Diploma: Industrial Physics

Purpose

This qualification will equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to function in either the Photonics or Nuclear technology fields. All students acquiring this qualification will be able to communicate technical information accurately. Furthermore, they will be able to solve metrology problems and calibrate instruments.

Students specialising in the field of Photonics will be able to

• Operate and maintain various vacuum pumps and gauges.
• Apply non-destructive techniques and interpret the outcomes.
• Identify, handle and assemble optical components and instruments.
• Apply thin films and coating techniques onto lenses.
• Choose appropriate laser and laser measurement techniques and apply these within health and safety standards.

Students qualifying in the field of Nuclear Technology will acquire the necessary skills and expertise in the various nuclear disciplines. They will be able to:

• Exercise protection measures in accordance with national regulations and legislation of the International Commission of Radiological Protection.
• Evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of accidental and incidental precautionary measures in order to limit local incidents and avoid site and public emergencies.
• Advise/educate role players on specific issues.

These students will be able to function as essential members of a multi-disciplinary task team of professionals in accordance with the scope of their position in the nuclear field. Professional and environmental health ethics will be upheld and human and physical resources managed within their scope of expertise. Students must be registered with the Department of Health as Radiation workers for the duration of their studies.

Rationale

There is global demand for skilled people within the field of Industrial Physics. Industrial Physics is a term used to describe a broad field of study in Physics. However, the focus for this qualification would either be in Photonics or in Nuclear Technology. There is a need for qualified and skilled people in the fields of Photonics (Laser technology) and related fields such as Vacuum Technology, Metrology and Non-destructive Testing as these are regarded as scare skills. The field of Photonics is a fast growing industry in need of trained technicians.

This qualification will provide students with the necessary competencies in either photonics or nuclear technology. Students qualifying with this qualification specialising in the field of Photonics will work as Optical instrument Technicians, Lens Coating Technicians, Laser Technicians, Vacuum Technicians, Metrologists (optical), Non Destructive Testing Technicians. Whereas, students specialising in the field of nuclear technology can be employed as General Nuclear Technicians, Radiation Protection Technicians, Waste Management Technicians, Radiation Risk Technicians, Radioactive Contamination Risk Technicians.

The development of this qualification is in line with the Government policies to provide necessary professional career paths for students to access higher education qualifications in Photonics and Nuclear Technology.

• Mathematics at NQF Level 4.
• Natural Sciences at NQF Level 4.
• English Language at NQF Level 4.

Recognition of Prior Learning

For the qualification Industrial Physics: with electives in Photonics and Nuclear Technology, employed personnel from the fields of Photonics and Nuclear Technology could be admitted into this Diploma programme provided they meet the requirements as stated in the Recognition of Prior Learning policy of TUT.

Access to the Qualification

• Senior Certificate issued before 2008.

OR

• National Senior Certificate (NCS) since 2008.

OR

• Any recognised Grade 12 Certificate with the necessary subjects.

Students must achieve a minimum of 360 Credits to be awarded the qualification.

Students may specialise in either Phototonics or Nuclear Technology from Level 6. Both these Electives carry the same number of credits.

Modules at NQF Level 5

• Industrial Physics I, 25 Credits.
• Mathematics I, 25 Credits.
• Chemistry I, 25 Credits.
• Communication Skill, 9 Credits.
• Engineering Drawing, 15 Credits.
• Computer Skills, 9 Credits.
• Life Skills, 2 Credits.
• Work Integrated Learning I, 10 Credits.

Total Credits at NQF Level 5: 120.

Compulsory Modules at NQF Level 6

• Material Science I, 15 Credits.
• Mathematics II, 20 Credits.
• Industrial Physics II, 20 Credits.
• Computer Programming, 15 Credits.
• Electronic Principles, 10 Credits.
• Work Integrated Learning II, 20 Credits.

Elective Modules at NQF Level 6 (select one)

• Photonics I, 20 Credits.
• Nuclear Technology I, 20 Credits.

Total Credits at NQF Level 6: 120.

Compulsory Modules at NQF Level 7

• Material Science II, 15 Credits.
• Metrology 15, Credits.
• Industrial Physics III, 30 Credits.
• Work Integrated Learning III, 30 Credits.

Elective Modules at NQF Level 7 (select one)

• Photonics II, 30 Credits.
• Nuclear Technology II, 30 Credits.

Total Credits at NQF Level 7: 120.

1. Interpret technical information in order to satisfy standard requirements.
2. Apply scientific, computer programming and technological knowledge within various fields of industrial physics (vacuum, non-destructive testing and metrology).
3. Function under supervision in projects according to specified limits and criteria.
4. Demonstrate communication and interpersonal skills in an industrial environment.
5. Perform and monitor safety, health, environmental and quality assurance procedures in the industrial environment to ensure professional service and safety of all.
6. Write computer programmes to address optimisation of different generic functions.

Electives

Photonics

1. Analyse optical drawings and measuring techniques.
2. Assemble and detect faults in basic optical instruments to meet national and international quality standards.
3. Manufacture optical components according to industrial specifications.
4. Apply lasers within the optical environment.

