Bachelor of Engineering Technology Honours in Electrical Engineering

Purpose

The Bachelor of Engineering Technology Honours in Electrical Engineering prepares learners for industry and research. This qualification demands a high level of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence. It also provides preparation for careers in engineering that potentially benefit from engineering skills, for achieving technological proficiency and to contribute to the economy and national development, as well as entry to NQF level 9 qualification.

This qualification will provide learners with a sound knowledge base in the electrical engineering discipline and an understanding of engineering management principles whilst also equipping them to undertake more specialised postgraduate studies and provides inter alia.

Upon completion of this qualification, qualifying learners will be able to

• Provide leadership and manage projects in the application of technology in safety, health, engineering, and commercially effective operations and have well-developed interpersonal skills.
• Work independently and as a member or leader in a multi-disciplinary project.
• Apply judgment to decisions arising in the application of technology and health and safety considerations to problems and associated risks.
• Identify, formulate, analyse, and solve complex engineering problems creatively and innovatively.

Rationale

The need for Engineering qualifications in South Africa has been documented by various sources. According to the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA), South Africa has an engineer-to-population ratio of 1:3 100 compared to Germany (1:200) and Japan, Great Britain, and the United States of America (1:310). This implies that the engineering team requirement for South Africa needs to multiply ten-fold to compete with international economies.

In addition to this, in a recent publication, ECSA continues to argue that South Africa as a developing country, has too few engineers for the size of its population, e.g. 1: 3 166 compared to other developing countries such as Malaysia (1: 543) and Brazil (1: 227). Hence, South Africa is regarded as 'severely under-engineered' with a critical shortage of competent engineers for the projects currently underway in the country. Consequently, there are many instances of engineering work being conducted by engineers who are not competent to undertake such work. This is particularly problematic in the public sector where all spheres of government are dependent on engineering services to address the vital needs of South African communities.

Currently, an engineering learner can only register as a Candidate Engineer if he/she has completed the appropriate educational requirements through the completion of a Bachelor's degree offered by traditional Universities. Recent data from the Department of Higher Education and Training showed that the number of learners with Bachelor's degree qualifications is on average, only 2 677 learners per annum, with a significant under-representation of 53% Black learners, with only 2 677 learners graduating per year with a qualification necessary to register as a Candidate Engineer and a population approaching 58 million, it is clear why ECSA is concerned about the ability to improve on the current position of 1: 3 166. In addition, up to 50% of graduate engineers do not practice as engineers pursuing, instead, non-engineering-related careers.

This qualification will address not only the number of registered Professional Engineers in total but also increase the number of registered professionals from the designated groups. This qualification will provide articulation to learners from engineering disciplines who have obtained a Bachelor of Engineering, (NQF level 7), and allows vertical articulation in the Electrical Engineering discipline (NQF level 9). This qualification is designed for Electrical Engineers and Technologists who are employed as or strive to be employed as supervisors or managers in the engineering environment.

RPL for access

The primary market for recruiting learners to the qualification will be school leavers with an interest in working in the engineering industry. However, applications from adult learners who have a similar interest in the qualification will also be considered for admission to the programme. Selection of such learners will be conducted on an individual basis in accordance with the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy of the institution.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL applications for the institution are received by the Centre for Assessments and Graduations. The candidates are required to complete an RPL application document. Accompanying the RPL application must be certified copies of all previous qualifications and a comprehensive portfolio of evidence, reflecting extensive work learning. Once the institution's RPL coordinator has deemed the RPL application as being complete, the portfolio will be sent to the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology for assessment. The faculty's RPL committee assesses the candidate's portfolio thoroughly against the relevant learning outcomes.

Entry Requirements

The minimum admission requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor's Degree in the related field at NQF Level 7.

Or

• Advanced Diploma in Electrical Engineering, NQF Level 7.

Or

• A relevant qualification in the related field at NQF Level 7.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8 totalling 140 Credits.:

Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 98 Credits

• Research Methodology, 14 Credits.
• Mathematics IV, Level 8, 14 Credits.
• Engineering management IV, 28 Credits.
• Project IV, 42 Credits.

Elective Modules, 42 Credits

Choose one of the specialisations below

Heavy Current

• Electrical Machines Technology IV, 14 Credits.
• Power Electronics IV, 14 Credits.
• Power Systems IV, 14 Credits.

OR

Light Current

• Electronic Communications Systems IV, 14 Credits.
• Process Control IV, 14 Credits.
• Signal Processing IV, 14 Credits.

