DIPLOMA IN COMPUTER SYSTEMS ENGINEERING

Qualification code: DPYE20 - NQF Level 6 (360 credits)

SAQA ID: 111837, CHE NUMBER: H/H16/E077CAN

Campus where offered: Soshanguve South Campus

REMARKS

a. Admission requirement(s) and selection criteria:

• APPLICANTS WITH A SENIOR CERTIFICATE OBTAINED BEFORE 2008:

Admission requirement(s):
A Senior Certificate with a matriculation endorsement or an equivalent qualification with a
D symbol at Higher Grade or a C symbol at Standard Grade for English and a C symbol at
Higher Grade or a B symbol at Standard Grade for Mathematics and Physical Science.

Selection criteria:
To be considered for this qualification, applicants must have an Admission Point Score (APS)
of at least 26.

• APPLICANTS WITH A NATIONAL SENIOR CERTIFICATE OBTAINED IN OR AFTER 2008:

Admission requirement(s):
A National Senior Certificate with a bachelor’s degree or a diploma endorsement, or an equi-
valent qualification, with an achievement level of at least 4 for English (home language or
first additional language), 5 for Mathematics or Technical Mathematics and 4 for Physical
Sciences or Technical Sciences.

Recommended subjects:


Information Technology.

Selection criteria:
To be considered for this qualification, applicants must have an Admission Point Score (APS)
of at least 26 (with Mathematics or Technical Mathematics). Life Orientation is excluded for
APS calculation.

• APPLICANTS WITH A NATIONAL CERTIFICATE (VOCATIONAL) AT NQF LEVEL 4:

Admission requirement(s):
A National Certificate (Vocational) with a bachelor’s degree or a diploma endorsement, with
at least 50% (APS of 4) for English (home language or first additional language) and 60%
for Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy, 50% (APS of 4) for Physical Science or Applied
Engineering Technology, 50% for Life Orientation (excluded for APS calculation), and 50%
(APS of 4) for any two compulsory vocational subjects.

Selection criteria:
To be considered for this qualification, applicants must have an Admission Point Score (APS)
of at least 26 (excluding Life Orientation).

• APPLICANTS WITH A NATIONAL N CERTIFICATE AS PUBLISHED IN NATED 191: (NQF

LEVEL 4):

Admission requirement(s):
A National Senior Certificate and a National N Certificate as published in Nated 191: N3
(NQF Level 4) issued by both the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and the
Council for Quality Assurance in General and Further Education and Training (Umalusi), with
at least 50% (APS of 4) for English and 60% (APS of 5) for Mathematics N3 and Engineering
Science N3.

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 b. Assessment procedures:
No further assessment will be done. Applicants who achieve the minimum APS will be con-
sidered until the programme complement is full.

Please take note that all completed applications received within the published due dates will be
ranked. After consideration of the Departmental Student Enrolment Plan, only the top ranking
applicants will be selected. Once a programme is full, a waiting list will be in place to provide
an opportunity for applicants to fill places of those who did not register on time. Applicants
will be informed of their status per official letter from the Office of the Registrar, alternatively,
they can check their application status on the TUT website, www.tut.ac.za.

c. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), equivalence and status:

See Chapter 30 of Students’ Rules and Regulations.

d. Intake for the qualification:

January only.

e. Minimum duration:
Three years.

f. Presentation:
Day classes. Classes and assessments take place during the week and on Saturdays.

g. Exclusion and readmission:
See Chapter 2 of Students’ Rules and Regulations.

h. Re-registration:
A student may re-register for the module Project Design 365 only with the permission of the Head
of the Department. The purpose of the re-registration is to provide students with an opportunity
to complete the project only, and not to redo it, should they fail the subject.

i. Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA):

This programme is accredited by the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA), and students
completing the qualification will be able to register with that Council. The Department or ECSA
can be contacted for additional information and registration purposes.

j. Work-Integrated Learning:
See Chapter 5 of Students’ Rules and Regulations.

