W60002-Diploma in Building Technology (ECP)

Programme Objective

Entry Requirements

The Diploma in Building Technology is geared towards producing graduates that are aligned with the needs of the construction industry locally and globally. This programme is focused on the development of candidates and graduates that are technically and professionally trained to, readily serve in the built environment and the construction industry at large, as the construction industry is a key factor towards economic improvement and sustainability of the country. Furthermore, once the students have graduated from the programme they will be equipped for employability and entrepreneurship in the construction and related industries, thus with the aim to combat high levels of unemployment.

National Senior Certificate (NSC):

A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a diploma endorsement and achievement in the subjects as follows:

- English at Level 4 [as a Home Language or First Additional Language level]

- Mathematics or Technical Mathematics at Level 3 (not Mathematical Literacy)

- Physical Science or Technical Physical Science at Level 3

Admission point score of 22

Note: Extended - NSC

As for mainstream with provision that applicants who have an NSC achievement rating of 3 (one level below the required levels as mentioned above), i.e. in ONE of the three subjects (Mathematics or Technical Mathematics; Physical Science or Technical Science; English as a Home Language or First Additional Language) mentioned above will be considered for admission into extended programme.

Alternative pathways for admission:

Admission of Students with a Senior Certificate, National Certificate (or Vocational level 4), International Students and Mature Age Students

In terms of the Government Gazette of 07 December 2018, WSU accepts applications from prospective students who have a National Certificate (Vocational-Level 4) and who wish to register for Higher Certificate, Diploma or Degree programmes.

Extended APS Score:

22 [APS determined on WSU classification table (six NSC subjects: English and one other language subject) plus 4 NSC subjects in which the student scored the highest marks excluding life orientation)]

Admission of Students with a Senior Certificate, National Certificate (or Vocational level 4), International Students and Mature Age Students

APS point system for the Senior Certificate

Admission requirements for Students with a Senior Certificate, National Certificate (Vocational level 4)

Exit Level Outcome in Dip Building Technology:

Exit Level Outcome 1:

Measuring building elements, items and components and the documenting of quantitative contract documents

Exit Level Outcome 2:

Interpret the scope and cost of a structure or building in terms of manageability, income, quality and time of completion.

Exit Level Outcome 3:

Pricing of bills of quantities for tender purposes

Exit Level Outcome 4:

Forecasting building and development costs

Exit Level Outcome 5:

Doing a payment advice and final accounts on building projects

Exit Level Outcome 6:

Performing the functions of a construction site (building) surveyor

Exit Level Outcome 7:

Performing the basic functions of a construction manager and project manager.

The above are graduate attributes for diploma in building technology and they can also be found in FET prospectus.

Teaching and learning strategy  

Learning activities are structured in a way that focuses the students learning experiences and creates opportunity for development via feedback. Students must be prepared to work independently using their own initiative in order to develop the ability to reason methodically and think creatively. The diploma in building technology first year and third years conducts full contact classes, while second years modules are industry based. Teaching and Learning consists of Class tests, Tutorials, Assignments, Presentations, Group works, etc. Meaning we are using formative and summative assessment strategies.

Furthermore, students registered on this qualification are required to undergo a compulsory Work Integrated Learning (WIL) for 9 - 12 months, where they will be exposed to the world of work in either a consulting or construction firm.

In all the teaching methods described above, students’ performances and progress are measured by adequate supervision by staff members.

Assessment strategy

Formative Assessment:

WSU students will participate in formative assessment that will enhance their learning while also allowing them to develop cognitive skills (foundational and reflexive), practical skills, and attitudes and values necessary for further study, employment, or any other post-certification goals. Students should demonstrate active learning during the tuition term by submitting formative evaluation

exercises.

Summative Assessment:

Summative assessment is used to make judgments about students' attainment of outcomes to certify that they can proceed in their studies or graduate. It establishes whether the student is competent in relation to pre-determined outcomes.