OR

Computer Engineering

• Networks IV, Level 8, 14 Credits.
• Signal Processing IV, 14 Credits.
• Micro Systems IV, 14 Credits.

1. Demonstrate the ability to identify, formulate, analyse, and solve complex engineering problems creatively and innovatively.
2. Demonstrate the ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, natural science, and engineering sciences to the conceptualization of engineering models and to solve complex engineering problems.
3. Demonstrate the ability to perform creative, procedural, and non-procedural design and synthesis of components, systems, engineering works, products, or processes of a complex nature.
4. Conduct investigations of complex engineering problems including engagement with the research literature and use of research methods including design of experiments, analysis and interpretation of data and synthesis of information to provide valid conclusions.
5. Demonstrate the ability to use appropriate techniques, resources, and modern engineering tools, including information technology, prediction, and modelling, for the solution of complex engineering problems, with an understanding of the limitations, restrictions, premises, assumptions, and constraints.
6. Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with engineering audiences and the community at large.
7. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the impact of engineering activities on society, economy, industrial and physical environment.
8. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of engineering management principles.
9. Comprehend and apply ethical principles and commit to professional ethics, responsibilities, and norms of engineering practice.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 1.

• Analyse problems involved in transmission links.
• Understand MATLAB/Simulink, Power Systems Toolbox, and PSIM for the simulation of power electronic circuits, including renewable energy sources.
• Understand project planning principles, planning criteria, regulatory laws and the economic considerations whilst evaluating all the losses in RES.
• Evaluate electric machine performance parameters and/or design characteristics for tasks in the engineering environment using MATLAB.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 2.

• Select, apply, and evaluate appropriate numerical methods for complex and open-ended engineering tasks applicable to electrical machines in the industrial environment.
• Perform fault and protection calculations.
• Apply protection relays for the protection of the power system and its elements.
• Perform MATLAB and Simulink models and functions and their interactions with real-world implementations.
• Perform system modelling with the aid of a homer energy modelling software.
• Apply basic principles of tele-traffic theory in communication systems.
• Apply the principles of thermal conduction in the design and specification of cooling systems required for static switches.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 3.

• Design and analyse an interconnected 3-phase system for the transmission.
• Formulate the control and optimization problem as well as describe the optimization technics applied in the RES.
• Design communication links for a specified quality of service.
• Design gating/firing circuits for the various static switches employed in switching converters.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 4.

• Analyze the performance of a complex renewable energy system (RES) and execute future sustainable and innovative improvements.
• Illustrate the concept of DC motor speed control and analyse the use of controlled power rectifiers and DC choppers in drive applications.
• Illustrate the concept of AC motor speed control and analyse the use of the various AC control methods used for inverter topologies in drive applications.
• Illustrate the concept and controllability of HVDC and SVAR systems.
• Design and specify the relevant switch ratings required for all the various converter topologies.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 5.

• Select, apply, and evaluate appropriate numerical methods for complex and open-ended engineering tasks applicable to electrical machines in the industrial environment.
• Evaluate electric machine performance parameters and/or design characteristics for tasks in the engineering environment using MATLAB.
• Simulate/model and design the necessary snubber and protection circuits to limit switching transients.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 6.

• Compile and write a proposal for the selected project.
• Compile and write progress reports.
• Present and do a video presentation of breadboarding /initial results.
• Present and do a video presentation of the final research project.
• Do an oral presentation of the final research project.
• Compile and write the final research report.
• Write an article on an aspect of the final research project.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 7.

• Understand the techniques for scheduling and dispatch of generation for economic operation of the power system.
• Design and analyse an interconnected 3-phase system for the transmission and distribution of power to customers reliably, securely, and economically.
• Evaluate design options from both the technical and economic viewpoints and apply the appropriate technical standards.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 8.

• Apply project management principles focusing on leadership, creativity, communication, and teamwork.
• Interrogate human resource management legislation in South Africa (including labour and contracts law).
• Examine and apply financial management principles relating to budgeting, procurement, expenditure, and financial accounting.
• Apply process management principles focusing on process modelling, monitoring, and analysis.
• Engage in marketing management principles and theories, which include the identification of customer's needs, production of services or products to meet those needs, fixing the price, distributing the product, and persuading the customer to purchase the product.
• Engage with and apply safety management and injury on-duty policies and procedures.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 9.

• Design a blog highlighting the importance of professional ethics using the Internet.
• Compile a brief written report on ethics and professional development which includes internet links to the blog and LinkedIn profile.
• Substantiate research ethics and the importance of time management.