National Diploma in Automotive Systems Engineering
This course develops your ability to inspect, service and diagnose vehicle systems through safe workshop practice.
About the course
This course develops your ability to inspect, service and diagnose vehicle systems through safe workshop practice. Learning combines technical study with practical tasks relevant to Southern African organisations and communities.
What you'll learn
Explain the operation of major vehicle or tractor systems.
Perform supervised inspection and servicing to a supplied specification.
Use diagnostic evidence to identify a fault and verify corrective work.
Requirements
Prepare evidence of relevant certificate study or comparable prior learning for the provider's admission review. Refresh the subject knowledge, calculations and practical skills needed for diploma work. Plan access to the supervised workplace, laboratory or project resources required by the course.
Course content
The programme combines supporting studies, specialist subjects and practical integration. Each subject below includes its learning focus, outcomes, practice and assessment.
3 learning stages 18 subjects
1Specialist subjects12 subjects
2Foundations and shared practice4 subjects
3Practical integration2 subjects
Subjects in this programme
The programme combines supporting studies, specialist subjects and practical integration. Each subject below includes its learning focus, outcomes, practice and assessment.
18 subjects are listed below with a short description of each. The Subject descriptions tab contains the learning outcomes, topics, practical tasks and assessments.
Specialist subjects
- Engines. Explore the operation, inspection and servicing of vehicle or plant systems. Practice centres on a vehicle-system inspection, diagnosis and service portfolio, drawing on system components and operating sequence and drawings, service information and measurements. You will record findings, justify decisions and check the evidence supporting diagnosis and the results of post-service checks.
- Applied Research. Explore the design of a focused investigation using traceable evidence. Practice centres on a research proposal and small investigation, drawing on problem definition and research questions and finding and evaluating literature. You will record findings, justify decisions and check whether the conclusions follow from the evidence.
- Braking Systems. Explore the transmission of forces and movement through mechanical systems. Practice centres on a mechanical-system diagram and inspection report, drawing on forces, motion and mechanical advantage and components, supports and load paths. You will record findings, justify decisions and check the connection between measured evidence and the proposed diagnosis.
- Suspension And Steering Systems. Explore the transmission of forces and movement through mechanical systems. Practice centres on a mechanical-system diagram and inspection report, drawing on forces, motion and mechanical advantage and components, supports and load paths. You will record findings, justify decisions and check the connection between measured evidence and the proposed diagnosis.
- Transmission Systems. Explore the transmission of forces and movement through mechanical systems. Practice centres on a mechanical-system diagram and inspection report, drawing on forces, motion and mechanical advantage and components, supports and load paths. You will record findings, justify decisions and check the connection between measured evidence and the proposed diagnosis.
- Workshop Management And Processes. Explore the preparation, upkeep and reliable operation of equipment and work processes. Practice centres on an equipment or process maintenance and verification portfolio, drawing on system purpose and operating requirements and technical records and equipment condition. You will record findings, justify decisions and check condition evidence, task authorisation and recorded function checks.
- Automotive Electronics. Explore the behaviour and interconnection of electrical and electronic circuits. Practice centres on a circuit-analysis and low-voltage testing portfolio, drawing on electrical quantities and circuit relationships and components, symbols and device behaviour. You will record findings, justify decisions and check measurement technique, circuit assumptions and repeatability.
- Thermodynamics. Explore the relationship between energy, heat, work and operating performance. Practice centres on a thermal-system calculation and performance report, drawing on temperature, pressure and property data and energy balances and system boundaries. You will record findings, justify decisions and check system boundaries, units, property assumptions and energy consistency.
- Engineering Drawing. Explore the communication of technical information through drawings and models. Practice centres on a checked drawing or model portfolio, drawing on drawing conventions, scale and dimensions and views, sections and projection. You will record findings, justify decisions and check dimensional consistency, completeness and usability by another person.
- Strength Of Materials. Explore the response of materials and structural elements to loads. Practice centres on a structural calculation and diagram portfolio, drawing on loads, supports and equilibrium and stress, strain and material response. You will record findings, justify decisions and check load paths, units, model assumptions and independent calculation checks.
- Applied Mechanics. Explore the transmission of forces and movement through mechanical systems. Practice centres on a mechanical-system diagram and inspection report, drawing on forces, motion and mechanical advantage and components, supports and load paths. You will record findings, justify decisions and check the connection between measured evidence and the proposed diagnosis.
- Fluid Mechanics. Explore the movement, storage and control of water or other fluids. Practice centres on a flow-system diagram and calculation portfolio, drawing on fluid properties and pressure and continuity, flow and energy relationships. You will record findings, justify decisions and check continuity, pressure assumptions and consistency of the operating data.
