Diploma in Engineering Technology in Instrumentation Engineering

A qualifying learner will be competent to apply technical knowledge, engineering principles and problem-solving techniques in the field of Electrical Engineering by operating within the relevant standards and codes in collaboration with other members of the engineering team.

The qualified person will be able to register with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) as a Technician-in-Training in the field of Electrical Engineering.

Recognition of Prior Learning(RPL)

Recognition of Prior Learning(RPL) in the case of learners not complying with the formal entry requirements will be conducted following the policy and guidelines 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 learners may gain access, advance placement, or status recognition on the condition that they continue their studies at this institution.

Entry Requirement

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is the

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

This qualification comprises of compulsory and elective modules at NQF Level 5 and 6 totalling at 288 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 156 Credits

• Digital Systems, 11 Credits.
• Electronics, 10 Credits.
• Physics (Practical), 4 Credits.
• Digital Systems, 10 Credits.
• Physics (Theory), 12 Credits.
• Communications Studies, 9 Credits.
• Communication Studies, 9 Credits.
• Mathematics,12 Credits.
• Projects, 10, Credits.
• Electronics, 11 Credits.
• Computer Skills, 9 Credits.
• Electrical Engineering,11 Credits.
• Mathematics, 12 Credits.
• Physics (Practical) 4 Credits.
• Physics (Theory) ,12 Credits.
• Electrical Engineering ,10 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 132 Credits

• Programming, 10 Credits.
• Electronic Communication, 10.
• Design Projects, 10 Credits.
• Radio Engineering, 10 Credits.
• Power Electronics, 10 Credits.
• Control Systems, 10 Credits.
• Digital Systems, 10 Credits.
• Electronics, 10 Credits.
• Network Systems, 10 Credits.
• Control Systems, 10 Credits.
• Electrical Machines, 10 Credits.
• Measurements, 10 Credits.
• Mathematics, 12 Credits.

1. Apply engineering principles to diagnose and solve well-defined engineering problems systematically.
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 usually 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 constraint.
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

• Explain the operating principles of components, devices and systems are explained correctly.
• Describe the standards and procedures applicable to components, devices and systems are described and initial or current state.
• Specify the final or desired state of the work package. Gather, structured and evaluated information using proven techniques.
• Identify and state the technical variables, factors, cause-effect relationships, and contextual constraints.
• Model the circuits, devices and systems in order to determine their operating characteristics.
• 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, and safety issues, environmental issues.
• Apply basic physical principles and engineering sciences, underlying current technology and mathematical calculations to synthesise solutions.
• Propose and plan alternative solutions or approaches based on the experience of successful approaches.
• Use proven skills, techniques and tools to develop solutions for the options.
• Document solutions in sufficient detail for evaluation.
• Judge solutions against set technical and economic criteria, and within prevailing constraints, to determine the extent to which the specification is met.
• Evaluate immediate risks and impacts of solutions.
• Present the reasoned arguments involving technical and cost factors supporting the choice of option.
• Exercise an engineering judgement in deciding to select an option.
• Take full responsibility for the technical work package and evaluate the appropriate authority in respect of any aspect of the solution which is out of range of competency.
• Developed further, the chosen option and evaluate as required and documented.
• Implement an operational procedure to implement the solution or execute the project is planned.
• Gather structure and evaluate information necessary for implementation.
• Implement detailed solution procedures and document the outcomes.
• Identify, source and manage the resources necessary to implement the solution or complete the project.
• Contributions are made to technical aspects of drawing up and negotiating contracts.
• The solution is implemented following the chosen solution and procedures approved by the superior or client.
• Modifications of the chosen solution or implementation procedures are justified and documented, and referred to the appropriate authority when necessary.
• Task requirements are communicated, coordinated and monitored to ensure effective teamwork.
• Quality management procedures are applied.
• The performance criteria for quantities to be monitored are identified.
• Performance data on the implemented solution is collected on an going basis.
• The performance data is evaluated against set criteria.
• Problem-solving cycles are adopted as required.
• Engineering drawings, data and instructions are read and interpreted correctly.
• Appropriate engineering procedures and tools are used to construct/assemble equipment/systems to specification.
• Components, devices and equipment are mounted, installed, maintained and replaced correctly.
• The operating limits of equipment, devices and components are determined using theoretical and practical knowledge of their functioning.
• The functioning of equipment is evaluated to determine whether it is operating within specified limits.
• Measuring equipment is correctly used to determine the operating parameters of components, devices and equipment.
• Measured performance data of components, devices and equipment are correctly interpreted, and compared to specified operating limits, to decide whether the items are functioning properly.
• Appropriate steps to correct malfunctioning equipment and devices are determined and implemented.
• Engineering specifications as applied to the operation and functioning of electrical engineering equipment and systems are read and interpreted correctly.
• Circuit theory is correctly used to analyse the operation of circuits.
• Tools and measuring equipment are identified, prepared, calibrated and maintained appropriately, according to statutory requirements and laid down procedures.
• The operation and performance limitations of test equipment are interpreted to select the appropriate equipment and procedure for the task.
• Test equipment is used correctly and safely to measure electrical parameters relating to the operation of electrical equipment and systems.
• The results of the measurements are correctly interpreted to determine whether equipment is operating satisfactorily.
• Problems in equipment and systems, and devices which are degrading the operating performance of equipment and systems are identified.
• Faulty components, devices and systems are replaced.

Integrated assessment

Both formative and summative assessments are integral components of all modules within the programme and have an application to both traditional summative and continuous assessment, ensuring overall applied competence. In order to assess learners' knowledge of the fundamental principles in mathematics and natural sciences underlying electronic engineering technology, assessments methods in the form of class tests, assignments, project work, tutorials will be used. Similar assessments methods will also be utilised in determining learners' ability to apply mathematics, natural sciences and engineering sciences, supported by established mathematical formulae, codified engineering analysis, methods and procedures to solve well-defined electronic engineering problems.