Postgraduate Diploma in Metallurgical Engineering

Purpose

The Postgraduate Diploma in Metallurgical Engineering typically follows a Bachelor's Degree, Advanced Diploma or relevant Level 7 qualification and serves to consolidate and deepen the learner's expertise in a particular discipline and to develop research capacity in the methodology and techniques of Metallurgical engineering. This Postgraduate qualification is primarily industry oriented, with an aspect of research and development. The knowledge emphasises general principles and application or technology transfer. The qualification provides learners with a sound knowledge base in Metallurgical Engineering and the ability to apply their knowledge and skills in the area of Metallurgical Engineering, while equipping them to undertake more specialised and intensive learning. This programme leads to a qualification that has a strong professional and career focus and holders of this qualification are prepared to enter the metallurgical industry, in either the physical metallurgy or the extractive metallurgy disciplines.

This qualification is primarily industry oriented. The knowledge emphasises general principles and application or technology transfer. The qualification provides learners with a sound knowledge base in Metallurgical Engineering and the ability to apply their knowledge and skills in the area of Metallurgical Engineering, while equipping them to undertake more specialised and intensive learning. This qualification leads to a qualification that has a strong professional and career focus and holders of this qualification are prepared to enter the metallurgical industry, both in the physical metallurgy and extractive metallurgy disciplines. Specifically, the purpose of this qualification are to build the necessary knowledge, understanding, abilities and skills required for further learning towards becoming a competent practicing engineering technologist. Engineering learners completing this qualification will demonstrate competence in all the Exit Level Outcomes contained in this standard.

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 outcomes of the qualification as required by the fundamental, core and elective areas stipulated in the Qualification and Exit Level Outcomes.

Rationale

The qualification will provide a more advanced, conceptual education than the Advanced Diploma in Metallurgical Engineering and progression to Postgraduate studies. The qualification prepares learners to solve vaguely defined problems, develop components, systems, services and processes. They will be able to provide leadership in the application of technology in safety, health, engineering and commercially effective operations and have well-developed interpersonal skills. They will be able to work independently and responsibly, applying judgement to decisions arising in the application of technology and health and safety considerations to problems and associated risks. They will have a specialised understanding of engineering sciences underlying a deep knowledge of specific technologies together with financial, commercial, legal, social and economic, health, safety and environmental matters. This qualification provides a preparation for careers in metallurgical engineering, for achieving technical proficiency and to make a contribution to the economy and national development, and the educational base required for registration as a Professional Engineering Technologist with Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA). Learners with this qualification will be able to articulate into the Masters (National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 9) and eventually a Doctorate (NQF Level 10).

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

An RPL process may be used to credit learners with credits in which they have developed the necessary competency because of workplace and work-integrated learning. Learners submitting themselves for RPL should 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.

The details of the Faculty RPL policy are as follows, presuming prior accredited learning has taken place

• Learners applies for RPL against module, or part/full qualification.
• An exemption form is completed for the RPL of modules or part/full qualification.
• Credits are awarded for relevant, approved prior learning (RPL).
• Only then may the prospective candidate continue with full registration.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Extraction Metallurgy, National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 7, 360 Credits.

Or

• Advanced Diploma in Metallurgical Engineering, NQF Level 7, 120 Credits.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at Levels 7 and 8 totalling 140 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 20 Credits

• Advanced Modelling and Simulation, 20 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 30 Credits

• Process Thermodynamics, 10 Credits.
• Corrosion Engineering, 10 Credits.
• Heat and Mass Transfer, 10 Credits.

Elective Modules, Level 8, 90 Credits (Choose one of the following options totalling 90 Credits)

Option 1: Physical Metallurgy

• Physical Metallurgy Research Project, 30 Credits.
• Physical Metallurgy, 20 Credits.
• Manufacturing Metallurgy, 20 Credits.
• Materials Engineering, 20 Credits.

Option 2: Extractive Metallurgy

• Extractive Metallurgy Research Project, 30 Credits.
• Mineral Processing, 20 Credits.
• Hydrometallurgy, 20 Credits.
• Pyro metallurgy, 20 Credits.

1. Apply metallurgical engineering principles to systematically diagnose and solve broadly-defined metallurgical engineering problems.
2. Apply knowledge of mathematics, natural science and engineering sciences to applied metallurgical engineering procedures, processes, systems and methodologies to solve broadly-defined metallurgical engineering problems.
3. Perform procedural and non-procedural design of broadly defined components, systems, works, products or processes in metallurgical engineering to meet desired needs normally within applicable standards, codes of practice and legislation.
4. Explain and conduct investigations and experiments of broadly-defined problems in metallurgical engineering.
5. Use appropriate techniques, resources, and modern engineering tools, including information technology, prediction and modelling, for the solution of broadly-defined 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 metallurgical 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.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria will assess the Exit Level Outcomes in an integrated manner.

• Evaluate, select and utilise appropriate metallurgical engineering principles, practices, skills, tools and technologies.
• Consider various approaches through systematic investigation, analyses and diagnostic formulations that would lead to workable solutions to re-solve metallurgical engineering problems.
• Consolidate and apply a range of advanced and emerging knowledge, techniques and skills of mathematics, natural sciences and metallurgical engineering sciences, procedures, processes, systems and methodologies.
• Inform the construction of appropriate actions to creatively solve metallurgical engineering problems within the area of practice.
• Select appropriate equipment, components, systems, engineering works, products or processes required for developing, designing and managing a metallurgical engineering project to meet the desired needs, while maintaining applicable standards, codes of practice and legislation (e.g. social, economic, legal, health, safety, and environmental).
• Conduct scientific research by consulting and critically evaluating relevant literature, planning, designing and executing investigations and experiments within the metallurgical engineering discipline, drawing conclusions from analysis of all relevant evidence, record in a technical report.
• Identify, evaluate, select and utilise appropriate methods, skills, technologies and techniques or creatively developing engineering tools and computer applications (e.g. simulations, diagnostics, predictions, modelling) as required by the engineering discipline.
• Produce the results and solutions to be critically tested and assessed for applicability and limitations against the required result, which are documented accordingly.
• Implement and utilise accepted methods and practices (e.g. tools to produce graphics, engineering drawings and representation, technical flow charts) including technologies to appropriately and effectively enhance the meaning of text, ensuring the professional and technical communication of information in oral and written format to relevant stakeholders involved in metallurgical engineering activities.
• Apply integrated advanced knowledge and understanding of the metallurgical engineering activity in order to act professionally when identifying, analysing, evaluating and reporting the impact on the environment (e.g. industrial, physical) and society (e.g. personal, occupational and public health and safety, social, economic, cultural values and requirements).
• Integrate and utilise specialised knowledge of engineering management principles (e.g. planning, organising, leading and control) to critically function and perform effectively as a member or leader in a diverse team, as well as manage metallurgical engineering projects (e.g. Planning, design and budget, processes, policies, procedures, legislation, meetings, communication, deadlines/ outputs completed on time).
• Apply acquired skills and well-developed learning skills in order to autonomously and ethically engage in lifelong learning endeavours.
• Exhibit competence in evaluating and synthesising complexities of ethical dilemmas, ethical reasoning and decision making while engaging in planning, developing, designing and evaluating activities aimed at producing metallurgical engineering solutions and accepting responsibility for consequences stemming from metallurgical engineering practice actions taken.

Integrated Assessment

Formative and Summative Assessments are made up of a test, practical tests, exam, research report and oral presentation.