Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering

Purpose

The aim of the qualification is to develop an engineering intellectual who can identify, assess and formulate the engineering needs of the society at large and research and solve the identified engineering problems creatively and innovatively, by applying scientific, mathematical, engineering, economic and other relevant principles and methods. The qualification prepares learners for an engineering science, design and project based Career through the fundamental understanding, use and appropriate application of engineering methods, skills, tools and information technology. The qualification also provides a platform for lifelong learning.

Rationale

The qualification prepares learners for an engineering science, design and project based Career through the fundamental understanding, use and appropriate application of engineering methods, skills, tools and information technology. The qualification also provides a platform for lifelong learning. After an accreditation visit was carried out by Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA), the qualification was updated to accommodate all industry concerns that were raised. The qualification was then approved and implemented.

Recognition of Prior Learning(RPL)

A Recognition of Prior Learning(RPL) procedure will also be in place covering the following essentials

• Candidates supply at own cost all relevant information and documentation.
• Candidates will pay a fee determined by the institution and be assessed via Recognition of Prior Learning(RPL).
• Recognition of Prior Learning(RPL) can be done at individual module or on an accumulative level.
• All Recognition of Prior Learning(RPL) applications are handled at a predetermined time in the academic year.
• Recognition of Prior Learning(RPL) applications are referred by the Dean/Deans committee to the relevant departmental chairperson for evaluation and recommendation.
• Recognition of Prior Learning(RPL) candidates may be required to be assessed orally or in written format on module or combined level for access to Degrees and higher Degrees.
• Recognition of Prior Learning(RPL) assessment is typically done by a faculty committee constituted for that purpose.
• Recognition of Prior Learning(RPL) in the faculty of engineering is done within the Recognition of Prior Learning(RPL) framework policy of the institution.

Entry Requirements

• National Senior Certificate National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 4.

This qualification comprises of compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 5, 6, 7 and 8 totalling at 628 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 80 Credits

• Graphical Communication 1 A11, 12 Credits.
• Chemistry 1 A10, 15 Credits.
• Physics 1 A01, 15 Credits.
• Mathematics 1 A01 15 Credits.
• Applied Mathematics 1 A10, 15 Credits.
• Introduction to Engineering Design 1 A11, 8 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 235 Credits

• Mathematics 1 B01, 15 Credits.
• Physics 1 B01, 15 Credits.
• Electrotechnics 1 B21, 12 Credits.
• Graphical Communication 1 B21, 12 Credits.
• Introduction to Engineering Design 1B 8 Credits.
• Applied Mathematics 1 B10, 15 Credits.
• Applied Mathematics 2 B10, 15 Credits.
• Mathematics 2 A10, 8 credits.
• Design (Mechanical) 2 B21, 12 Credits.
• Mathematics 2 A20, 8 Credits.
• Design (Mechanical) 2A, 12 Credits.
• Strength of Materials 2 B21, 12 Credits.
• Mathematics 2 B20, 8 Credits.
• Science of Materials 2 B21, 10 Credits.
• Applied Mathematics 2 A10, 15 Credits.
• Mathematics 2 B10, 8 Credits.
• Thermodynamics 2B, 12 Credits.
• Modelling 2 A11, 12 Credits.
• Fluid Mechanics 2A, 14 Credits.
• Electrotechnics 2 A11, 12 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 158 Credits

• Engineering Practice 3 B21, 8 Credits.
• Complementary Studies 3 A02, 8 Credits.
• Complementary Studies 3 A01, 8 Credits.
• Design (Mechanical) 3B, 12 Credits.
• Theory of Machines 3 B21, 12 Credits.
• Manufacturing Methods 3 B21, 12 Credits.
• Statistics for Engineers, 8 Credits.
• Communication 3B, 14 Credits.
• Design (Mechanical) 12 3 A11, 12 Credits.
• Mechanical Engineering Laboratory, 16 Credits.
• Strength of Materials 3 B21, 12 Credits.
• Fluid Dynamics 3 A11, 12 Credits.
• Thermofluids 3 A11, 12 Credits.
• Science of Materials 3 A11, 12 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 155 Credits

• Advanced Manufacturing Systems 4 A11, 12 Credits.
• Thermomachines 4 A11, 12 Credits.
• Thermal Systems 4 B21, 12 Credits.
• Heat Transfer 4 A11, 12 Credits.
• Management Principles and Practice 3 B21, 8 Credits.
• Project Investigation (Mechanical) 4000, 32 Credits.
• Legal Applications in Engineering Practice 4 B21, 7 Credits.
• Control Systems (Mechanical) 4 B21, 16 Credits.
• Design and Engineering Practice 4000, 32 Credits.
• Strength of Materials 4 A11, 12 Credits.