Foundations and shared practice
- Automotive Engineering Mathematics. Explore mathematical reasoning for interpreting measurements and solving vocational problems. Practice centres on a worked problem portfolio using occupational data, drawing on units, ratios and numerical accuracy and algebraic relationships and equations. You will record findings, justify decisions and check units, numerical accuracy and the reasonableness of the result.
- Auto C.A.D. And Automotive Computer Applications. Explore the use of digital tools to organise information and produce reliable work records. Practice centres on a linked set of documents, calculations and presentation files, drawing on files, folders, naming and version control and word-processing layouts and structured documents. You will record findings, justify decisions and check formula accuracy, consistency, readability and recoverability.
- National Studies. Explore the relationship between citizenship, public institutions and working life. Practice centres on a local public-service case review, drawing on constitutional principles and public institutions and citizenship and civic responsibilities. You will record findings, justify decisions and check the distinction between fact, opinion and unsupported claims.
- Entrepreneurial Skills Development. Explore the development of a viable small enterprise from a defined customer need. Practice centres on a small-enterprise plan and test record, drawing on customer problems and enterprise opportunities and products, services and value propositions. You will record findings, justify decisions and check whether the financial assumptions and customer evidence support the proposal.
Practical integration
- Project. Bring together the programme's technical learning in a focused project. Choose a manageable problem involving engines, automotive engineering mathematics. Define the required output, gather evidence and develop a justified response. Present the completed work with its method, results and limitations, then explain the improvements made following feedback.
- Skills Proficiency. Demonstrate the practical skills developed across the programme. Tasks integrate engines, automotive engineering mathematics within an agreed work brief. You will prepare resources, carry out the authorised task and check the result. Your evidence should show consistent performance, accurate records and an explanation of decisions within your learner role.
Assessment and practical learning
- Suggested learning checks: analyse applied problems and justify your decisions using relevant evidence.
- Suggested practical assessment: complete a supervised project or portfolio with a clear method, results and evaluation.
- Present and defend your recommendations, then revise the work in response to assessor feedback.
Practical application
Complete a supervised maintenance portfolio with job instructions, measurements, service records and a fault-finding report.
Subject descriptions
Select a subject to read its learning outcomes, main topics, practical task and assessment.
Specialist subjects
Engines
Explore the operation, inspection and servicing of vehicle or plant systems. Practice centres on a vehicle-system inspection, diagnosis and service portfolio, drawing on system components and operating sequence and drawings, service information and measurements. You will record findings, justify decisions and check the evidence supporting diagnosis and the results of post-service checks.
Learning outcomes
- Explain the operation of the system named in the task.
- Use observations and measurements to narrow a fault.
- Document supervised service work and verify the result.
Main topics
- System components and operating sequence
- Drawings, service information and measurements
- Fuel, electrical or mechanical interfaces
- Inspection and structured fault diagnosis
- Supervised service and adjustment
- Performance checks and maintenance records
Practical task
For Engines, prepare a vehicle-system inspection, diagnosis and service portfolio in a automotive systems engineering setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of the evidence supporting diagnosis and the results of post-service checks.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records. Compare alternatives and justify the selected response using evidence.
Applied Research
Explore the design of a focused investigation using traceable evidence. Practice centres on a research proposal and small investigation, drawing on problem definition and research questions and finding and evaluating literature. You will record findings, justify decisions and check whether the conclusions follow from the evidence.
Learning outcomes
- Formulate a question suited to the available evidence and resources.
- Collect and analyse information using a documented method.
- Present conclusions supported by findings and stated limitations.
Main topics
- Problem definition and research questions
- Finding and evaluating literature
- Sampling and data-collection choices
- Consent, confidentiality and research integrity
- Organising and analysing evidence
- Interpreting results and reporting limitations
Practical task
For Applied Research, prepare a research proposal and small investigation in a automotive systems engineering setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of whether the conclusions follow from the evidence.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records. Compare alternatives and justify the selected response using evidence.
Braking Systems
Explore the transmission of forces and movement through mechanical systems. Practice centres on a mechanical-system diagram and inspection report, drawing on forces, motion and mechanical advantage and components, supports and load paths. You will record findings, justify decisions and check the connection between measured evidence and the proposed diagnosis.
Learning outcomes
- Explain how forces and motion pass through a defined system.
- Interpret measurements to identify a likely mechanical fault.
- Justify a supervised adjustment or maintenance recommendation.
