Master of Science in Engineering in Waste and Resources Management

Purpose

The main purpose of the Master of Science in Engineering in Waste and Resources Management is

• To undertake multidisciplinary research in the field of Waste and Resources Management that would contribute to the development of knowledge at an advanced level, fostering innovation and technological advancement for sustainable development.
• To prepare Engineering/Science learners for advanced and specialised professional employment, as well as to provide specialised continuing professional development for professionals in industry/government.

Rationale

The present Civil and Chemical Engineering qualification at Bachelor of Science Engineering level does not have substantial focus on Environmental Engineering and Waste Management topics. However, Engineering projects in general, and Civil/Chemical Engineering in particular, are increasingly focusing on environmental issues that require a specialised understanding of Environmental Engineering. This qualification intends to fill this gap, providing the engineering/science learners with the necessary theoretical, research and design fundamentals to apply engineering solutions to environmental problems and so ensuring the adequate compliance of projects with environmental regulations, with particular focus on waste and resources management.

The qualification is strongly aligned with to the Research Focus Areas of Water, the Environment and Biodiversity, as well as Technology for Sustainable Development and Renewable Energy, and focuses on the advancement of research/innovation in these areas, through the dissertation component. This qualification is unique in the country and the African continent, and it has been designed to directly respond to the needs of industry and government, and provides specialisation in the field of Environmental Engineering/Waste Science/Management in the African context.

Producing qualifying learners with specialised understanding of the waste sector, provides a strong pipeline of capability both into industry as well as the National System of Innovation (NSI). The qualification has been given formal support and approval by the Department of Science and Technology.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution has the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) in place. The Policy and Procedures document sets out the requirements and procedures for RPL for the purpose of admission to the qualification. Prior learning will be recognised in the form of properly certified qualifications that are acceptable for recognition for admission. Appropriate professional qualifications in the areas of engineering as well as a body of practical experience, substantiated through a portfolio providing documentary evidence in support of the specific RPL application may also be considered. Performance of learners admitted by RPL will be closely monitored, and implementation and effectiveness of RPL evaluated annually.

The Policy on Recognition of Prior Learning, Credit Accumulation and Transfer and Assessment in Higher Education (2016) will be considered when admitting learners through RPL as well as the RPL policy of the university. Applications for recognition of prior learning are considered in terms of Rule GR7(b) Selection for postgraduate studies which states that: An applicant who has graduated from another tertiary institution or who has in any other manner attained a level of competence which, in the opinion of the Senate, is adequate for the purpose of postgraduate studies or research, may be admitted as a learner of the University.

The RPL policy states that RPL may serve different purposes within the institution. With regard to the Master of Science in Engineering in Waste and Resources Management the purpose of RPL is to recognise prior learning by the award of credits for modules, for non-degree purposes or towards a qualification.

The following principles will underpin processes and procedures for the Recognition of Prior Learning

• Assessment must recognise learning from experience, and not simply experience;
• Assessment of learning must be based on evidence;
• The learning assessed must be related to the purpose for which the recognition is required;
• Learning must be assessed against the learning outcomes (and not primarily the content) of specific qualifications and/or modules;
• The learning must be assessed as sufficient and current;
• Quality assurance procedures must guarantee the integrity and credibility of the assessment.

Accrediting learning obtained through experience (for either access or credit) will require the following procedures

• Preliminary information and advice (which may be a recommendation not to proceed with RPL).
• Preparation of an application (with the assistance of a mentor) to demonstrate appropriate competence in terms of outcomes.

Evidence may take the form of modules or qualifications completed at another institution, a challenge examination or assignment, a portfolio etc. A portfolio provides documentary evidence in support of the specific RPL application. Some documentation (e.g. academic transcripts or motivations) may be specified by Faculties, as required for entrance to specific qualifications. The learner may include any further documentation (in written, visual or aural/oral form, as appropriate for the discipline involved) in support of the application. In addition, an interview may be required. A portfolio providing documentary evidence in support of the specific RPL application must be provided. A committee of disciplinary experts will assess the level of competence of prospective applicants before seeking the approval of the College Academic Affairs Board and the Senate for each applicant.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering in Civil Engineering, Level 8, 480 Credits.

