ECD3701/101/0/2025

Tutorial Letter 101/0/2025

Computer Aided Design and Simulation

1A
ECD3701

Year Module(s)

Department of Electrical and Smart System

Engineering

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Please register on myUnisa, activate your myLife e-mail account and
make sure that you have regular access to the myUnisa module
website, ECD3701-25-Y, as well as your group website.

Note: This is a fully online module. It is, therefore, available only on myUnisa.

BARCODE

Open Rubric
 CONTENTS

Page

1 INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................... 4
2 MODULE OVERVIEW .................................................................................................................. 5
2.1 Purpose ........................................................................................................................................ 5
2.2 Outcomes ..................................................................................................................................... 5
3 CURRICULUM TRANSFORMATION ........................................................................................... 5
4 LECTURER(S) AND CONTACT DETAILS................................................................................... 6
4.1 Lecturer(s) .................................................................................................................................... 6
4.2 Department ................................................................................................................................... 6
4.3 University ...................................................................................................................................... 6
5 RESOURCES ............................................................................................................................... 6
5.1 Prescribed book(s) ........................................................................................................................ 6
5.2 Recommended book(s) ................................................................................................................. 6
5.3 Electronic reserves (e-reserves) ................................................................................................ 6
5.4 Library services and resources ................................................................................................ 7
6 STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES ................................................................................................ 7
6.1 The Unisa First-Year Experience Programme ............................................................................... 8
6.2 Using Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) to apply for module credit within a qualification. ......... 9
7. STUDY PLAN ............................................................................................................................. 10
8 HOW TO STUDY ONLINE .......................................................................................................... 10
8.1 What does it mean to study fully online? ..................................................................................... 10
9. ASSESSMENT ........................................................................................................................... 11
9.1 Assessment criteria..................................................................................................................... 11
4.1 Measure the dielectric constant and loss factor using the software. ................................................ 13
4.2 Explain the operation, derivation, balancing and measurement of large capacitance, method for
grounded test specimen and the measurement of high loss factor by using the Schering bridge. ...... 13
4.3 Design of recurrent surge generator ............................................................................................. 13
8.1. Do design of a HV project with dedicated software. ....................................................................... 13
8.2. Perform all sets of analysis using a method of your choice on the as per experimental project. ........ 13
9.2 Assessment plan ........................................................................................................................ 14
9.3 Assessment/assignment due dates............................................................................................. 14
9.4 Submission of assessments/assignments ................................................................................... 15
9.4.1 Types of assignments and descriptions ......................................................................................... 16

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9.5 The assessments/assignments ................................................................................................... 16

9.6 Other assessment methods ........................................................................................................ 17
9.7 The examination ......................................................................................................................... 17
9.7.1 Invigilation/proctoring .................................................................................................................. 17
10. ACADEMIC DISHONESTY ........................................................................................................ 19
10.1 Plagiarism ................................................................................................................................... 19
10.2 Cheating ..................................................................................................................................... 19
10.3 For more information about plagiarism, follow the link below: ..................................................... 19
11. STUDENTS LIVING WITH DISABILITIES .................................................................................. 19
12. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ........................................................................................ 19
13. SOURCES CONSULTED ........................................................................................................... 20
14. IN CLOSING ............................................................................................................................... 20
15. ADDENDUM ............................................................................................................................... 20
ANNEXURE: GLOSSARY OF TERMS .................................................................................................. 20
16. ANNEXURE 1: GRAPHICAL VIEW OF ENGINEERING QUALIFICATION ............................... 20
17. ANNEXURE 2: GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT GRADUATES ATTRIBUTES ADVANCE
DIPLOMA ................................................................................................................................... 21
18. ANNEXURE 3: LIST OF GRADUATE ATTRIBUTES ADVANCE DIPLOMA ............................ 23

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1 INTRODUCTION
Dear Student

Unisa is a comprehensive open distance e-learning (CODeL) higher education institution. Our
comprehensive curricula encapsulate a range of offerings, from strictly vocational to strictly
academic certificates, diplomas and degrees. Unisa's "openness" and its distance eLearning
character result in many students who may not previously have had an opportunity to enrol in
higher education registering at the university. Our CODeL character implies that our
programmes are carefully planned and structured to ensure success for students, ranging from
the under-prepared but with potential to those who are sufficiently prepared.

Teaching and learning in a CODeL context involves multiple modes of delivery, ranging from
blended to fully online learning. As a default position, all post-graduate programmes are offered
fully online with no printed study materials, while undergraduate programmes are offered using
a blended mode of delivery where printed study materials are augmented with online teaching
and learning via the learner management system, myUnisa. In some instances, undergraduate
programmes are offered fully online as well.