Main topics
- Forces, motion and mechanical advantage
- Components, supports and load paths
- Friction, wear and lubrication
- Power transmission and system behaviour
- Inspection, measurement and fault reasoning
- Adjustment records and performance checks
Practical task
For Braking Systems, prepare a mechanical-system diagram and inspection report in a automotive systems engineering setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of the connection between measured evidence and the proposed diagnosis.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records. Compare alternatives and justify the selected response using evidence.
Suspension And Steering Systems
Explore the transmission of forces and movement through mechanical systems. Practice centres on a mechanical-system diagram and inspection report, drawing on forces, motion and mechanical advantage and components, supports and load paths. You will record findings, justify decisions and check the connection between measured evidence and the proposed diagnosis.
Learning outcomes
- Explain how forces and motion pass through a defined system.
- Interpret measurements to identify a likely mechanical fault.
- Justify a supervised adjustment or maintenance recommendation.
Main topics
- Forces, motion and mechanical advantage
- Components, supports and load paths
- Friction, wear and lubrication
- Power transmission and system behaviour
- Inspection, measurement and fault reasoning
- Adjustment records and performance checks
Practical task
For Suspension And Steering Systems, prepare a mechanical-system diagram and inspection report in a automotive systems engineering setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of the connection between measured evidence and the proposed diagnosis.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records. Compare alternatives and justify the selected response using evidence.
Transmission Systems
Explore the transmission of forces and movement through mechanical systems. Practice centres on a mechanical-system diagram and inspection report, drawing on forces, motion and mechanical advantage and components, supports and load paths. You will record findings, justify decisions and check the connection between measured evidence and the proposed diagnosis.
Learning outcomes
- Explain how forces and motion pass through a defined system.
- Interpret measurements to identify a likely mechanical fault.
- Justify a supervised adjustment or maintenance recommendation.
Main topics
- Forces, motion and mechanical advantage
- Components, supports and load paths
- Friction, wear and lubrication
- Power transmission and system behaviour
- Inspection, measurement and fault reasoning
- Adjustment records and performance checks
Practical task
For Transmission Systems, prepare a mechanical-system diagram and inspection report in a automotive systems engineering setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of the connection between measured evidence and the proposed diagnosis.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records. Compare alternatives and justify the selected response using evidence.
Workshop Management And Processes
Explore the preparation, upkeep and reliable operation of equipment and work processes. Practice centres on an equipment or process maintenance and verification portfolio, drawing on system purpose and operating requirements and technical records and equipment condition. You will record findings, justify decisions and check condition evidence, task authorisation and recorded function checks.
Learning outcomes
- Plan a maintenance or operating task from technical information.
- Use inspection evidence to identify a justified action.
- Document the work and verify the result against stated criteria.
Main topics
- System purpose and operating requirements
- Technical records and equipment condition
- Work preparation, resources and authorisation
- Inspection, fault reasoning and maintenance choices
- Function tests and return-to-service evidence
- Reliability, downtime and improvement records
Practical task
For Workshop Management And Processes, prepare an equipment or process maintenance and verification portfolio in a automotive systems engineering setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of condition evidence, task authorisation and recorded function checks.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records. Compare alternatives and justify the selected response using evidence.
Automotive Electronics
Explore the behaviour and interconnection of electrical and electronic circuits. Practice centres on a circuit-analysis and low-voltage testing portfolio, drawing on electrical quantities and circuit relationships and components, symbols and device behaviour. You will record findings, justify decisions and check measurement technique, circuit assumptions and repeatability.
Learning outcomes
- Explain circuit behaviour using a diagram and relevant quantities.
- Measure a supervised training circuit and compare results with predictions.
- Locate a fault using a documented sequence of checks.
Main topics
- Electrical quantities and circuit relationships
- Components, symbols and device behaviour
- Analogue and digital signal concepts
- Circuit construction and measurement
- Fault isolation and interpretation
- Documentation, reliability and safe testing
Practical task
For Automotive Electronics, prepare a circuit-analysis and low-voltage testing portfolio in a automotive systems engineering setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of measurement technique, circuit assumptions and repeatability.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records. Compare alternatives and justify the selected response using evidence.
Thermodynamics
Explore the relationship between energy, heat, work and operating performance. Practice centres on a thermal-system calculation and performance report, drawing on temperature, pressure and property data and energy balances and system boundaries. You will record findings, justify decisions and check system boundaries, units, property assumptions and energy consistency.
Learning outcomes
- Define a thermal system and identify its energy flows.
- Apply a suitable energy or performance calculation.
- Interpret measured or supplied results and explain losses.
