Diploma in Computer Systems Engineering

Purpose

The intended purpose of this Qualification is to give the successful learner the competence in providing professional, technical and developmental support in the computer industry.

Rationale

A learner who has completed this qualification will be competent in providing professional, technical and developmental support in the computer industry.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

The Institutional Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy and procedures are followed. Learners who do not meet entry requirements can apply for access to the qualification through RPL against a module, or part/full qualification for learning obtained through formal, informal and non-formal learning. Learners need to submit a Portfolio of Evidence which will be internally assessed. Credits may be awarded based on the assessment results and learners have the opportunity to appeal against the assessment result where credits were not awarded.

Entry Requirements.

The minimum requirement is

• National Senior Certificate National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 4.

This qualification comprises of compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 5, 6 and 7 totalling at 442 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 150 Credits

• Electrical Engineering 1, 10 Credits.
• Social Intelligence 1, 3 Credits.
• Mathematics 2, 10 Credits.
• National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Skills 1, 10 Credits.
• Applied Communication Skills 1.2, 8 Credits.
• Computing Applications 2, 7 Credits.
• Applied Communication Skills 1.1, 8 Credits.
• Safety Principles and Law 1, 5 Credits.
• Engineering Skills 1, 5 Credits.
• Mathematics 1, 10 Credits.
• Digital Systems 1, 10 Credits.
• Operating Systems 1, 10 Credits.
• Engineering Programming 1, 10 Credits.
• Electronics 1, 10 Credits.
• Software Engineering 1, 10 Credits.
• Networks 1,10 Credits.
• Experiential Learning 1 (Computer), 14 Credits.

Elective Modules, Level 5, 70 Credits

• Physics 1, 10 Credits.
• Physics 2, 10 Credits.
• Engineering Chemistry 1, 10 Credits.
• Information Technology (IT) Essentials 1, 10 Credits.
• Electrical Engineering 2, 10 Credits.
• Electronics 2, 10 Credits.
• Digital Communication 2, 10 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 142 Credits

• Applied Communication Skills 2.2, 8 Credits.
• Engineering Programming 2, 10 Credits.
• Applied Communication Skills 2.1, 8 Credits.
• Digital Systems 2, 10 Credits.
• Networks 2, 10 Credits.
• Software Engineering 2, 10 Credits.
• Operating Systems 2, 10 Credits.
• Experiential Learning 2 (Computer), 16 Credits.
• Engineering Programming 3, 10 Credits.
• Digital Systems 3, 10 Credits.
• Networks 3, 10 Credits.
• Engineering Project 4 (WIL), 30 Credits.

Elective Modules, Level 6, 50 Credits

• Mathematics 3, Credits 10.
• Statistics 1.1, Credits 10.
• Operating Systems 3, Credits 10.
• Software Engineering 3, Credits 10.
• Electronics 3, Credits 10.

Elective Modules, Level 7, 30 Credits

• Networks 4, 10 Credits.
• Engineering Programming 4, 10 Credits.
• Digital Systems 4, 10 Credits.

1.Communicate, develop, maintain and implement software systems.

2.Develop, implement and maintain hardware systems in the computing environment.

3.Implement and maintain network hardware and operating systems.

4.Implement the theoretical principles supporting the computing environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Apply generic solutions and programming principles to a given problem.
• Utilise state-of-the art techniques for developing a specific application.
• Link a specific application to a database application.
• Solve problems through effective algorithms and programme results.
• Submit projects demonstrating object structures.
• Integrate current trends in application development.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Identify electronic components and their application.
• Calculate relevant quantities and their units.
• Design amplifiers, filters and signal transmission systems.
• Execute circuit analysis.
• Distinguish between different electrical quantities.
• Identify correct measuring techniques.
• Test and troubleshoot digital/electronic/electrical devices or systems.
• Design, programme and construct microprocessor-based systems.
• Design digital circuits using binary concepts.
• Describe, implement and fault-find hardware systems.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Plan directory and security structures for a network based system.
• Decide on topologies and hardware requirements for a given network system.
• Perform installation configuration and fault finding for networked systems.
• Describe the fundamental principles of operating systems.
• Install, configure and demonstrate single- and multi-tasking operating systems.
• Describe the fundamentals of digital electronic communications.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Provide solutions to mathematically based problems.
• Provide solutions to theoretical electrical problems.
• Provide the documents for an elementary research and development project.

Integrated Assessment.

Both formative and summative assessments are integral components of all modules within the qualification and have application to both traditional summative and continuous assessment, ensuring overall applied competence. All teaching and learning activities in the qualification are aligned to the assessment approach of the individual modules indicating a constructive alignment approach in the design of the qualification. The assessment activities form an integral part of the teaching and learning process and are systematically and purposefully used to generate data for grading. Timely feedback to learner forms part of the assessment strategy of the institution and is used to inform teaching and learning and to improve the curriculum. Learning outcomes in all modules give an indication as to what will be assessed in the module and thus ensures constructive alignment of the modules within the qualification.