Bachelor of Engineering Technology Honours in Electronic Engineering

Purpose

The Bachelor of Engineering Technology Honours Degree in Electronic Engineering is a specialisation qualification designed to prepare learners for careers in engineering and related areas as well as higher-level postgraduate studies and professional registration. The qualification consolidates and deepens the learner's expertise in electronic engineering and develops research capacity in the methodology and techniques of those disciplines while equipping them to undertake more intensive learning.

The purpose of this qualification is to develop specialist knowledge, understanding, abilities and skills required for becoming a competent practising engineer. This qualification prepares learners for careers in engineering and related areas, for achieving technological proficiency and leadership and to contribute to the economy and national development.

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

• Apply mathematical modelling and analysis to solve complex engineering problems creatively and innovatively.
• Apply knowledge of mathematics, natural science, and engineering sciences to the conceptualisation of engineering models and to solve complex engineering problems.
• Perform creative, procedural, and non-procedural design and synthesis of components, systems, engineering works, products, or processes of a complex nature.
• 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.
• Apply appropriate techniques, resources, and modern engineering tools, including information technology, prediction, and modelling, for the solution of complex engineering problems.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with engineering audiences and the community at large.
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the impact of engineering activities on society, economy, industrial and physical environment.
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of engineering management principles.
• Engage in independent and life-long learning through well-developed learning skills.
• Apply ethical principles and commit to professional ethics, responsibilities, and norms of engineering practice.
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of engineering management principles and economic decision-making.

Rationale

The engineering skills shortage has a widespread effect on South Africa. It affects the level of economic productivity and reduces the country's capacity to develop a knowledgeable society. This, in turn, affects the country's functioning in the current globalised business environment and global economy. This qualification provides aspiring electrical engineers with the knowledge to operate and enhance electrical engineering processes in an efficient, safe, and profitable way.

Engineering is an activity that encompasses initiatives, services and the solution to problems that are of importance to society and the economy. These engineering activities are generally undertaken by a range of engineering practitioners namely engineers, technologists, technicians, and artisans. This qualification is intended to provide, in combination with the Professional coursework Master's in Engineering, the educational base for the development of a Professional Engineer with knowledge and attributes to work in a wide spectrum of industries including the telecommunication, electronic, computer, automation and energy industries. The various levels of practitioners recognized in categories of registration under the Engineering Profession Act and regulated by the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) are Professional Engineer, Professional Engineering Technologist, Professional Engineering Technician and Professional Certificated Engineer.

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 of learner engineer. 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.

Professional Engineers will be able to apply established and newly developed engineering technology. 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, economic, health, safety, and environmental matters.

The qualification will target 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. 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.

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 qualification is endorsed by ECSA, and the qualification is aligned to the ECSA Accreditation Standards in line with the internationally accepted engineering accreditation standards.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy which is applicable with regard to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications. RPL may be applied for access, credits from modules and credits for or towards the qualification.

RPL for access

• Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.
• To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations should they be allowed entrance into the qualification.

RPL for exemption of modules

• Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from modules that form part of the qualification. For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

RPL for credit

• Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.
• Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Advanced Diploma in Electrical Engineering in Power Engineering, NQF Level 7.

Or

• Advanced Diploma in Industrial Electronics, NQF Level 7.

Or

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

Or

• Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Computer Engineering, NQF 7.

Or

• Bachelor of Engineering 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 modules at National Qualifications Framework Levels 7 and 8 totalling 152 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 8 Credits

• Statistics and Probability, 8 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 144 Credits

• Data Analytics and Machine Learning, 12 Credits.
• Research Methods and Ethics, 8 Credits.
• Engineering Research Proposal, 8 Credits.
• Embedded Systems Design, 12 Credits.
• Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Applications, 12 Credits.
• Data Networks and Internet of Things (IoT), 12 Credits.
• Systems Thinking and Leadership, 12 Credits.
• Renewable Energy and Sustainability, 12 Credits.
• Radio and Microwave Systems, 12 Credits.
• Automation, 12 Credits.
• Engineering Research Project, 32 Credits.

1. Apply mathematical modelling and analysis to solve complex engineering problems creatively and innovatively.
2. Demonstrate competence to apply knowledge of mathematics, natural science, and engineering sciences to the conceptualization of engineering models and to solving complex engineering problems.
3. Demonstrate competence to perform creative, procedural, and non-procedural design and synthesis of components, systems, engineering works, products, or processes of a complex nature.
4. Demonstrate competence to 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. Demonstrate competence 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 competence 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. Demonstrate competence to engage in independent and life-long learning through well-developed learning skills.
10. Apply ethical principles and commit to professional ethics, responsibilities, and norms of engineering practice.
11. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of engineering management principles and economic decision-making.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Analyse and define the problem and identify 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

• Apply an appropriate mix of knowledge of mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, natural science, and engineering science at a fundamental level and in a specialist, area to bear on the solution of complex engineering problems.
• Use theories, principles, and laws.
• Perform formal analysis and modelling on engineering materials, components, systems, or processes.
• Communicate concepts, ideas, and theories.
• 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 to satisfy user needs, applicable standards, codes of practice and legislation.
• Plan and manage the design process to focus on important issues and deal 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 and select alternatives for implementation and a preferred solution based on techno-economic analysis and judgement.
• Assess the selected design in terms of the 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 necessary to the investigation.
• Select and use equipment or appropriate software in the investigations.
• Analyse, interpret and derive information from available data.
• Draw conclusions from 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.
• Produce results by the method, skill, or tool as tested and assessed against required results.
• Create, select, and use computer applications as required by the discipline.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Apply the structure, style and language of written and oral communication that are appropriate for the communication and the target audience.
• Use graphics 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 its benefits and limitations to society.
• Analyse the engineering activity in terms of the impact on the public, physical environment and occupational health and safety.
• Take personal, social, economic, and cultural values and requirements into consideration for those who are affected by the engineering activity.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8

• Explain the principles of planning, organising, leading, and controlling.
• Carry out individual work effectively, strategically and on time.
• Contribute to team activities, including at disciplinary boundaries, and support the output of the team as a whole.
• Organise and manage a design or research project.
• Cary out effective communication in the context of the 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 strategies to suit personal learning styles 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

• Describe the nature and complexity of ethical dilemmas.
• Describe the ethical implications of decisions made.
• Apply ethical reasoning to evaluate engineering solutions.
• Maintain continued competence by keeping abreast of up-to-date tools and techniques available in the workplace.
• Participate in the continuing professional development programmes an ongoing process.
• Accept responsibility for consequences stemming from own actions.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 11

• Explain basic principles of economics, business management and project management.
• Apply basic principles of economics, business management, and project management to one's own work.