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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

National Diploma: Engineering: Computer Systems 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
65346  National Diploma: Engineering: Computer Systems 
ORIGINATOR
Central University of Technology, Free State 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National Diploma  Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences  Information Technology and Computer Sciences 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Level 6  NQF Level 06  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 10105/14  2015-07-01  2016-10-20 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2020-12-20   2024-12-20  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
A learner who has completed this qualification will be competent in providing professional, technical and developmental support in the computer industry . 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Descriptive entry level:
Capable of logical thinking with a proficiency in science, mathematics and language communication.
Qualification entry level:
Further Education Diploma on NQF level 5 or equivalent. 

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
N 

QUALIFICATION RULES 
The qualification will be awarded to a learner who has provided evidence to the satisfaction of the assessors that the stated competence for the qualificaiton, as detailed in the specified outcomes, has been achieved, either through education and training in a single provider's learning programme, or throgh experience that complies with the stated specified outcomes. 

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
The qualifying learner will have the ability to:

1 Communicate, develop, maintain and implement software systems.
2 To develop, implement and maintain hardware systems in the computing environment.
3 Implement and maintain network hardware and operating systems.
4 Describe and implement the theoretical principles supporting the computing environment.

Specified outcomes:

The qualifying learner will have the competence to:

1.1 utelise applicable software to develop software systems.
(C,50 credits, NQF 6).
  • master effective oral and written skills to compile and communicate system specifications.
    (C,15 credits, NQF 6).

    2.1 Understand, design and construct electronic circuits.
    (C,20 credits, NQF 6).
  • master and implement logic and microprocessor principles.
    (C,20 credits, NQF 6).
  • implement and maintain hardware systems and structures.
    (C,10 credits, NQF 6).

    3.1 Install, maintain and administer a network operating system.
    (C,10 credits, NQF 6).
  • design and implement a hardware network configuration.
    (C,10 credits, NQF 6).
  • master and describe the fundamentals of operating systems.
    (C,15 credits, NQF 6).
  • master and describe the fundamental electronic concepts supporting digital communication systems.
    (E,10 credits, NQF 6).

    4.1 Master basic principlesof differential calculus, integral calculus and statistical probability.
    (C,20 credits, NQF 6).
    (C,10 credits, NQF 6).
  • master the basic principles of electrical theory.
    (F, 10 credits, NQF 6).
  • master the basic principles of project development and research.
    (F,10 credits, NQF 6).

    Critical outcomes:

    The qualification is designed and should be presented and assessed in such a way that the following skills of the learner are promoted and developed:

    The ability to:
  • take decisions and accept responsibility
  • communicate effectively using models, visual and language skills
  • collect, organise and critically evaluate information, in order to assess the situation correctly.
  • demonstrate an understanding that the problem solving contexts do not exist in isolation and therefore look at the system as a whole. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The qualifying learner must provide evidence of being able to:

    1. Apply generic solutions and programming principles to a given problem.
  • Utilise state-of-the-art techniques for developing a specific application.
  • Link a specific application to a database application.
  • Solve problems through effective algorithms and sensible programme outcomes.
  • Submit projects demonstrating windows objects and the integration of trends-of-the-day in real-time application.
  • Illustrate the ability to develop software through the use of software development tools.
  • Demonstrate the ability to develop software and database systems in a team context.
  • Illustrate language and communication skills through precise formulation in projects and assignments.
    2. Identify electronic components.
  • Calculate relevant quantities and units.
  • Design amplifiers, filter and transmission systems.
  • Execute circuit analysis.
  • Distinguish between characteristics of different electrical quantities.
  • Identify correct measuring techniques.
  • Test, measure and plan troubleshooting of digital / electronic / electrical devices, advanced circuit or projects.
  • Design and construct a microprocessor utilising architecture, operation, memory requirements management, interfacing, simulation, emulation, programming and peripheral components.
  • Describe the assembly, structure, operation and control programmes of microprocessors.
  • Design and implement digital circuits utilising binary concepts.
  • Describe, implement and fault find hardware system.
  • Utilise fault-finding and maintenance tools and equipment.
  • Plan directory and security structures as well as daily operational requirements for a given case study.
  • Decide on topologies and hardware requirements for a given case study.
  • Perform the installation, configuration and fault finding of specific systems.
  • The fundamental principle of operating systems are described.
  • Single- and multi-tasking operating systems are installed and demonstrated.
  • The fundamentals of digital electronic communication are described.
  • Provide solutions to mathematical problems.
  • Provide solutions to electrical problems based on electrical theory.
  • The documentation for an elementary research / development project is provided.

    Integrated assessment:

    1. written examination
    2. continuous evaluation
    3. case studies
    4. practical assignments
    5. projects
    6. panel evaluation of experiential learning 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Vertical: Baccalaureus Technologiae: Engineering: Computer Systems.Horizontal: Bachelor's Degree: Engineering: Electrical. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    SERT
    ECETQA
    SAQA 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    The current SERTEC requirements for examination apply. 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2006; 2009; 2012; 2015. 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. Central University of Technology, Free State 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.