CURRICULUM
FIRST YEAR
Modules are offered as determined by the Head of the Department.
CODE MODULE NQF-L CREDIT PREREQUISITE MODULE(S)

FIRST SEMESTER

CMS115D Communication Science 165 (5) (10)

DE1115D Digital Electronics 115 (5) (10)
EIP115D Electrical Principles 115 (5) (10)
EL1115D Electronics 115 (5) (10)
MT1115D Mathematics 115 (5) (10)
PG1115D Programming 115 (5) (10)

TOTAL CREDITS FOR THE SEMESTER: 60

SECOND SEMESTER

DE2116D Digital Electronics 126 (6) (10) Digital Electronics 115

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EL2116D Electronics 126 (6) (10) Electronics 115
MT2116D Mathematics 126 (6) (10) Mathematics 115
NWS115D Network Systems 125 (5) (10)
PCO115D Project Construction 125 (5) (10) Electrical Principles 115
Electronics 115
PG2116D Programming 126 (6) (10) Programming 115

TOTAL CREDITS FOR THE SEMESTER: 60

TOTAL CREDITS FOR THE FIRST YEAR: 120

SECOND YEAR
Modules are offered as determined by the Head of the Department.
CODE MODULE NQF-L CREDIT PREREQUISITE MODULE(S)

FIRST SEMESTER

CAG216D Computer Architecture and (6) (10) Digital Electronics 115

Organisation 216 Digital Electronics 126
DAB215D Databases 215 (5) (10)
DEL216D Digital Electronics 216 (6) (10) Digital Electronics 115
Digital Electronics 126
DP1216D Digital Process Control 216 (6) (10) Digital Electronics 115
Digital Electronics 126
MHS216D Mathematics 216 (6) (10) Mathematics 115
Mathematics 126
PGM216D Programming 216 (6) (10) Programming 115
Programming 126

TOTAL CREDITS FOR THE SEMESTER: 60

SECOND SEMESTER

DP2216D Digital Process Control 226 (6) (10) Digital Process Control 216
Programming 216
LOD216D Logic Design 226 (6) (10) Computer Architecture and
Organisation 216
Digital Electronics 216
OPS216D Operating Systems 226 (6) (10) Programming 216
PLC216D Programmable Logic (6) (10) Digital Process Control 216
Controllers 226 Programming 216

plus two of the following modules:

ARI216D Artificial Intelligence 226 (6) (10) Mathematics 216

Programming 216
MRO216D Mobile Robotics 226 (6) (10) Computer Architecture and
Organisation 216
Digital Electronics 216
Digital Process Control 216
Programming 216
NWS216D Network Systems 226 (6) (10) Network Systems 125

TOTAL CREDITS FOR THE SEMESTER: 60

TOTAL CREDITS FOR THE SECOND YEAR: 120

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THIRD YEAR
Modules are offered as determined by the Head of the Department.
CODE MODULE NQF-L CREDIT PREREQUISITE MODULE(S)

FIRST SEMESTER

EMS316D Embedded Systems 316 (6) (10) Digital Process Control 226
Logic Design 226
Programmable Logic
Controllers 226
PBS316D Probability and Statistics 316 (6) (10) Mathematics 115
PD1315D Project Design 365 (5) (10) Digital Process Control 226
Logic Design 226
Programmable Logic
Controllers 226
PD1315R Project Design 365 (5) (0)
(re-registration) (second-semester
module)
SFE316D Software Engineering 316 (6) (10) Databases 215
Programming 216

TOTAL CREDITS FOR THE SEMESTER: 40

SECOND SEMESTER
After completion of all modules first- second and third year (first semester) modules.

WYE316D Work-Integrated Learning 326 (6) (60)

PD2316D Project Design 376 (6) (20)
PD2316R Project Design 376 (6) (0)
(re-registration) (first-semester
module)

TOTAL CREDITS FOR THE SEMESTER: 80

TOTAL CREDITS FOR THE THIRD YEAR: 120

TOTAL CREDITS FOR THE QUALIFICATION: 360

MODULE INFORMATION (OVERVIEW OF SYLLABUS)

The syllabus content is subject to change to accommodate industry changes. Please note that a more detailed
syllabus is available at the Department or in the study guide that is applicable to a particular module. On 25
October 2019, the syllabus content was defined as follows:

A
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE 226 (ARI216D) 1 X 3-HOUR PAPER
(Module custodian: Department of Computer Systems Engineering)
This module covers applied intermediate artificial intelligence and is concerned with the implementation of
intermediate level artificial intelligence concepts. The student will be introduced to autonomous agents, state-
driven design, basic user interaction concepts, autonomous virtual world generation, path finding and basic
network programming. After successful completion of this module, the student must be able to create and
design autonomous agents in a virtual world that achieve specific given goals using intermediate artificial
intelligence concepts. (Total tuition time: ± 100 hours)

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 C
COMMUNICATION SCIENCE 165 (CMS115D) 1 X 3-HOUR PAPER
(Module custodian: Department of Applied Languages)
This module covers the discipline of communication as a whole and touches on adjusting to and thriving in a
tertiary environment and is concerned with the life skills needed for study at a university, using a computer for
writing, doing research, and techniques for presenting research. The student will be introduced to concepts of
change and personal adjustment, goal setting and time management, interpersonal skills, and listening and
study skills. (Total tuition time: ± 100 hours)

