Faculty of Information Technology, Science and Engineering – National Higher Certificate – Robotics Engineering NQF Level 5 – 120 Credits
National Higher Certificate – Robotics Engineering NQF Level 5
The field of Robotic systems encompasses everything to do with the design, neural networks, engineering, programming, testing and development of robots, human robots, and collaborative robots to help humans perform daily activities. Robotics is growing rapidly with the advent of big data and the IoT and machines are now capable of processing large quantities of data and learning with minimal human interaction. Using autonomous vehicles as an example, the sensors on the vehicle process thousands of data points each second along with location data from the web to move the vehicle safely along its route. Robotics projects and applications can be found across a large number of industries from automotive production to military drone operations to landing on and exploring Mars. Even creating four-legged robots can help change the world with virtual reality data mapping and more.
Course annual Cost : R25 000
Monthly Payments : R2 000 (12 Months)
Once off registration Fee : R2 000
Semester one theoretical modules : February – July
Module 1 – Introduction to Robotics Sciences (ROBSCI 111)
History of Robotics Sciences
Modern day Robots and Software
Introduction to Mechatronics
Robotics Engineering,
Introduction to neural networks and machine learning
Introduction to Data Science
Module 2 – Introduction to Robotics Coding (ROBCOD 111)
Robotics Coding Languages
Robotics programming, Algorithms and Databases
Robotics Processing and Logic Concepts
Robotics AI, IDEs and Development Engines
Module 3 – Introduction to Robotics Commerce (ROBCOM 111)
Robotics Project Development
Robotics Core Applications Development
Robotics Engineering and Business Management
Robotics and Blockchain Application
Module 4 – Introduction to Robotics Engineering (ROBENG 111)
Robotics Hardware
Robotics Hardware Development
Robotics Parts and Tech
Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence
Neural Networks and Advanced Machine Learning
Module 5 – Understanding Mechatronics (MECHA 111)
Electrical engineering principles
Telecommunication Systems
Automation and Animatronics
Mechanical Engineering Principles
Electomechanical Engineering principles
Robotics engineering and mechatronics
Computer Aided Draughting for Engineers
Module 6 – Robotics governance and regulations (ROBGOV 111)
Robotics governance framework
Robotics security and AI governance
Workplace robotics regulations and guidelines
Robotics health and safety regulations
Module 13– Communications and Self Development (ComSelf 111)
Learning and Reading
How to Study Effectively
Virtual and Face to Face Presentations
Time Management Tactics
Financial Management Tactics
Understanding Self Development
Ethics and Psychology
Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Mid Term Exams – Theoretical Learning
Work Integrated Learning Modules : August – January
Module 7 – Robotics design and planning (ROBOAPP 211)
Module 8 – Robotics parts collection and assembling (ROBPARTS 211)
Module 9 – Robotics wiring and testing (ROBOWIRE 211)
Module 10 – Robotics maintenance and quality assurance (ROBOMAIN 211)
Module 11 – Project completion and commercialization (PROCOM 211)
Module 12 – Ongoing Maintenance and product risk management (RISKMAIN 211)
End of term exams – Practical and theoretical learning
Entry Requirements
National Senior Certificate (NSC) with diploma or Higher Certificate entry or an equivalent foreign secondary qualification or international school-leaving certificate on an NSC level (NQF 4) confirmed by SAQA.
OR
National Certificate (Vocational) level four issued by the Council of General, Further Education, and Training.
Course Duration
This Course takes a minimum of one year and maximum of 3 years.
Theoretical work is covered over a period of Six Months from enrollment from January until June. Practical work takes six months and begins in August and ends in January the next year.
Students enrolling in July start theoretical work from July until December. Work Integrated learning Practical work commences in January and ends in June.
Course Learning Outcomes
At the end of the course, Graduates will be able to understand the mechanism and techniques of Robotics Engineering. Graduates will possess the technical Skills to assemble, maintain and fix different types of Robotics from Automobile Robotics, Space Robotics to Humanoid Robotics.
Graduates will be able to Programme and look into software technicalities to fix bugs, Security issues and maintain different types of Robotics system and software.
Graduates will be conferred with an NQF Level 5 qualification that will enable them to pursue further NQF Level 6 and 7 qualifications in the respected field. Graduates will also possess the necessary technical skills to enter the job market while in the process of completing their diploma or degrees.
Career Options
There are quite a few options for career paths in the field of industrial Robotics, from humanoid robot programming and engineering to construction, deployment, healthcare, automate management and maintenance.
Positions with job titles such as
Robotics Specialist
Robotics Technician
Mobile Robotics Application Engineer
Robotics Application Engineer
Lead Robotics Software Engineer.
While there are many positions in the exciting new era of robotics development and innovation, there is also huge demand for specialists that can maintain the millions of robotic machines already used in Nissan, SANSA, Toyota, BMW, Google, Microsoft, NASA, Lego, Amazon, or somewhere many other companies,
Will advancing technology lead to state of technological singularity – Robotics intelligence > Human intelligence?