Diploma in Engineering Technology in Civil Engineering

Purpose

A learner achieving this qualification will be competent to apply theoretical knowledge, practical experience and skills in Civil Engineering as a civil engineering technician, who is part of the engineering team, by applying proven techniques to engineering activity, within standards and codes under remote supervision, and under close supervision if operating outside standards and codes.

Rationale

The qualification serves to consolidate and deepen the learner's expertise in Civil Engineering by applying proven techniques to engineering activity. Perform engineering survey tasks and calculations by executing detailed surveys and translating the information.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is done following the institution RPL Policy. In cases of learners not complying with the formal entry requirements, RPL will be determined in accordance with the policy and guideline of the institution concerning the recognition of other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience. Recognition takes place only where prior learning corresponds to the required National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level, and in terms of applied competencies relevant to the content and outcomes of the qualification. Through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), learners may gain access on condition that they continue their studies at the institution.

Entry Requirements

The minimum requirement is

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

This qualification comprises of compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 5 and 6, totalling to 300 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 173 Credits

• Surveying: Civil Theory, 8 Credits.
• Surveying Theory, 8 Credits.
• Theory of Structures, 8 Credits.
• Communication Skills, 9 Credits.
• Surveying: Civil Practice, 10 Credits.
• Construction Methods, 10 Credits.
• Construction Materials, 10 Credits.
• Surveying Practice, 10 Credits.
• Drawing, 10 Credits.
• Management: Civil, 7 Credits.
• Mathematics, 10 Credits.
• Communication Skills, 9 Credits.
• Computer Skills, 9 Credits.
• Mathematics, 12 Credits.
• Applied Mechanics, 11 Credits.
• Drawing, 12 Credits.
• Statistics, 11 Credits.
• Computer Skills, 9 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 127 Credits

• Management: Civil, 7 Credits.
• Structural Analysis, 8 Credits.
• Geotechnical Engineering, 9 Credits.
• Transportation Engineering, 9 Credits.
• Documentation, 8 Credits.
• Hydraulics, 8 Credits.
• Structural Steel and Timber Design, 11 Credits.
• Water and Wastewater Treatment, 8 Credits.
• Soil Mechanics, 8 Credits.
• Engineering Geology, 6 Credits.
• Reinforced Concrete and Masonry Design, 11 Credits.
• Hydrology, 8 Credits.
• Water and Sewage Reticulation, 8 Credits.
• Transportation Engineering, 9 Credits.
• Structural Analysis, 9 Credits.

1. Apply engineering principles to diagnosed and solve well-defined engineering problems systematically.
2. 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 usually within applicable standards, codes of practice and legislation.
4. Investigation Conduct investigations of well-defined problems through locating and searching relevant codes and catalogues, conducting standard tests, experiments and measurements.
5. 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 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 technical engineering practice.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be used in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes

• Perform engineering survey tasks and calculations by executing detailed surveys and translating the information onto engineering plans for the fixing of control points, setting out and checking of the works and the determination of Civil Engineering quantities.
• Apply principles of Geotechnical engineering by performing site investigations, assessing the stability and applying soil design principles to ensure long term stability and assessing any design impacts. Design road and rail systems by determining traffic volume and characteristics, use traffic studies, select category, route, and design geometric, earthworks, drainage and pavements. Correctly engineer, design and maintain aspects of water, including water treatment and reclamation, open channels, supply and waste reticulation and storm-water systems by determining population demand, and analysis of pipe networks.
• Describing the detail of the design, represented and documented correctly.
• Ability to prepare a tender, extract quantities from a drawing, prepare and interpret specifications, and conduct basic feasibility and financial studies.
• Demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate across cultural boundaries in an oral and written format.
• Ability to resolve informal disputes and conflicts, write and interpret reports, minutes and conduct (chair) meetings by liaison with other professions, contractors, public, and clients.
• Prepare and present clear and concise instructions.
• Demonstrate the ability to use initiative, apply techniques involving lateral thinking and problem solving, exercise tact and discretion, and apply ethics of profession, confidentiality, honesty, commitment and loyalty.
• Ability to work in teams and to build up teams by applying discipline and maintaining a balance between business and personal lifestyle.
• Ability to prepare and submit a tender, take-off `Civil Engineering quantities from a drawing, interpret specifications, and conduct basic feasibility and financial studies.
• Demonstrate the ability to apply basic engineering computer systems and be able to deal effectively with their limitations while having the ability to use relevant applications and show basic typing skills (e.g. use of word processing packages) in the execution of the above tasks.
• Demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate across cultural boundaries in an oral and written format.
• Ability to resolve informal disputes and conflicts, write and interpret reports, minutes and conduct (chair) meetings by liaison with other professions, subcontractors, public, and clients.
• Ability to establish a site, control quality, costs, production outputs and ensure profitability.
• Manage safety, administer contracts, identify potential claims and manage labour within the parameters of the Labour Relations Act (LRA).
• Ability to manage the construction, rehabilitation, and maintenance of Civil Engineering structures, roads and pavements.
• Plan Civil engineering systems following the relevant codes of practice under remote supervision, and under close supervision if operating outside standards and codes.
• Capability to design Civil Engineering systems following the relevant codes of practice, under remote supervision, and close supervision if operating outside standards and codes.
• Ability to prepare and administer the documentation for civil Engineering systems following the relevant codes of practice under remote supervision, and under close supervision if operating outside standards and codes.
• Ability to build and maintain Civil Engineering systems under supervision.

Integrated Assessment

The qualification is coherently aligned in that all teaching, learning and assessment activities are linked to module and qualification outcomes. Assessment methods are varied and include a summative and formative assessment to enhance applied competence from learners and facilitate authentic assessment and learning. Assessment will not only be used to determine whether outcomes were achieved but also to generate data for grading and provide feedback in order to improve the curriculum. In order for all the assessment purposes to be achieved, class tests, assignments, project work, tutorials will be utilised. Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) (Practical experiential learning, simulated learning, laboratory work, practical excluding workplace-based learning) forms part of the assessments methods.