Diploma in Civil Engineering

Purpose

The primary purpose of this vocationally-oriented qualification is to provide learners with the necessary knowledge, and understanding of Civil Engineering and to equip them with skills required to become a registered Engineering Technician with the Engineering Council of South Africa. A qualified learner will be able to:

• Apply knowledge of Mathematics, Natural Science and Engineering Sciences to applied engineering procedures, processes, systems and methodologies to solve well-defined engineering problems.
• Perform procedural design of well-defined components, systems, works, products or processes to meet desired needs normally within applicable standards, codes of practice and legislation.
• Conduct investigations of well-defined problems through locating and searching relevant codes and catalogues and conducting standard tests, experiments and measurements.

Rationale

The Civil Engineering profession contributes to the technological, socio-economic, built environment and environmental infrastructure of the country. The expertise, skill and knowledge of Civil Engineering Technicians are required by local and district municipalities, national government departments, parastatal organisations, engineering consultancies and construction companies for infrastructure development initiatives that include projects such as the development of roads, rail, ports, airports, water storage and distribution, health services, industrial development and housing.

The practice of Civil Engineering at a professional level involves a number of roles, recognised in categories of registration under the Engineering Profession Act. This qualification provides the educational base that enable graduates to register with the Engineering Council of South Africa as candidates within the Professional Engineering Technician category. The profile of Professional Engineering Technicians are characterised by the ability to apply proven, commonly understood techniques procedures, practices and codes to solve well-defined problems. They manage and supervise engineering operations, construction and activities. They work independently and responsibly within an allocated area or under guidance. Professional Engineering Technicians must therefore have a working understanding of engineering sciences underlying the techniques used, together with financial, commercial, legal, social and economic, health, safety and environmental methodologies, procedures and best practices.

Learners achieving the Diploma in Civil Engineering qualification have the ability to apply proven techniques, procedures, practices and codes to solve well-defined problems in Civil Engineering. Qualified learners will be equipped with the relevant engineering skills and achieve technical proficiency to enable them to contribute to the development of the national economy.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may be used to demonstrate competence for admission to this programme. This qualification may be achieved in part through Recognition of Prior Learning processes. Credits achieved by RPL must not exceed 50% of the total credits and must not include credits at the exit level.

The provision that the qualification may be obtained through the Recognition of Prior Learning, facilitates access to an education, training and career path in engineering and thus accelerates the redress of past unfair discrimination in education, training and employment opportunities. Evidence of prior learning must be assessed through formal RPL processes through recognized methods. Any other evidence of prior learning should be assessed through formal RPL processes to recognize achievement thereof.

Learners submitting themselves for RPL should be thoroughly briefed prior to the assessment and will be required to submit a Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) in the prescribed format to be assessed for formal recognition. While this is primarily a workplace-based qualification, evidence from other areas of learning may be introduced if pertinent to any of the Exit Level Outcomes (ELOs).

The structure of this non-unit standard based qualification makes RPL possible, if the learner is able to demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes implicit in this first stage engineering qualification.

Learners who already work in the engineering industry who believe they possess competencies to enable them to meet some or all of the ELOs listed in the qualification will be able to present themselves for assessment against those of their choice.

Entry Requirements

Learners who enrol for this qualification should have any one of the following

• National Senior Certificate.

Or

• N3 Certificate.

Or

• National Certificate (Vocational) Level 4.

This qualification consists of compulsory modules at Levels 5 and 6 totalling 360 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at Level 5, 220 Credits

• Drawing I, 10 Credits.
• Computer Skills I, 15 Credits.
• Communication Skills I, 10 Credits.
• Physics I, 10 Credits.
• Mathematics I, 15 Credits.
• Surveying (Civil) I, 10 Credits.
• Construction Materials I, 10 Credits.
• Mathematics II, 20 Credits.
• Physics II, 20 Credits.
• Construction Methods I, 10 Credits.
• Surveying (Civil) I, 10 Credits.
• Drawing II, 10 Credits.
• Geotechnical Engineering II, 10 Credits.
• Management Civil I, 10 Credits.
• Structural Analysis II, 10 Credits.
• Transportation Engineering II, 10 Credits.
• Water Engineering IIA, 10 Credits.
• Water Engineering IIB, 10 Credits.
• Management Civil II, 10 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at Level 6, 140 Credits

• Structural Steel and Timber Design III, 10 Credits.
• Geotechnical Engineering III, 10 Credits.
• Civil Engineering Practice III, 30 Credits.
• Civil Engineering Computer Applications III, 10 Credits.
• Structural Analysis III, 10 Credits.
• Water Engineering III, 10 Credits.
• Reinforced Concrete and Masonry Design III, 10 Credits.
• Transportation Engineering III, 10 Credits.
• Documentation III, 10 Credits.
• Civil Engineering Project III, 30 Credits.

