance with the institution's assessment policy, learners are allowed a second examination opportunity, regardless of their results in the main examination (1st opportunity).