Bachelor of Engineering Science

Purpose

The purpose of the qualification is to prepare learners to embark on careers within the Digital Art, Animation and Gaming Software Development fields. This is a technological field which is growing quickly in South Africa and abroad and there are few tertiary qualifications in South Africa that meet these specific needs.

The intended outcome of the qualification is to prepare learners to enter into the specialised technology fields of Computer Gaming and Special Effects. The qualification will contribute to this outcome by offering an inter-disciplinary programme that combines Engineering and Fine Arts. The qualification starts with broad-based science and engineering courses that provide a foundation for increasingly specialised digital arts and programming courses in the later years of study. This qualification is intended to produce learners that have specialist scientific knowledge in Engineering Science, specifically in the technical area of Gaming and Animation Software Development.

Rationale

Digital Technology in general and in the Digital Gaming Industry in particular continues to be a growing industry worldwide. In South Africa, there is currently a high demand for people with a technology background and there is a shortage of skilled people in the area of gaming development. This qualification seeks to address that shortage. The qualification will equip learners to work in a particular technology area. Learners will be specialist practitioners in the technological area of Gaming and Animation Software Development. In general, the qualification will contribute to the development of scarce and high level technical skills in Engineering Science.

It is assumed that the learner would be competent in the language of instruction and the theoretical and practical knowledge and understanding accomplished at NQF Level 4.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Students can achieve this qualification in part through Recognition of Prior Learning. The RPL Policy and the Academic Credit and Qualification Completion Policy guide this process.

RPL for formal learning: (Credit recognition)

• Students may apply for credits or exemptions for subjects already passed in-house or at other recognised institutions.

RPL for informal and non-formal learning

• Skills, knowledge and experience in respect of competencies acquired through informal and non-formal learning are also assessed.

Access to the Qualification

Applicants for the qualification need to be in possession of one of the following qualifications

• A Senior Certificate with matriculation exemption.
• A National Senior Certificate (NSC) granting admission to Bachelor Degree study with a pass in the language of teaching and learning.
• National Certificate Vocational (NVC), Level 4 granting admission to Bachelor Degree study.
• An Advanced Certificate, a Diploma or an Advanced Diploma in a cognate discipline.

Learners who have attained the age of 23 before or during the first year of registration with a Senior Certificate or equivalent with a minimum of 40% in at least four higher or standard grade subjects - including English - at least three of which shall have been passed simultaneously and one of which shall be a recognised higher grade subject, may be granted admission.

Learners having attained the age of 45 before or during the first year of registration may be granted admission without a Senior Certificate.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules totalling 380 credits

Modules at Level 5

• Electric Circuits I, 17 Credits.
• Mathematics I, 33 Credits.
• Physics I, 33 Credits.
• Vacation Project, 5 Credits.

Total credits 88.

Modules at Level 6

• Key Concepts in Art & Technology I, 15 Credits.
• Key Concepts in Art & Technology II, 15 Credits.
• Electronics I, 20 Credits.
• Mathematics II, 34 Credits.
• Microprocessors, 17 Credits.
• Software Development I, 12 Credits.
• Data Structures & Algorithms, 18 Credits.
• Introduction to Image Creation, 20 Credits.

Total credits 151.

Modules at Level 7;

• Introduction to Image Optimisation, 20 Credits.
• Digital Art Design Project, 20 Credits.
• Signals & Systems I, 11 Credits.
• Electric & Magnetic Systems, 18 Credits.
• Introduction to World Wide Web as Creative Medium, 18 Credits.
• Online Worlds and Community Building, 18 Credits.
• Game Design I, 18 Credits.
• Game Design II, 18 Credits.

Total credits 141.

1. Develop a comprehensive understanding of physical systems.
2. Use knowledge of physical systems to appreciate the complexities and ethical considerations in science and technology.
3. Develop a thorough understanding of engineering science and its wider applicability.
4. Communicate technical ideas effectively.
5. Integrate science and engineering and appreciate the principles common to both disciplines.
6. Comprehend the social and environmental impact of science and engineering in a South African context.

Critacal Cross-Field Outcomes

All the Critacal Cross-Field Outcomes are addressed in this qualification.

Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Demonstrate an understanding of the basic models and theories that govern physical systems.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the interaction of systems with each other.

Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of the latest appropriate technologies.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the ethical dilemmas associated with new and existing technologies.

Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Solve engineering problems and do quantitative analyses.
• Estimate the magnitude of answers prior to calculating, using sound engineering judgment.
• Apply engineering sciences to diverse fields.
• Demonstrate insight into uncertainty in science and its effect on understanding.

Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Construct verbal presentations on complex technical subjects.
• Use effective written communication in research reports and problem solving.

Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Demonstrate an understanding of systems theory and its applicability across a range of subjects.
• Demonstrate understanding of the way in which many engineering processes have analogues in the physical world.

Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Compose a useful assessment of the cost-benefit ration of advanced technologies.

Integrated Assessment

Learners are assessed by way of writing examinations, assignments, laboratory work, oral presentations and oral examinations. A number of capstone courses in the specialised technology area in the final year are assessed with a view to integration of subject matter from earlier courses and have both engineering and science content.