Postgraduate Diploma in Industrial Physics

Purpose

The Postgraduate Diploma in Industrial Physics is a qualification on National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 8. It seeks to enhance and deepen skills gained in qualification and thus prepare learners for careers in industrial and applied physics fields. This will be achieved through a teaching and learning programme designed to impart deep knowledge of the fundamental elements of the core of physics and selected topics in applied physics, and to strengthen and deepen not just the physics skills in learners, but transferable skills as well. Practicals performed on site and field visits to industrial partner institutions will complement the teaching and learning of the theoretical concepts introduced in lecture sessions. A holder of this qualification will be equipped with the requisite theoretical, practical and technical physics principles to ensure competence and effectiveness as a technologist in any of Photovoltaic Technology, Nanotechnology, Industrial Ventilation, Vacuum Technology and either of Photonics or the Nuclear Science and Technology disciplines. Learners will also be introduced to research methods and techniques to prepare them for further studies and careers in applied physics or closely related field.

The content of the modules that will be offered by the department will cover topics such as Photovoltaic (PV) system simulation, design and testing. These modules will equip learners with knowledge and skills that will make them marketable researchers and professionals in this exciting PV industry.

Rationale

Industrial Physics is a term used to describe a wide spectrum of physics-based vocations in industry. Physics, due to its broad nature, finds applications in a wide range of industries in the Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) landscape. South Africa as a country is in need of skilled technologists in 'high-tech' industries such as, Photovoltaics, Nanotechnology, Photonics, Nuclear Technology, Industrial Ventilation and Vacuum Technology. The qualification aims to groom suitable learners to meet the current need for highly skilled technicians and technologists that can function independently or with minimal supervision in various occupations in SET industries. The qualification has been developed with input from industry through formal and informal discussions with representatives of different industry partners.

Global energy demands are forever growing and the past few decades have seen an ever increasing shift towards the development of (green) renewable energy sources. In South Africa there has been a notable increase in the development of renewable energy (RE) technologies. Most noticeably Photovoltaic (PV) technology has been leading the RE mix. This surge in the utilisation of PV technologies in South Africa (SA) has advanced interest into PV research and development work. Currently, the Independent Power Producers (IPPs) have relied on international organisations to provide the necessary skills and knowledge for installation and operation of PV systems. The Department of Physics at the institution has recently established collaboration with the Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Energy Centre. The main aim of the collaboration is to enhance support in the development of PV technologies as well as PV system design and optimisation in SA and globally. PV technology modules in the Advanced and the Postgraduate qualifications will provide in-depth theoretical and practical knowledge to learners in solving the energy needs of the country.

Photonics is listed as a scarce skill according to the National Scarce Skills List for South Africa published by the Ministry of Labour. While a ubiquitous technology, there is a need for qualified and skilled people in the use and development of photonics in varied fields such as telecommunications, information science, medicine, construction and optical metrology. The Photonics Initiative of South Africa (PISA) has support from the Department of Science and Technology to develop a national strategy on Photonics, which should inter alia present a roadmap for the future of photonics in the country. The development of human capital is one of the key requirements for the success of this initiative. The photonics electives of the qualification aim to further deepen knowledge in Optical Design and Laser and Fibre Optics, and to impart transferable skills to learners enrolled in this elective area of study.

Nuclear Science and Technology find applications in a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, mining, energy, agriculture and health. There is a growing need for well qualified and skilled nuclear technologists in the country as the nuclear industry develops. Underpinning the use of nuclear technology, among others, is the role played by Radiation Protection Officers (RPOs). A solid foundation in nuclear science and radiation protection is a critical requirement for any practising RPO. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the world's centre for cooperation in the nuclear field, cites the development of human capital in radiation protection and nuclear safety as particularly important. The nuclear technology electives of the qualification aim to further deepen knowledge in the physics and use of Accelerators and Nuclear Reactors as high-tech applications of nuclear science and technology, as well as to instil a heightened awareness of Radiation Protection Dosimetry practices and ethos in various contexts. Learners entering the nuclear industry with this qualification would qualify to be registered with the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) as radiation workers.