Continuous Assessment:

Continuous assessment is utilised in lieu of summative evaluation. Students are evaluated continuously during a quarter, semester, or year. It is cumulative in nature, and the marks are added together to generate a final score. 

Other Assessment:

Students will write a final exam at the end of the academic year. The combination of the year mark and exam mark will combine to make up 100% aggregate mark. The year mark, also known as due performance (DP) mark which makes up 40% of the final mark and the exam makes up 60% of the year mark. The 40% DP mark is a compulsory prerequisite mark for entering exam room. A combination of the student’s year assessments, therefore, cannot be below 40% in order to be eligible for exams. The pass mark for all module is 50% and students who obtain below 48% are degraded as fail and students who obtain 49% as a final mark will be promoted to 50% as per the assessment policy.

Progression Rules 

Students must complete all modules as indicated on the prerequisite structure of the program in order to proceed to the next level.

Building qualification will be awarded after completing all 360 SAQA credits, i.e. completion of all modules in the curriculum and compliance with all Departmental, Faculty and Institutional rules and regulations. [also see WSU’s General Rules & Regulations].

Pre-Co Requisite

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may be used to demonstrate competence for admission to this qualification in line with the university’s RPL policy.  Refer to requirements as per 2024 WSU General Prospectus  – Section 4, paragraphs 1.6 and 1.7

Credit Transfer

Students are allowed to apply for formal credits recognition for modules / courses attained from other institutions, according to the university’s policy on credit transfers.  Refer to requirements as per 2024 WSU General Prospectus  – Section 4, paragraphs 1.6 and 1.7

Articulation rules

Vertical

Vertical Articulation is possible with: Advanced Diploma, NQF Level 7, typically in: Construction Management; Quantity Surveying; Facilities Management, Occupational Health, and Safety.

Horizontal

Within WSU: Horizontal Articulation is possible with NQF Level 6 qualifications offered by WSU, e.g. Diploma in Building Technology, NQF Level 6, subject to the admission requirements of that qualification.

Other Universities: Horizontal Articulation is possible with NQF Level 6 qualifications offered by such institutions, subject to the relevant institution’s admission requirements.

Professional Articulation: Professional development is possible through a programme of training to attain the competencies for professional registration with professional bodies, e.g., the South African Council for Quantity Surveyors Profession (SACQSP) and South African Council for Project and Construction Management (SACPCMP).

Exclusion Rules

Students should take note of the institutional rules G7-G11 on re-admission of students to undergraduate programmes. As provided for under institutional rules G8.1, 8.2. 9.1 & 9.2 the Department of Built Environment has set the following criteria for re-admission.

The specific rules on exclusion for the Diploma: Building Technology programme is as follows:

A student who progresses at a slower rate than that set out below, will be refused further re-admission on the grounds of poor academic performance.

1

Construction Management I

EMA15W0

0

20

 Ibika

Chiselhurst

Mr BG Ndaba

Mr I Moss

SECTION 1

Organisations involved in the building industry.

Parties involved in the construction process.

Construction companies and their organisational structures.

Procurement of work.

Introduction to site administration and cost control.

Site meetings.

SECTION 2

Management functions and components.

Materials management.

Management of plant and machinery.

Productivity and work study.

Introduction to project planning.

Introduction to personnel management.

Subcontractors.

2

Construction Technology I

EOT15W0

0

20

Ibika Site

Chiselhurst

Mr S Dywili

Dr C Goldswain

Periodical evolution of construction drawings award is explained.

Construction drawings are classified according to their specialization.

Construction terminologies are defined

Related terminologies are differentiated

Relationship between terms and drawings is presented

Foundational tools/drawing equipment are outlined

Principles of using drawing tools are explained and demonstrated

Standard drawing symbols used on construction drawings are illustrated.

Requirements and principles are applied in interpretations of construction drawings.

Drawing Techniques are outlined.

Construction lines are differentiated.

Drawing lines are demonstrated.