1.Identify, formulate, analyse and solve complex mechanical engineering problems creatively and innovatively.

2.Application of scientific and engineering knowledge Apply knowledge of mathematics, natural sciences, engineering fundamentals and mechanical engineering to solve complex engineering problems.

3.Engineering Design Perform creative, procedural and non-procedural design and synthesis of components, systems, engineering works, products or processes.

4.Investigations, experiments and data analysis Demonstrate competence to design and conduct investigations and experiments.

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.

6.Professional and technical communication Demonstrate competence to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with engineering audiences and the community at large.

7.Impact of Engineering Activity Demonstrate critical awareness of the impact of engineering activity on the social, industrial and physical environment.

8.Individual, Team and Multidisciplinary Working Demonstrate competence to work effectively as an individual, in teams and in multidisciplinary environments.

9.Independent Learning Ability Demonstrate competence to engage in independent learning through well-developed learning skills.

10.Engineering Professionalism Demonstrate critical awareness of the need to act professionally and ethically and to exercise judgment and take responsibility within own limits of competence.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be used in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes

• Engineering problems are identified, assessed, formulated, interpreted, analysed and solved effectively, creatively and innovatively by applying knowledge of Mathematics, basic science and engineering sciences from first principles.
• Small engineering projects are planned and managed so that an underlying knowledge, understanding and insight into the principles, methodologies and concepts that constitute socially responsible (to local and other communities) engineering practice are demonstrated.
• Participation as a member of a team, group, organisation, and community or in multidisciplinary projects results in leadership and the performance of critical functions.
• Activities are organised and managed responsibly, effectively, professionally and ethically; responsibility is taken within his/her own limits of competence and judgment is exercised in commensuration with knowledge and expertise.
• Investigations, research and/or experiments are effectively planned and conducted by applying appropriate theories and methodologies and suitable data analysis and interpretation are performed.
• Communication is effectively carried out, both orally and in writing, with engineering audiences and the community at large, using appropriate structure, style and graphical support.
• Appropriate engineering methods, skills, tools, technology and information technology are effectively and critically used and assessed in engineering practice and an understanding and a willingness to accept responsibility for the impact that engineering activities have on society and the environment are shown.
• Procedural and non-procedural design and synthesis of components, systems, works, products of processes are performed as a set of related systems and their social, legal, health, safety and environmental impacts and benefits are assessed.
• Various learning strategies and skills are employed to master module outcomes required in fundamental Mathematics, engineering sciences, engineering design research and aspects of management in preparation to engage in lifelong learning to keep abreast of knowledge and skills required in the engineering field.
• Responsible citizenship is practiced in terms of the local, national and global communities by acting professionally and ethically.
• Cultural and aesthetic sensitivity are shown across a range of social context in the execution of engineering activities.
• Education and career opportunities are explored.
• Entrepreneurial opportunities are organised and developed through engineering problem solving, design, technical research and managerial skills.

Integrated Assessment

The qualification is coherently aligned in that all teaching, learning and assessment activities are linked to module and qualification outcomes. Assessment methods are varied and includes summative and formative assessment to enhance applied competence from learners and facilitate authentic assessment and learning. Assessment will not only be used to determine whether outcomes were achieved, but also to generate data for grading and provide feedback in order to improve the curriculum. In order for all the assessment purposes to be achieved, Tutorials, lab practical, practical assignments, case studies, group projects, chapter summaries, portfolios, presentations, semester tests, final examinations will be utilised. in addition to that, investigative projects/assignments, problem solutions, group and individual design assignments and projects, multi-disciplinary projects, case studies, report writing, planning, oral presentations, poster presentations, semester tests, final examinations forms part of assessment methods.