Master of Engineering in Extraction Metallurgy

Purpose

The purpose of the Master of Engineering in Extraction Metallurgy is to develop a qualifying learner with advanced abilities in appropriate analytical and research skills relevant for engineering design and synthesis to solve engineering problems of society at large. The qualification will develop an advanced capability to conduct research independently and as such promoting a lifelong learning approach.

Rationale

This qualification promotes the application of research and development as well as specialist and contextual knowledge in the area of Extraction Metallurgy. The qualification focuses on a specialised area of knowledge that is required to advance the infrastructure development in South Africa. On many occasions, Government has announced the imminence of this imperative initiative that is an integral part of the strategy to modernise the economy and create much need jobs for the population.

A large quantity of diverse metallic components will have to be locally produced to be used in railway network systems, power plant, wind mills, and transportation locomotives. Qualified metallurgists with advanced knowledge of metallurgy in terms of thermodynamics, design and innovated technologies, improvement of the quality of metals coupled with decrease in energy consumption, and simulation will be required in the country to successfully bring to more noticeable contribution to the economy growth, which consequently contributes toward the development plan.

There is a recognised scarcity of qualified metallurgists with an advanced knowledge of metallurgy field in South Africa. This qualification widens the chances for South Africans in the metallurgical field to gain more knowledge by the way of metallurgical research. This qualification will remedy this skills shortage in the country, and help produce local graduates with an advanced knowledge in Extraction Metallurgy to satisfy national need for highly qualified metallurgists.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution accepts Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) as an integral part of education and academic practice. It is acknowledged that all learning has value and the institution accepts the challenge to assess prior learning and status will be given for credits that are aligned to the learning outcomes of the programme and to promote lifelong learning.

The Institutional RPL policy will be applied. Through RPL, a learner may gain access, or advanced placement, or recognition of status.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• A Bachelor Honours in Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or Metallurgy NQF Level 8.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

Compulsory Modules,180 Credits

• Dissertation, 180 Credits.

1. Analyse problems within the Extraction Metallurgy environment by researching problems creatively and innovatively.
2. Organise and manage him/herself and his/her activities responsibly, effectively and ethically, accept take responsibility within his/her limits of competence, and exercise judgement based on knowledge and expertise, pertaining to the field of research.
3. Plan and conduct applicable levels of investigation, research and/or experiments by applying appropriate theories and methodologies, and performing appropriate data analysis and interpretation.
4. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with specifically research audiences and the community at large, in so far as they are affected by the research, using appropriate data analysis and interpretation.
5. Demonstrate, environmental sensitivity across a range of environmental contexts in the execution of engineering management research/development activities.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Identify and assess a research problem correctly.
• Effective application and integration of knowledge within the study is evident.
• Cohesively link findings to applicable theoretical underpinnings.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Complete the research dissertation timeously, ethically and responsibly.
• Provide evidence of good judgement, and be cognisant of the time and cost implications of the research study.
• Work with minimal supervision.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Identify appropriate methodologies for the study.
• Critically discuss relevant theoretical underpinnings for their arguments.
• Accurately interpret and analyse the data gathered.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Coherently articulate findings.
• Communicate with various stakeholders during all phases of the study is displayed on an advanced level.
• Integrate their theoretical underpinnings with the data gathered, in a cohesive manner.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Critically discuss and defend the social impact of their research.
• Obtained the required ethical clearance.
• Comply with Health and Safety legislation during research activities.

Integrated Assessment

Assessment of Higher Degrees is done in accordance with the Institution's Policy on Assessment.

Integrated Assessment has application where a need exists to assure overall applied competence, to prevent disjointed learning experience and/or as a time effective assessment method. It has reference to formative, traditional summative and continuous assessment. General assessment principles and practices apply.

Formative Assessment is conducted by utilising supervisor report and progress reports. The Summative Assessment is based on the completed dissertation submitted.

For the full dissertation, two assessors will be required, one of whom will be an internal assessor and the other an external assessor. The assessors are appointed by the Faculty based on their scholarship and expertise. The recommendations of the external assessor are received by Faculty and transmitted to the student's supervisor for further consideration, comments, corrections or improvements. A pass is awarded for a weighted overall mark of no less than 50% and a distinction for a calculated mark of at least 75%.