COMPUTER ARCHITECTURE AND ORGANISATION 216 (CAG216D) 1 X 3-HOUR PAPER

(Module custodian: Department of Computer Systems Engineering)
This module covers microcontroller principles and their applications and is concerned with design, develop-
ment, and construction of microcontroller applications. The student will be introduced to architecture of a
microcontroller, memory architectures, DMA transfers, basic I/O principles and devices, interrupts, and em-
bedded application designs. (Total tuition time: ± 100 hours)

D
DATABASES 215 (DAB215D) 1 X 3-HOUR PAPER
(Module custodian: Department of Computer Science)
This module covers the world of database systems and their use in industry and is concerned with the use and
construction of databases as part of a solution to a problem. After successful completion of this module, the
student must be able to display a firm grasp of database systems and their application as part of a solution to
a problem. (Total tuition time: ± 100 hours)

DIGITAL ELECTRONICS 115 (DE1115D) 1 X 3-HOUR PAPER

(Module custodian: Department of Computer Systems Engineering)
This module covers introductory digital electronics and is concerned with the building blocks of digital sys-
tems. After successful completion of this module, the student must be able to design, troubleshoot and build
basic digital system circuits. (Total tuition time: ± 100 hours)

DIGITAL ELECTRONICS 126 (DE2116D) 1 X 3-HOUR PAPER

(Module custodian: Department of Computer Systems Engineering)
This module covers introductory digital electronics and is concerned with the building blocks of digital sys-
tems. After successful completion of this module, the student must be able to design, troubleshoot and build
basic digital system circuits. (Total tuition time: ± 100 hours)

DIGITAL ELECTRONICS 216 (DEL216D) 1 X 3-HOUR PAPER

(Module custodian: Department of Computer Systems Engineering)
This module covers introductory microcontroller concepts and is concerned with the basics of an 8-bit micro-
controller. After successful completion of this module, the student must be able to design, program and debug
a program, using assembler language for an 8-bit microcontroller. (Total tuition time: ± 100 hours)

DIGITAL PROCESS CONTROL 216 (DP1216D) 1 X 3-HOUR PAPER
(Module custodian: Department of Computer Systems Engineering)
This module covers introductory intelligent systems that encompass the integration of software and electronic
systems and is concerned with the implementation of control systems. After successful completion of this
module, the student must be able to apply a combination of hardware and software systems in a solution to a
given problem. (Total tuition time: ± 100 hours)

DIGITAL PROCESS CONTROL 226 (DP2216D) 1 X 3-HOUR PAPER

(Module custodian: Department of Computer Systems Engineering)
This module covers the theory of mobile robotics and is concerned with robotics and related technologies. The
student will be introduced to the theory behind sensor integration using various sensors, applying a variety of
algorithms and techniques to a robotic platform in order to solve problems, these include and are not limited
to localisation, path finding, map generation, proportional integral derivative control, and navigation. After
successful completion of this module, the student must be able to describe, explain and solve various robotic
related problems. (Total tuition time: ± 100 hours)

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 E
ELECTRICAL PRINCIPLES 115 (EIP115D) 1 X 3-HOUR PAPER
(Module custodian: Department of Computer Systems Engineering)
This module covers electrical principles and is concerned with the study and application of electricity, elec-
tronics and electromagnetism. The student will be introduced to basic principles of modern day electrical
engineering technology. After successful completion of this module, the student must be able to deal with
the basic principles of electricity, e.g. the analysis of direct current circuits, the analysis of alternating current
circuits, electromagnetism, magnetic circuits, inductors, capacitors and some mechanical calculations. (Total
tuition time: ± 100 hours)

ELECTRONICS 115 (EL1115D) 1 X 3-HOUR PAPER

(Module custodian: Department of Computer Systems Engineering)
This module covers electronic components and their operations and is concerned with atomic theory, electri-
cal charge, electrical voltage, current, resistance, series and parallel circuits, conductors and insulators. After
successful completion of this module, the student must be able to design basic power supplies and biasing
circuits for BJT, FET transistors and operational amplifiers. (Total tuition time: ± 100 hours)

ELECTRONICS 126 (EL2116D) 1 X 3-HOUR PAPER

(Module custodian: Department of Computer Systems Engineering)
This module covers the analysis and design of simple electronic circuits and is concerned with the modelling
of electronic components and their application in circuit analysis and design. After successful completion of
this module, the student must be able to design and analyse simple power supplies, basic filters, transistor
amplifiers and calculate heat sink requirements for power circuits. (Total tuition time: ± 100 hours)

