Master of Engineering in Physical Metallurgy

Purpose

The purpose of the Master of Engineering in Physical Metallurgy is to develop a graduate with abilities in appropriate analytical and research skills relevant for engineering design and synthesis to solve the engineering problems of society at large. One of the main objectives of this qualification is to develop a capability to conduct research independently and as such to promote a lifelong learning approach. The qualification is also aimed at unveiling environmental issues in engineering, together with the recognition of the role of other disciplines in engineering.

The Master of Engineering in Physical Metallurgy (MEng (Physical Metallurgy)) enhances the application of research and development and provides the specialist and contextual knowledge needed to meet the minimum entry requirements for admission to a cognate Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Degree.

Rationale

The MEng (Physical Metallurgy) will remain a specialised knowledge field required to advance the infrastructure development qualification in South Africa. On many occasions, Government has announced the eminence of this imperative initiative that is an integral part of the strategy to modernise the economy and create much-needed jobs for the population. Large quantities of diverse metallic components will have to be locally produced to be used in railway network systems, power plant, wind mills, transportation locomotives, etc. Qualified and skilled metallurgists with 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 effect a noticeable contribution to economic growth, which contributes towards the national development plan.

There is a recognised scarcity of qualified metallurgists with knowledge of metallurgy in South Africa. The reason for this gap is due to the fact that there are not many institutions in the country currently offering a Master of Engineering in Physical Metallurgy as a field of studies beyond the former Bachelor Technology/Master of Technology in Metallurgy. This qualification will assist in allowing the candidates to manage Doctoral-Level studies more easily. Only a few tertiary institutions are able to offer a Master's Degree in specialised metallurgy in South Africa.

The addition of this qualification will widen the chances for South Africans in the field of metallurgy to be offered the opportunity to gain more knowledge in metallurgy (physical/ extraction) and to further their studies at this level. In turn, South Africans will not have to look to furthering their studies abroad, which is expensive and not a sustainable solution. The Master of Engineering in Physical Metallurgy will remedy this disadvantageous situation and produce enough graduates locally with knowledge in physical metallurgy to satisfy the national need for highly qualified Metallurgists.

Engineers working in the public and private sector, and professionals with an interest in engineering research will find the qualification beneficial.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL will be applied in line with the institution's policies and guidelines. The Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment 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 Faculty will therefore endeavour to assess prior learning and award credit where relevant. The Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment manages RPL according to the institution's RPL policy, which will be applied as follows for purposes of this qualification as set out in the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment policy:

• Through RPL a learner may gain access, or advanced placement, or recognition of status, on condition that he/she continues his/her studies at the institution.
• Recognition takes place in terms of requirements and procedures applied by the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment.
• RPL in the case of a learner not complying with the formal entry requirements:

> Is based on other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience.

> Is considered only where prior learning corresponds to the required NQF-level.

> Takes place where prior learning in terms of applied competencies is relevant to the content and outcomes of the qualification.

> Is considered in terms of an assessment procedure that includes a motivated recommendation by an assessment panel to the Dean's Committee of the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment.

> Is finally decided upon by the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment Dean's Committee.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Engineering Technology Honours in Mechanical Engineering, NQF Level 8.

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

• Dissertation, National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 9, 180 Credits.

1. Analyse problems within the Physical 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, where applicable, 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.
• Demonstrate the 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.
• Be cognisant of the time and cost implications of the research study and work with minimal supervision.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Identify the appropriate methodologies for the study.
• Discuss relevant theoretical underpinnings.
• Interpret and analyse the data gathered.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

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

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Discuss the social impact of the research and defend it critically.
• Obtain the required ethical clearance.
• Comply with Health and Safety legislation during the research activities.

Integrated Assessment

Assessment of qualifications 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 the supervisor's 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 (a full-time academic staff of the institution) 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 learner's supervisor for further consideration, comments, corrections or improvements.