Main topics
- Temperature, pressure and property data
- Energy balances and system boundaries
- Heat and work in practical processes
- Cycles, efficiency and losses
- Heat transfer and operating measurements
- Performance interpretation and assumptions
Practical task
For Thermodynamics, prepare a thermal-system calculation and performance report in a automotive systems engineering setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of system boundaries, units, property assumptions and energy consistency.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records. Compare alternatives and justify the selected response using evidence.
Engineering Drawing
Explore the communication of technical information through drawings and models. Practice centres on a checked drawing or model portfolio, drawing on drawing conventions, scale and dimensions and views, sections and projection. You will record findings, justify decisions and check dimensional consistency, completeness and usability by another person.
Learning outcomes
- Interpret a drawing using scale, dimensions and conventions.
- Produce coordinated technical views for a stated purpose.
- Check and revise a drawing set using recorded feedback.
Main topics
- Drawing conventions, scale and dimensions
- Views, sections and projection
- Interpreting a technical brief
- Manual and computer-aided drawing tools
- Detail coordination and revision control
- Checking drawings against measurements and specifications
Practical task
For Engineering Drawing, prepare a checked drawing or model portfolio in a automotive systems engineering setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of dimensional consistency, completeness and usability by another person.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records. Compare alternatives and justify the selected response using evidence.
Strength Of Materials
Explore the response of materials and structural elements to loads. Practice centres on a structural calculation and diagram portfolio, drawing on loads, supports and equilibrium and stress, strain and material response. You will record findings, justify decisions and check load paths, units, model assumptions and independent calculation checks.
Learning outcomes
- Represent a defined load case with a clear structural model.
- Calculate a relevant force, stress or deformation.
- Evaluate the result against the stated assumptions and constraints.
Main topics
- Loads, supports and equilibrium
- Stress, strain and material response
- Axial force, shear and bending
- Deflection and serviceability concepts
- Member behaviour and connection principles
- Calculation checks and technical presentation
Practical task
For Strength Of Materials, prepare a structural calculation and diagram portfolio in a automotive systems engineering setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of load paths, units, model assumptions and independent calculation checks.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records. Compare alternatives and justify the selected response using evidence.
Applied Mechanics
Explore the transmission of forces and movement through mechanical systems. Practice centres on a mechanical-system diagram and inspection report, drawing on forces, motion and mechanical advantage and components, supports and load paths. You will record findings, justify decisions and check the connection between measured evidence and the proposed diagnosis.
Learning outcomes
- Explain how forces and motion pass through a defined system.
- Interpret measurements to identify a likely mechanical fault.
- Justify a supervised adjustment or maintenance recommendation.
Main topics
- Forces, motion and mechanical advantage
- Components, supports and load paths
- Friction, wear and lubrication
- Power transmission and system behaviour
- Inspection, measurement and fault reasoning
- Adjustment records and performance checks
Practical task
For Applied Mechanics, prepare a mechanical-system diagram and inspection report in a automotive systems engineering setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of the connection between measured evidence and the proposed diagnosis.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records. Compare alternatives and justify the selected response using evidence.
Fluid Mechanics
Explore the movement, storage and control of water or other fluids. Practice centres on a flow-system diagram and calculation portfolio, drawing on fluid properties and pressure and continuity, flow and energy relationships. You will record findings, justify decisions and check continuity, pressure assumptions and consistency of the operating data.
Learning outcomes
- Represent a defined flow system with consistent quantities.
- Calculate a flow, pressure or resource requirement.
- Evaluate operation using measurements and stated limitations.
Main topics
- Fluid properties and pressure
- Continuity, flow and energy relationships
- Pipes, channels, pumps and losses
- Measurement and operating data
- System selection and resource constraints
- Performance, maintenance and reporting
Practical task
For Fluid Mechanics, prepare a flow-system diagram and calculation portfolio in a automotive systems engineering setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of continuity, pressure assumptions and consistency of the operating data.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records. Compare alternatives and justify the selected response using evidence.
Foundations and shared practice
Automotive Engineering Mathematics
Explore mathematical reasoning for interpreting measurements and solving vocational problems. Practice centres on a worked problem portfolio using occupational data, drawing on units, ratios and numerical accuracy and algebraic relationships and equations. You will record findings, justify decisions and check units, numerical accuracy and the reasonableness of the result.
Learning outcomes
- Select a mathematical method suited to a stated problem.
- Show calculations with consistent units and clear assumptions.
- Check the result against an independent estimate or known constraint.
Main topics
- Units, ratios and numerical accuracy
- Algebraic relationships and equations
- Graphs, tables and interpretation
- Geometry and measurement applications
- Descriptive statistics and variation
- Model assumptions, checking and technical reporting
Practical task
For Automotive Engineering Mathematics, prepare a worked problem portfolio using occupational data in a automotive systems engineering setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of units, numerical accuracy and the reasonableness of the result.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records. Compare alternatives and justify the selected response using evidence.