EMBEDDED SYSTEMS 316 (EMS316D) 1 X 3-HOUR PAPER

(Module custodian: Department of Computer Systems Engineering)
This module covers the implementation of software on an embedded system and is concerned with the model
and design of the joint dynamics of software, networks, and physical processes. After successful completion
of this module, the student must be able to model, design and implement an embedded systems. (Total tuition
time: ± 100 hours)

L
LOGIC DESIGN 226 (LOD216D) 1 X 3-HOUR PAPER
(Module custodian: Department of Computer Systems Engineering)
This module covers the design principles of logic circuits using a hardware descriptive language and is con-
cerned with the building blocks in understanding logic design principles using a hardware descriptive lan-
guage. After successful completion of this module, the student must be able to design basic logic circuits
using relevant components (PALs, PLAs, FPGAs, CPLDs, development boards, etc.), tools (HDL compilers,
programming suites, etc.) and methods (relevant optimisation methods, FSMs, etc.) to design logic circuits.
(Total tuition time: ± 100 hours)

M
MATHEMATICS 115 (MT1115D) 1 X 3-HOUR PAPER
(Module custodian: Department of Mathematics and Statistics)
This module covers basic mathematics and is concerned with introductory mathematical concepts such as al-
gebra, exponents, differentiation, integration, functions, matrices, vectors, and data handling. After successful
completion of this module, the student must be able to find solutions to problems involving methods of basic
mathematical calculation. (Total tuition time: ± 100 hours)

MATHEMATICS 126 (MT2116D) 1 X 3-HOUR PAPER

(Module custodian: Department of Mathematics and Statistics)
This module covers intermediate level mathematics and is concerned with differentiation of multi-variable
functions, integration, numerical methods, first-order ordinary differential equations, and matrices and Gauss
elimination. After successful completion of this module, the student must be able to find solutions to linear,
non-linear and partial differentiation problems and applications. (Total tuition time: ± 100 hours)

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MATHEMATICS 216 (MHS216D) 1 X 3-HOUR PAPER
(Module custodian: Department of Mathematics and Statistics)
This module covers advanced concepts in pure and discrete mathematics and is concerned with principles
relating to the field. After successful completion of this module, the student must be able to understand and
implement principles of pure and discrete mathematics to solve practical problems relating to the field. (Total
tuition time: ± 100 hours)

MOBILE ROBOTICS 226 (MRO216D) 1 X 3-HOUR PAPER

(Module custodian: Department of Computer Systems Engineering)
This module covers practical mobile robotics and is concerned with robotics and related technologies. After
successful completion of this module, the student must be able to apply various techniques on a mobile robot
using dedicated software such as ROS or Player/Stage in order to solve given problems. (Total tuition time:
± 100 hours)

N
NETWORK SYSTEMS 125 (NWS115D) 1 X 3-HOUR PAPER
(Module custodian: Department of Information Technology)
This module covers various networking concepts and strategies and is concerned with ensuring the student
knows and can apply various networking concepts and strategies to industry related problems. After suc-
cessful completion of this module, the student must be able to make effective presentations to a range of
audiences about technical problems and their solutions. (Total tuition time: ± 100 hours)

NETWORK SYSTEMS 226 (NWS216D) 1 X 3-HOUR PAPER
(Module custodian: Department of Information Technology)
This module covers various networking concepts and strategies and is concerned with ensuring the student
knows and can apply various networking concepts and strategies to industry related problems. After suc-
cessful completion of this module, the student must be able to make effective presentations to a range of
audiences about technical problems and their solutions. (Total tuition time: ± 100 hours)

O
OPERATING SYSTEMS 226 (OPS216D) 1 X 4-HOUR COMPUTER-BASED
(Module custodian: Department of Computer Systems Engineering)
This module covers base knowledge surrounding operating systems and is concerned with creating an in-
depth understanding of operating systems that can then be further applied in the up-coming modules. After
successful completion of this module, the student must be able to demonstrate a sound knowledge of ope-
rating systems aiding them in developing OS specific applications and even operating systems themselves.
(Total tuition time: ± 100 hours)

P
PROBABILITY AND STATISTICS 316 (PBS316D) 1 X 3-HOUR PAPER
(Module custodian: Department of Mathematics and Statistics)
This module covers aspects of probability and statistics and is concerned with discrete probability, continuous
probability, expectation, stochastic processes, sampling distributions, estimation, and hypothesis testing. Af-
ter successful completion of this module, the student must be able to understand and implement probability
and statistics and its various applications. (Total tuition time: ± 100 hours)

