Bachelor of Engineering in Mechatronics
Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology - Engineering and Related Design
Purpose and Rationale
Purpose
The Bachelor of Engineering in Mechatronics is designed to provide learners with the necessary knowledge, understanding, abilities, and skills to become competent practicing engineers. It offers a thorough grounding in mathematics, basic sciences, engineering sciences, engineering modeling, and engineering design, enabling applications in emerging fields of knowledge.
Rationale
The proximity of the institution to the Coega Development and a significant Automotive Manufacturing hub presents opportunities for growth and development in the automotive industry. With major manufacturers such as VWSA, Isuzu, Daimler, and 2nd tier suppliers in the area, there are projected statistics indicating growth in the domestic vehicle market and exports of vehicles manufactured in South Africa. Additional investments in state-of-the-art manufacturing technologies are expected, creating a demand for skilled engineers.
The Department of Science and Technology's Technology Innovation Programme focuses on areas like robotics, emphasizing the importance of developing technology resources. South Africa's competitiveness relies on the capacity of human resources in manufacturing to master advanced technologies and innovate. Engineers, technologists, and technicians play a vital role in these economic sectors.
To enhance international investor confidence in Eastern Cape manufacturers, it is crucial for the institution to meet the human resources needs at a qualification level. Engineering as a discipline serves societal and economic needs, and this qualification contributes to developing engineering competence. The broad fundamental base of this qualification sets the foundation for a career path in various engineering specializations through structured development and lifelong learning.
The qualification enables learners to prepare for engineering careers, technical leadership roles, and contributions to the economy and national development. It also facilitates registration as a Professional Engineer with the Engineering Council of South Africa and provides avenues for postgraduate studies in both course-based and research Masters Qualifications. The skills, knowledge, values, and attitudes embedded in the qualification are essential for the development of competent engineers who can lead complex engineering activities and address challenging engineering problems, ultimately contributing to economic growth and national progress.
Outcomes
- Identity, formulate, analyse and solve complex engineering problems creatively and innovatively.
- Demonstrate the application of scientific and engineering knowledge.
- Engineering Design.
- Demonstrate competence to design and conduct investigations and experiments.
- Demonstrate competence to use appropriate engineering methods, skills and tools, including those based on information technology.
- Demonstrate competence to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with engineering audiences and the community at large.
- Demonstrate critical awareness of the sustainability and impact of engineering activity on the social, industrial and physical environment.
- Demonstrate competence to work effectively as an individual, in teams and in multidisciplinary environments.
- Demonstrate competence to engage in independent learning through well-developed learning skills.
- Demonstrate critical awareness of the need to act professionally and ethically and to exercise judgment and take responsibility within own limits of competence.
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of engineering management principles and economic decision-making.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1: Problem-solving
- Ability to identify and define engineering problems.
- Application of appropriate problem-solving techniques.
- Evaluation of solutions and making recommendations for improvement.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2: Apply knowledge of mathematics, natural sciences, engineering fundamentals and an engineering speciality to solve complex engineering problems
- Utilization of mathematical and scientific principles in engineering problem-solving.
- Application of engineering fundamentals to solve complex problems.
- Integration of knowledge from a specific engineering specialty to address challenges.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3: Perform creative, procedural and non-procedural design and synthesis of components, systems, engineering works, products or processes
- Development of creative design solutions.
- Implementation of procedural design processes.
- Ability to synthesize components, systems, products, or processes.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4: Investigations, experiments, and data analysis
- Conducting thorough investigations and experiments.
- Analyzing and interpreting data effectively.
- Drawing meaningful conclusions from experimental results.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5: Engineering Methods, skills, and tools, including information technology
- Proficiency in using engineering methods, skills, and tools.
- Application of information technology in engineering tasks.
- Ability to adapt to new engineering techniques and tools.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6: Professional and technical communication
- Effective communication of technical information.
- Professional presentation of engineering work.
- Clear and concise writing skills.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7: Sustainability and impact of engineering activity
- Understanding of sustainability principles in engineering.
- Consideration of the environmental and social impact of engineering activities.
- Implementation of sustainable practices in engineering projects.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8: Individual, team, and multidisciplinary working
- Collaboration within a team environment.
- Contribution to multidisciplinary projects.
- Ability to work independently when necessary.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9: Independent learning ability
- Demonstration of self-directed learning skills.
- Ability to research and acquire new knowledge independently.
- Motivation to continually improve and learn.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10: Engineering professionalism
- Adherence to ethical standards in engineering practice.
- Maintenance of professional conduct in the workplace.
- Commitment to ongoing professional development.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 11: Engineering management
- Understanding of engineering project management principles.
- Ability to plan and execute engineering projects effectively.
- Implementation of quality control and risk management strategies.
Integrated Assessment
- Progression of learners towards Exit Level Outcomes through assessment at lower qualification levels.
- Outlined outcomes, assessment methods, criteria, and performance levels in study guides.
- Assessment methods include examination papers with memoranda, final examinations, tests, assignments, and projects.
Qualification Details
- Type
- National First Degree(Min 480)
- NQF Level
- 08
- Min. Credits
- 480
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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This page includes information from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) . Builtneat Pty Ltd trading as Study Start, has modified all or some of this information. SAQA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.