Diploma in Mechanical Engineering

Purpose

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

Rationale

Leaners achieving this qualification will be able to independently, as well as under supervision, integrate analytical and practical engineering techniques and engineering knowledge to solve well-defined and open-ended engineering problems. They will also be able to select criteria to judge processes and outcomes. This qualification is intended for engineering practitioners in 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 and 6 totalling at 392 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 196 Credits

• Information and Communications Technology(ICT) Skills 1, 10 Credits.
• Applied Communication Skills 1, 8 Credits.
• Social Intelligence 1, 3 Credits.
• Mathematics 2, 10 Credits.
• Physics 2, 10 Credits.
• Engineering Chemistry 1, 10 Credits.
• Mathematics 1, 10 Credits.
• Engineering Skills 1, 5 Credits.
• Engineering Chemistry 2, 10 Credits.
• Physics 1, 10 Credits.
• Safety Principles and Law 1, 5 Credits.
• Engineering Drawing 1, 10 Credits.
• Applied Communication Skills 1.1, 8 Credits.
• Computing Applications 2, 7 Credits.
• Fluid Mechanics 2 (Mechanics), 10 Credits.
• Manufacturing Engineering 1, 10 Credits.
• Electrical Engineering 1, 10 Credits.
• Thermodynamics 2, 10 Credits.
• Mechanical Engineering Design 2, 10 Credits.
• Strength of Materials 2, 10 Credits.
• Project 1 (WIL Mechanical), 7 Credits.
• Mechanics 1, 10 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 159 Credits

• Applied Communication Skills 2.2, 8 Credits.
• Applied Communication Skills 2.1, 8 Credits.
• Project 2 (WIL Mechanical), 8 Credits.
• Mathematics 3, 10 Credits.
• Experiential Learning 1 (Mechanical), 30 Credits.
• Thermodynamics 3, 10 Credits.
• Theory of Machines 3, 10 Credits.
• Hydraulic Machines 3, 10 Credits.
• Steam Plant 3, 10 Credits.
• Strength of Materials 3, 10 Credits.
• Fluid Mechanics 3, 10 Credits.
• Applied Strength of Materials 3, 10 Credits.
• Mechanics of Machines 3, 10 Credits.
• Project 3 (WIL Mechanical), 15 Credits.

Elective Modules, Level 6, 70 Credits

• Modelling and Engineering Computation 2, 10 Credits.
• Computer Aided Draughting 1, 10 Credits.
• Maintenance Engineering 1, 10 Credits.
• Machine Design 3, 10 Credits.
• Mechanical Engineering Design 3, 10 Credits.
• Manufacturing Engineering 2, 10 Credits.
• Maintenance Engineering 2, 10 Credits.

1. Apply mechanical engineering principles to diagnose and solve engineering problems.
2. Demonstrate mechanical engineering knowledge and skills in one or more specialised areas.
3. Engage in mechanical engineering design work individually and as part of a team.
4. Communicate effectively in a technological environment.
5. Apply management principles in an engineering environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• An open ended problem or issue is correctly identified and described in the workplace.
• The process is appropriately managed in the workplace.
• Appropriate categories for organising information are selected.
• Information is logically organised into a comprehensible form for managers/co-workers in the workplace.
• Appropriate investigative and experimental techniques are chosen and applied to open-ended problems in the workplace.
• Data is interpreted/analysed in relation to the problem, and relevant information brought forward to the decision making forum in the workplace.
• The mechanical engineering investigation is appropriately managed in the workplace.
• Particular recommendations are chosen for the workplace supervisor/co-workers and choices made are justified against selected criteria.
• The effectiveness of recommendations made is evaluated in the light of workplace feedback.

Associated Assessment for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Mechanical engineering components are made according to selected criteria.
• Components are tested and measured in the workplace and properties and specifications recorded.
• Concepts and principles are applied correctly to explain open-ended engineering events in the workplace.
• Reasoned solutions to open ended individual or community needs using the appropriate engineering concepts and principles are put forward.
• The correct approach to solving the problem is chosen and justified using criteria which are selected.
• The operation of machinery and its components is described and explained, both practically and theoretically in the workplace.
• Appropriate machinery is successfully and independently operated against selected criteria.
• Minor modifications to machines are selected, planned and performed in line with appropriate engineering strategies in the workplace.
• Significant contributions to team efforts in planning and implementing processes are made in the workplace.
• A problem in a workplace process is identified and possible improvements suggested.
• The product is successfully marketed.
• The marketing is evaluated against selected criteria and changes implemented where necessary.
• Business plans are acceptable to financial institution AC.
• A product is successfully developed for a need.
• A prototype is successfully built.
• The environmental and/or social effects of the prototype are assessed.
• Criteria for a successful entrepreneur in a specialised field are selected.
• Approaches to environmental management are identified and synthesised.
• The potential impact of engineering activity in open ended situations is discussed in depth.
• Criteria are selected for the critical assessment of environmental management techniques and technologies.
• An environmental assessment of an aspect of the workplace is carried out.
• Current environmental issues are described.
• Information is collected, processed and analysed.
• Machinery and/or processes are controlled and monitored.
• Components, processes and systems are modelled.
• Criteria for successful use of computers are selected and usage is evaluated.

Associated Assessment for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Information relevant to the need is chosen, and choices made are justified according to self-selected criteria.
• Information is appropriately organised into self-selected categories and the process is effectively and independently managed.
• Designs following logically from mostly independent research in the workplace are identified and described visually and textually.
• Particular designs are chosen and the feasibility of choice/s made is justified against selected criteria.
• The design is evaluated and judged in terms of selected criteria and changes made where necessary.
• Progress is satisfactorily reported to the workplace audience.

Associated Assessment for Exit Level Outcome 4

• The appropriate type of workplace document for the purpose is chosen and justified against selected criteria.
• The text is coherently organised at both language and structural levels, and can be self-assessed against selected criteria.
• Conclusions can be drawn from technical data without supervision.
• Criteria can be selected to categorise relevant information.
• Ethical issues are included in technological knowledge transfer.
• Decisions are negotiated between individuals and individuals and groups.
• Procedures are applied to resolve conflict and reach consensus.
• Contributions from experts in a group can be understood and synthesised.

Associated Assessment for Exit Level Outcome 5

• A workplace system is described in terms of its functions.
• The system is evaluated against selected criteria and reasoned suggestions for improvements given.
• A workplace process is examined and described in terms of a set of criteria (quality, safety, profitability) for successful management.
• The process is evaluated against selected criteria and reasoned suggestions for managerial improvements given.
• A workplace project is successfully completed against a set of criteria including specifications, time frames and budgets.
• The project is successfully and appropriately presented to a professional audience.

Integrated Assessment

Both formative and summative assessments are integral components of all modules within the programme and have application to both traditional summative and continuous assessment, ensuring overall applied competence. All teaching and learning activities in the programme are aligned to the assessment approach of the individual modules indicating a constructive alignment approach in the design of the programme. 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's 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 programme.