PROGRAMMABLE LOGIC CONTROLLERS 226 (PLC216D) 1 X 3-HOUR PAPER

(Module custodian: Department of Computer Systems Engineering)
This module is concerned with designing and implementing PLC based systems. Various sensors, actuators
and control methods are looked at and utilised practically. After successful completion of this module, the stu-
dent must be able to identify and explain the main design characteristics, internal architecture, and operating
principles of Programmable Logic Controllers and implement a PLC in designing solution to a given problem.
(Total tuition time: ± 100 hours)

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PROGRAMMING 115 (PG1115D) 1 X 4-HOUR COMPUTER-BASED
(Module custodian: Department of Computer Science)
This module covers introductory engineering programming principles and is concerned with the application
of programming and software engineering principles to provide solutions to a range of problems emanating
in the IT industry. After successful completion of this module, the student must be able to write a basic C++
program, evaluate C++ expressions using arithmetic operators, enable a program to make decisions, enable
a program to repeat instructions, create and work with functions and manipulate collections of data. (Total
tuition time: ± 100 hours)

PROGRAMMING 126 (PG2116D) 1 X 4-HOUR COMPUTER-BASED

(Module custodian: Department of Computer Science)
This module covers intermediate engineering programming principles and is concerned with object-oriented
programming concepts such as inheritance and polymorphism, producing documentation and implementing
advanced solutions to problems arising in the software industry. After successful completion of this module,
the student must be able to design and implement computer application/software that can solve various soft-
ware and hardware based problems. (Total tuition time: ± 100 hours)

PROGRAMMING 216 (PGM216D) 1 X 4-HOUR COMPUTER-BASED

(Module custodian: Department of Computer Science)
This module covers intermediate/advanced engineering programming principles and is concerned with Using
Rapid Application Development Tool (RAD) for problem solving in a GUI environment. After successful com-
pletion of this module, the student must be able to solve intermediate/advanced level programming problems
using intermediate/advanced level programming skills. (Total tuition time: ± 100 hours)

PROJECT CONSTRUCTION 125 (PCO115D) PROJECT ASSESSMENT

(Module custodian: Department of Computer Systems Engineering)
This module covers all aspects of constructing an electronic project and is concerned with design, research
manufacturing, and basic hand skills required to complete an electronic project. After successful completion of
this module, the student must be able to successfully construct an electronic project using the necessary elec-
tronic knowledge, hand skills and safety procedures needed for completion. (Total tuition time: ± 100 hours)

PROJECT DESIGN 365 (PD1315D/R) PROJECT ASSESSMENT

(Module custodian: Department of Computer Systems Engineering)
This module covers professional conduct, project design approach and design considerations and is con-
cerned with personal and interpersonal skills, self-management, team dynamics and cultural diversity, legal
issues in IT, computer assisted design, knowledge of materials and construction, manufacturing tools and
processes, environmental design skills, and an overview of current technology. After successful completion
of this module, the student must be able to operate efficiently in a working environment, and successfully
research, plan, and design appropriate artefacts for the work environment. (Total tuition time: ± 100 hours)

PROJECT DESIGN 376 (PD2316D/R) PROJECT ASSESSMENT

(Module custodian: Department of Computer Systems Engineering)
This module is concerned with identifying a particular existing problem and solving it through the develop-
ment and implementation of a software and hardware solution. After successful completion of this module, the
student must be able to solve problems by making responsible, safety-conscious decisions and using critical
and creative thinking; Manage oneself and one’s study activities responsibly and effectively by submitting
the documents in time and budgeting your project time effectively; Research, collect, organise, and evaluate
information in order to form a complete picture regarding the selected project; Communicate effectively us-
ing visual, mathematical and language skills when completing and submitting the project design documents;
Exploring career opportunities by investigating possible employment options; Communication, including re-
ceiving advice from supervisors; Self-management by organising and managing oneself and one’s activities
responsibly and effectively. (Total tuition time: ± 200 hours)

S
SOFTWARE ENGINEERING 316 (SFE316D) 1 X 3-HOUR PAPER
(Module custodian: Department of Computer Systems Engineering)
This module covers advanced software development and is concerned with creating robust programming
solutions for real world problems. After successful completion of this module, the student must be able to cre-
ate robust solutions for real world problems utilising advanced software engineering concepts. (Total tuition
time: ± 100 hours)

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 W
WORK-INTEGRATED LEARNING 326 (WYE316D) WORK-INTEGRATED LEARNING
(Module custodian: Department of Computer Systems Engineering)
This module covers integrating the student into a work environment and exposing him/her to a professional
work environment. The student will be introduced to the professional world in an industry related to the pro-
gramme. (Total tuition time: not available)

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