Bachelor of Engineering Technology Honours in Electronic Engineering

Purpose

The Bachelor of Engineering Technology Honours in Electronic Engineering serves to consolidate and deepen the learner's expertise in a particular discipline and to develop research capacity in the methodology and techniques of that discipline.

Engineering learners completing this qualification will demonstrate competence in all the Exit Level Outcomes contained in the Engineering Council of South Africa's (ECSA) standard. The Bachelor of Engineering Technology Honours in Electronic Engineering serves to provide learners with knowledge in fundamental and specialised engineering. The knowledge emphasises electronic engineering principles and application. Also, the qualification provides learners with an in-depth knowledge base in a particular field or discipline. Learners will have the ability to apply their knowledge and skills to specific career or professional contexts, while equipping them to undertake more specialised and intensive learning.

The Bachelor of Engineering Technology Honours prepares individuals to apply complex mathematical and scientific principles to the design, development and operational evaluation of physical systems used in manufacturing and end-product systems used for specific uses, including the design of electrical systems and processes and the integration of computers and remote control with complex operating systems.

The qualifying learners can develop and improve, technical procedures, practices and codes, to solve complex electrical engineering problems. They manage and supervise engineering operations, construction and activities.

This qualification provides aspiring electrical engineers with the knowledge to operate and enhance electrical engineering processes in an efficient, safe and profitable way.

Professional Engineers will be able to apply established and newly developed engineering technology. The learners will be able to solve complex electrical engineering problems and design components, systems, services and processes. They will be able to provide leadership in the application of technology and commercially effective operations. They will work independently and responsibly, applying judgement to decisions arising in the implementation of technology to problems and associated risks. Professional Engineers must, therefore, have a specialised understanding of the engineering science that underpins specific technologies together with financial, commercial, legal, social and economic, health, safety and environmental matters.

Rationale

The Bachelor of Engineering Technology Honours in Electronic Engineering is a postgraduate qualification, characterised by the fact that it prepares learners for industry and research. The Bachelor of Engineering Technology Honours enhances the application of research and development as well as specialist and contextual knowledge to meet the minimum entry requirement for admission to a cognate Master's Degree. The Master's qualification is usually in the area of specialisation of the Bachelor Honours qualification.

Upon qualifying learners are prepared to be able to register with ECSA as Professional Engineers (Pr. Eng.).

The qualification is beneficial to the economy and society as it addresses some of the training needs indicated in the Higher Education and Training Framework for the National Skills Development Strategy (NSDSIII). Skilled electrical engineers are required to meet the developmental needs of the country in all manufacturing and electrical engineering production fields.

The qualification will target Artisans, Supervisors, Inspectors and Entrepreneurs in the country. Also, the qualification will, provide opportunities in the different disciplines of engineering, offering access towards Technicians, Technologists, Engineers and Researchers.

Qualifications leading to this qualification tend to have a strong vocational, professional or career focus and holders of this qualification will enter a specific niche in the labour market. The particular purpose of educational qualifications designed to meet this qualification is to build the necessary knowledge, understanding, abilities and skills required for further learning towards becoming a competent practising Professional Engineer.

The School of Engineering plans to address the current skill-shortage of engineering skills in the country, especially in this discipline. The qualification will provide learners with a pathway towards further postgraduate studies in the Master of Engineering, followed by a PhD.

This qualification demands a high level of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence. The Bachelor of Engineering Technology Honours in Electronic Engineering forms part of a combination of qualifications to meet the educational requirements for registration in the category learner engineer.

This qualification provides

• Preparation for careers in engineering itself and areas that potentially benefit from engineering skills, and to achieve technical proficiency and to make a contribution to the economy and national development; and
• The educational base required for registration as a Learner and a Professional Engineer with ECSA (Refer to qualification rules).
• Entry to NQF Level 9 Masters qualifications.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution uses Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) to demonstrate competence for admission to this qualification. This qualification is achievable in part through recognition of prior learning processes. RPL will also award learners Credits.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Advanced Diploma in Electronic Engineering Technology NQF Level 7.

Or

• Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Electronic Engineering, NQF Level 7.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8 totalling 144 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 144 Credits

• Advanced Engineering Mathematics, 12 Credits.
• Electricity and Magnetism, 12 Credits.
• Digital Control Technology, 12 Credits.
• Software Engineering, 12 Credits.
• Research Panning and Research Analyses, 12 Credits.
• Research Project 1A, 12 Credits.
• Micro and Nano-Electronics, 12 Credits.
• LTE Communication Technology, 12 Credits.
• Optoelectronics, 12 Credits.
• Photonics, 12 Credits.
• Bio-Technology, 12 Credits.
• Research Project IB, 12 Credits.

