Faculty of Science, Engineering & Technology
- Message from the Dean
- About the Faculty of Science, Engineering & Technology
- Departments & Programmes
- Department of Informatics & Mathematical Sciences
- Department of Applied Sciences
- Department of Built Environment
- Department of Civil Engineering
- Department of Mechanical Engineering
- Department of Information Technology
- Qualifications Offered
- Diploma: Information and Communications Technology in Applications Development
- Diploma: Information and Communications Technology in Support Services
- Diploma: Information and Communications Technology in Business Analysis
- Diploma: Information and Communications Technology in Communication Networks
- Advanced Diploma: Information and Communications Technology in Applications Development
- Advanced Diploma: Information and Communications Technology in Communication Networks
- Short Learning Programmes (SLPs)
- Academy Affiliations
- Departmental Staff
- Qualifications Offered
- Department of Visual Arts
Department of Electrical Engineering
The Department of Electrical Engineering consists of two programmes:
- Diploma: Electrical Engineering
- Diploma: Electrical Engineering (Extended)
- Advanced Diploma: Electrical Engineering.
The choice of the stream depends on the option that was chosen at the Diploma level.
| Department | Programmes Offered | Duration | Delivery Sites |
| Electrical |
Diploma: Engineering: Electrical, Extended Programme |
4 years | College Street |
|
Diploma: Engineering: Electrical |
3 years | College Street | |
| Advanced Diploma: Engineering: Electrical - Part-Time | 2 years | College Street |
Department Staff
HoD
Mr S Adjei-Frimpong, MEng (Witwatersrand), BSc(Hons) Elect Eng
(University of Science and Technology), Kumasi, Ghana
Telephone +27 (0) 43 702 9224, Email sadjei-frimpong@wsu.ac.za
Secretary
Ms M Kula, BTech: Bus Admin (WSU), ND: OMTECH
Telephone +27 (0) 43 702 9232, Email mkula@wsu.ac.za
DEPARTMENTAL RULES
General
Students should note that on registration to study at Walter Sisulu University, they automatically become members of the University and agree to abide by the rules and regulations of Walter Sisulu University as amended from time to time and for which further details are available in the General Prospectus.
Offering of Programmes and/or Courses not Guaranteed
Students should note that the offering of programmes and/or courses as is described in this Prospectus is not guaranteed but may be subject to change.
The offering of programmes and/or courses is dependent on viable student enrolment numbers being met (as determined by HOD) and physical and human resources being available.
Class Attendance
Attendance of all classes, including practicals, laboratory work, tutorials and site visits are compulsory.
All classes, including tutorials and site visits, are compulsory. Students should at all times be punctual in attending classes. The lecturer keeps a register of a student class attendance that is used as part of the assessment of student performance.
Semester Tests, Practicals/Lab Work, Site Visits, Projects and Assignments
Students who are absent from semester tests, practicals/lab work, site visits who fail to submit assignments or projects before or on the due date, receive a zero mark for that assessment unit unless the lecturer is provided with a written certificate (within 7 days after the test) from a medical doctor/dentist to confirm that he/she was ill.
No more than one semester major assessment (for example, test) may be missed. Any other of the University’s rules/regulations in this regard are applicable.
Diploma: Electrical Engineering
Entrepreneurship & Professional Development of Students
It is part of the Department of Electrical Engineering’s mission to instil entrepreneurial skills in our graduates to support their academic talents.
Therefore compulsory ongoing entrepreneurial exposure will be presented via successful local business people and other entrepreneurial experts.
Business principles will permeate throughout the programme on an informal basis.
The Department of Electrical Engineering also encourages students and staff to become members of the various professional and institutional bodies.
While studying towards the diploma qualification, students are encouraged to join various institutional and professional bodies.
More information is available from the Head of the Department.
Students are encouraged to visit the ECSA and South African Institute of Electrical Engineers (SAIEE) websites for more information.
The process of professional development of a professional engineering technician starts with the attainment of a qualification that meets this standard.
After graduation, a programme of training and experience is completed to attain the competencies for professional registration.
Career Opportunities
In general, diplomates can work in the following branches of electrical engineering:
- Planning and design, construction, project management and maintenance of facilities and infrastructure
- Generation, transmission, distribution and the utilisation of electrical energy
- Automotive electronics
- Cellular communication networks
Specialisation fields in electrical engineering include positions in:
- Control, manufacturing and automation
- Science, Engineering Technological teaching and learning environment
- Information and Communication Technology.
Prospective Employers
Consulting firms in private practice, government and provincial departments (for example, Department of and Public Works), local authorities (for example, Buffalo City Municipality), Parastatal and Utilities (For example, Iscor, Sasol & Eskom); Research organisations (for example, CSIR) & tertiary education institutions (for example, universities).