Furthermore, our programmes are aligned with the vision, mission and values of the University.
Unisa's commitment to serving humanity and shaping futures – combined with a clear
appreciation of our location on the African continent – means that Unisa's graduates have
distinctive graduate qualities, which include:

• being independent, resilient, responsible and caring citizens able to fulfil and serve in
multiple roles in their immediate and future local, national and global communities

• having a critical understanding of their location on the African continent and taking
account of its histories, challenges and potential in relation to globally diverse contexts

• the ability to critically analyse and evaluate the credibility and usefulness of information
and data from multiple sources in a globalised world with ever-increasing information
and data flows and competing worldviews

• how to apply their discipline-specific knowledges competently, ethically and creatively

to solve real-life problems

• an awareness of their own learning and developmental needs and future potential

Whether a module is offered either as online (all information is available via the internet), we
use myUnisa as our virtual campus. This is an online system that is used to administer,
document and deliver educational material to you and support engagement with you. Look out
for information from your lecturer as well as other Unisa platforms to determine how to access
the virtual myUnisa module site. Information on the tools that will be available to engage with
your lecturer and fellow students to support your learning will also be communicated via various
platforms.

You are encouraged to log into the module site on myUnisa regularly (that is, at least twice per
week). ECD2601-25-Y

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Because this is a fully online module, you will need to use myUnisa to study and complete the
prescribed learning activities. Visit the website for ECD3701 on myUnisa frequently. The website
for your module is ECD3701-25-Y.

We wish you every success with your studies!

2 MODULE OVERVIEW
2.1 Purpose

Students who have completed this module successfully will be able to design and simulate
Electrical and control system using a professional computer software. This also include to design
development of hardware system with low cost.

2.2 Outcomes

For this module, you will have to master several outcomes:

• Use EASYEDA to simulate circuits and systems.

• Design simple circuits using the blocks.

• Realize the transfer functions using circuits using the software.

• Realize digital filter with given specifications.

• Realize signal converter.

• Design and analyse Power sources.

• Design and analyse Signal converters.

3 CURRICULUM TRANSFORMATION
Unisa has implemented a transformation charter that places curriculum transformation high on the
teaching and learning agenda. Curriculum transformation includes student-centred scholarship, the
pedagogical renewal of teaching and assessment practices, the scholarship of teaching and learning, and
the infusion of African epistemologies and philosophies. All of these are being phased in at both
programme and module levels. As a result of this, you will notice a marked change in the teaching and
learning strategy implemented by Unisa, together with the way in which the content is conceptualised in
your modules. We encourage you to embrace these changes during your studies at Unisa, responsively
and within the framework of transformation.

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4 LECTURER(S) AND CONTACT DETAILS
4.1 Lecturer(s)

The primary lecturer for this module is: Mr Dzivuluwani Nagana

Department: Department of Electrical and Smart System Engineering
Telephone: N/A
E-mail: nagand@unisa.ac.za

4.2 Department

You can contact the Department of Electrical Engineering as follows:

Telephone number: 011 471 3706

E-mail: electricalstudentenquiries@unisa.ac.za

4.3 University

Contact addresses of the various administrative departments appear on the Unisa website:
http://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default/Contact-us/Student-enquiries.

Please include your student number in all correspondence.

5 RESOURCES
5.1 Prescribed book(s)

Norman S. Nise: Control Systems Engineering, 8th Edition (EMEA Edition), John Wiley &
Sons

Software download link

https://easyeda.com/page/download

EASYEDA tutorial, which can be freely downloaded from

https://easyeda.com/Doc/Tutorial/Doc/EasyEDA_Tutorial_20170908.pdf
5.2 Recommended book(s)

There are no recommended book for this module.

5.3 Electronic reserves (e-reserves)

There are no recommended book for this module but you can check other related study.

Search for E-reserves at http://oasis.unisa.ac.za/search/r

E-reserves can be downloaded from the library webpage, option Find E-reserves

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5.4 Library services and resources

The Unisa Library offers a range of information services and resources and has made
numerous library guides available at http://libguides.unisa.ac.za

Recommended guides:

• For brief information on the library, go to https://www.unisa.ac.za/library/libatglance

• For more detailed library information, go to
http://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default/Library
• For Frequently Asked Questions, go to
https://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default/Library/Frequently-Asked-Questions
• For research support and services such as the Personal Librarian service and the
Information Search Librarian's Literature Search Request (on your research topic)
service, go to http://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default/Library/Library-
services/Research-support
• For library training for undergraduate students, go to
https://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default/Library/Library-services/Training
• For Lending Services, go
to https://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default/Library/Library-services/Lending-
services
• For Services for Postgraduate students, go to
https://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default/Library/Services-for-Postgraduates
• For Support and Services for students with disabilities, go to
https://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/corporate/default/Library/Services-for-students-with-
special-needs
• For Library Technology Support, go to https://libguides.unisa.ac.za/techsupport
• For information on finding and using library resources and tools, go to
http://libguides.unisa.ac.za/Research_skills
• For an A–Z list of library databases, go to https://libguides.unisa.ac.za/az.php

Important contact information:

• Technical problems encountered in accessing library online services: Lib-
help@unisa.ac.za
• General library-related queries: Library-enquiries@unisa.ac.za
• Queries related to library fines and payments: Library-fines@unisa.ac.za
• Interlibrary loan service for postgraduate students: libr-ill@unisa.ac.za
• Literature Search Service: Lib-search@unisa.ac.za
• Social media channels: Facebook: UnisaLibrary and X Twitter: @UnisaLibrary

To view the Library orientation video – please click here : Unisa Library and Information
Services Video_1_1 (2).mp4

6 STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

The Study@Unisa brochure is available on myUnisa at www.unisa.ac.za/brochures/studies

This brochure contains important information and guidelines for successful studies through Unisa.