Symbols and hatching used on construction drawings are explained and demonstrated.

 Standard building regulations, agreements and mantag are explained

Components of building described.

 Different types of setting out are explained and sketched.

Setting out equipment is demonstrated and sketched.

Relationship between interpretation of drawings and sub-structure is explained.

Different types of foundations are compared.

Ground floor construction is illustrated.

3

Quantity Surveying I

EUS15W0

0

20

Ibika Site

Chislehurst

Mr. A Sandile

Mr. S Lufele

Introduction; Source of information and interpretation of drawings, Preparation of bills of quantities, Dimension preparation, Mensuration in quantities. Measurements and description of a single storey building in respect of foundations (including site clearance and simple demolitions), superstructure brickwork, solid floor construction, roofs, finishes (including plaster, paint and tiling to walls, conventional floors, plastered and boarded ceilings on brandering), stock steel, timber and aluminium windows, stock flush and hardwood doors (including timber and metal frames), adjustments for windows, doors and plain openings. Working up including squaring, abstracting and billing exercises.

4

Applied Building Science I

EBS15W0

0

20

Ibika Site

Chislehurst

Ms A Dumako

Mrs. S Fata

1. The use of the scientific calculator and the extension of basic arithmetical skills. 2. Basic applied mechanics in terms of the concepts of force, stress and deformation. 3. The development of an appreciation of the influences of loads on structures. 4. Expansion and contraction, convection and radiation of heat and orientation of buildings. 5. Sound. 6. Distribution and use of electricity. 7. Lighting of building. 8. Behaviour of fluids

5

Site Surveying I

EIS15W0

0

20

Ibika Site

Chislehurst

Ms T Thole

Ms N Luke

Linear Surveying. 2. Setting out. 3. Levelling. 4. Elementary Tachometry. 5. Contouring. 6. Surveying of land for construction. 7. Surveying of existing buildings

6

Computer Applications I

EAP15W0

0

10

Ibika Site

Chislehurst

Ms P Vitshima

Ms Z Williams

Introduction to computers; Operating system basics; Application programmes.

7

 Communications I

ECA15W0

0

10

Ibika Site

Chislehurst

Ms P Yengwayo

Mrs L Jayakrishnan

Communication Theory; Oral Presentation; Group communication and meeting procedure; Leadership skills; Technical writing and correspondence; Practical communication applications.

Level of Study: II

#

Module Name

Module Code

Block

No. of Credits

Offering Site

Course Convener

Module Content

1

Construction Management II

CMA26W0

0

20

Ibika Site

Chislehurst

Dr. OA Oguntona

Ms Z Kulu

Communication in the micro-environment of the site; Co-ordination of sub-contractors; Application of management functions and procedures; Collection and application of information on plant etc.; Compliance with the Machinery and Occupational Safety Act; The requirements of the Industrial Council Agreements; Monitoring of trainee tradesmen; Meetings and negotiations with works council / union representatives.

2

Construction Technology II

COT26W0

0

20

Ibika Site

Chislehurst

Dr XN Mashwama

Dr C Goldswain

Formwork materials and re-use factors, Pre-cast concrete beams and floors, Metal doors and windows, Timber doors and windows, Glass and its properties, Pre-fabricated timber trusses, Roof coverings, Eaves, flashings and rainwater goods, Dormer windows and the use of attic space in roofs, Fire places and chimneys, Fixings, fastenings and adhesives, Floor, wall and ceiling finishes, Drainage and plumbing details, Paint finishes to metal, plaster and timber, Industrial buildings.