Purpose of Qualification
The purpose of the Diploma: Engineering: Electrical is to train technicians who will meet the criteria for registration as a Candidate Engineering Technician by the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA).
These technicians should display competence as part of the engineering team in the execution of technical tasks under remote supervision by using and applying their knowledge in independent judgment in the identification and solution of complex electrical engineering problems.
This qualification is intended for technician-level employment in industry within the range of planning, design, construction and maintenance of Electrical Engineering operations.
Diplomats achieving this qualification should, after initial supervision, be able:
- to apply engineering principles, techniques and instruments to systematically diagnose and solve well-defined electrical engineering problems
- perform procedural design functions of limited context
- be able to use appropriate terminology, style and structure to communicate effectively with superiors and subordinates
- apply management concepts to projects and operations
- exhibit an awareness of ethics, professionalism, safety and consideration of the social and natural environment.
Graduate Attributes (Exit Level Outcomes) of the Programme
The programme’s exit level outcomes are aimed at providing graduates with the following attributes, skills, and competencies:
- Ability to apply Electrical Engineering principles to systematically diagnose and solve well-defined Electrical Engineering problems.
- Demonstrate the application of knowledge and the requisite skills in an Electrical Engineering environment.
- Perform procedural design of well-defined elements/components to meet desired needs within applicable standards, codes of practice and legislation.
- Conduct investigations of well-defined problems through location and searching relevant codes and catalogues, conducting standard tests, experiments and measurements.
- Use appropriate techniques, resources, and modern engineering tools including information technology for the solution of well-defined engineering problems, with the awareness of the limitations, restrictions, premises, assumptions and constraints.
- Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing within an engineering context.
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the impact of engineering activity on the society, economy, industrial and physical environment and address issues by defined procedures.
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of engineering management principles and apply these to one’s own work, as a member and leader in a technical team and to manage projects.
- Engage in independent and life-long learning through well-developed learning skills.
- Understand and commit to professional skills, responsibilities and norms of engineering technical practice.
- Demonstrate an understanding of workplace practices to solve engineering problems consistent with academic learning achieved.
The graduate achieving this qualification should there be able to:
- Perform procedural design of well-defined elements/components to meet desired needs within applicable standards, codes of practice and legislation.
- Follow developments in electrical engineering and critique the status of current knowledge.
- Apply the knowledge gained to new, well-defined, situations, both concrete and abstract, in the workplace/community.
- Gather evidence from primary sources and journals using appropriate retrieval skills, and organise, synthesise and present the information professionally in a mode appropriate to the audience.
- Use basic methods of enquiry in an electrical engineering environment to contribute to a project.
- Demonstrate the capacity to explore and exploit educational, entrepreneurial, and career opportunities, and to develop him/herself professionally, including the ability to proceed to the Advanced Diploma level.
- Make independent decisions taking into account the relevant technical, economic, social, safety and environmental factors.
- Work independently, as a member of a team and as a supervisor.
- Relate electrical engineering activities to environmental, safety, cultural and economic sustainability.
Critical Cross-Field Outcomes
This qualification promotes, in particular, the following Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:
- In the problem-solving process, the learner is expected to be both creative and critical.
- Working effectively with others as a member of a group, organisation and community, for example, demonstrate effectiveness in:
- Individual work and the ability to function in a team situation.
- In the problem-solving process, the learner is expected to be both creative and critical.
- Working effectively with others as a member of a group, organisation and community, for example, demonstrate effectiveness in: o Individual work and the ability to function in a team situation.
- Demonstrating and understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation by taking technical, social, economic, environmental factors into account
- Undertake to take care for the documentation and equipment issued as well as for the equipment used in practicals or in the classroom.
- Contributing to the full personal development of each learner and social and economic development of society at large by making it an underlying intention of the programme of learning to make an individual aware of developing entrepreneurial opportunities.
Minimum Admission Requirements
National Senior Certificate
APS: 30
Required NSC Subjects (Compulsory)
- SC achievement rating of at least 3 (40-49%) for English at a Home Language or First Additional Language level
- NSC achievement rating of at least 4 (50-59%) for Mathematics (not Mathematics Literacy)
- NSC achievement rating of at least 4 (50-59%) for Physical Sciences
Recommended NSC Subjects (Not Compulsory)
- Engineering Graphics and Design
- Electrical Technology
Other
- Minimum statutory NSC requirements for diploma entry must be met.
- Applicants are required to participate in National Benchmarking.
Grade 12/ Matric
Senior Certificate Requirement
- An E-symbol for English (2nd language) on the Higher Grade.
- In addition, an E-symbol on the Higher Grade or a D-symbol on the Standard Grade for Mathematics and Physical Science.
- If the symbol attained for only one of either Mathematics or Physical Science is one symbol below the requirement, the students may be referred to the Diploma: Engineering (Extended Programme) (see minimum admissions requirements for the extended programme).