1. Apply engineering principles to systematically diagnose and solve well-defined engineering problems.
2. Apply knowledge of mathematics, natural science and engineering sciences to applied engineering procedures, processes, systems and methodologies to solve well-defined engineering problems.
3. Perform procedural design of components, systems, works, products or processes to meet desired needs normally within applicable standards, codes of practice and legislation.
4. Conduct investigations of well-defined problems through locating and searching relevant codes and catalogues, conducting standard tests, experiments and measurements.
5. Use appropriate techniques, resources, and modern engineering tools including information technology for the solution of well-defined engineering problems, with an awareness of the limitations, restrictions, premises, assumptions and constraints.
6. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing within an engineering context.
7. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the impact of engineering activity on the society, economy, industrial and physical environment, and address issues by defined procedures.
8. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of engineering management principles and apply these to one's own work, as a member and leader in a technical team and to manage projects.
9. Engage in independent and life-long learning through well-developed learning skills.
10. Understand and commit to professional ethics, responsibilities and norms of engineering technical practice.
11. Demonstrate an understanding of workplace practices to solve engineering problems consistent with academic learning achieved.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

1. Analyse, define and identify the criteria acceptable for the solution of the problem.
2. Identify and use relevant information, engineering knowledge and skills for solving the problem.
3. Consider and formulate various approaches that would lead to workable solutions.
4. Analyse and model solutions.
5. Evaluate and select the best solution.
6. Formulate and present the solution in an appropriate format.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

1. Bring an appropriate mix of knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering science knowledge at a fundamental level to bear the solution of well-defined engineering problems.
2. Use applicable principles and laws.
3. Analyse engineering materials, components, systems or processes.
4. Present concepts and ideas in a logical and methodical manner.
5. Demonstrate reasoning about engineering materials, components, systems or processes.
6. Outline and justify procedures for dealing with uncertain/undefined/ill-defined variables.
7. Perform work within the boundaries of the practice area.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

1. Plan and manage the design process that recognises important issues and deals with constraints.
2. Acquire and evaluate knowledge, information and resources in order to apply appropriate principles and design tools to provide a workable solution.
3. Perform design tasks that include analysis and optimisation of the product, or system or process, subject to relevant premises, assumptions and constraints.
4. Evaluate alternatives for implementation.
5. Select a preferred solution based on techno-economic analysis and judgement.
6. Present the design logic and relevant information in a technical report.
7. Apply and assess procedures to evaluate the selected design in terms of the impact and benefits.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

1. Define the scope of investigation.
2. Plan and conduct investigations within an appropriate discipline.
3. Search for available literature and evaluate material for suitability to the investigation.
4. Select and appropriately use relevant equipment or software suitable for the investigation.
5. Analyse and interpret data obtained.
6. Draw conclusions from an analysis of all available evidence.
7. Record the purpose, process and outcomes of the investigation in a technical report.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

1. Assess the method, skill or tool for applicability and limitations against the required result.
2. Correctly apply the method, skill or tool to achieve the required result.
3. Test and assess the results produced by the method, skill or tool.
4. Select and use relevant computer applications.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

1. Ensure that the structure, style and language of written and oral communication is appropriate for the purpose of the communication and the target audience.
2. Use appropriate and effective graphics to enhance the meaning of the text.
3. Use visual materials to enhance oral communications.
4. Provide information in a format that can be used by others involved in the engineering activity.
5. Deliver oral communication with the intended meaning being apparent.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

1. Demonstrate the impact of technology in terms of the benefits and limitations to society.
2. Analyse the engineering activity in terms of the impact on occupational, public health and safety.
3. Analyse the engineering activity in terms of the impact on the physical environment.
4. Consider the methods to minimise/mitigate impacts on occupational; public health and safety; and the impact on physical environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8

1. Explain the principles of planning, organising, leading and controlling.
2. Carry out individual work effectively, strategically and on time.
3. Support the output of the team as a whole by making individual contributions and supporting team activities.
4. Demonstrate functioning as a team leader.
5. Organise and manage a project.
6. Carry out effective communication in the context of individual and team work.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9

1. Identify, plan and manage learning tasks.
2. Identify, recognise and demonstrate the requirement for independent.
3. Source. Organise and evaluate relevant information.
4. Apply comprehended knowledge acquired outside of formal instruction.
5. Display awareness of the need to maintain continued competence through keeping abreast of up-to-date tools and techniques available in the workplace.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10

1. Describe the nature and complexity of ethical dilemmas in terms of required practices, legislation and limitations of authority.
2. Describe the ethical implications of engineering decisions in terms of the impact on environment, the business, costs and trustworthiness.
3. Ensure that judgements in decision making during problem solving and design are ethical and within acceptable boundaries of current competence.
4. Accept responsibility for consequences stemming from own actions or inaction.
5. Limit decision making to area of current competence.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 11

1. Describe orientation to the working environment in terms of company structure and conventions, rules, policies, working hours, dress codes and reporting lines.
2. Describe labour practices used in the workplace in accordance with relevant legislation.
3. Describe workplace safety in terms of the application of relevant safety, health and environmental legislation.
4. Describe general administration procedures in terms of how they operate and the key purpose.
5. Conduct work activities in a manner suited to the work context.The range of work activities include assisting, contributing, observing and applying at least four of the specific practices below:

> Engineering processes, skills and tools, including measurement.

> Investigations, experiments and data analysis.

> Problem solving techniques.

> Application of scientific and engineering knowledge.

> Engineering planning and design.

> Professional and technical communication.

> Individual and teamwork.

> The impact of engineering activity on health, safety and the environment.

1. Report knowledge and understanding gained from the work-integrated learning period in a prescribed format, using appropriate language and style.

Integrated Assessment

Formative Assessment

The following methods of assessment have been identified as the preferred measurement and assessment of learner competence in the assessment criteria:

• Written tests.
• Practical tests.
• Oral assessment methods.
• In-situ (on-the-job) observations.
• Simulation.
• Structured classroom discussions and oral tests.
• On-the-job Observations.
• Role-play and/or simulations.
• Knowledge tests, exams, case studies, projects, logbooks, workbooks.
• Verbal report backs (presentations).
• Working in teams (360 degrees evaluations).
• Scenario sketching Incident reports.

Summative Assessment

• Portfolio of Evidence.