Master of Engineering in Structural Engineering

Purpose

The purpose of the qualification is to develop an engineer with advanced abilities in applying fundamental structural engineering sciences. Learners will upon completion advance their knowledge on design and synthesis of specific structural engineering problems of society and develop solution. One of the main objectives is to develop an advanced capability to do structural engineering research independently and as such promoting a lifelong learning approach. Learners will be able to:

• Apply relevant concepts and fundamental principles and knowledge to identify, assess, analyse and solve structural engineering research and development problems in materials and structures creatively and innovatively.
• Apply structural engineering techniques and procedures based on appropriate theories and methodologies to plan and conduct investigations.
• Plan and conduct applicable levels of investigation, independent research and/or experiments by applying appropriate approaches, theories, techniques and methodologies.

Rationale

The institution does not currently offer a Masters' Degree through course work in Civil Engineering. The absence of such a qualification is a gap that would normally leave some interested learners, full-time postgraduate research learners and other working professionals within the region, with no opportunity to acquire advanced academic knowledge from the institution. This qualification will fill this gap and provide an opportunity for individuals in civil engineering to advance their knowledge and grow their careers in the structural engineering sector.

This qualification is also designed as yet another way of contributing to the national objective of scarce human resources development, national physical infrastructure and economic growth by equipping learners with advanced academic knowledge in the field of engineering.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Prior learning aligned to this coursework Masters' program will be assessed and credits will be awarded in accordance with the RPL policy document of the institution.

Entry Requirements

Learners are required to have the following in order to be considered for admission

• A four year professional Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering.

Or

• A Bachelor honour's Degree or Postgraduate Diploma in Civil Engineering or an affiliated Engineering field.

This qualification consists of 8 modules at NQF Level 9, totalling 180 Credits.

Compulsory modules, 150 Credits

• Research Dissertation, 90 Credits.
• Advanced reinforced concrete analysis and design, 15 Credits.
• Stability of steel structures, 15 Credits.
• Advanced concrete technology, 15 Credits.
• Finite element analysis, 15 Credits.

Elective modules, 30 Credits

Learners are required to choose two modules from the following

• Durability, assessment and repair of concrete structures, 15 Credits.
• Plastic analysis and design of structures, 15 Credits.
• Dynamic analysis of structures, 15 Credits.
• Theory of elastic plates, 15 Credits.
• Structural safety and reliability, 15 Credits.
• Design of cold-formed steel structures, 15 Credits.
• Advanced project management, 15 Credits.
• Geotechnical design of foundations, 15 Credits.
• Special topics in civil engineering materials and structures, 15 Credits.

1. Apply relevant concepts and fundamental principles and knowledge to identify, assess, analyse and solve structural engineering research and development problems in materials and structures creatively and innovatively.
2. Apply structural engineering techniques and procedures based on appropriate theories and methodologies to plan and conduct investigations.
3. Plan and conduct applicable levels of investigation, independent research and/or experiments by applying appropriate approaches, theories, techniques and methodologies.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Fundamental concepts to develop solutions to complex structural problems are used.
• An understanding of the modern theories of management is developed.
• Identification of project team roles and conflict resolution techniques.
• An understanding of the significance of durability and its relation to design principles for engineering performance is developed.
• Concrete degradation processes is identified and diagnosed through investigation, monitoring and structural assessment.
• Remedies to physical and chemical deterioration mechanisms of concrete in service are analysed, identified and provided.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• The dynamic response of a structure by applying different methods of mathematical analyses is computed.
• The energy methods of analyses on plate and shell structures are applied.
• Appreciation of the importance of finite element methods in engineering practice is developed.
• Specific application of finite element methods to field problems is examined.
• The energy methods of analyses on plate and shell structures are applied.
• Understanding of the modern theories of management is developed.
• Risk management plans are developed.
• An understanding of the modern theories of management is developed.
• Project team roles are identified and conflict resolution techniques are developed and applied.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Focussed skills and fundamental understanding in a key selected area of research is developed.
• Research techniques involving an experiment, modelling or statistical applications in engineering are applied.
• Concepts, theories and principles to the research interest area of learners' choice are employed.
• A professional technical report and publications is produced and presented.
• Research techniques involving an experiment, modelling or statistical applications in engineering are applied.

Integrated Assessment

Formative assessment

• Coursework consists of different forms of formative assessments consisting of project reports, case studies, assignments etc. that will be implemented in each module, depending on the nature of the module.

Summative assessment

• For coursework component, each intermediate or progress assessment will be awarded a mark allocation that will be combined with the final examination mark based on pre-determined weightings for the module.