Industrial Ventilation and Vacuum Technology may be regarded as crucial support functions in many industries. This is especially true of the mining industry where proper ventilation is of vital importance. In other fields, for example in nuclear technology applications and nanofabrication, there are many processes and measurements that can only take place in a vacuum environment. Certain optical investigations are better carried out in gases under partial pressure in photonics. It is important therefore that technologists who work with ventilation and vacuum systems in their field of practice should have a well-grounded knowledge of these systems.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Industrial Physics qualification is well-aligned with the general ethos of the institution in that it delivers a qualification that will enable industrial physics learners to further their professional/specialised qualification in industrial physics. The qualification is in line with government policies to provide the necessary professional career paths for learners to get access to higher education qualifications in science, engineering and technology. In this case the focus is on PV Technology, Photonics and Nuclear Technology.

Potential learners into this qualification will come from graduates of the Advanced Diploma in Industrial Physics qualification, as well as Bachelor of Science (BSc) Physics major's graduates who want a qualification of a professional nature, qualifying as technicians in Photonics and PV Technology, Radiation Safety and Protection Officers who want to further their discipline-specific and practical knowledge. The base of the qualification, Industrial Physics, will prepare learners for technician jobs in any of Solar Energy, Nanotechnology, Industrial Ventilation and Vacuum Technology industries. Holders of this qualification could also be absorbed by Research and Innovation institutions and companies as Research Assistants/Technicians. Learners specialising in the field of Photonics may work as Optical Instrument Technicians, Lens Coating Technicians, Optical Fibre Technicians, Laser Technicians and Optical Metrologists. Learners specialising in the field of Nuclear Technology may be employed as General Nuclear Technicians, Radiation Protection Officers, Radiation Metrologists, Waste Management Technicians, Radiation Inspectors and Contamination Risk Technicians.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution gives Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as stipulated in the RPL policy, in order to prevent the repetition of modules already obtained which correspond with the current offering being pursued at the institution. Prior learning and or experience relevant to the field of Industrial Physics will be evaluated and considered for access to the qualification. Learners may apply at the Office of the Registrar for RPL or for admission via the Senate's discretionary route. The specific relevant documentation will be requested from these learners, and these cases will be handled on an individual basis. Learners will be encouraged to contact the Office of the Registration.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Science qualification in Physics, NQF Level 7.

Or

• Advanced Diploma qualification in Physics, NQF Level 7.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at Level 8, 84 Credits

• Industrial Ventilation II, 12 Credits.
• Photovoltaic Technology, 12 Credits.
• Quantum and Solid State Physics II, 12 Credits.
• Analytical Techniques for Nanotechnology, 12 Credits.
• Industrial Physics Research Project, 36 Credits.

Elective Modules at Level 8, 36 Credits (Choose two)

• Laser and Fibre Optics II, 18 Credits.
• Optical Design II, 18 Credits.
• Accelerators and Nuclear Reactors II, 18 Credits.
• Radiation Protection dosimetry II, 18 Credits.

• Demonstrate an understanding of the core principles and theories of Solid State Physics, and Quantum Physics.
• Show heightened awareness of how physics principles and theories play out in the execution of fairly complex tasks in the practice of applied physics.
• Analyse, evaluate and interpret key concepts and facts pertaining to Photovoltaic (PV) Technology, Industrial Ventilation and Vacuum Technology in varied industrial contexts.
• Formulate a research question, design and execute experimental research, collate and analyse research data, interpret and communicate results thereof within and outside one's specific discipline or occupation.

The following Exit Level Outcomes are applicable for learners specialising in Photonics

• Demonstrate an understanding of working principles of complex optical metrology and fibre technology systems sufficiently to partake in professional practice and ensure personal safety, health and environmental protection according to quality management and safety policies.
• Assemble, operate and perform fault diagnostics in optical instruments, design optical drawings and measuring techniques, and select appropriate laser systems for performing specific tasks to meet national and international quality standards.

