Diploma in Electrical Engineering

Purpose

The intended purpose of this qualification is to give the successful learners a professional, vocational and sound understanding of the general theoretical principles and their applications in the field of Electrical Engineering.

Rationale

A qualifying learner will be competent in applying technical knowledge, engineering principles and problem-solving techniques in the field of Electrical Engineering. Learners are expected to operate within the relevant standards and codes in collaboration with other members of the engineering team. The qualified learner will be able to register with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) as a Technician-in-Training in the field of Electrical Engineering. Upon completion the achieving learner will practice Electrical Engineering activities and applications at the level expected of a Professional Technician (Engineering).

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 NQF Level 5, 6 and 7 totalling at 362 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 120 Credits

• Electrical Engineering 1, 10 Credits.
• Mathematics 1, 10 Credits.
• Mathematics 2, 10 Credits.
• Safety Principles and Law 1, 5 Credits.
• Applied Communication Skills 1.2, 8 Credits.
• Computing Applications 2, 7 Credits.
• Engineering Skills 1, 5 Credits.
• Social Intelligence 1, 3 Credits.
• Applied Communication Skills 1.1, 8 Credits.
• Information and communications technology (ICT) Skills 1, 10 Credits.
• Electronics 2, 10 Credits.
• Electrical Engineering 2, 10 Credits.
• Electronics 1, 10 Credits.
• Project 1 (WIL Electrical), 7 Credits.
• Project 2 WIL Electrical), 7 Credits.

Elective Modules, Level 5, 314 Credits

• Engineering Chemistry 1, 10 Credits.
• Engineering Chemistry 2, 10 Credits.
• Physics 1, 10 Credits.
• Physics 2, 10 Credits.
• Digital Systems 1, 10 Credits.
• Engineering Drawing 1, 10 Credits.
• Process Instrumentation 2, 10 Credits.
• Logic Control 2, 10 Credits.
• Electronic Communication 2, 10 Credits.
• Process Instrumentation 1, 10 Credits.
• Information Technology (IT) Essentials 1, 10 Credits.
• Energy Management 2, 10 Credits.
• Electrical Computer aided Design 1, 10 Credits.
• Engineering Programming 1, 10 Credits.
• Robotics 2, 10 Credits.
• Digital Control Systems 1, 10 Credits.
• Heat Flow 2, 10 Credits.
• Operating Systems 1, 10 Credits.
• Networks 1, 10 Credits.
• Management 1, 10 Credits.
• Software Engineering 1, 10 Credits.
• Electrical Machines 2, 10 Credits.
• Power Systems, 2 10 Credits.
• Digital Communication 2, 10 Credits.
• Experiential Learning 1 (Electrical), 14 Credits.
• Entrepreneurship 1. 10 Credits.
• Alternative Energy 2, 10 Credits.
• Control Systems 2, 10 Credits.
• Electrical Computer Aided Design 2, 10 Credits.
• Digital Control Systems 2, 10 Credits.
• Power Conversion 2, 10 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 64 Credits

• Applied Communication Skills 2.1, 8 Credits.
• Applied Communication Skills 2.2, 8 Credits.
• Engineering Project 4 (WIL) 30 Credits.
• Mathematics 3, 10 Credits.
• Projects 3 (WIL Electrical), 8 Credits.

Elective Modules, Level 6, 326 Credits

• Digital Systems 2, 10 Credits.
• Digital Systems 3, 10 Credits.
• Electrical Protection 3, 10 Credits.
• Engineering Programming 2, 10 credits.
• Networks 2, 10 Credits.
• Statistics 1.1, 10 Credits.
• Software Engineering 2, 10 Credits.
• Electrical Engineering 3, 10 Credits.
• Electronics 3, 10 Credits.
• Experiential Learning 2 (Electrical), 16 Credits.
• Networks 3, 10 Credits.
• Software Engineering 3, 10 Credits.
• Radio Engineering 3, 10 Credits.
• Engineering Programming 3, 10 Credits.
• Logic Control 3, 10 Credits.
• Energy Management 3, 10 Credits.
• Electrical Distribution 3, 10 Credits.
• Embedded Control 3, 10 Credits.
• Control Systems 3, 10 Credits.
• Alternative Energy 3, 10 Credits.
• Electrical Machines 3, 10 Credits.
• Operating Systems 3, 10 Credits.
• Power Systems 3, 10 Credits.
• Power Electronics 3, 10 Credits.
• Transmission 3, 10 Credits.
• Measurement Technology 3, 10 Credits.
• Process Instrumentation 3, 10 Credits.
• Robotics 3, 10 Credits.
• Satellite Communication 3, 10 Credits.
• Operating Systems 2, 10 Credits.
• Opto-Electronics 3, 10 Credits.
• Microwave Communication 3, 10 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 8 Credits

• Projects 4 (WIL Electrical), 8 Credits.

Elective Modules, Level 7, 90 Credits

• Mathematics 4, Level 7, 10 Credits.
• Energy Management 4,10 Credits.
• Electrical Engineering 4, 10 Credits.
• Digital Systems 4, 10 Credits.
• Engineering Programming 4, 10 Credits.
• Electrical Protection 4, 10 Credits.
• Electrical Machines 4, 10 Credits.
• Power Electronics 4, 10 Credits.
• Networks 4, 10 Credits.

1.Solve well defined engineering problems.