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If you need assistance concerning the myModules system, you are welcome to use the following
contact details:

• Toll-free landline: 0800 00 1870 (Select option 07 for myModules)

• E-mail: mymodule22@unisa.ac.za or myUnisaHelp@unisa.ac.za

You can access and view short videos on topics such as how to view your calendar, how to access
module content, how to view announcements for modules, how to submit assessments and how
to participate in forum activities by visiting https://dtls-qa.unisa.ac.za/course/view.php?id=32130

Registered Unisa students receive a free myLife e-mail account. Important information, notices
and updates are sent exclusively to this account. Please note that it can take up to 24 hours for
your account to be activated after you have claimed it.

Please claim your e-mail account immediately after registering at Unisa by following this link:
https://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/myunisa/default/Claim-UNISA-Login

or follow this link to get more information:

https://www.unisa.ac.za/static/myunisa/Content/Announcements/Documents/Claim-myUnisa-
myLife-Nov-2017.pdf

Your myLife account is the only e-mail account recognised by Unisa for official correspondence with
the University and will remain the official primary e-mail address on record at Unisa. You remain
responsible for managing this e-mail account.

You remain responsible for the management of this e-mail account.

6.1 The Unisa First-Year Experience Programme

Many students find the transition from school education to tertiary education stressful and this is often true
for students enrolling at Unisa for the first time. Unisa is a dedicated open distance and e-learning
institution and is very different from face-to-face/contact institutions. It is a mega university and all its
programmes are offered through either blended learning or fully online learning. For these reasons, we
offer first-time students additional/extended support to help them navigate the Unisa teaching and learning
journey seamlessly and with little difficulty and few barriers.

Unisa’s First-Year Experience (FYE) Programme has been specially designed to provide you with prompt
and helpful information about the services that the institution offers.

The following FYE services are currently available:

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FYE Website Email Support

www.unisa.ac.za/FYE fye@unisa.ac.za

FYE1500
Post-
myUnisa; Study
Registration Referrals to Skills; Academic &
Orientation other support Digital Literacies;
services etc
e.g. Counselling;
Reading & Writing
workshops

To ensure that you do not miss out on important academic and support communication from the
SRU, please check your myLife inbox regularly.

6.2 Using Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) to apply for module credit within a
qualification.
Now that you are a registered student, you are advised to familiarise yourself with the learning outcomes
of the module or modules you have chosen. If you have been exposed to those learning outcomes for
three years or more – either through work experience or other involvement – you can apply to be exempted
from completing assignments and writing examinations. As part of your application for this exemption, you
will be required to compile a portfolio of evidence substantiating how your experience is equivalent to the
learning outcomes. The diagram below shows the steps involved in obtaining recognition of prior learning
(RPL) for module credit. For more information on the process, RPL fees, and the contact details of your
college RPL coordinator, visit the Unisa website: www.unisa.ac.za/rpl

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7. STUDY PLAN
Use my Studies @ Unisa brochure for general time management and planning skills. Make use
of the module website to see update daily.

(the plan includes a plan similar to what is submitted in tuition plan to COD, which outcomes need
to be completed by which week for example in a semester/year)

8 HOW TO STUDY ONLINE

8.1 What does it mean to study fully online?

Studying fully online modules differs completely from studying some of your other modules at Unisa.

• All your study material and learning activities for online modules are designed to be delivered
online on myUnisa.
• All your assignments must be submitted online. This means that you will do all your activities and
submit all your assignments on myUnisa. In other words, you may NOT post your assignments to
Unisa using the South African Post Office.
• All communication between you and the University happens online. Lecturers will communicate
with you via e-mail and SMS, and will use the Announcements, Discussion Forum, and

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Questions and Answers options. You can also use all these platforms to ask questions and
contact your lecturers.

9. ASSESSMENT
9.1 Assessment criteria

Assessments are part of the learning material for this module. As you do the assignment, study
the reading texts, consult other resources, discuss the work with fellow students or do research,
you are actively engaged in learning.