3

Quantity Surveying II

QUS26W0

0

20

Ibika Site

Chislehurst

Mr A Zothe

Mr S Lufele

1. Measuring, abstracting and billing with full description and specifications (including precast and pre-stressed concrete beams and floors. 2 Standard metal doors and windows. 3 Standard timber doors and windows. 4. Glass and its properties. 5. Prefabricated timber trusses. 6. Roof Coverings. 7. Eaves, flashings and rainwater goods. 8. Drainage and plumbing details. Note: Assignments should be structured to develop an appreciation of: systems used to develop bills of quantities (including the traditional, the cut and shuffle and the computerised methods), model preambles and preliminaries, appointment of the members of the professional teams and their fee scales, standard forms used for certificates.

4

Work Integrated Learning

WIL26W0

0

60

Ibika Site

Chislehurst

Mrs SV Gomba

Mr S Lufele

Work Integrated Learning: Students are expected to undertake suitable work integrated learning within the construction industry. The industry includes construction companies, quantity surveying firms, construction supply companies, construction manufacturing companies, applicable government and local authority departments etc. The employer details and the nature of the work to be undertaken by the student must be construction relevant and must be described on form ‘appendix 1’ for approval by the ‘Work Integrated Learning’ academic facilitator. Students and employers must complete and sign the monthly assessment return form ‘appendix 2’ at the end of each working month.

Level of Study: III

#

Module Name

Module Code

Block

No. of Credits

Offering Site

Course Convener

Module Content

1

Construction Management III

CMA36W0

0

20

Ibika Site

Chislehurst

Ms AZ Dumako

Ms Z Kulu

Methodology for a mini-research assignment; Module 2:   Mini-research assignment:   Industrial Psychology as a basis for improved quality, health and safety, personnel management and public relations in the construction industry; Module 3:   Construction Calculations; Module 4:   Network diagrams and bar charts; Module 5:   Line of balance techniques; Module 6:   Site planning, administration and documentation; Module 7:   Financial controls and construction budgeting; Module 8:   Introduction to professional ethics in the construction industry; Module 9:   Introduction to contract law and arbitration; Module 10:   Industrial relations and labour law; Module 11. Introduction to the Construction Regulations of 2003; Module 12. Introduction to the National Building Regulations

2

Construction Technology III

COT36W0

0

20

Ibika Site

Chislehurst

Dr XN Mashwama

Mr L Ncunyana

1. Definition of multi-floor concepts. 2. Demolishing and setting out. 3. Soils and excavations. 4. Foundations and piles. 5. Basements and retaining walls. 6. 7. Formwork and concrete. 8. Steel structures. 9. Cladding. 10. Installation of services. 11. Finishes.

3

Analysis of Pricing & Estimating III

APE36W0

0

20

Ibika Site

Chislehurst

Mr A Zothe

Mr ITJ Moss

Specifications; Estimating; Costing; Compiling Unit Rates; Evaluations and Certificates; Escalation; Final Accounts

4

Structures & Concrete III

STC36W0

0

20

Ibika Site

Chislehurst

Mr BG Ndaba

Mr BG Ndaba

1. Theory of structures. 2. Concrete. 3. Formwork.

5

Quantity Surveying III

QUS36W0

0

20

Ibika Site

Chislehurst

Mr A Zothe

Mr L Ncunyana

Measurement and description of elements of multi-storey buildings including: Bulk earthworks and site clearance, Load bearing and framed concrete and brick structures, Flat roofs (waterproofing to concrete roofs and sheet-metal covering and boarded roofs), Staircases (including balustrades and finishes), Structural steelwork, Finishing (comprising: facings, in-situ terrazzo, patent plaster finishes, more complex tiling, paneling, other non-standard finishes and suspended ceilings), Purpose made timber and aluminium windows and doors (including sidelights, fanlights and adjustments), Joinery fittings, Plumbing and drainage complete.

6

Construction Accounting III

COA36W0

0

20

Ibika Site

Chislehurst

Dr OA Oguntona

Ms N Luke

The purpose of accounting; Records and first entries; Business transactions; Bank transactions; Transactions up to trial balance; Closing entries up to balance sheet; Contact accounts; Sole owners and partnership accounts; Limited companies and close corporation accounts; Application of a construction accounting computer programme.