1. Identify, formulate, analyse and solve complex engineering problems creatively and innovatively.
2. Apply knowledge of mathematics, natural science and engineering sciences to the conceptualisation of engineering models and to solve complex engineering problems.
3. 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 the information to provide valid conclusions.
5. 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. 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 society, economy, industrial and physical environment.
8. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of engineering management principles.
9. Engage in independent and life-long learning through well-developed learning skills.
10. Comprehend and apply ethical principles and commit to professional ethics, responsibilities and norms of engineering practice.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Analyse and define the problem and identify the criteria for an acceptable solution.
• Identify relevant information and engineering knowledge and skills for solving the problem.
• Generate and formulate possible approaches that would lead to a workable solution for the problem.
• Model and analyse possible solutions.
• Evaluate possible solutions and select the best solution.
• Formulate and present the solution in an appropriate form.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Bring to bear an appropriate mix of knowledge of mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, natural science and engineering science at a fundamental level and in a specialist area on the solution of complex engineering problems.
• Use theories, principles and laws.
• Perform formal analysis and modelling on engineering materials, components, systems or processes.
• Concepts, ideas and theories are communicated.
• Perform reasoning about and conceptualising engineering materials, components, systems or processes.
• Handle uncertainty and risk.
• Perform work within the boundaries of the practice area.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Formulate the design problem is to satisfy user needs, applicable standards, codes of practice and legislation.
• Plan and manage the design process to focus on essential issues and recognises and deals with constraints.
• Acquire and evaluate knowledge, information and resources to apply appropriate principles and design tools to provide a workable solution.
• Perform design tasks including analysis, quantitative modelling and optimisation of the product, system or process subject to the relevant premises, assumptions, constraints and restrictions.
• Evaluate alternatives for implementation, and a preferred solution is selected based on techno-economic analysis and judgement.
• Assess the selected design in terms of social, economic, legal, health, safety, and environmental impact and benefits.
• Communicate the design logic and relevant information in a technical report.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Plan and conduct investigations and experiments within an appropriate discipline.
• Search available literature and evaluate material for suitability to the investigation.
• Perform analysis as necessary to the investigation.
• Select and use Equipment or software as appropriate in the investigations.
• Analyse, interpret information and derived from available data.
• Conclude an analysis of all available evidence.
• Record the purpose, process and outcomes of the investigation in a technical report or research project report.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Assess the method, skill or tool for applicability and limitations against the required result.
• Apply the method, skill or tool correctly to achieve the required result.
• Test and assess the results produced by the method, skill or tool against required results.
• Create, select and use computer applications as required by the discipline.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Ensure the structure, style and language of written and oral communication are appropriate for the conversation and the target audience.
• Use graphics that are appropriate and effective in enhancing the meaning of the text.
• Use visual materials to enhance oral communications.
• Use accepted methods for providing information to others involved in the engineering activity.
• Deliver oral communication fluently with the intended meaning being apparent.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Explain the impact of technology in terms of the benefits and limitations of society.
• Analyse the engineering activity in terms of the impact on public and occupational health and safety.
• Analyse the engineering activity in terms of the impact on the physical environment.
• Take personal, social, economic, cultural values and requirements into consideration for those who are affected by the engineering activity.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Explain the principles of planning, organising, leading and controlling.
• Carry out individual work effectively, strategically and on time.
• Demonstrate contributions to team activities, including at disciplinary boundaries, support the output of the team as a whole.
• Function as a team leader.
• Organise and manage a design or research project.
• Carry out effective communication in the context of individual or teamwork.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9

• Manage learning tasks autonomously and ethically, individually and in learning groups.
• Reflect on learning undertaken and determine own learning requirements, and strategies to suit personal learning style and preferences.
• Source, organise and evaluate relevant information.
• Comprehend and apply the knowledge acquired outside of formal instruction.
• Challenge assumptions critically and embrace new thinking.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10

• Apply ethical reasoning to evaluate engineering solutions.
• Maintain continued competence through keeping abreast of up-to-date tools and techniques available in the workplace.
• Understand and embrace the system of continuing professional development as an on-going process.
• Accept responsibility for consequences stemming from their actions.
• Make judgements in decision making during problem-solving and design are justified.
• Ensure decision making is limited to the area of current competence.

Integrated Assessment

Modules in this qualification have two assessment components as follows

• Formative Assessment: There is an integration of learning and assessment. This form of assessment includes assignments based on the learning material, progress reports for practicals conducted and competencies applied. The process is continuous and focuses on small sections of the work. (20% of the final mark).
• Summative assessment: Examination (both written and oral) or equivalent assessment such as a portfolio of a section or the use of a Project. The summative assessment examines the learner's ability to manage and integrate a large body of knowledge. (80% of the final mark).