2.Apply scientific and engineering knowledge.

3.Perform engineering designs.

4.Conduct investigations, experiments and collate data analysis.

5.Use appropriate engineering methods, skills and tools.

6.Communicate technical information in a professional manner.

7.Demonstrate critical awareness of the impact of the engineering activity.

8.Work as an individual and in teams.

9.Engage in independent learning.

10.Act professionally and ethically at all times.

11.Engage in engineering practice via work integrated learning.

The Exit Level Outcomes will be assessed in an integrated manner

• Explain the operating principles of components, devices and systems correctly.
• Describe the standards and procedures applicable to components, devices and systems.
• Describe the initial components, devices and systems and identify relationships.
• Specify the final or desired state of the work package.
• Gather, structure and evaluate information using proven techniques to deduce technical variables, factors and cause-effect.
• Identify and state the contextual constraints.
• Determine, through modelling, the operating characteristics of circuits, devices and systems.
• Develop comprehensive technical criteria for the solution or successful project.
• Document the results of the requirements analysis.
• Establish the latitude for examining options by considering the problem context: time, engineering resources, health and safety issues, environmental issues.
• Apply basic physical principles and engineering sciences underlying current technology and mathematical calculations to synthesize solutions.
• Propose and plan alternative solutions or approaches based on experience of successful approaches.
• Utilise proven skills, techniques and tools to develop solutions for the options.
• Document solutions in sufficient detail for evaluation.
• Judge the solutions against set technical and economic criteria, and within prevailing constraints and determine the extent to which the specification is met.
• Evaluate immediate risks and impacts of solutions.
• Present the justified arguments involving technical and cost factors supporting the choice of option.
• Exercise engineering judgement in arriving at a decision to select an option.
• Take full responsibility for the technical work package.
• Evaluate any aspect of the solution which is out of range of competency from the appropriate authority.
• Develop and evaluate further the chosen option as required.
• Plan an operational procedure to implement the solution or execute the project.
• Gather, structure and evaluate information necessary for implementation.
• Implement a detailed solution procedures and the outcomes.
• Identify, source and manage the resources necessary to implement the solution or complete the project.
• Make contributions to technical aspects of drawing up and negotiating contracts.
• Implement the solution in accordance with the chosen solution and procedures approved by superior or client.
• Justify the modifications of the chosen solution or implementation procedures and documented, and referred to the appropriate authority when necessary.
• Communicate, co-ordinate and monitor clearly, task requirements to ensure effective team work.
• Applied quality management procedures.
• Identify the performance criteria for quantities to be monitored.
• Collect on an ongoing basis the performance data on the implemented solution.
• Evaluate the performance data against set criteria.
• Adopt problem-solving cycles as required.
• Interpret and read correctly the engineering drawings, data and instructions.
• Use an appropriate engineering procedures and tools to construct/assemble equipment/systems to specification.
• Mount, install, maintain and replace components, devices and equipment correctly.
• Determine the operating limits of equipment, devices and components using theoretical and practical knowledge of their functioning.
• Evaluate the functioning of equipment to determine whether it is operating within specified limits.
• Use the measuring equipment correctly in order to determine the operating parameters of components, devices and equipment.
• Interpret and compare the measured performance data of components, devices and equipment correctly to specified operating limits. Decide whether the items are functioning properly.
• Determine and implement appropriate steps to correct malfunctioning equipment and devices.
• Read and interpret engineering specifications as applied to the operation and functioning of electrical engineering equipment and systems correctly.
• Use circuit theory correctly to analyse the operation of circuits.
• Identify, prepare, calibrate and maintain tools and measuring equipment appropriately, according to statutory requirements and laid down procedures.
• Interpret the operation and performance limitations of test equipment to select the appropriate equipment and procedure for the task.
• Use test equipment correctly and safely to measure electrical parameters relating to the operation of electrical equipment and systems.
• Interpret the results of measurements correctly to determine whether equipment is operating satisfactorily.
• Demonstrate ethical behaviour in engineering activity.
• Pursue professional development on an ongoing basis.
• Advise from the superior, may be required by the candidate if he/she is not qualified through training or experience to undertake a task.
• Change may be effect by working in a team situation.
• Recognise and discharge personal responsibilities in the team.
• Ensure effective communication with team members which may lead to critical contributions.
• Built and maintain relationships, respect and trust with team members, customers and suppliers.
• Mentor and coach team members appropriately.
• Set priorities to achieve stated goals.
• Plan and analyse projects in order to identify critical aspects.
• Implement, monitor, review and modify (if necessary) project plans. Recognise challenges and opportunities brought about by changing. Apply industrial relations legislation.
• Prepare and manage budgets.
• Establish the costs of resources.
• Determine product, service pricing the financial viability of projects contributed by the candidate.
• Identify specific customer or stakeholder needs.
• Take into account differing values, social and cultural factors when dealing with colleagues, clients and stakeholders. Collaborative work exists amongst candidate and customers/suppliers.
• Demonstrate commercial awareness in technical work and management of the procurement process.
• Ensure that the resulting capability meet the requirement.
• Prepare and present cost estimates, work schedules, and instruction manuals.
• Write clear, concise, effective, technically, legally and editorially correct reports using a structure, style which meets communication objectives and user/audience requirements.
• Make oral presentations using language, structure, style, visual media and supporting documents appropriate to the audience and purpose.

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 learners, 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.