Or

• Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering, NQF Level 8, 480 Credits.

Or

• Bachelor of Science Honours in Property Development in Construction Management, NQF Level 8, 120 Credits.

Or

• Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering, Level 8, 480 Credits.

Or

• Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical and Electronic, Level 8, 480 Credits.

Or

• Bachelor of Engineering in Industrial, Level 8, 480 Credits.

Or

• Bachelor of Engineering in Chemical Engineering, NQF Level 8, 480 Credits.

Or

• Bachelor of Science Honours in Engineering and Environmental Geology, NQF Level 8, 120 Credits.

This qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules at Level 9 totalling 192 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, 176 Credits

• Dissertation, 96 Credits.
• Research Methodology in Waste Management, 16 Credits.
• Management of Waste as a Resource, 16 Credits.
• Integrated Waste Management Systems and Logistics, 16 Credits.
• Environmental Sanitary Engineering, 16 Credits.
• Waste Management in Developing Countries, 16 Credits.

Elective Modules, 16 Credits (Select one)

• Landfill Design and Management, 16 Credits.
• Management of Industrial and Organic Waste, 16 Credits.
• Design of Water/Wastewater Treatment Plants, 16 Credits.

1. Demonstrate knowledge of processes required to manage solid waste and resources in specific situations.
2. Use a wide range of specialised skills in identifying, conceptualising, designing and implementing methods of enquiry to address complex and challenging problems in waste and resource management.
3. Demonstrate specialist knowledge of research approaches and methods relevant to waste handling and disposal and the ability to plan a research project by evaluating current processes of knowledge production and selecting an appropriate process of inquiry to address an identified research problem in waste and resource management.
4. Conduct independent research and report to reflect intellectual rigour and independent thinking, originality, critical analysis, ability to defend findings and advanced insight into waste and resource management.
5. Identify ethical considerations in the problem of control, management and treatment of waste emissions as well as safe handling and disposal of solid waste for effective service delivery.
6. Communicate effectively using a variety of forms (written, oral, graphic) with a range of audiences of different levels of knowledge or expertise.
7. Manage his/her own learning, to operate independently and to take full responsibility for his/her own work.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Knowledge is applied to develop the processes necessary in the prevention, recovery and disposal of solid waste.
• Knowledge of National regulations and acts are applied for the safe management of solid waste.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Problems of waste generation are solved through implementation of appropriate methods.
• Technologies are conceptualised with regard to reuse, recycling and recovery of waste.
• Appropriate methods are identified and designed to manage treatment/disposal facilities where waste cannot be minimised.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Specialist knowledge is applied to select appropriate research methodologies.
• Current processes of producing knowledge in waste management is evaluated in order to select an appropriate process of inquiry.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

Plan an environmental engineering project using a process of enquiry that will cover the following aspects

• Prevention, recovery or disposal of solid waste within the environment,
• Design of waste management strategies and appropriate technology for the South African/African context,
• Dissemination of best practice with regard to feasibility/sustainability,
• Innovation and scientific advancement,
• Unintended consequences and unforeseen issues and problems prevention, recovery or disposal of solid waste within the environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• In all actions related to waste and resource management, ethical considerations are foregrounded.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

Effective communication is demonstrated through

• The written dissertation.
• Presentation of research findings to both peers and industry as well as communities.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Independent learning is demonstrated through the production of a dissertation.

Integrated Assessment

All modules have been designed to achieve specific skills/knowledge and value outcomes.

Each module has a test at the end of the weeklong lecture/contact period, continuous assessment-type of assignments in the self-learning component of the course and a final exam, which generally constitutes 40-50% of the global mark.

The five requirements for the dissertation will be tested in a formative way in the research dissertation component by means of an examination of the manuscript by one internal and one external examiner. The students will be given feedback from the internal and external examiner that will enable them to improve on their work.