TVET Colleges
National Certificate Requirement
An N3 certificate with C-symbols for at least four courses including Mathematics and Engineering Science or a D-symbol in four appropriate N4 subjects including Mathematics as well as the language requirements as specified for the Senior Certificate.
National Certificate (Vocational) Level 4
Requirements as defined in Government Gazette 32743 dated 26th November 2009 with specific requirements as set out below:
- Must meet NC(V) level 4 statutory requirements.
- Must obtain 50% in the three fundamental subjects which in the case of this programme are required to be:
- English, as it is the University’s language of learning and teaching (LOTL)
- Mathematics (not Mathematics Literacy)
- Life Orientation
- 50% in Physical Science
- 60% for three of the following compulsory vocational modules (in any combination):
- Electrical Principles and Practice Electrical Workmanship
- Electronic Control and Digital Electronics Electrical Systems and Construction
- Electro-Technology
- All NCV 4 applicants are required to participate and perform satisfactorily in the Placement Tests (SATAPS/NBTs) as conducted by the department.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
RPL may be used to demonstrate competence for admission to this programme.
This qualification may be achieved in part through recognition of prior learning processes.
Credits achieved by RPL must not exceed 50% of the total credits and must not include credits at the exit level.
The provision that the qualification may be obtained through the recognition of prior learning, facilitates access to education, training and a career path in engineering and thus accelerates the redress of past unfair discrimination in education, training and employment opportunities.
Evidence of prior learning must be assessed through formal RPL processes through recognised methods.
Any other evidence of prior learning should be assessed through formal RPL processes to recognise achievement thereof.
Learners submitting themselves for RPL should be thoroughly briefed prior to the assessment and will be required to submit a Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) in the prescribed format to be assessed for formal recognition.
While this is primarily a workplace-based qualification, evidence from other areas of learning may be introduced if pertinent to any of the Exit Level Outcomes (ELOs).
The structure of this non-unit standard based qualification makes RPL possible if the learner is able to demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes implicit in this first stage engineering qualification.
Learners who already work in the engineering industry who believe they possess competencies to enable them to meet some or all of the ELOs listed in the qualification will be able to present themselves for assessment against those of their choice.
International Students
Applications from international students are considered in terms of:
- HESA/Institutional Guideline Document, “Exemption Requirements: Foreign School Qualifications” institutional equivalence reference document
- Where required, submission of international qualification to SAQA for benchmarking in terms of HEQF.
Mature Age Endorsement
Refer to requirements as per WSU’s General Rules & Regulations.
Diploma: Electrical Engineering (Extended Programme)
Entrepreneurship & Professional Development of Students
For details see the same section under Diploma: Electrical Engineering.
Career Opportunities
For details see the same section under Diploma: Electrical Engineering.
Purpose of Qualification
The purpose of the Diploma: Electrical Engineering Extended Programme is to equip underprepared students, who wish to study towards the Diploma: Electrical Engineering.
Additional modules are therefore introduced at S1 and S2 levels, hence the extended time period for the completion of this programme.
To achieve its purpose the programme aims to:
- Provide students at risk with a viable platform to successfully undertake Electrical Engineering studies at the tertiary education level.
- Provide students from disadvantaged backgrounds with an adequate level of foundational competence which is based on specific and discipline-related knowledge.
- Improve the retention and throughput of disadvantaged students entering the mainstream programme.
- Provide a learning environment where the gap in terms of disadvantaged student needs and the student support required are bridged.
- Provide a student who has the potential to succeed with Electrical Engineering studies at the tertiary level with an opportunity to:
- gain a contextualised understanding of the field of Electrical Engineering.
- develop the knowledge and skills to engage in basic Electrical Engineering practices effectively.
- become familiar with the application of basic knowledge and skills in the Electrical Engineering discipline.
- ensure that the required educational quality standards in teaching and learning are maintained while at the same time achieving the above aims.
The rationale for the Diploma: Electrical Engineering Extended Programme is, therefore, essentially the same as for the three-year Diploma programme but is specifically designed in such a way so as to benefit students by providing support to students to obtain essential skills for completion of the Diploma: Electrical Engineering.
Students successfully completing the Extended Programme will thus be able to:
- Develop a contextualised understanding of the field of electrical engineering.
- Develop the knowledge and skills to engage in electrical engineering practices effectively.
- Apply knowledge and skills in the electrical engineering academic environments.
- Continue with their studies beyond the S2 level towards the obtainment of a Diploma: Electrical.
The exit level outcomes for the Diploma: Electrical Engineering Extended Programme are the same as for the three-year Diploma programme (details are as indicated for that programme).
There are, however, outcomes which the Extended Programme aims to re-enforce to better equip the students.
These additional modules are introduced at S1 and S2 levels, hence the extended time period.