Specific outcomes and assessment criteria

Specific outcome Assessment criteria

Problem solving
The student will have the basic knowledge on
principles in high voltage systems theory and
practice.
Range:
1.1. Explain the mechanism of breakdown of
Fundamentals: Breakdown mechanism of
gases with reference to photon-ionization
gaseous, liquid and solid materials
and photon-excitation
1. Mechanisms of breakdown of gases
1.2. Explain the theory and derivation of
2. Townsend’s first ionization
Townsend’s first ionization coefficient
coefficient
1.3. Explain the theory and derivation of
3. Cathode processes
1 Townsend’s second ionization
4. Townsend’s second ionization
coefficient
coefficient
1.4. Explain the concept of Panchen’s law
5. Townsend breakdown mechanisms
1.5. Explain the phenomena in liquid
6. Streamer or KANAL mechanism of
dielectrics
spark
1.6. Explain treatment of transformer oil
7. Panchen’s Law
8. Corona discharges and time lag
9. Break down in liquids dielectrics
10. Treatment of transformer oil
11. Testing of transformer oil
12. Breakdown in solid dielectrics

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 2.1. Use software to design to schematic
circuit diagram of the Greinacher voltage
Generation on transfer function, doubler circuit.
measurement and testing of high voltages and 2.2. Design the Cockcroft-Walton voltage
currents multiplier circuit
Range: 2.3. Design cascaded transformers and
1. Half-wave rectifier circuit measure output voltage
2 2. Cockcroft-walton voltage multiplier 2.4. Simulate reactive power compensation of
circuit HV ac testing.
3. Electrostatic generator 2.5. Simulate the series resonance circuits
4. Generation of high AC voltages with variable reactors and variable
5. Transfer Function frequency sources.
2.6. Produce analogous Electrical Circuit.
2.7. Lineaging A nonlinear systems

Study the State Space Methods of impulse

voltages and currents. Assessment criteria
Range: 3.1 Design of impulse generator circuits
1. Electrical circuits in state space 3.2 Convert Transfer function to state
2. Impulse generator circuit space.
3 3. Analysis of circuits 3.3 Convert A state space representation
4. State space convention to Transfer function.
5. Construction of impulse generator 3.4 Describe the construction of the
6. Impulse current generation multistage impulse generator.

Time Response of high voltage and currents 4.1. Design transient response circuits
Range: 4.2. Design general Response circuits
4.1 Transient Response 4.3. Explain the operation, construction,
4.2 General Response advantages and disadvantages of
4.3 Damping ratio and natural frequency Transient circuit.
4.4 Higher Order system 4.4. Approximate the Higher order system.
4 4.5 Non-Linearities systems 4.5. Measure high dc and impulse currents,
4.6 The measurement of peak voltages namely high direct currents, hall
4.7 Impulse voltage measurements using generators, high power frequency
voltage dividers currents, high frequency and impulse
4.8 Measurement of high DC and impulse currents, rogowski coil magnetic links
currents and faraday generator using the software.

Students will learn Reduction of Multiple

systems
Range: 5.1 Analyze and Design Multiple Systems
5.2 Covert block diagram to Signal Flow
5 1. Multiple systems.
5.3 Use Manson rule to find the transfer
2. Block diagram
function of Multiple system
3. Manson rules
4. Signal flows

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Study non-destructive insulation test

techniques
4.1 Measure the dielectric constant and
Range:
loss factor using the software.
1. Loss in dielectrics
4.2 Explain the operation, derivation,
2. Measurement of resistivity
balancing and measurement of large
3. Measurement of dielectric
6 capacitance, method for grounded test
constant and loss factor
specimen and the measurement of high
4. High voltage Schering bridge
loss factor by using the Schering bridge.
5. Transformer ratio arm bridge
4.3 Design of recurrent surge generator
6. Partial discharges
7. Recurrent surge generator

7.1 explain why the redistribution of currents

Learn Stability systems, Steady steate error
and voltages cannot take place
and Root Locus techniques instantaneously
Range: 7.2 discuss the types of over-voltages and
1. Over voltages on power systems switching over-voltages and their
2. Travelling waves on transmission origins
7 lines 7.3 Determine system stability.
3. Capacitance switching 7.4 Design the gain of a closed loop system
4. Overvoltage due to arcing ground to meet a steady state error
5. Stability specification.
6. Gain 7.5 Use roots locus to design a parameter
value to meet a transient response.

Individual, Team and Multidisciplinary

Working.
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding
of engineering systems and principles.
Range:
• May apply to one’s own work, as a
member or leader in a 8.1. Do design of a HV project with dedicated
multidisciplinary project; software.
• The ability to manage a project 8.2. Perform all sets of analysis using a
8 should be demonstrated in the form method of your choice on the as per
of project indicated in ELO 3 and 4; experimental project.
and
• Tasks may require co-operation
across at least one disciplinary
boundary.
Co-operating disciplines may be engineering
disciplines other than that of the programme
or may be outside engineering.

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Graduate Attributes
To maintain our programme/qualification accreditation, each programme must provide evidence
that our students are attaining key “attributes” as defined by the ENGINEERING COUNCIL of
SOUTH AFRICA (ECSA). As such it is important as a student that you are familiar with the ECSA
assessment criteria (graduate attributes). Please see the annexture regarding information about
graduate attributes.

There is on GA for this Module.

9.2 Assessment plan

• To complete this module, you will be required to submit 3 assignments.