Nuclear

1. Apply safety precautions based on radiation protection rules, procedures and standards for a specific task or environment.
2. Implement management programmes for radiation protection according to specified limits and criteria.

• Range: Programmes include environmental, waste management and transportation programmes.

1. Operate and calibrate various nuclear instruments.

Critical Cross-Field Outcomes

The qualification addresses all the Critical Cross-Field Outcomes.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Interpret and produce drawings related to the photonics and nuclear field.
• Develop and produce computer aided drawings.
• Adhere to appropriate measurements in the nuclear and photonics fields.
• Interpret the results that comply with industry requirements; codes, standards, specifications and procedures.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Select mathematical, statistical and scientific methods to suit the problems that need to be solved.
• Explain the structure, role and function of the international measurement system in terms of scope and responsibility.
• Develop calibration and test methods and procedures to suit specific situations.
• Analyse captured data to determine calibration interval to be documented.
• Verify performance of calibrated instruments in accordance with manufacturer specifications, before issuing calibration certificates.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the non destructive testing equipment of vacuum pumps, gauges and coupling in vacuum pumps.
• Apply non-destructive methods such as radiographic testing of materials, to test for flaws in various industrial materials.
• Operate relevant testing equipment.
• Interpret and apply electronic diagrams relevant to the industrial physics field.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Follow guidelines in order to illustrate the ability to work within laid down rules and regulations.
• Implement projects in order to ensure personal safety, health and environmental protection according to the organisation's quality management and safety policy.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Apply verbal and non-verbal skills in a nuclear and photonic environment for optimum service delivery.
• Interpret and apply relevant information in order to solve problems and accomplish specific applications.
• Apply academic referencing procedures to avoid plagiarism.
• Apply conflict management, negotiation, mediation and collaboration in the nuclear and photonic environment to facilitate resolution of problems.
• Plan a wellness programme in conjunction with management to deal with radiation protection.
• Compile concise, comprehensive, clear and courteous medico-legal reports to avoid confrontation.
• Record information accurately and efficiently to assure optimal radiation protection.
• Validate data and specifications obtained during manufacturing procedures according to applicable legislation and company specifications.
• Compare test results to standard norms and take corrective action to address variances.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Monitor the quality system of prescription interpretation in accordance with the organisation's quality management policy.
• Identify technical problems and take appropriate actions.
• Identify and/or assess adverse or hazardous environmental conditions in order to comply with national and international norms and standards.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Use computers to interface with equipment.
• Write programmes in order to solve industrial specific problems.

Electives

Photonics

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Interpret and produce basic optical drawings.
• Develop and produce computer-aided drawings.
• Demonstrate various measurements in optical instruments.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Demonstrate the assembling of optical instruments to meet the operational requirements.
• Monitor the operational and functionality of optical equipments.
• Investigate irregularities to detect faults and take appropriate measures to repair the instrument.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Identify the various chemicals used for cleaning optical instruments.
• Select the relevant gluing methods appropriate for various materials.
• Detect failure through investigations.
• Apply hardening methods in coating processes.
• Identify the required protection against ultra-violet and infrared radiation.
• Apply tint and coating processes to ophthalmic lenses.
• Apply surface reflection methods during coating processes in accordance with industry quality and safety standards.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Differentiate between various types of lasers to meet specific standards.
• Apply laser measurement techniques.
• Identify laser operations and hazards.
• Work effectively using the standards and legislation of lasers.
• Demonstrate an understanding of reducing laser hazards.
• Promote, implement and maintain procedures that support safety, health and the environment when using lasers.

Nuclear

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Monitor the application of safety precautions based on radiation protection rules, procedures and standards for a specific task or environment.
• Evaluate radiological activities to ensure compliance.
• Compile a report on radiological safety compliance of a specific context/work unit.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Draw up procedures and/or plan of action to enforce compliance in radiation protection.
• Develop principles to manage occupational exposures.
• Communicate safety information so that it meets specified requirements.
• Communicate surveillance requirements to relevant persons.
• Supervise radiation protection team workers to achieve given work, quality and control objectives.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Differentiate and operate various types of nuclear instruments to meet specific standards.
• Calibrate nuclear instruments and carry out measurements.
• Identify operations and hazards related to nuclear instruments.
• Work effectively using the standards and legislation of nuclear protection.
• Demonstrate an understanding of reducing nuclear hazards.
• Promote, implement and maintain procedures that support safety, health and the environment when using nuclear instruments.

Integrated Assessment

A combination of both formative and summative assessment methods will be applied throughout the duration of the period of study for each learner, at the appropriate NQF Level. These include:

• Tests.
• Theoretical examinations.
• Practical examination.
• Project assessments.

Every assessment tool has a memorandum. Marks are strictly allocated according to the supplied memorandum, to maximise the accuracy, consistency and credibility of results regardless of who is carrying out the assessment/s. Academic staff has applicable qualifications and experience to conduct assessment. Criteria of assessors and moderators are in accordance with the policy of the institution. The Head of Department is responsible for all the external and part time appointments.