The following Exit Level Outcomes are applicable for learners specialising in Nuclear Technology

• Demonstrate an understanding of the scientific and operational principles of complex nuclear installations, such as particle accelerators and nuclear reactors, sufficiently to partake in professional practice and ensure personal safety, health and environmental protection according to quality management and safety policies.
• Take lead in the design of comprehensive radiation protection programs; through interpretation and implementation of radiation protection regulations, selecting appropriate radiation monitoring instruments and methods.

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

• Define, contextualise and solve theoretical and experimental problems in applied physics (with Analytical Techniques for Nanotechnology as a typical example of applied physics) by applying principles and theories of Solid State Physics and Quantum Physics.
• Use appropriate methods and techniques for evaluation of solar panel modules to test and assess different types of solar panels for different uses, thus demonstrating applied knowledge and skills typically required of Photovoltaic (PV) Technology technicians in industry.
• Apply principles of Industrial Ventilation appropriately to analyse and solve problems in various industrial contexts.
• Carry out critical analyses of data from experimental and practical investigations and interpret results using well-informed arguments, document properly and communicate conclusions thereof using appropriate technical terms and language.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria are applicable for learners specialising in Photonics

• Identify and explain operational principles and mechanisms of complex optical metrology systems in Radiometry and Photometry in terms of physics principles. The laser radiation safety requirements thereof are well-known.
• Characterise and calibrate fairly complex optical instruments including power metres, spectrum analysers, infrared cameras and lasers to national and international standards, and design elaborate optical measurement techniques for different tasks.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria are applicable for learners specialising in Nuclear Technology

• Know and understand applications of small to large nuclear installations, vis-�-vis nuclear reactors and particle accelerators, in energy generation, radioisotope production, and research and development industries, and explain in terms of the underlying physics principles.
• Elaborate radiation monitoring and assessment programmes, based on regulations published by the National Nuclear Regulator (NNR), design for different exposure scenarios in different work environments including nuclear reactor installations, medical radiography, industrial radiography, mining, and research and development settings.
• Understand Radiation Protection Dosimetry as core to radiation protection programmes, with appropriate dosimeters selected for monitoring different types of radiation fields, and calibrated according to procedures prescribed by the national primary standards laboratory for ionising radiation, the Radiation Dosimetry laboratory of the National Metrology Institute of South Africa (NMISA).

Integrated Assessment

The assessment undertaken to determine the learners' applied competence and successful completion of learning in the qualification will be through a combination of formative and summative strategies. This integrated approach to assessment will take place within the context of an active learning environment, in adherence to:

• Quality assurance policies, procedures and processes.
• A guided and supported learning environment.

Formative Assessment

Formative Assessment will be used to inform learners about their progress on a continuous basis throughout the qualification. Self and peer assessment (with the aid of relevant analytical assessment tools) will contribute to formative assessment. Marks collected from this evidence may be recorded for promotional purposes or may be used for the sole purpose of learner and lecturer reflection, growth and development. Formative assessment will be used to support the learner developmentally and to provide feedback to all involved in the learning process about how teaching and learning can be improved. Throughout the qualification, formative assessment strategies will be used to ensure that Exit Level Critical Outcomes are achieved. These modes of assessment will include (but not limited to):

• Assignments.
• Lab/field visit reports.
• Class presentations.

Summative Assessment

Summative Assessment will involve assessment opportunities that take place at the end of a learning experience. Information will be gathered about a learner's level of competence upon completion of a unit, module or qualification. Results may be expressed in marks in terms of the level of competence achieved, with regard to level descriptors, specific outcomes and assessment standards. This type of assessment will be used for promotional purposes and will take the form of (including, but not limited to):

• Examinations (theoretical).
• Tests.
• Project dissertation.