Bachelor of Engineering Technology Honours in Marine Engineering

Purpose

The Bachelor of Engineering Technology Honours in Marine Engineering is characterised by preparing learners for industry and research. This qualification serves to consolidate and deepen the learner's expertise in Marine Engineering and to develop research capacity in the methodology and techniques of Marine Engineering research and lay a foundation for Naval Architecture.

Rationale

The qualification will enhance and entrench the application of research and development as well as providing specialist and contextual knowledge to meet the minimum entry requirement for admission to a cognate Master's Degree.

In Marine Engineering disciplines, the continuous and rapid development of complex technological systems necessitates higher levels of conceptual understanding required by the complex problem-solving skills needed. Adaptability to new technologies furthermore relies heavily on the understanding and the ability to apply fundamental conceptual knowledge.

Marine Engineers and Technologists are essential for the design, operation and structural integrity of components and structures of ships, watercraft, off-shore platforms and submersible vessels, which in turn are applied to (or are in use) in all aspects of modern society. The modern Engineer and Technologist must therefore be equipped with knowledge and skills that would satisfy the needs of evolving technologies across engineering sectors.

This qualification will address the challenges set by industry and sustainability demands by producing Technologists with the skills to innovate, design, automate, maintain and manage advanced engineering systems within the context of rapidly evolving technological fields. This qualification focuses on ensuring, with the use of advanced modelling, the integrity of engineering design with optimised utilisation of modern engineering materials and minimised probability of failure.

The institution is well-positioned to provide graduates who will be able to deal with the needs of various emerging marine industries serving the renewable energy, maritime engineering sectors, as well as oil and gas (Off-shore).

The institution, with a well-developed transformation process in higher education in South Africa, is committed to significantly contribute to the delivery of the future human resource needs of a developing South Africa. The institution is recognised for its partnerships with industry and other institutions of higher learning both nationally and internationally, it continues to maintain a reputation for research, co-operative education and community outreach.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Although it is anticipated from historic experience that less than 10% of possible applications will require an RPL process, the institution's Report of the Admissions Committee (AC): Policy on Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) will be applied where relevant. Both admission status and module credits may be granted through the RPL process.

RPL implementation will use a triangulated verification approach using academic records, portfolios and interviews conducted by a panel of academic and external experts. All RPL decisions are tabled at the Faculty Management Committee (FMC) meeting for scrutiny and approval.

Applicants who do not meet the admission criteria as stipulated, but who can demonstrate experiential or work-based learning at an equivalent level may be considered for RPL.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Marine Engineering, NQF Level 7

Or

• An equivalent academic qualification, NQF Level 7.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 7 and 8 totalling 140 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 10 Credits.

• Applied Mathematics, 10 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 130 Credits.

• Ship Design and Economics, 14 Credits.
• Ship Structural Design and Production, 14 Credits.
• Off-shore Engineering, 14 Credits.
• Marine Materials and Composites, 14 Credits.
• Hydrodynamics, 14 Credits.
• Marine Research Project, 30 Credits.
• Marine Design Project, 30 Credits.

1. Demonstrate competence to identify, formulate, analyse and solve complex marine engineering problems creatively and innovatively.
2. Demonstrate competence to apply knowledge of mathematics, natural science, and marine engineering sciences to the conceptualization of Marine Engineering models and to solve complex marine engineering problems.
3. Demonstrate competence to perform creative, procedural, and non-procedural design and synthesis of components, systems, marine engineering works, products or processes of a complex nature.
4. Demonstrate competence to conduct investigations of complex marine 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 competence to use appropriate techniques, resources, and modern marine engineering tools, including information technology, prediction and modelling, for the solution of complex marine 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 marine engineering audiences and the community at large.
7. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the impact of marine engineering activities on society, economy, industrial and physical environment.
8. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of marine engineering management principles.
9. Demonstrate competence to 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 marine 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 appropriately.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Bring 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.
• Concepts, ideas and theories are communicated.
• Communicate 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 recognises and deals with constraints.
• Acquire and evaluate knowledge, information and resources in order 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 select 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 critically evaluate material suitability to the investigation.
• Investigate analysis as necessary to the investigation.
• Select and use equipment or software appropriate 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 to achieve the required result correctly.
• Test and assess 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 that the structure, style and language of written and oral communication are appropriate for the communication and the target audience.
• Ensure that the graphics used 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 to 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 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, support the output of the team as a whole.
• Demonstrate the functions of 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 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

• 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 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 ongoing process.
• Accept responsibility for consequences stemming from own actions.
• Make and justify judgements in decision making during problem solving and design.
• Limit decision making to the area of current competence.