Postgraduate Diploma in Mechanical Engineering

Purpose

The Postgraduate Diploma in Mechanical Engineering is primarily industry-oriented. The knowledge emphasises general principles, application, and technology transfer. The qualification provides learners with a sound knowledge base in Mechanical Engineering and the ability to apply their knowledge and skills to this particular career in professional contexts, while equipping them to undertake more specialised and intensive learning. This qualification tends to have a strong professional or career focus and holders of this qualification are normally prepared to enter a specific niche in the labour market.

Specifically, the purpose of this qualification is to build the necessary knowledge, understanding, abilities and skills required for further learning towards becoming a competent practicing engineering technologist with research and innovation abilities.

The qualification prepares learners with research skills, providing the required tools to delve into the innovation for the crafting of solutions to problems in the field of mechanical and other interdisciplinary fields of engineering requiring the synergy with competency in mechanical engineering.

Rationale

The Postgraduate Diploma in Mechanical Engineering will be a tier above the Advanced Diploma and enhance the conceptual nature of the education acquired through previous qualifications and allow progression to further studies. This qualification is aligned with the Department of higher Education and Training (DHET) and National Qualifications Framework (NQF) requirements on Level 8.

Qualifying learners with a Postgraduate Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (NQF Level 8) will be able to articulate into the Masters (NQF Level 9) and eventually a Doctorate (NQF Level 10).

Inputs were received from the advisory committee/board and other stakeholders in the discipline, therefore meeting the needs of industry.

The skills offered by this qualification are sought after in related and relevant disciplines.

This qualification provides

• Preparation for careers in Mechanical engineering, for achieving technical proficiency and to make a contribution to the economy and national development.
• The educational base required for proceeding to a Masters in Engineering qualification at NQF Level 9.
• An avenue to those who wish to pursue registration with Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) in the category.
• Learners can articulate to a Postgraduate Diploma in Engineering that contains at least 15 credits of research.
• Engineering learners completing this qualification will demonstrate competence in all the Exit Level Outcomes contained in the ECSA's standard.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The qualification may be granted, according to policies governing higher education, to learners who have acquired the skills and knowledge without attending formal courses provided they can demonstrate competence in the Exit Level Outcomes of the qualification as required by the fundamental, core and elective areas stipulated in the qualification and Exit Level Outcomes.

An RPL process may also be used to award credits to learners in which they have developed the necessary competency because of workplace and work-integrated learning. Learners submitting for RPL will be thoroughly briefed prior to assessment, and may be required to submit a portfolio or evidence in the prescribed format to be accessed for formal recognition.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• A Bachelor in Mechanical Engineering, NQF Level 7, 360 Credits.

Or

• An appropriate Advanced Diploma, NQF Level 7 with a minimum of 15 Credits allocated to Research Methodology.

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

Compulsory Modules, 105 Credits

• Advanced Engineering Mathematics, 15 Credits.
• Applied Research Methodology in Mechanical Engineering, 30 Credits.
• Continuum Mechanics, 15 Credits.
• Energy Systems, 15 Credits.
• Engineering Modelling and Simulations Module 1, 15 Credits.
• Engineering Modelling and Simulations Module 2, 15 Credits.

Elective Modules, 15 Credits (Choose two modules from one of the elective groups)

Group 1

• Internal Combustion Engine Analysis, 8 Credits.
• Maintenance Management, 7 Credits.

Group 2

• Production and Manufacturing, 8 Credits.
• Refrigeration and Air-conditioning, 7 Credits.

1. Apply mechanical engineering principles to systematically diagnose and solve ill-defined Mechanical engineering problems.
2. Apply knowledge of mathematics, natural science and engineering sciences to applied Mechanical engineering procedures, processes, systems and methodologies to solve ill-defined Mechanical engineering problems.
3. Perform procedural and non-procedural design of broadly defined components, systems, works, products or processes in mechanical engineering to meet desired needs normally within applicable standards, codes of practice and legislation.
4. Define and conduct investigations and experiments of ill-defined problems in mechanical engineering.
5. Use appropriate techniques, resources, and modern engineering tools, including information technology, prediction and modelling, for the solution of ill-defined mechanical engineering problems, with an understanding of the limitations, restrictions, premises, assumptions and constraints.
6. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with engineering audiences and the affected parties.
7. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the impact of mechanical engineering activity on the society, economy, industrial and physical environment, and address issues by analysis and evaluation and the need to act professionally within own limits of competency.
8. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of engineering management principles and apply these to one's own work, as a member or leader in a diverse team and to manage projects.
9. Engage in independent and life-long learning through well-developed learning skills.
10. Comprehend and apply ethical principles and commit to professional ethics, responsibilities and norms of engineering practice within own limits of competence.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Solve broadly defined problems.
• Analyse, evaluate, critically reflect on and address complex problems (broadly-defined problems).
• Apply evidence-based solutions and theory-driven arguments.
• Recognise and address problems concerning respective contexts will be critical at this level.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Evaluate, combine and apply scientific and engineering knowledge to mechanical engineering problems as well as other fields interfacing with mechanical engineering.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Integrate elements of engineering knowledge areas and design or model mechanical engineering systems or components.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Investigate engineering problems, e.g. failure analysis.
• Research, access, process and manage information.
• Develop appropriate processes of information gathering for a given context or use.
• Independently validate the sources of information and evaluate and manage the outcome concerning the relevance to solve and mechanical engineering problem or integrated the information.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Use the main software programmes available for the modelling, analysis, design of simulation of mechanical systems and components.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Read and produce engineering drawings, write technical reports and make oral presentations.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Show an understanding of the life cycle of products, the impact of man-made systems and solutions and integrate sustainability as part and parcel of mechanical engineering design.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8

• Show accountability for work done alone and as a team member.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9

• Show ability in independent learning through the compilation of assignments, self-study and research work.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10

• Show an understanding of professional ethics and behaviour.

Integrated Assessment

Integrated assessment will be conducted through formative and summative assessments. Formative will comprise written tests, Assignments/research, research and simulations constituting a certain percentage of total examination mark. Whilst summative assessment comprises a written examination. The formative assessment will constitute 40% of the total examination mark, Research and simulations will constitute 30 % of total examination mark whilst the examinations will constitute 30% of the total examination mark.