• All information about when and where to submit your assignments will be made available
to you via the myModules site for your module.
• Due dates for assignments, as well as the actual assignments, will be available on the
myModules site for this module.
• The assignment weighting for the module is 30%.
• You will receive examination information via the myModules sites. Please watch out for
announcements on how examinations for the modules for which you are registered will be
conducted.
• The examination will count 70% towards the final module mark.

Assessment Method of assessment Outcomes covered in Weigh

number assessment contribution of
assessment

01 Assessment 01 Assignment 1 15%

02 Assessment 02 Assignment 2 15%

03 Assessment 03 Portfolio 70%

Total 100%

9.3 Assessment/assignment due dates

• There are no assessment/assignment due dates included in this tutorial letter.

• Assessment/assignment due dates will be made available to you on the myUnisa landing
page for this module. We envisage that the due dates will be available to you upon
registration.

• Please start working on your assessments as soon as you register for the module.

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• Log on to the myUnisa site for this module to obtain more information on the due dates for
the submission of the assessments/assignments

9.4 Submission of assessments/assignments

• Unisa, as a comprehensive open distance e-learning institution (CODeL), is moving

towards becoming an online institution. You will see, therefore, that all your study material,
assessments and engagements with your lecturer and fellow students will take place
online. To facilitate this, we use myUnisa as our virtual campus.

• The myUnisa virtual campus offers students access to the myModules site, where
learning material is available online and where assessments should be completed.
Together, myUnisa and myModules form an online system that is used to administer,
document, and deliver educational material to students and support engagement between
those students and Unisa’s academics.

• The myUnisa platform can be accessed via https://my.unisa.ac.za. Click on the myModules
2025 button to access the online sites for the modules that you are registered for.

• The University undertakes to communicate clearly and as frequently as is necessary to

ensure that you obtain the greatest benefit from your use of the myModules learning
management system. Please access the Announcements on your myModules site
regularly, as this is where your lecturer will post important information to be shared with
you.

• When you access your myModules site for the module/s you are registered for, you will
see a welcome message posted by your lecturer. Below the welcome message you will
see the assessment shells for the assessments that you need to complete. Some
assessments may be multiple choice, some may be tests and others may be written
assessments/assignments, while some may be forum discussions and so on. All
assessments must be completed on the assessment shells available on the respective
module platforms.

• To complete quiz assessments, please log on to the module site where you need to
complete the assessment. Click on the relevant assessment shell (Assessment 1,
Assessment 2, etc.). There will be a date recorded there telling you when the assessment
will open for you. When the assessment is open, access the quiz online and complete it
within the time available to you. Quiz assessment questions are not included in this tutorial
letter (Tutorial Letter 101) and are made available online only. You must therefore access
and complete the quiz online where it has been created.

• It is not advisable to use a cellphone to complete quizzes and you should please use a
desktop computer, tablet or laptop for this task. Students who use cellphones find it difficult
to navigate the Online Assessment tool on the small screen and often struggle to navigate
between questions and successfully complete the quizzes. In addition, cellphones are
more vulnerable to dropped internet connections than other devices. If at all possible,
please do not use a cellphone for this assessment type.

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 • For written assessments/assignments, please note the due date by which your work must
be submitted. Ensure that you follow the guidelines given by your lecturer to complete the
assessment/assignment. Click on the submission button on the relevant assessment shell
on myModules. You will then be able to upload your written assessment to the myModules
site for the modules that you are registered for. Before you finalise the upload, double-
check that you have selected the correct file for uploading. Remember, no marks can be
allocated for incorrectly submitted assessments/assignments.

9.4.1 Types of assignments and descriptions

All assignments are defined as either optional, mandatory, compulsory, or elective.

• Elective assignments
- If not submitted, the student gets no mark for this item.
- The best of the required submissions will count.
• Mandatory assignments
- If not submitted, the student gets no mark for this item.
• Optional assignments – You are encouraged, as a student, to do optional
assignments in order to benefit your learning.

I. Elective assignments
a. The student is given a choice of which assignments within an identified group to submit
and only the best result/s, the number of which is specified in advance, will contribute
towards the year mark.
b. Elective assignments must be grouped into an elective group.
c. For the student to select which assignment to submit, the elective assignments must
be grouped together. For such an elective group, relevant information (such as how
many of the assignments must be submitted and how many of the assignment marks
should be combined into the year mark) will be supplied to you.
d. The selection criteria define how marks received for assignments in an elective group
are to be combined into the year mark. Three different criteria may be used for
calculating the year mark:
• The best mark should be used, or
• If the student submits fewer than the required number of assignments per
group, or no assignment in a group, a mark of 0% will be used.
• 0% is awarded to all non-submitted or unmarked assessments. A best mark is
then calculated from all the qualifying items submitted.

II. Mandatory assessments/assignments

a. Mandatory assessments/assignments contribute to the year mark.
b. If a student fails to submit a mandatory assignment, no mark is awarded and the year
mark is calculated accordingly. The student will therefore forfeit the marks attached to
such an assignment when the final mark for the module is calculated.

III. Optional assessments assignments – You are encouraged, as a student, to do

optional assessments/assignments in order to benefit your learning.

