Diploma in Engineering Technology in Power Engineering

Purpose

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.

Rationale

The curriculum of this qualification has been redesigned to comply with both the new Higher Education Qualifications Framework(HEQSF) 240 credit diploma and the new Engineering Council of South Africa(ECSA) standard by removing the one full year of Work Integrated Learning(WIL) (work-place based). 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 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, or advanced 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 modules at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 5 and 6 totalling at 288 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 156 Credits

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

Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 132 Credits

• Power Electronics, 10 Credits.
• Design Projects, 10 Credits.
• Control systems, 10 Credits.
• Network Systems, 10 Credits.
• Electrical Engineering, 10 Credits.
• Control Systems, 10 Credits.
• Digital Systems, 10 Credits.
• Programming, 10 Credits.
• Electrical Protection, 10 Credits.
• Mathematics, 12 Credits.
• Electrical Distribution, 10 Credits.
• Electrical Machines, 10 Credits.
• Electrical Machines, 10 Credits.

1. Apply engineering principles to diagnosed 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 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 apply across all Exit Level Outcomes

• Identify and analyse an electrical engineering problem, design requirement, project requirement or operational requirement.
• Synthesise a range of potential solutions to an Electrical Engineering problem, or approaches to project execution.
• Evaluate potential solutions to an Electrical Engineering problem, or approaches to a project, and decide on the best option.
• Implement a solution to an Electrical Engineering problem, or approach to a project.
• Monitor the performance of the implemented solution to an Electrical Engineering problem.
• Install, assemble, maintain and evaluate the performance of Electrical Engineering equipment and systems.
• Diagnose a trace problem in Electrical Engineering equipment and systems, and develop appropriate solutions.
• Manage self.
• Work effectively in a team environment.
• Manage people, work priorities, work processes and resources.
• Establish and maintain professional and business relationships to communicate effectively.

Integrated Assessment

Both formative and summative assessments are integral components of all modules within the qualification and have an application to both traditional summative and continuous assessment, ensuring overall applied competence. For all the assessment purposes to be achieved, class tests, assignments, project work tutorials, and tests will be used.