The additional outcomes of the Diploma: Electrical Engineering Extended Programme are:
- To ensure students understand and are able to master the basic concepts of mathematics, physics and building science and their application which forms part of the Diploma - Engineering: Electrical programme.
- To develop students computer skills to equip them for further academic studies.
- To enhance and develop the students’ academic skills with particular emphasis on academic literacy as applicable to the Diploma: Engineering: Electrical programme.
- To develop students’ life skills so that they can use the tools (for example, study and time management skills) in their studies.
Minimum Admission Requirements
- The minimum admission requirements are the same as for the Diploma: Electrical Engineering (for details see the same section under Diploma: Electrical Engineering).
Advanced Diploma: Electrical Engineering
Entrepreneurship & Professional Development of Students
For details see the same section under Diploma: Engineering: Electrical.
Career Opportunities
For details see the same section under Diploma: Engineering: Electrical, except that graduates will be able to perform work at the technologist level.
Purpose of Qualification
The purpose of the Advanced Diploma: Electrical Engineering is to train technologists who will meet the criteria for registration as a candidate technologist by the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA), and who will display competence as part of the engineering team in the execution of technical tasks under remote supervision by using and applying their knowledge in independent judgment in the identification and solution of broadly defined Electrical engineering problems.
Graduates achieving this qualification should, after initial supervision:
- be able to apply engineering principles, techniques and instruments to systematically diagnose and solve broadly defined electrical engineering problems,
- perform procedural design functions of limited context
- be able to use appropriate terminology, style and structure to communicate effectively with superiors and subordinates
- apply management concepts to projects and operations
- exhibit an awareness of ethics, professionalism, safety and consideration of the social and natural environment.
Exit Level Outcomes of the Programme
(Conforming to SAQA’s NLRD no 49509)
The programme’s exit level outcomes are aimed at providing graduates with the following attributes, skills, and competencies to enable them to practise electrical engineering activities and applications at the level expected of a Professional Engineering Technologist, and to manage Electrical Engineering activities and applications at the level expected of a Professional Engineering Technician.
These are:
Problem-Solving
Apply electrical engineering principles to systematically diagnose and solve broadly defined electrical engineering problems.
Application of Scientific and Engineering Knowledge
Demonstrate the application of mathematical, science and engineering knowledge and the requisite skills in an electrical engineering environment.
Engineering Design
Perform procedural and non-procedural design of broadly defined components, systems, works, products or processes to meet desired needs in the applicable standards, codes of practice and legislation.
Communication
Communicate technical, supervisory and general management information effectively, both orally and in writing, using appropriate language and terminology, structure, style and graphical support.
Engineering Management
Apply engineering management principles and concepts to engineering activities.
Project Development
Identify, analyse, conduct and manage a project.
Application of Complementary Knowledge
Demonstrate a critical awareness of the impact of engineering activity on the social, industrial and physical environment, and of the need to act professionally within one’s own limits of competence.
The graduate with this qualification should therefore be able to:
- Apply integration of theory, principles, proven techniques, practical experience and appropriate skills to the solution of broadly defined problems in the field of Electrical Engineering while operating within the relevant standards and codes.
- Perform procedural design of broadly defined elements/components to meet desired needs.
- Communicate effectively at all levels.
- Apply the knowledge gained to new, broadly-defined, situations, both concrete and abstract, in the workplace/community.
- Gather evidence from primary sources and journals using appropriate retrieval skills, and organise, synthesise and present the information professionally in a mode appropriate to the audience.
- Demonstrate the capacity to explore and exploit educational, entrepreneurial, and career opportunities, and to develop him/herself professionally, including the ability to proceed to the Masters level.
- Make independent decisions taking into account the relevant technical, economic, social, safety and environmental factors.
- Work independently, as a member of a team and as a supervisor.
- Relate electrical engineering activities to environmental, safety, cultural and economic sustainability.
- Identify, analyse, conduct and manage a project.
- Use appropriate software to perform statistical analysis.
Critical Cross-Field Outcomes
This qualification has the same Critical Cross-Field Outcomes as for Diploma: Electrical Engineering.
Minimum Admission Requirements
- Diploma: Electrical Engineering
- Diploma: Engineering: Electrical, including a credit for Mathematics III, and with an overall average for all courses of at least 60%.
- Old National Diploma (T3): Electrical Engineering: Heavy Current or Light Current, plus enough additional courses to accumulate at least 20 credits, including Engineering Mathematics III and Design Projects III, or their equivalents, and with an overall average for all courses of at least 60%.
- National Higher Diploma: Electrical Engineering: Heavy or Light Current, including a credit for Engineering Mathematics IV or at least Engineering Mathematics III.
- Any applicant who has a national diploma plus two years of work experience in a related field, but fails to meet the average mark of 60% will have his/her application reviewed by a panel to determine whether he/she can be admitted or not.