Bachelor of Engineering Technology Honours in Mechanical Engineering

Purpose

The Bachelor of Engineering Technology Honours in Mechanical Engineering (BEng Tech Hons (Mechanical)) serves to provide learners with knowledge in specialised engineering fields. The knowledge emphasises mechanical engineering principles and application. Also, the qualification provides learners with an in-depth knowledge base in a particular field or discipline and the ability to apply their knowledge and skills to particular career or professional contexts while equipping them to undertake more specialised and intensive learning. This qualification demands a high-level of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence. The qualification 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.

The qualification serves to provide learners with knowledge in fundamental and specialised engineering. The knowledge emphasises mechanical engineering principles and application. Also, the qualification provides learners with an in-depth knowledge base in a particular field or discipline and the ability to apply their knowledge and skills to particular career or professional contexts while equipping them to undertake more specialised and intensive learning. Qualifications leading to this qualification tend to have a strong vocational, professional or career focus and holders of this qualification are usually prepared to enter a specific niche in the labour market.

The specific 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. They will have the ability to develop and improve, technical procedures, practices and codes, to solve complex mechanical engineering problems. They manage and supervise engineering operations, construction and activities.

The BEng Tech Hons (Mechanical) qualification 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 mechanical systems and processes and the integration of computers and remote control with complex operating systems.

Learners will be able to apply established and newly developed engineering technology to solve complex mechanical engineering problems and develop components, systems, services and processes. They will provide leadership in the application of technology and commercially effective operations. They work independently and responsibly, applying judgement to decisions arising in the application of technology to problems and associated risks.

Learners will 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 Degree is a Postgraduate qualification, characterised by the fact that it prepares learners for industry and research. The Bachelor of Engineering Technology Honours Degree may form part of a combination of qualifications to meet the educational requirements for registration in the category learner engineer.

This qualification typically follows a Bachelor's Degree, Advanced Diploma or relevant NQF Level 7 qualification and serves to consolidate and deepen the learner's expertise in the mechanical engineering field and to develop research capacity in the methodology and techniques of the discipline.

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 Degree qualification is usually in the area of specialisation of the Bachelor Honours Degree.

The BEng Tech Hons (Mechanical) qualification graduates will be able to register with ECSA as Professional Engineers (Pr. Eng.). The qualification design reflects the new standard for professional engineers as required by the Engineering Council of South Africa.

This qualification provides aspiring mechanical engineers with the knowledge to operate and improve mechanical engineering processes in an efficient, safe and profitable way. The qualification addresses the objectives of the NQF by providing the engineering qualification at NQF Level 8.

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 mechanical engineers are required to meet the developmental needs of the country in all manufacturing and mechanical production fields.

The BEngTech Hons (Mechanical) will facilitate the academic progress of the Advanced Diploma in Mechanical Engineering learners.

This qualification demands a high-level of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence. The Bachelor of Engineering Technology Honours in Mechanical Engineering Degree may form 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, for technological proficiency and to contribute to the economy and national development;
• Entry to NQF Level 9 Masters qualifications, e.g. MSc/MEng;
• The educational base required for registration as a Learner and a Professional Engineer with ECSA.

Engineering learners completing this qualification will demonstrate competence in all the Exit Level Outcomes contained in this standard.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) enables learners to demonstrate competence for admission to this qualification. The achievement qualification in part through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) processes is possible. The learners can gain credits through RPL. Assessors should assess and give credit for the evidence of learning that has already acquired through formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Advanced Diploma in Mechanical Engineering Technology, NQF Level 7.

Or

• Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Mechanical 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 NQF Level 8, 132 Credits

• Statistical Techniques for Science and Engineering, 12 Credits.
• Engineering Chemistry (Theory) and Engineering Chemistry (Practicals), 12 Credits.
• Sustainable Energy, 12 Credits.
• Heat and Mass Transfer, 12 Credits.
• Thermo - fluids, 12 Credits.
• Mechanical Engineering Research Project, 36 Credits.
• Mechanical Engineering Design Project, 24 Credits.
• Engineer in Society, 12 Credits.

Elective Modules NQF Level 8, 12 Credits (Choose one)

• Mechatronics and Measurement Systems, 12 Credits.
• Mechanics of Composite Materials, 12 Credits.
• Structural Dynamics, 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 and identify the problem 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 the solution and present it 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.
• 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 recognises and deals with constraints.
• Provide knowledge, principles and design tools for a workable solution.
• Acquire and evaluate information and resources to apply appropriate.
• 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 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.
• Evaluate and search available literature and material critically for suitability to the investigation.
• Perform analysis as necessary to the investigation.
• Select and use equipment or software appropriately in the investigations.
• Analyse, interpret and derive information 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 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

• The structure, style and language of written and oral communication are appropriate for the communication and the target audience.
• Use appropriate and effective graphics in enhancing the meaning of the text.
• Use visual materials in enhance oral communications.
• Use accepted methods to provide information to others involved in engineering activity.
• Deliver fluently oral communication 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 8

• Explain the principles of planning, organising, leading and controlling.
• Carry out Individual work effectively, strategically and on time.
• Contributions to team activities, including at disciplinary boundaries, support the output of the team as a whole.
• Demonstrate functioning 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 learning undertaken on and own learning requirements and determine strategies to suit personal learning style and preferences.
• Source, organise and evaluate relevant information.
• Comprehend and apply the knowledge acquired outside of formal instruction.
• Critically challenge assumptions 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 own actions.
• Make judgements in decision making during problem-solving and design are justified.
• Limit decision making to the area of current competence.

Integrated Assessment

Providers of qualifications shall in the quality assurance process demonstrate that an effective integrated assessment strategy is used. Identified components of assessment must address summative assessment of the exit level outcomes. Evidence should be derived from major work or multiple instances of limited scale work.

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: There is an examination (both written and oral) or portfolio of a section or a Project. The summative assessment examines the learner's ability to manage and integrate a large body of knowledge. (80 % of the final mark).