9.5 The assessments/assignments

As indicated in section 9.2, you need to complete 3 assessments/assignments for this module.
Details of the tasks set will appear on the assessments/assignments themselves.

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There are no assignments included in this tutorial letter. Assignments and due dates will be
made available to you on myModules for this module. We envisage that the due dates will be
available to you upon registration.

• No late assignment submissions will be accepted.

• Keep a clear copy of the assignment for your own reference. This is important, as
assignments do get lost.
• Submissions of assignments must be in accordance with “my studies @ unisa
• You must obtain a minimum of 50% on all assessments. However, all assessments are
compulsory to pass the module.
• Because this is an online module, the assignments are not provided in this tutorial letter.
Instead, they will be posted online as they become due, and you will see them when you
go online.
• All assessments must be submitted in PDF format only.

9.5.1 Assignment 01 (If relevant. If not, please delete)

9.6 Other assessment methods

Other assessment methods for this module may be communicated to you during the course of
your studies.

9.7 The examination

Examination information and details on the format of the examination will be made available to
you online via the myUnisa site. Look out for information that will be shared with you by your
lecturer and e-tutors (where relevant), as well as for communication from the University.

9.7.1 Invigilation/proctoring

Since 2020, Unisa has conducted all its assessments online. Given the stringent requirements
imposed by professional bodies, as well as increased solicitation of Unisa’s students by third
parties to unlawfully assist them with the completion of assignments and examinations, the
University is obliged to assure the integrity of its assessment integrity by using various proctoring
tools: Turnitin, Moodle Proctoring, the Invigilator App and IRIS. These tools authenticate the
student’s identity and flag suspicious behaviour to assure the credibility of their responses during

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assessments. The description below is for your benefit as you may encounter any or all of these
in your registered modules:

Turnitin is plagiarism software that facilitates checks for originality in students’ submissions
against internal and external sources. Turnitin assists in identifying academic fraud and ghost
writing. Students are expected to submit typed responses when using the Turnitin software.

The Moodle Proctoring tool is facial recognition software that authenticates students’ identities
during their Quiz assessments. This tool requires access to a student’s mobile or laptop camera.
Students must ensure that their cameras are activated in their browser settings prior to starting
their assessments.

The Invigilator App is a mobile application-based service that verifies the identity of an
assessment participant. The Invigilator app detects student dishonesty-by-proxy and ensures that
the assessment participant is the student registered for the module concerned. This invigilation
tool requires students to download the app from the Google Play Store (Android devices), the
Huawei AppGallery (Huawei devices) or the Apple App Store (Apple devices) on their camera-
enabled mobile devices prior to their assessment.

The IRIS Invigilation software verifies the identity of a student during assessment and provides
for both manual and automated facial verification. It can record and review a student’s
assessment session and it flags suspicious behaviour by the student for review by an academic
administrator. The IRIS software requires installation on students’ webcam-enabled laptop
devices. IRIS invigilation software is used for all CSET online examinations/tests. It is the
responsibility of students to ensure the software is working properly before the examination
session, and attendance of training.

Students who are identified and flagged for suspicious or dishonest behaviour arising from the
invigilation and proctoring reports will be referred to the disciplinary office for formal proceedings.

Please note:

Students must refer to their module assessment information on their myModule sites to determine
which proctoring or invigilation tool will be used for their formative and summative assessments.

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10. ACADEMIC DISHONESTY

10.1 Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the act of taking the words, ideas and thoughts of others and presenting them as
your own. It is a form of theft. Plagiarism includes the following forms of academic dishonesty:

• Copying and pasting from any source without acknowledging that source.
• Not including references or deliberately inserting incorrect bibliographic information.
• Paraphrasing without acknowledging the source of the information.
10.2 Cheating
Cheating includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Completing assessments on behalf of another student, copying the work of another

student during an assessment, or allowing another student to copy your work.
• Using social media (e.g. WhatsApp, Telegram) or other platforms to disseminate
assessment information.
• Submitting corrupt or irrelevant files. (This matter is addressed in the examination
guidelines.)
• Buying completed answers from so-called “tutors” or internet sites (contract cheating).
10.3 For more information about plagiarism, follow the link below:
https://www.unisa.ac.za/sites/myunisa/default/Study-@-Unisa/Student-values-and-rules

11. STUDENTS LIVING WITH DISABILITIES

The Advocacy and Resource Centre for Students with Disabilities (ARCSWiD) provides an
opportunity for staff to interact with first-time and returning students with disabilities.

If you are a student with a disability and would like additional support, or if you need additional
time for assignments/assessments, you are invited to contact Mr D. Nagana @
nagand@unisa.ac.za to discuss the assistance that you need.

12. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Enquiries Responsibility Contact Relevant details

I do not understand the work. Lecturer Ms D. Nagana nagand@unisa.ac.za

There is something wrong or missing in the Florida Campus
assignment. Who can help? Block C, Room 540
I cannot find the prescribed or recommended Tut letter myUnisa www.unisa.ac.za
books.

