Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Chemical Engineering
Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology - Engineering and Related Design
Purpose and Rationale
Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to provide learners with advanced knowledge and practical techniques in engineering that can be applied as a professional chemical engineering technologist in the workplace. Specifically, the purpose of this educational programme is to build the necessary knowledge, understanding, abilities, and skills required for further learning towards becoming a competent practicing Chemical Engineering Technologist. The focus of this qualification is to train chemical engineering technologists who can apply their skills set in various occupations to address the advanced technical workforce needs of South Africa. The core of this qualification is the integration of theory and practice (practical skills and know-how) spread over the duration of three years to ensure a balanced, highly skilled technologist in the chemical engineering environment.
Rationale:
The diverse structure of South Africa's economy is a critical aspect of its historical and current growth performance. The chemical process industry, mining, and mineral processing sectors continue to occupy a significant share of the South African economy. Chemical engineering is listed in the National Scarce Skills. Thus, the associated demand for human resources has exacerbated the "skill shortage" particularly in the scarce categories like engineering professions.
The ratio of engineers to technologists to technicians is currently approximately 1:0.4:1 yet the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) and the Engineering Association of South Africa have proposed a ratio of one engineer to one technologist to four technicians to 16 artisans for the South African context.
The needs of stakeholders such as chemical process industries, contractors, consultants, ECSA, South African Institute of Chemical Engineering (SAIChe), and Chemical Engineering Forum were addressed through the program design. It also meets the minimum standard specified by ECSA in the Qualifications Standards for Bachelor of Engineering Technology: National Qualifications Framework(NQF) Level 7 document.
The content of this qualification will prepare the learner to build the necessary knowledge, understanding, abilities, and skills required for further learning towards becoming a competent practicing chemical engineering technologist who will make a contribution to the SA economy and development. This qualification provides:
- Preparation for careers in engineering and areas that potentially benefit from engineering skills, for achieving technical proficiency and to make a contribution to the economy and national development.
- The educational base that may be required for registration in a Specified Category with ECSA.
- Entry to National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 8 programs such as the Bachelor Honours in Chemical Engineering.
Outcomes
- Apply engineering principles to systematically diagnose and solve broadly-defined engineering problems.
- Apply knowledge of mathematics, natural science and engineering sciences to define and applied engineering procedures, processes, systems and methodologies to solve broadly-defined engineering problems.
- Perform procedural and non-procedural design of broadly defined components, systems, works, products or processes to meet desired needs normally within applicable standards, codes of practice and legislation.
- Conduct investigations of broadly-defined problems through locating, searching and selecting relevant data from codes, data bases and literature, designing and conducting experiments, analysing and interpreting results to provide valid conclusions.
- Use appropriate techniques, resources, and modern engineering tools, including information technology, prediction and modelling, for the solution of broadly-defined engineering problems, with an understanding of the limitations, restrictions, premises, assumptions and constraints.
- Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with engineering audiences and the affected parties.
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the impact of engineering activity on the society, economy, industrial and physical environment, and address issues by analysis and evaluation.
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of engineering management principles and apply these to one's own work, as a member and leader in a team and to manage projects.
- Engage in independent and life-long learning through well-developed learning skills.
- Comprehend and apply ethical principles and commit to professional ethics, responsibilities and norms of engineering technology practice.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
- Analyse and define the problem and identify criteria 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 and present the solution 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.
- Describe and 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.
- Ability to 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, standards, codes of practice and legislation.
- Plan and manage the design process, acquire and evaluate knowledge, information, and resources.
- Perform design tasks including analysis, modelling, and optimisation.
- Evaluate alternatives for implementation based on techno-economic analysis.
- Assess the selected design in terms of social, economic, legal, health, safety, and environmental impact.
- Communicate the design logic in a technical report.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- Plan and conduct investigations and experiments within an appropriate discipline.
- Search available literature and critically evaluate material.
- Perform analysis, select and use equipment or software.
- Analyse and interpret information derived from available data.
- Draw conclusions and record outcomes in a technical report.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
- Assess the method, skill, or tool for applicability and limitations.
- Apply the method, skill, or tool correctly to achieve the required result.
- Test and assess the results produced.
- Create, select, and use computer applications.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
- Use appropriate communication structure, style, and language.
- Use effective graphics in enhancing the meaning of text.
- Utilise visual materials for oral communication.
- Deliver oral communication fluently with intended meaning.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
- Explain the impact of technology on society.
- Analyse engineering activity in terms of environmental and health impacts.
- Consider personal, social, economic, and cultural values.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
- Explain principles of planning, organising, leading, and controlling.
- Carry out individual and team work effectively.
- Demonstrate functioning as a team leader.
- Organise and manage projects effectively.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
- Manage learning tasks autonomously and ethically.
- Reflect on learning and determine strategies to suit personal learning style.
- Source, organise, and evaluate relevant information.
- Apply knowledge acquired outside of formal instruction.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:
- Describe ethical dilemmas and implications of decisions made.
- Apply ethical reasoning to evaluate engineering solutions.
- Maintain continued competence and embrace professional development.
- Accept responsibility for consequences and make judgements in decision making.
Integrated Assessment:
- Project Orientated Learning (POL) is utilized for assessment.
- Projects are essential for success in engineering disciplines.
- Assessment at the end of projects to assess exit level outcomes.
- Peer assessment is also utilized during projects.
Qualification Details
- Type
- National First Degree
- NQF Level
- 07
- Min. Credits
- 360
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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