Auto C.A.D. And Automotive Computer Applications
Explore the use of digital tools to organise information and produce reliable work records. Practice centres on a linked set of documents, calculations and presentation files, drawing on files, folders, naming and version control and word-processing layouts and structured documents. You will record findings, justify decisions and check formula accuracy, consistency, readability and recoverability.
Learning outcomes
- Create and organise files for a defined work task.
- Use a spreadsheet or document tool to process information accurately.
- Check outputs and protect the underlying information.
Main topics
- Files, folders, naming and version control
- Word-processing layouts and structured documents
- Spreadsheet calculations and charts
- Presentation of findings and supporting evidence
- Data entry, validation and checking
- Access controls, backup and responsible information use
Practical task
For Auto C.A.D. And Automotive Computer Applications, prepare a linked set of documents, calculations and presentation files in a automotive systems engineering setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of formula accuracy, consistency, readability and recoverability.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records. Compare alternatives and justify the selected response using evidence.
National Studies
Explore the relationship between citizenship, public institutions and working life. Practice centres on a local public-service case review, drawing on constitutional principles and public institutions and citizenship and civic responsibilities. You will record findings, justify decisions and check the distinction between fact, opinion and unsupported claims.
Learning outcomes
- Explain the role of public institutions in a community issue.
- Compare perspectives using identifiable evidence.
- Prepare a reasoned civic or workplace contribution.
Main topics
- Constitutional principles and public institutions
- Citizenship and civic responsibilities
- Zimbabwean history and national development
- Cultural diversity and community participation
- Work, enterprise and public services
- Evidence, public debate and responsible participation
Practical task
For National Studies, prepare a local public-service case review in a automotive systems engineering setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of the distinction between fact, opinion and unsupported claims.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records. Compare alternatives and justify the selected response using evidence.
Entrepreneurial Skills Development
Explore the development of a viable small enterprise from a defined customer need. Practice centres on a small-enterprise plan and test record, drawing on customer problems and enterprise opportunities and products, services and value propositions. You will record findings, justify decisions and check whether the financial assumptions and customer evidence support the proposal.
Learning outcomes
- Define a customer need and a practical enterprise response.
- Estimate resources, costs and cash requirements.
- Revise a business proposal using evidence from a small market test.
Main topics
- Customer problems and enterprise opportunities
- Products, services and value propositions
- Startup resources and operating costs
- Pricing, cash flow and basic records
- Market testing and customer feedback
- Business risks, responsibilities and growth choices
Practical task
For Entrepreneurial Skills Development, prepare a small-enterprise plan and test record in a automotive systems engineering setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of whether the financial assumptions and customer evidence support the proposal.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records. Compare alternatives and justify the selected response using evidence.
Practical integration
Project
Bring together the programme's technical learning in a focused project. Choose a manageable problem involving engines, automotive engineering mathematics. Define the required output, gather evidence and develop a justified response. Present the completed work with its method, results and limitations, then explain the improvements made following feedback.
Learning outcomes
- Define a feasible project with clear success criteria.
- Develop and evaluate a response using technical evidence.
- Present the completed project and defend its conclusions.
Main topics
- Project problem, purpose and scope
- Review of relevant technical evidence
- Plan, resources and milestones
- Implementation or structured investigation
- Testing, interpretation and limitations
- Final report, demonstration and reflection
Practical task
Complete a supervised maintenance portfolio with job instructions, measurements, service records and a fault-finding report.
Assessment
An approved brief, progress evidence, the final output and an individual presentation are assessed against the stated project criteria.
Skills Proficiency
Demonstrate the practical skills developed across the programme. Tasks integrate engines, automotive engineering mathematics within an agreed work brief. You will prepare resources, carry out the authorised task and check the result. Your evidence should show consistent performance, accurate records and an explanation of decisions within your learner role.
Learning outcomes
- Plan and complete an integrated task to agreed criteria.
- Demonstrate safe and consistent practical performance.
- Explain the result and correct identified weaknesses.
Main topics
- Interpreting an integrated work brief
- Preparing tools, information and resources
- Demonstrating the required technical skills
- Checking output against agreed criteria
- Responding to faults and assessor feedback
- Presenting evidence and explaining decisions
Practical task
Complete a supervised maintenance portfolio with job instructions, measurements, service records and a fault-finding report.
Assessment
Direct observation, the completed output, a quality-check record and oral questions provide the evidence for this subject.
Instructors