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 I would like to know the marks of my
assignments.
I do not know whether Unisa received my
assignment.

13. SOURCES CONSULTED

Previous study materials and Unisa resources.

14. IN CLOSING

Do not hesitate to contact us by e-mail if you are experiencing problems with the content of this
tutorial letter or with any academic aspect of the module.

We wish you a fascinating and satisfying journey through the learning material, and trust that you
will complete the module successfully.

Enjoy the journey.

15. ADDENDUM

None

ANNEXURE: GLOSSARY OF TERMS

16. ANNEXURE 1: GRAPHICAL VIEW OF ENGINEERING QUALIFICATION

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17. ANNEXURE 2: GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT GRADUATES

ATTRIBUTES ADVANCE DIPLOMA

The Advanced Diploma in Electrical Engineering was designed considering the HEQSF
document from 2013 and the generic ECSA document “Qualification Standard for Advance
Diploma in Engineering: NQF Level 7; Document: E-05-PT; Rev 5”
Due to the extraordinary development of engineering knowledge and technology, there is a
need for defining a common denominator for the engineering qualifications in order to ensure
the mobility and global recognition. To this end, under the umbrella of International Engineering
Alliance (IEA), Sydney Accord was signed in 2001.
The Sydney Accord is an agreement for the international recognition of Engineering
Technologist qualifications.

For the Advanced Diploma qualifications, the Sydney Accord rules and regulations are
applicable

The following countries are the signatories of Sydney Accord.

• Australia - (Engineers Australia, 2001)

• Canada - (Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists, 2001)
• Taiwan - (Institute of Engineering Education Taiwan, 2014)
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 • Hong Kong - (The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers, 2001)
• Ireland - (Engineers Ireland, 2001)
• Korea - (Accreditation Board for Engineering Education of Korea, 2013)
• Malaysia - (Board of Engineers Malaysia, 2018)
• New Zealand - (Institution of Professional Engineers New Zealand, 2001)
• South Africa - (Engineering Council of South Africa, 2001)
• United Kingdom - (Engineering Council UK, 2001)
• United States - (ABET, 2009)
• Sri Lanka - (The Institution of Engineers Sri Lanka)
Assurance of substantial equivalence through this agreement may enhance mutual exemption
between jurisdictions by leading to opportunities to streamline processes and procedures for the
recognition of competent individuals in other jurisdictions.

The agreement recognizes that there is substantial equivalence of programs accredited by

signatories. Graduates of accredited programs in any of the signatory countries are recognized
by the other signatory countries as having met the academic requirements for entry to the practice
of engineering.

The equivalency of the engineering programmes was possible through the introduction of
Graduate Attributes. Graduate Attributes are assessable outcomes, developed by the
signatories that give confidence that the educational objectives of programmes are being
achieved ensuring the quality of the programme.

As the Graduate Attributes are “assessable outcomes”, each module part of the qualification, has
several Graduate Attributes attached to them and must be assessed in a measurable way, namely
through assignment or laboratory reports or projects or exams. Some Graduate Attributes may
be assessed via several measurable ways.

Since 2022 the Graduate Attributes (GAs) are assessed in design, practical, project and modules
and the total number of 11 Graduate Attributes will be assessed over the whole qualification.

. The qualification may be awarded only if:

• the student has obtained the minimum of credits distributed in the knowledge areas defined
in the E – 05 – PT document,
• The graduates of this qualification will be able to demonstrate competence in the Graduate
Attributes from 1 to 11 as defined in the E – 05 – PT document.
If the student is not declared competent in all 11 Graduate Attributes, he /she
will not be able to graduate, regardless of the credit obtained in the knowledge
areas.
Therefore, it is extremely important for the students to understand the importance of the
graduate attributes, as is the only measure of the substantial equivalency of engineering
technologist qualifications, between signatory countries.

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18. ANNEXURE 3: LIST OF GRADUATE ATTRIBUTES ADVANCE DIPLOMA

The graduate attributes defined below are stated generically and may be assessed in various
engineering disciplinary or cross-disciplinary contexts in a provider-based or simulated practice
environment. Words and phrases having specific meaning are defined in this document or in
ECSA Document E-01-POL.
General Range Statement: The competencies defined in the eleven graduate attributes may be
demonstrated in a university-based, simulated workplace context. Competencies stated
generically may be assessed in various engineering disciplinary or cross-disciplinary contexts.
Level Descriptor: Broadly-defined engineering problems:
a) require coherent and detailed engineering knowledge underpinning the technology area; and
one or more of the characteristics
i) are ill-posed, under- or over specified, or requiring identification and interpretation into the
technology area.
ii) encompass systems within complex engineering systems.
iii) belong to families of problems which are solved in well-accepted but innovative ways
b) and their solutions have one or more of the characteristics:
i) can be solved by structured analysis techniques.
ii) may be partially outside standards and codes; must provide justification to operate outside.
iii) require information from practice area and source interfacing with the practice area that is
incomplete.
iv) involves a variety of issues which may impose conflicting needs and constraints; technical,
engineering and interested or affected parties

Graduate Attribute 1: Problem solving.

Identify, formulate, analyse and solve broadly-defined engineering problems

Graduate Attribute 2: Application of scientific and engineering knowledge

Apply knowledge of mathematics, natural sciences, engineering fundamentals and an
engineering speciality to solve broadly-defined engineering problems.
Level descriptor: Knowledge of mathematics, natural sciences and engineering sciences is
characterized by:
• A knowledge of mathematics using formalism and oriented toward engineering analysis and
modelling; fundamental knowledge of natural science: both as relevant to a discipline or
recognised practice area.

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• A coherent range of fundamental principles in engineering science and technology underlying
an engineering sub-discipline or recognised practice.
• A systematic body of established and emerging knowledge in specialist area or recognized
practice area; and
• The use of mathematics, natural sciences and engineering sciences, supported by established
models, to aid solving broadly-defined engineering problems.
Range Statement: Mathematics, natural science and engineering sciences are applied in formal
analysis and modelling of engineering situations, and for reasoning about and conceptualizing
engineering problems.

Graduate Attribute 3: Engineering design

Perform creative, procedural and non-procedural design and synthesis of components, systems,
engineering works, products or processes.
Range Statement: Design problems used in exit-level assessment must conform to the definition
of a broadly-defined engineering problem.
i) A major design problem should be used to provide evidence.
ii) The selection of components, systems, engineering works, products or processes to be
designed are dependent on the discipline or practice area

Graduate Attribute 4: Investigations, experiments and data analysis

Demonstrate competence to design and conduct investigations and experiments.
Range Statement: The balance of investigation and experiment should be appropriate to the
discipline. Research methodology is to be applied in research or an investigation where the
student engages with selected knowledge in the research literature of the discipline.
Note: An investigation differs from a design in that the objective is to produce knowledge and
understanding of a phenomenon and a recommended course of action rather than specifying how
an artifact could be produced.
Graduate Attribute 5: Engineering methods, skills and tools, including information
technology.
Demonstrate competence to use appropriate engineering methods, skills and tools, including
those based on information technology.
Range Statement: A range of methods, skills and tools appropriate to the disciplinary designation
of the program including:
• Discipline-specific tools, processes or procedures.
• Computer packages for computation, modelling, simulation, and information handling.
• Computers and networks and information infrastructures for accessing, processing, managing,
and storing information to enhance personal productivity and teamwork

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Graduate Attribute 6: Professional and technical communication

Demonstrate competence to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with engineering
audiences and the community at large.
Range Statement: Material to be communicated is in an academic or simulated professional
context.
i) Audiences range from engineering peers, management and lay persons, using appropriate
academic or professional discourse.
ii) Written reports range from short (300-1000 words plus tables diagrams) to long (10 000 to 15
000 words plus tables, diagrams and appendices), covering material at exit-level.
iii) Methods of providing information include the conventional methods of the discipline, for
example engineering drawings, as well as subject- specific methods
Graduate Attribute 7: Sustainability and impact of engineering activity
Demonstrate critical awareness of the sustainability and impact of engineering activity on the
social, industrial and physical environment.
Range Statement: The combination of social, workplace (industrial) and physical environmental
factors must be appropriate to the discipline or other designation of the qualification.
Comprehension of the role of engineering in society and identified issues in engineering practice
in the discipline: health, safety and environmental protection; risk assessment and management
and the impacts of engineering activity: economic, social, cultural, environmental and
sustainability.

Graduate Attribute 8: Individual, team and multidisciplinary working

Demonstrate competence to work effectively as an individual, in teams and in multidisciplinary
environments.
Range Statement: Multidisciplinary tasks require co-operation across at least one disciplinary
boundary. Co-operating disciplines may be engineering disciplines with different fundamental
bases other than that of the programme or may be outside engineering.

Graduate Attribute 9: Independent learning ability

Demonstrate competence to engage in independent learning through well-developed learning
skills.
Range Statement: Operate independently in complex, ill-defined contexts requiring personal
responsibility and initiative, accurately self-evaluate and take responsibility for learning
requirements; be aware of social and ethical implications of applying knowledge in particular
contexts.

Graduate Attribute 10: Engineering professionalism

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Demonstrate critical awareness of the need to act professionally and ethically and to exercise
judgment and take responsibility within own limits of competence.
Range Statement: Evidence includes case studies typical of engineering practice situations in
which the graduate is likely to participate. Ethics and the professional responsibility of an engineer
and the contextual knowledge specified in the range statement of Graduate Attribute 7 is generally
applicable here.

Graduate Attribute 11: Engineering management

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of engineering management principles and economic
decision-making.
Range Statement: Basic techniques from economics, business management; project
management applied to one’s own work, as a member and leader in a team, to manage projects
and in multidisciplinary environments.

References
Qualification Standard for Advance Diploma in Engineering: NQF Level 7 E-05-PT
REVISION No. 5: 01 September 2020. Available via www.ecsa.co.za

©
Unisa 2025

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